throat/ear pain won't go away

[jirizarry]

Hello,

A few weeks ago I was flat in bed for a week with a horrible cold, body/joint pain, fever/chills, ear pain, sore throat, fatigue and loss of appetite. After several days and worsening ear pain, I went to see a Dr. who gave me anti-biotics and told me I had an "infection in my ears and lungs". He also gave me pain meds for the ears. Within another week I was feeling better and back to work (although still very weak)

I never really got my energy back and now the ear pain is back on one side and my tonsil (?or something deep in there) is swollen and very painful to the touch (yes, I stuck my finger in there and probed around) and when I swallow on that side. I am so fatigued that all I can do is sleep -- for about 12 hours a day. Slight fever (about 99). I am usually a very energetic 29 year old who loves to play sports.

What is going on? Should I return to the doctor? (just at a clinic since my insurance sucks) or do I wait it out? I HATE feeling like this. How could I be sick again?

Thank you
Sincerely,
JI

[National Jewish Health]

Sounds like you have recurrent ear and throat infection and may have a strep throat.  This can happen when infection is not totally eradicated by the first course of antibiotics.  You should have a throat culture for strep.  You may need another course of antibiotics for no less than 10 to 14 days.  Untreated infection can often be accompanied by fever and severe fatigue.  You should know that you may be contagious and a threat to those in close contact with you.

[Babs1176]

This happened to my daughter...she neglected to not go to a Dr for quite a while just because she felt if she waited long enough it would go away...turned out she had mono.They were able to give her med for the SYMPTOMS...but unfortunately there is not much to do to make it go away. Just knowing it was *something* was enough to make her *give in * to her tiredness and rest until it went away.

I'd suggest taking the *hit* financially and get it checked out...knowledge is power!

Good luck

Barb