Sore throat for 3-4 weeks - no improvement with antibiotics

So a bit of history I've suffered with ENT problems specifically sore throats since I was 17 getting minimum of 4 infections a year which would knock me out of commission for about 2 weeks at a time. Finally after 15 years I got my tonsils removed last year and I thought hallelujah it's over. Or so I thought I started then with chronic ear infections.

 

Anyway this year the throat infections have started up again and since the start of September I've had a chronic sore throat, loss of voice, no appetite (unusual for me!), not sleeping, and general pain in my throat and neck area (with it sometimes radiating up to my ears which I know happens as they are all connected) and feel like a lump in my throat. Obviously mindful during COVID and took my temp etc and not had one nor had a cough. Talked to my doc and they prescribed me good old Amoxicillin which is my usual for these infections in the past. A week later I felt no improvement so-called up docs again and had another phone consultation (joys of COVID) and they prescribed me stronger/more targeted antibiotics. Fast forward another week and still no better and getting really worried so call up doctor. They take my full history down and I go through all my symptoms and they ask me to go in for face to face consultation in an hour. I head over she inspects and see my throat is extremely red and inflamed and feels all my glands which are massively up. She calls the ENT at our local hospital for some advice as we are a bit reluctant to go on the third course of antibiotics and risk becoming immune.

 

ENT says they want to trial me for a week on omeprazole to see if acid reflux is causing all this even though my food intake has been severely reduced and I don't have any of the typical GERD symptoms. But at this point I'm so desperate will try anything. They have set up a phone call with the GP for next Friday and if I don't feel better by then they will then see me in ENT at the hospital or if I get worse to call GP up to chivvy it along.

 

I'm at my wit's end - has anyone else suffered like this? I just worry that there is something more ominous at play. The lump in my throat just feels like someone is strangling me and just fed up of being sick. I took a few days off work but due to everything that's going on and that I'm WFH at the moment I'm back at work just trying to distract myself.

 

Any advice or people who have suffered like this? Thank you!

  • Hi Worried30something, im in a similar situation to you. I too had many problems with tonsils until my 30s but didn't have them removed as recommended!  Im waiting for a fast track appointment now (at docs yesterday) after 3 lots of meds which didn't work.  I feel like I have something I my throat too plus its very red and angry  im also croaky at times too.

    I hope you get seen soon and that both our outcomes are good.

  • Hi Kingy61,

     

    It came to a head for me after 6 infections within 12 months they finally referred and got them whipped out May-2019. The doctor did say if next week no improvement after the acid reflux meds that they will get me sent up to ENT the same day. 

     

    Keep me updated on your situation as definitely feel your pain!

     

     

  • Hi its awful waiting and wondering and when you've suffered with your tonsils a lot you know when things don't feel right?

    Please keep me updated and I will too!

  • So I followed up with the doctor after week of no improvements with the proton inhibitors and still not eating properly. Luckily the doc was very sympathetic and I have now been referred to ENT clinic with urgent request so will be seen within 2 weeks. Am a bit nervous as I know you only get 2 week referral if they are worried especially at the moment with Covid-19.

     

    [@Kingy61]‍ how are you getting on?

  • Hi there 

    So sorry you still have symptoms  its goid they're seeing you quickly, that's what happened to me. I saw ENT specialist yesterday which was a week after referral. He examined my neck and looked in throat, i had a camera through nose to have a look (its painles  just a strange feeling at first) and he said clinically he doesnt think anything sinister is going on but I'm having an MRI on neck just to be sure. I do have a fungal infection due to all antibiotics I was given so on anti fungal meds now. So quite relieved now. I hope you get on OK, please keep me posted ?

    Take care

    Christine

  • Hi Christine,

     

    You are lucky - I got my referral yesterday and then straight after received a text message saying due to COVID-19 my appointment would be over the phone - which has really disheartened me because how can they even possibly diagnose over the phone. I have called the hospital this morning and they did say that if the consultant felt warranted they will get in to see me. But just so worried about being fobbed off over the phone when I know it's not normal for me to be like this.

     

    Hope the fungal meds have kicked in and you are seeing some improvement. Good luck with your MRI - do you have a date?

     

    Thanks

    Gemma

     

    [@Kingy61]‍ 

  • Hi Gemma

    Thats a joke but obviously not a funny one! How on earth can they diagnose over the phone?? Thats not fast tracking really is it?

    I hope you do get to see someone face to face soon.

    My MRI is Thursday ( they scare me) but I suppose its a necessary evil.

    I have a slow improvement thankyou.

    When is your appointment?

    Take care

    Christine 

    @Worried30something 

  • Hi Christine,

     

    Haha you telling me! I was so upset and angry when I got the message through - I thought what a joke. I even chosen a hospital that wasn't the closest but was a bit further out of London thinking that maybe would be safer COVID wise.

     

    My phone appointment is at 8.50am on thursday so same day as your MRI. They are horrid but like you say necessary evil and hopefully it rules out cancer and its just a *** infection for you. But glad to hear you have an improvement even if it is slow :)

    Take care,

    Gemma

     

    [@Kingy61]‍ 

  • Hi Gemma

    We'll have to touch base again Thursday and swap notes lol. Just on our way to the south to visit the mother in law!

    Good luck for Thursday!

    Christine 

     

    @Worried30something 

  • Hi Christine,

     

    Hope you had lovely visit south to visit the MIL!

     

    How did your MRI go on thursday? I hope it went well - was thinking of you.

     

    My appointment with the consultant went surprisingly well! He listened and took me seriously. He said something is definitely up and wants to see me in person to do a proper examination but he also wants me to get bloods and ultrasound ASAP.

     

    Luckily I got bloods done on Friday as these needed to be done as priority before the ultrasound and by time I got back I had a letter from the hospital with an appointment for a ultrasound guided neck biopsy. He did say they would do a biopsy if they see anything on it.

     

    So now I have to wait until 20th October for that but luckily it's once again in that must see 2 week window. I'm hoping I will get some answers there and then be able to see him in person before the end of October. 

     

    I wish my symptoms had eased but sadly they are still the same which isn't great as now been 5 weeks of not sleeping, eating properly and hardly any voice.

     

    How are you symptoms?

     

    Stay safe!

    Gemma

     

    [@Kingy61]‍