Double Whammy
I went to the doctor today to see about the possibility of Strep Throat in a worsening sore throat I was confronted with. A few tests and a couple hours later, I got a call from the doctor telling me that I did indeed have Strep Throat. I actually took this as good news, because while in the examination room, the doctor said my my symptoms looked to her like mono. So I was a happy camper — I only had strep, I would be better in two days with the antibiotic regimen, and I could play in the Friday Ultimate Frisbee playoff game. Alas, it was not to be. About a half hour later, the doctor called back to give me some truly terrible news: I also had mono. So in addition to have a really sore throat that makes me want to cry every time I swallow, I have a even sorer throat (perhaps the sorest I’ve ever had, according to the literature) that makes me slam my fist into hard objects every time I swallow. It is agonizing, and all the rest of the sick stuff is going on too — too hot, stomach issues, tired without sleepiness, and on and on. To add insult to injury, my doctor told me that because I have both, the penicillin I’m taking now along with the mono might actually lead to a rash that is “not subtle.” Furthermore, this isn’t the best time in my life for this to be happening.
Oh well, I will survive.
May 16th, 2007 at 12:19:20 am
Sorry to hear that, Ryan. Here’s to a speedy recovery.
May 16th, 2007 at 12:32:25 am
Don’t die!
May 16th, 2007 at 02:16:30 am
Crap, I really don’t know about that survive part anymore. I can’t sleep, I nearly die every time I swallow (which in my normal life is frequent), and I have no idea how I’m going to make it. Work antibiotics, work!
May 16th, 2007 at 04:17:18 am
You shouldn’t play sports (potential splenic ruptures) for a while or kiss anyone. Sounds like your life is going to be a whole lot of fun for a while :(
I hope you feel better soon
May 16th, 2007 at 04:34:23 am
Strep sucks. You basically live off soup until your throat clears up after the antibiotics. But to be hit by Mono at the same time? That’s just a tragedy. Here’s wishing you well. As for sleep, perhaps a little Nyquil is in order? Might want to check with the doctor to make sure no side-effects with the other meds…
May 16th, 2007 at 05:15:06 pm
Rash? My understanding about a rash that you get as a consequence of antibiotics is that the antibiotics kill friendly bacteria that hold yeasts in check. With the bacteria gone, the yeasts flourish.
The natural medicine cure is yoghurt. You can eat it and also apply it externally to the skin, if needed. Put about a tablespoon in a large glass of water, mix it up thoroughly, then dampen a washcloth with the dilute yoghurt. Wipe yourself down with it — arms, legs, whatever. Or, put some in the bathtub.
Once you have the new batch of friendly bacteria inhabiting your skin, you will be fine until the penicillin kills it off again. So you may have to repeat daily until this thing is over.
Don’t stop the penicillin too soon or you will be contributing to the development of resistant streptococcus.
Regards, and good luck!
Jim