The Strep Throat concern

[almost_hectic]

Ok so not long after valve surgery I was told by my cardio that strep throat for me was now something to be taken very seriously. He told me if I ever even think I might have strep to go to my primary care doctor and get on antibiotics right away, (due to the complications of strep potentially causing endocarditis) So over the past five plus years every time I get a flare up of red swollen tonsils and a painful swallow I run to my GP and he doesn't even do a step test just writes me a prescription for antibiotics. He sees no point in doing a test that is less than 100 conclusive and leaving a chance I may have it and not treat it. So now today Im back in the same situation where my throat hurts to swallow and is red and swollen, but I really don't want to go to call my doctor and deal with the hassle of making an appointment and finding out how soon they can even see me. Is the cause for concern only after recent valve surgery or is this going to be a lifelong concern?

 

[dick0236]

I consider Strep Throat a "forever concern". While I get a "sore" throat from time to time, I can't remember having strep throat (red, swollen and painful). If I thought it was "strep" I'd call my doc.

 

[almost_hectic]

I consider Strep Throat a "forever concern". While I get a "sore" throat from time to time, I can't remember having strep throat (red, swollen and painful). If I thought it was "strep" I'd call my doc.

Yeahhh, thats pretty much what I figured. I have a call into my doctors office and waiting for them to get back to me. Its always such a pain too because I feel like they assume Im being a big baby when I insist on coming in. If they even can get me into the schedule. Then bring on the heavy antibiotics and cross my fingers they don't have me sitting on the toilet for the coming days.

 

[mecretired]

I have a st Jude aortic valve and have been through 2 rounds of endocarditis from the strep bacteria.(2 different strains of strep) I am on daily antibiotics and have been for over a year now.

 

[almost_hectic]

Started my 10 days of Cepalexin and its already a joy. I don't know is they really say antibiotics really make you feel tired or dizzy but I sure think they do.

 

[Sheenas7]

Ok so not long after valve surgery I was told by my cardio that strep throat for me was now something to be taken very seriously. He told me if I ever even think I might have strep to go to my primary care doctor and get on antibiotics right away, (due to the complications of strep potentially causing endocarditis) So over the past five plus years every time I get a flare up of red swollen tonsils and a painful swallow I run to my GP and he doesn't even do a step test just writes me a prescription for antibiotics. He sees no point in doing a test that is less than 100 conclusive and leaving a chance I may have it and not treat it. So now today Im back in the same situation where my throat hurts to swallow and is red and swollen, but I really don't want to go to call my doctor and deal with the hassle of making an appointment and finding out how soon they can even see me. Is the cause for concern only after recent valve surgery or is this going to be a lifelong concern?

I always go for the test. Then my internist decides. Usually almost every time it has been negative. It is always a worry for sure.

 

[Eva]

I always gargle with warm water and salt, and take a Tylenol. Most of the times, it goes away. But when I see white spots I go to the doctor for antibiotic. luckily, during the pandemic and due to wearing masks, I have not had a bad throat or caught a cold!

 

[Kathmack]

I always go for the test. Then my internist decides. Usually almost every time it has been negative. It is always a worry for sure.

Gee Sheena you are very lucky to have an internist who definitely is focused on keeping you strep-free. I have never been told to keep an eye out for strep symptoms since I had my aortic valve replaced. I take it that the main symptoms to watch for are sore throat and red throat.

 

[tom in MO]

From the CDC, the most common symptoms of strep throat include:

• Sore throat that can start very quickly
• Pain when swallowing
• Fever
• Red and swollen tonsils, sometimes with white patches or streaks of pus
• Tiny, red spots (petechiae — pronounced pi-TEE-kee-eye) on the roof of the mouth (the soft or hard palate)
• Swollen lymph nodes in the front of the neck