Any armchair physicians out there?

[qb]

I thought I'd get another opinion before I fork over another $20 copay.

Here's the scoop: I had strep throat about 3 weeks ago (no fever). The doctor prescribed penicillin and said be sure to come back in if the symptoms aren't gone after 4 or 5 days.

My sore throat got a little better, but never went away. On day 4 it started to hurt more, and on day 5 it hurt as bad as the first day. So, I went back in. The doctor said he saw no signs of infection - my throat was probably just irritated from dry air. They can't retest for strep until 5 days after I complete the penicillin. Gargle salt water and come back if it still hurts at that time.

3 days after completing the penicillin, my sore throat was gone, but it came back 3 days later (no one else in my family had strep at the time, and I discarded my toothbrush as instructed, so I don't think I was reinfected).

Since then, I've had a sore throat off & on for about a week - sometimes it's almost gone, but it usually gets very painful at night - that intense tonsil pain when I swallow, but still no fever.

So - any opinions? Do I still have strep, or just a persistent virus?

[librechik]

1. if you finished your penicillin, it's likely a viral problem.

gargle with golden seal. Get a liquid tincture if you can, or break open a capsule and put it in your salt gargle. Do that every time you feel some throat pain.

[Don_G]

2. I Would Definitely Have It Checked Out

You could have an abscess--a pocket of infection where the little beasties are hiding--or possibly a penicillin-resistant strain of the Strep bacteria.

Either way, you'll need to see a Doc about it.

[SiouxJ]

3. I had Strep that turned into Mono so be careful!

It's nothing to mess around with. As I recall (and this was a long time ago) the same sort of thing happened. Maybe mention it if you go back. Don't know what else to tell you. Hope you feel better soon!

[qb]

4. Thanks, all, for the advice.

I think I'll give it a couple of days and then have it checked out.

[sangh0]

5. Are you sure you had strep?

Was that diagnosis the result of a test?

EIther way, I suggest paying attention to it. Strep throat can develop into a serious problem

[Lizz612]

10. The test would be the key.

If there was no test there is a possibility that its a virus and you just need time. But if there was a test and it was positive for strep then you really need to get to a doc. because the first round of antibiotics obviously didn't work.

A bit of advice; make sure that your not at all allergic to the antibiotics they give you. My father took some antibiotics he was allergic to and his sinusitis turned into meningitis. Bad shit.

[qb]

11. Yes - positive rapid strep test.

[SarahB]

12. If you had a positive test before

My best guess would be you may have had a bad strain and need to be on a more powerful antibiotic. If you are a frequent user of antibiotics, this would be more likely to happen, but it could happen regardless. You may just need a stronger type. Go back and get the culture.

(I'm a nursing student by the way)

[notadmblnd]

6. Sinus drip?

try an antihistamine before bed "Benadryl" see if this helps the throat.

[topherX]

7. Peristent Virus?

A few weeks ago, I suffered with a sore throat similar to what you describe. My throat hurt big time for four or five days. The pain reminded me of times where I had strep throat as a kid. I didn't have any fever this time either.

I went through three weeks of various flu like symptoms. In the beginning I felt nauseous for a few days. Later that week I experienced the severe sore throat. My sore throat started feeling somewhat better after five days or so. Then I started getting a sinus infection and ear infection. I went to my doctor and she prescribed a five-day course of antibiotics for my ear infection and my throat (in case it was strep throat).

My throat felt better for a week and then is started hurting again. This time, the pain went away after three of four days. I seem to remember that my throat felt sore for a few days sometime after that.

Whatever illness I had, it was nasty and enduring. I feel much better now. I ultimately think my body just needed time to recuperate.

I don't know if I answered your question. You know your body best. If you want to visit your doctor again then go for it. If not, wait a week or two more first and see if you feel better. Take care of yourself and get plenty of rest. I highly recommend popsicles to help sooth your sore throat. :-)

[Superfly]

8. I have a MD in Armchair medicine...

what seems to be the problem with your armchair?

[MissMillie]

9. allergies?

maybe?