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hannaromo said
on 4/15/2009 I am currently living and working on a nature reserve in South Africa and dont have access to medical facilities unless it is an emergency. I awoke this morning with a terrible sore throat and difficulty swallowing. There are some white splotches on the back of my throat, but I dont seem to have a fever (also dont have a way to check though). If I can confirm that I have strep, I will take antibiotics, but otherwise I will have to wait it out until it becomes 'serious'. Any suggestions?
raoena said
on 4/14/2009 enfinity08, you need to be persistent. If you can't see a different doctor, call your Dr. on the phone or make an appointment. Explain that you're concerned about side effects and discomfort from the antibiotics, and only want to take them if you're completely sure it is necessary. Say that you would like a throat culture done to verify that it is strep. Be calm, polite and firm. You can also use humor to defuse your Dr.'s resistance. For example, smilingly tell him, 'hey, doc, don't get me wrong, I just want a second opinion before I have to get a bunch more shots!" Doctors are trained to respect the 'second opinion' so if you present the lab culture in that light, your Dr. may be more inclined to agree. Don't give up! A throat culture is the appropriate diagnostic method. Dr.s who use them will tell you that they've been fooled by strep that didn't look like strep, and also by sor
enfinity08 said
on 4/10/2009 My doctor diagnosed me as having strep a couple of months ago.I didn't show any signs other than his visual diagnosis.My sister was once told by her kids' pediatrician that a dr. should never visually diagnose throat infections, but always culture them.Before I was told this, I had already agreed to getting 1 shot a week for three weeks of a broadspectrum antibiotic.The first time, he told me it would only be one shot and it was a 4th generation med and would kick the strep out.Three weeks/shots later, I asked for a culture and he refused and dropped the subject.When I went back today and complained of swollen glands and a chocking sensation, he againd diagnosed strep and wanted to give me a shot and once again I wanted a culture first.He refused, so I refused.What do I do?
enjoyHeyo said
on 1/27/2008 Very Helpful.
enjoyHeyo said
on 1/27/2008 very helpful!
sarahviolett said
on 11/8/2007 I was diagnosed recently with strep (via rapid strep test) and had NO evidence of fever.