Struggling with persistent sickness...

[BarredBuff]

So, for the last four months, I have been infected with strep throat constantly. I've tested positive four times in four months. I am a school teacher and that provides me plenty of exposure to pathogens. However, this is my second year and I didn't have it all last year. I'm currently sick with it again. Each time, I finish my antibiotics. I also clean my bathroom, bedroom, and other common areas really well. I wash my hands regularly and use hand sanitizer. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement. However, I keep getting strep throat. My doctor is referring me to a specialist for a tonsillectomy. But, that'll be late May before I can do that. Any advice to help me before then?

 

[CrealCritter]

I'm totally lost with all this doctor talk. But common sense tells me not to put a knife even a butter knife I'm my mouth, much less my throat. Yeah... I think, I'll leave that to sword swallowing circus freaks.

Momma didn't raise no fool.

 

[CrealCritter]

So, for the last four months, I have been infected with strep throat constantly. I've tested positive four times in four months. I am a school teacher and that provides me plenty of exposure to pathogens. However, this is my second year and I didn't have it all last year. I'm currently sick with it again. Each time, I finish my antibiotics. I also clean my bathroom, bedroom, and other common areas really well. I wash my hands regularly and use hand sanitizer. I take a multivitamin and vitamin C supplement. However, I keep getting strep throat. My doctor is referring me to a specialist for a tonsillectomy. But, that'll be late May before I can do that. Any advice to help me before then?

My D3 gets very low in the winter, doc has me on OTC D3 5000iu daily. I don't need it in the warmer months because I get plenty of sun on my skin. My understanding D3 helps with immune system as well as other things. He told me D3 defiency is common in the Midwest. Has your doc ran bloodwork? Maybe you might have a D3 defiency?

From Google

5 Symptoms of Vitamin D Deficiency​

Most people don't realize they're deficient in vitamin D until it's too late. This is because the symptoms are often subtle and confused with "normal aging." Here are 5 telltale signs and symptoms of vitamin D deficiency:

1. Feeling Tired All the Time: Tiredness and fatigue can have many causes, and vitamin D deficiency is often one of them. Even having slightly low blood levels of vitamin D can have a negative impact on your energy levels. 2. Low Mood: A depressed mood is a common sign of vitamin D deficiency, especially in older adults. If you feel down or irritable often, there is a good chance your vitamin D levels are too low to support healthy mood balance. 3. Weak Bones: Vitamin D plays a crucial role in maintaining strong bone by supporting calcium absorption and bone metabolism. Many women with bone loss believe they need more calcium, yet very often they are deficient in vitamin D. 4. Getting Sick Often: Keeping your immune system strong is one of vitamin D's most important roles. It directly interacts with the cells responsible for warding off pathogens. If you find you get sick often, low vitamin D levels may be to blame. 5. Unexplained Aches and Pains: Muscle pain and weakness is a red flag that you have inadequate vitamin D levels in your blood. This is because your body's vitamin D receptors are present in the nerve cells that sense pain.

 

[flowerbug]

gargle with light saline warm water.

alternate with 3:1 blend of hydrogen peroxide.

do you have sinus or dental problems?


(should i have warned you that this next part is kinda gross? hahaha...)

there are a few drainage tubes that come into the back of the throat and for some people those can get little chunks of food caught in them, which will then calcify over time, you can dig/pry/push them out with a butter knife if you can see them, get them out, this also contributes to bad breath.

 

[flowerbug]

I hope you guys are protected, the Ncov 19. we are in quarantine here in the Philippines. I hope everyone is doing good.

we are fine thanks. life as usual for me and so far not too much out of the ordinary for Mom. she was saying last night that she is going to be home for the next week so she can work on her quilts. she makes hundreds of lap quilts for vets, hospice and autistic kids.

i hope you will be ok there. just wash your hands and try to stay away from those who are already sick, but the hard part is that carriers of the virus may not know they have yet. that is what this self quarantining is about to try to slow it down enough to give those that really need the advanced health care to actually be able to get it without swamping the health services and health care workers.

 

[Lazy Gardener]

I would advise against digging around in the back of the throat. Injury, even minor injury can result in systemic infection. Hubby shared an article about a man who died after repeatedly trying to dig a lodged bit of food out of his mouth with sharp objects. Best bet, go to that ENT appointment. Do you have any household members who could be re-infecting you?

I am a fan of nasal swab zycam. I also use Vitamin C, Echinacea, and zinc when I'm feeling run down, or even when I've been around some one who has the sniffles, or been in a public place. You might also try Chaga extract and elderberry syrup. Do some research about raw honey and natural vinegar (with the mother).

Wash your hands OFTEN! As well as surfaces you come in contact with. Phone, computer keyboard, etc.

 

[FarmerJamie]

@BarredBuff the wife suggested a possible immunologist to test your immunoglobulin levels and titers. Repeated persistent infections may be an immunological issue.

Trust her, just saying

 

[Britesea]

Very few people get enough D in the winter months. I am also taking 5000iu daily, as well as zinc, C, and extra magnesium and potassium.

 

[baymule]

As we age, we manufacture even less Vit D.

Thanks a lot for that...…..

 

[tortoise]

I would say to start from the ground up. Nutrition, sleep, movement.

Since you say allergy testing, I'd suggest elimination diet to check for foods which don't agree with you. Start with the major food allergens and continue with food groups, like FODMAPS, legumes, nightshades, salicylates, oxalates, etc. **If** you are a person who has foods that don't sit well with you, the inflammation can have systemic consequences.

Consider if fasting is an option for you. Fasting between 24 - 48 hours can reset the immune system, but fasting over 48 hours can impair healing when already sick. You would need to do your research about if fasting is appropriate in your situation. If you can, fasting is a fast way to reboot the immune system.

It's very easy to have sub-clinical nutritional deficiencies with Standard American Diet. I would suggest doing everything you can to learn the newest generation of nutrition science and recommendation which hasn't hit USDA recommendations yet. I can recommend some resources if you're interested.

Movement/exercise boosts the immune system, and some say that exercise may flush bacteria and viruses from the lungs and airways.

Not getting enough restful sleep really cramps your immune system function, so this is another important arena for healing and disease prevention.

Start with the basics of nutrition, sleep, and movement. Do you have access to a D.O. instead of an M.D.? You might get an integrative approach. I'd be leery of surgery too.