HELP!! Strep throat or tonsilitis??

[Hillary26]

I would REALLY appriciate your input if you have ever had strep throat, or tonsilitis.

Three days ago I noticed a heavy feeling in one of my tonsils, it did not hurt, just felt heavy. Later that evening white streaks started appearing all over it and then it did start hurting. Most of my tonsil was covered in the white streaks, and it has a slight greyish tint too. That night I was in SO much pain I could barely swallow. The pain was not in my throat it was the tonsil that was causing the pain. My throat does not have any white streaks that I can see. I started taking a dose of Cephelexin that night ( I had a dose that I did not take from my dog bite months ago ) .

The next morning I had a HUGE white patch on my other tonsil but it did not hurt, and still does not hurt, but the left tonsil is still causing SO much pain. I have taken 5 doses of my antibiotic.

My question is, does this sound like strep or tonsilitis? I have also had chills without a fever, and I was shaking yesterday. My entire left side of my neck is tender, and in alot of pain, but the right side is basically pain free.

The spots appear to be getting brighter in color this morning, but have NOT even began to fade. I know I need to go to the doctor but I have a bill that needs paid and I only have $15.00 for the rest of the week, so I doubt that would be enough to pay them. I was hoping that my antibiotics would be enough??

How long do the spots last? The pain is a teeny bit better this morning but the white streaks are not fading at all.

Anyone??? Thanks!!

[Ravzie]

First, a little gentle scolding - for having the antibiotic at all and then for self medicating. You should always finish a course of antibiotics to completely eliminate the bacteria. You shouldn't stop when you begin to feel better or whatever. Take all the pills every time!! A lay person should not take something out of the medicine cabinet willy nilly. You could be taking something really wrong for your condition, and actually HELP an infection by reducing your other natural defenses. If it is a viral infection, which is very possible, you are doing nothing good by taking anti-bacteria medication.

No one can diagnose you online, especially not here. Most people can't really even see their own tonsils, not sure what you are looking at there. But the symptoms you describe do need attention from a physician. I understand that you are concerned with finances, but if you don't have your health, you have nothing. Delaying proper treatment can cost you more in the long run.

Go to the emergency room. They pretty much have to take you regardless of your ability to pay. Bring a nice big book and a snack because you will probably have to wait. Most communities have organizations to help people with medical and pharmacy bills. Ask the people at the ER, they will know and be able to hook you up.

Good luck.

Ravzie, RN

[Hillary26]

Thank you for your scolding, I know I need it. I just thought that if someone else had been diagnosed with strep before, they might be able to tell me what symptoms they had. I might have to go to the ER tonight. I called the clinic where I usually go and the only person available is a physicians assistant, and he is someone who has told me in the past he would have to plug me into a computer to find out what is wrong with me, and he never checks me over he stands across the room and trys to diagnose me, so I told the nurse no thank you to making an appt with him.

I just took a picture of it, and in the pics I think I can see white spots in my throat too. Ewww this is so gross. Thanks for responding, I just thought that with so many members someone might be able to tell me what their symptoms were with strep. I know I could not be diagnosed online, but with comparing symptoms, ya know??

The only reason I have antibiotics is because when my Dog attacked me months ago I took two courses of antibiotics because of the infection, the doctor thought I needed one more dose, but I filled the prescription & did not use it because I felt it was better.

[skpaw]

Since you don't have a high fever, I GUESS it is more likely viral throat infection. The only way to tell is to have the strep test at a doctors. Even the doc can't tell by looking if it is strep or viral. I have had both myself and also with the kids. No fun. The thing is, even if it is strep you might need a different medicine than the one you had last time. See a doctor--whatever you have you don't want to leave it untreated and pass it on to everyone you know. Delaying treatment also raises the chance of secondary infections such as ear, sinus, and pneumonia. Get to the doctor and GET WELL SOON! Keep up the clear liquids so you don't get dehydrated.

[snookers]

I know a little bit about strep and tonsilitis...your symptoms indicate something serious going on. Not necessarily strep, but you need to see a doctor pronto.

My entire childhood and young adult life was one tonsil infection after another. My tonsils were huge when I was healthy, so when I got sick they'd swell to the point of blocking my airway...forget about swallowing. I nearly ended up in the hospital a few times (even when in my late 30's) because my tonsils became absessed. When it gets that bad, sometimes the only thing that can be done is surgically drain the poison which has accumulated in the tonsil....before that poison makes its way through your blood system to your heart...and you don't want that to happen.

For a little relief now (until you can get to a doctor), take Tylenol and gargle with warm salt water. And for heaven's sake don't take any more leftover antibiotics.

[caseycupcake]

My son and I have been down that road many times. If it really hurts and there is a high fever, it's most likely strep. He never gets the white splotches; I always do. Either way, you should always go to the Dr and have a strep test. It's not nice passing those germs around to others.

Hope you feel better soon.

[sparkleygem]

it could be either one. iv'e had step and tonsilitis. my baby was just at the doc's w/ strep 3 days ago. white spots sounds like tonsilitis. but both strep and tonisilitis come w/ a fever. i would go to the doc right away, it will get worse!

[Fidget]

It COULD be either or.. but also possibly something entirely different. I had both infections yearly. When i was in my late teens my roomate was hiding a cat in the house. My bodys allergic reaction to living with the cat caused drainage to my tonsils and caused a weird infection that sounds similar to yours. Eventually it swelled so badly i coiuldnt breath and was rushed to the ER a week later i had my tonsils removed because they we so abcessed with infection. GET TO THE DOC or ER!! get it taken care of and feel better!

[CatLover]

You can't really diagnose strep just by the appearance. I have never had strep throat or tonsillitis, but I get white spots whenever I have a severe sore throat. Needless to say, I've been tested for this many times!! And I always allow them to do the test, because the results of an untreated strep infection are not pretty! So get it checked - you may be pleasantly surprised. Good luck! :gvibes:

[Godzilla in Pa]

Get yourself to the ER or doctor now. Your finances are going to be in much worse shape if you mess around and end up missing a week of work or getting admitted to hospital.

[Hillary26]

Thanks again for your replies. I plan on going to the ER tomorrow, I would go right now but unfortunately we are having a major snow storm here and we live out in the boonies. I took a picture earlier so I could blow it up & see it a little better, so I might as well post it here too, its really gross & painful. :frown3:

[BlueIrishEyes]

Strep is a funny little illness. If you have been tested before and have not shown positive, chances are it is not strep. It could be--but not likely.

Could be tonsillitis or something else. There are a lot of nasty things going around right now.

Please go to the Doctors or an urgent care clinic. This is no time to be messing with a virus or infection. There are several strains of flu around and a shortage of vaccines. You are more susceptible to catching something if you are already ill and your resistance is low.

Hope you feel better soon.

Merry Christmas and Happy Sweeping!