thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 7, 2014 7:54:38 GMT -5
My daughter had strep twice in the last few weeks. The first time she had a reaction to the amoxicillian, and the doctor opted to just discontinue after 7 days, hoping it was enough. But, it wasn't so we are on a second course with a new antibiotic.
This morning I woke up feeling like my throat is swollen and on-fire. I had strep a few years ago, and this is what I remember it feeling like. I happen to have a full bottle of amoxicillian from cold I had earlier this year. I went to Urgent Care to ask a question and they didn't tell me anything that I thought antibiotics would help, but I filled it. I decided to wait a couple of days to see if it passed, and it did. I forgot I had the medicine.
My doctor is kind of a PIA for same day appointments. I actually have an appointment with her for an unrelated thing next Monday. I just really don't feel like going over there.
I am very careful about antibiotics. I hate taking them, so I am not one of those people that run to the doctor and get antibiotics for every little thing. I have spent my children's lifetime trying to keep them off them, and I know all about how people are pretty stupid with them - taking them wrong, taking them when they are not needed, and how it is creating resistance, and what not. But, right now I think I can avoid a trip to the doctor and take the amoxicillan.
Is this the worst thing I can do?
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 8:41:43 GMT -5
If you can avoid the trip to the doctor, you will probably be fine.
If it doesn't work and you end up at the doctor, be certain that you tell him about the antibiotics. I did something similar and ended up taking a round of antibiotics on top of the round that I had self-administered.
It knocked all the good bacteria out, too, which will leave you with a yeast infection. That's unpleasant enough, but have you ever had a yeast infection in your MOUTH? The doctor tried to get me to gargle with buttermilk. Yuk, yuk, and more yuk.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 7, 2014 8:50:55 GMT -5
I loathe antibiotics and will take them only when absolutely necessary. I get annoyed when people try to treat something like bronchitis with one since most of the time that's viral. I did have to take a z-pack a few weeks ago for pertussis. I had the worst side effects! Barely ate the whole time, got terrible stomach aches, and then the bowels. Ugh. But I did not get a yeast infection, which I was worried about. Why do people subject themselves to all that unnecessarily?!
Knowing how I react to them, I'd get confirmation before starting.
ETA: I do remember that the last time I had strep that my doctor gave me an antibiotic shot, that was much nicer than having to swallow pills.
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raeoflyte
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Post by raeoflyte on Jan 7, 2014 8:57:28 GMT -5
The radio here advertises all of the pharmacies have walk in clinics that you can go to. Any options like that where they can do the test?
Sent from my ADR6410LVW using proboards
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bookkeeper
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Post by bookkeeper on Jan 7, 2014 9:01:04 GMT -5
Strep throat usually presents with a coated tongue, white spots at the back of your throat and on your tonsils, and a bad smell coming from back there. Occasionally, it presents with a stomach ache.
DS#1 went through a bunch of strep throat as a kid. I learned to read the signs. The white spots are the tell tale sign.
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vonna
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Post by vonna on Jan 7, 2014 9:20:27 GMT -5
The "right" answer is go see a doctor.
However, in your situation, I would probably self diagnose, and take the med I already have.
So, do what I say, not what I'd do!!
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Post by The Walk of the Penguin Mich on Jan 7, 2014 9:47:45 GMT -5
You know that the right thing to do is go to the doctors. The amoxicillin may or may not be prescribed. At the very least, they will do a test to see if you do have strep throat.
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Lizard Queen
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Post by Lizard Queen on Jan 7, 2014 10:13:48 GMT -5
If you've got the white spots as mentioned above, I would just take the antibiotics, but that's just me. I hate going to the doctor. It's usually a big waste of time, and they tell you nothing that you didn't already know.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 10:32:05 GMT -5
I'd probably just take the antibiotic. I'm not a fan, but I'm suseptible to strep, and given possible side effects, I take thee antibiotics. I don't think doc is absolutely necessary if you have them, but would treat.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jan 7, 2014 10:34:42 GMT -5
Normally I would say absolutely go to the doctor and I still kind of think that but I went to urgent care this week and there's every chance you'll pick up something worse right now. So true. Those waiting rooms are a disaster waiting to happen.
Next time one of the family needs to go to the doc for strep or something similar, I'm going to try one of those online/app things where you can see the doc remotely. I've heard about one called Doc on Demand or something similar. Anyway, the idea is it costs $40 (but with my high deductible insurance, I pay about that for every doc visit anyway), but you're instantly connected with a doc and you get 15 minutes with that doc. The doc can see you through either your computer camera or even better for things like strep - through your cellphone camera. The doc then emails/faxes a scrip to your pharmacy and you pick it up.
Totally worth $40 for me to not have to drag a sick kid down to the doc and sit in a waiting room with all the other sick people.
Anybody tried one of these apps yet?
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Tiny
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Post by Tiny on Jan 7, 2014 10:40:58 GMT -5
IDK, the thing with strep throat is that you're contagious while it's doing it's thing... so if you were planning to go to work or be around people you probably should do something ASAP. I think that would dictate what I'd do... if I needed to be out and about I'd make the attempt to get a clear diagnosis (see a doctor). If I was just gonna tool around the house - I'd probably take the antibiotics I have at home and wait for it to run it's course. Flu is picking up right now... keep that in mind if you head to the Dr office or clinic. You're probably gonna get exposed to it -- but then you've got school age kids so you've probably been exposed to it already. FWIW: I've probably had undiagnosed strep thoat a boat load of times (and a bunch of other childhood ills) cause I didn't get taken to a doctor. The only times I remember being/going to a doctor was when I needed to see one for school admissions. So, I'm pretty comfortable with the idea that when I'm sick - I'll get over it after a few days without alot of medications. I pretty much have ibuprophen and some antibiotic ointment (used when the cats get owwies from beating on each other) in my medicine chest. That and a shot of whiskey before going to bed is pretty much the extent of how I cope with being sick.
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Deleted
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Post by Deleted on Jan 7, 2014 10:44:26 GMT -5
The only issue I might see is that the amoxicillin didn't kill it for DD. I also know that my daughter had an ear infection this month that amoxicillin didn't touch. It's possible you might need a better or more targeted antibiotic? ... Which a doc might give first off rather than going through a course and then finding you need something else..?
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skubikky
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Post by skubikky on Jan 7, 2014 12:19:54 GMT -5
I get annoyed when people try to treat something like bronchitis with one since most of the time that's viral. I did have to take a z-pack a few weeks ago for pertussis. I had the worst side effects! Barely ate the whole time, got terrible stomach aches, and then the bowels. Ugh. But I did not get a yeast infection, which I was worried about. Why do people subject themselves to all that unnecessarily?! When you say "people" are you referring to doctors or non-medical professionals who decide to self-medicate?
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GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl
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Post by GRG a/k/a goldenrulegirl on Jan 7, 2014 12:26:08 GMT -5
Thyme, there is always the chance that it is not strep. Then you'd be taking the "pink stuff" as we call it inappropriately. Maybe you need your tonsils removed, instead. Antibiotics aren't going to help in that situation. And, for the record, YDS missed 30+ days of school during first grade for repeated bouts of strep (the kids sat in groups of 4 desks arranged in a square and clearly one of his little group had undiagnosed strep that he/she kept sharing with YDS). He NEVER had a sore throat. He would vomit repeatedly and violently (because the strep would "tickle" his little gag reflex) and he got rashes all over his chest (little raised bumps). At one point, he was on antibiotics for 3 weeks prophylactically. See your doctor. And quit trying to learn how to swallow flaming swords. Learn to throw knives as your new hobby for 2014.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 7, 2014 12:28:39 GMT -5
I get annoyed when people try to treat something like bronchitis with one since most of the time that's viral. I did have to take a z-pack a few weeks ago for pertussis. I had the worst side effects! Barely ate the whole time, got terrible stomach aches, and then the bowels. Ugh. But I did not get a yeast infection, which I was worried about. Why do people subject themselves to all that unnecessarily?! When you say "people" are you referring to doctors or non-medical professionals who decide to self-medicate? Anyone who thinks an antibiotic will treat a virus.
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Cookies Galore
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Post by Cookies Galore on Jan 7, 2014 12:30:42 GMT -5
Eating yogurt while you're on antibiotics can help with the stomach and yeast issues. The yogurt puts some of the good bacteria back into your system that the antibiotics kill. I did that when I remembered to eat, lol. I usually eat yogurt daily but I seriously had no appetite and just didn't eat. Thats how I know I'm sick! Lol.
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justme
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Post by justme on Jan 7, 2014 12:37:59 GMT -5
The big downside I see is the strength. I'm pretty sure amoxicillin comes in different strengths and if it's not strong enough for strep you might not be doing yourself any favors.
Though I also go to the dr for any cold, weakened immune system from autoimmune disorders screws me up. Like the last cold I didn't see a doctor for (started over Thanksgiving and was feeling better, temporarily, when Drs opened back up) - currently on week 6 of an endless cough and intermittent sore throat. Probably need to see someone.
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tskeeter
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Post by tskeeter on Jan 7, 2014 16:50:25 GMT -5
My daughter had strep twice in the last few weeks. The first time she had a reaction to the amoxicillian, and the doctor opted to just discontinue after 7 days, hoping it was enough. But, it wasn't so we are on a second course with a new antibiotic. This morning I woke up feeling like my throat is swollen and on-fire. I had strep a few years ago, and this is what I remember it feeling like. I happen to have a full bottle of amoxicillian from cold I had earlier this year. I went to Urgent Care to ask a question and they didn't tell me anything that I thought antibiotics would help, but I filled it. I decided to wait a couple of days to see if it passed, and it did. I forgot I had the medicine. My doctor is kind of a PIA for same day appointments. I actually have an appointment with her for an unrelated thing next Monday. I just really don't feel like going over there. I am very careful about antibiotics. I hate taking them, so I am not one of those people that run to the doctor and get antibiotics for every little thing. I have spent my children's lifetime trying to keep them off them, and I know all about how people are pretty stupid with them - taking them wrong, taking them when they are not needed, and how it is creating resistance, and what not. But, right now I think I can avoid a trip to the doctor and take the amoxicillan. Is this the worst thing I can do? The real answer is see the Dr. You don't know if the dosage of the prescrition you have on hand is adequate. Even if the dosage is appropriate, the medication may now be old enough that it does not function as was originally intended. And, given your specific medical history, your Dr. may want to prescribe something other than the amoxicillin. Or something in conjunction with the amoxicillin.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 7, 2014 16:53:50 GMT -5
I called a friend who is a nurse. She said that as long as I take the full 10 days, and promise to go to a doctor if I don't feel better by Friday, and confess to the doctor at my appointment on Monday, it would probably be okay.
I have had strep before with this doctor and she prescribed penicillian, so I don't think I would get anything fancier than that. Amoxicillan is a version that is commonly prescribed for strep.
If I need my tonsils out, which I doubt because this is the first throat pain I've had in several years, I will still need them out next week, and I can't imagine that I would need them out today in some emergency situation. If I'm not better soon, I will follow up with a doctor appointment. I'm not trying to cut a doctor out of my life for all time - just trying to skip one fairly predictable appointment.
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bookkeeper
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Post by bookkeeper on Jan 8, 2014 8:51:14 GMT -5
I would take the pills you have. And throw away your toothbrush, as well as all the other currently used toothbrushes in the house, in favor of new ones. Take special care to wash the bathroom cup in the dishwasher at high temps and not let anyone else use the dishes or glasses you may have used.
Strep throat is highly contagious and can be passed around the house quite easily.
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Bonny
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Post by Bonny on Jan 8, 2014 11:44:19 GMT -5
Eating yogurt while you're on antibiotics can help with the stomach and yeast issues. The yogurt puts some of the good bacteria back into your system that the antibiotics kill. You beat me to it!
I "cured" DH's lactose intolerance after he when through close to a year's dose of antibiotics when he picked up a bug in Mexico. The first round of antibiotics probably killed the bug but with the continued use of the antibiotics he continued to have intestinal issues. My guess is that the "intestinal issues" were actually a developed allergy to penicillin. This was close to 40 years ago so not as common as it is today.
And you don't need the fancy "pro-biotic" yogurt either such as "Activia". Just read the label on your generic store brand yogurt and look for "live" cultures. I like the plain Greek 0 fat Fage brand from Costco. Besides having too much sugar Activia makes me ummm too "active".
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 8, 2014 11:53:13 GMT -5
I saw a recipe for homemade yogurt and I thought that seemed like a much better option than continuing to buy the sugar filled crap that they sell in the grocery stores.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jan 8, 2014 11:56:17 GMT -5
I saw a recipe for homemade yogurt and I thought that seemed like a much better option than continuing to buy the sugar filled crap that they sell in the grocery stores. Homemade yogurt isn't hard to make but does require some monitoring if you don't have a yogurt maker (I don't and have made it in both the oven and dehydrator.) It's healthy, but probably no more so than the plain yogurt you can buy in the store. I just buy the plain yogurt and then we can add any sweet stuff - fruit, honey, etc. - we want or use it as a substitute for sour cream.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 8, 2014 11:58:24 GMT -5
This was a crockpot recipe.
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milee
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Post by milee on Jan 8, 2014 12:00:21 GMT -5
This was a crockpot recipe. Your nemesis!!!!
Although if you haven't thrown yours away in frustration, you could use it to at least make yogurt.
Also, if you're a Los Dos Molinos fan (and I am - I still crave that stuff even though I haven't lived in Phoenix for over 5 years!), I found a decent recipe for their Carne Adovada that I made in the crock pot. It was good.
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973beachbum
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Post by 973beachbum on Jan 8, 2014 12:06:16 GMT -5
I saw a recipe for homemade yogurt and I thought that seemed like a much better option than continuing to buy the sugar filled crap that they sell in the grocery stores. If you want to make yogurt for fun or taste it can be great and I think easy. I just do it on the stove. But for the purpose of combating the damage antibiotics do to your gut, you are actually better off using the supermarket stuff. The cultures in them are way more prolific than the homade ones. I actually use a small cup of store bought regular non organic yogurt to make mine. To me 4 ounces of that mixed with half a gallon of organic milk isn't going to make it a sugar filled, chemical laden disaster.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 8, 2014 12:10:42 GMT -5
I actually use a small cup of store bought regular non organic yogurt to make mine. To me 4 ounces of that mixed with half a gallon of organic milk isn't going to make it a sugar filled, chemical laden disaster. That was what this recipe did too.
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Spellbound454
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Post by Spellbound454 on Jan 8, 2014 12:13:09 GMT -5
The thing about antibiotics is that you have to take the full course to kill the infection....even when you are feeling better. otherwise bugs may still be present and they become, resistant having once been exposed to the antibiotic..
We normally have the boiled sweets called "Strepsils" at the first sign of a sore throat....with something suitable to gargle with.
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thyme4change
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Post by thyme4change on Jan 8, 2014 12:27:13 GMT -5
I do know that you have to do the full course, so as long as Ifeel improvement this week, I will continue the amox until it is gone (10 days.)
My daughter took amox last month and ended up with a rash, so we discontinued with the doctor's blessing and the strep came back. She is now on something else, and I think that is when she gave me the strep - so I want to shake this out of the house completely.
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doxieluvr
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Post by doxieluvr on Jan 8, 2014 13:53:27 GMT -5
Eating yogurt while you're on antibiotics can help with the stomach and yeast issues. The yogurt puts some of the good bacteria back into your system that the antibiotics kill. You beat me to it!
I "cured" DH's lactose intolerance after he when through close to a year's dose of antibiotics when he picked up a bug in Mexico. The first round of antibiotics probably killed the bug but with the continued use of the antibiotics he continued to have intestinal issues. My guess is that the "intestinal issues" were actually a developed allergy to penicillin. This was close to 40 years ago so not as common as it is today.
And you don't need the fancy "pro-biotic" yogurt either such as "Activia". Just read the label on your generic store brand yogurt and look for "live" cultures. I like the plain Greek 0 fat Fage brand from Costco. Besides having too much sugar Activia makes me ummm too "active".
I picked up a parasite in mexico about 10 years ago. It was about a year of medicine. It took even longer for the intestinal issues to go away. I never get yeast infections from medicine but I have a long history of being on them often and i always need super doses now. I have always picked up everything very easily. I am on my third illness since thanksgiving. Being sick all the time sucks. I cant blame my children either because this was an issue before them.
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