Very Ill... Should I be worried??

As short as I can make this...

-Have felt sick with aches and discomfort for the last 20 plus days, but had a couple days where there were no issues in the middle of this time.
-Was able to work with it until it progressed recently.
-Terrible headaches at base of skull in back, sometimes pain travels to top of head.
-Fever over 102 on Oct 9th, then Oct 14th through now (18th).
-Throat feels raw, but not strep throat painful.
-Pain in center of chest, sometimes very strong.
-Recent urges to throw up.
-Swollen lymph nodes.
-No overwhelming fatigue.

Saw physician's assistant yesterday. On antibiotic for 32 hours so far, but just very fearful of this illness's duration, as well as its initial intermittent tendency and increasing severity. Very worried that this is something stronger (possible serious infection/illness?). Recently a friend had someone he knew who died of a quick and lethal infection of some sort. That is provoking this post.

No large issues with bowel pain. No blood, light or dark. Most stools formed.

I had a long and detailed description, but I don't think anyone is going to read through it all. I am just in an almost unbearable amount of pain when not on strong painkillers (only have a couple days worth), and the fever and headaches are so severe that they have me very worried. If you need more details, please ask. I've been living in some sort of hell lately, and just want to make sure that if it's serious that I get it looked at in a hospital setting.

Thanks.

Thank you for your reply, notsosicklygirl.

I saw my physician's assistant at the GP clinic I go to, where I go whenever I am dealing with random ailments. I am giving this through Thursday morning to get better, then I will be calling the office back. I could try to see the GP, but it's usually not easy compared to the PA. I will definitely be assertive though, if I'm still this ill Thursday.

I am being treated for Bronchitis. He has said this before though, and it actually was the early stages of Hand, Foot and Mouth Disease. I don't know why I have such body aches and headaches though.

I'm on the antibiotic doxycycline now, started 34 hours ago.

My dad is worried sick over this. He wants me to get checked out at a hospital... but I'm waiting long enough that I'll be able to know if the antibiotic works or not. If symptoms intensify even more I will go in before that time.

Thank you for caring.

HFM makes you feel like utter crap, so it really might be that. I hope you feel better soon.

Mono? It's been pretty rampant in my area since the spring. Surprisingly, my "healthy" child caught it, but neither of her IBD, immune suppressed siblings did. Her symptoms were similar to yours. A simple blood test can detect it.

I hope you feel better soon and that it doesn't set off your IBD

fruitgirl,

Ok- makes sense. Thanks

How did they diagnose it in your husband? And how did they treat it?

I would be concerned about the headaches. You might want to have a CT scan of your head to make sure it is not anything neurological. Those types of things can cause nausea, also affecting your ability to control your body temperature, etc. It is probably best to rule out some of the worst case scenarios. I am speaking based on personal family history.

I honestly don't remember. It's been over a year since he had it.

Thoreau,

I hope you feel better soon, and find out what's going on.

But with the white patches you describe, that could be strep throat or F throat.

You've been sick now for 20 days, IMO, it's time to insist the doctor looks at you again, and if not, go to the hospital or local Clinic.

http://infectiousdiseases.about.com/od/respiratoryinfections/a/Strep_or_not.htm

http://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2009/11/091130192924.htm

Centor said clinicians should expand their diagnostic process for adolescents and young adults with sore throat to consider F. necrophorum, especially if the sore throat does not improve within three to five days. Centor said physicians need to be aware of the red flags that might indicate Lemierre syndrome, including unilateral neck swelling, rigors, night sweats or high fevers. There is not a routine test for F. necrophorum pharyngitis and a CT scan is required to detect Lemierre syndrome

Let us know how you're doing.

Glad you found out what was going on and that it was not anything more serious. I guess rest is one of the best things for it. My daughter had mono several years ago but was not as sick as you have been. Though her lymph nodes were huge! Hope you feel better soon!

Thanks for letting us know. Take care, I had mono in high school and it took me a looong time to feel well again. That was 30 years before UC so you must be feeling really low energy. Glad it wasn't anything more serious.

Thoreau,

Glad you finally have a diagnosis.

Yes, Mono is pretty draining. Make sure you get plenty of rest and water.

I wouldn't do any exercise for at least another few weeks, you'll need all the energy to get your body healing and better.