I think I have strep throat.

[iluvtofly 0]

So, I've been fighting this cold thing for almost 2 weeks now. For the last several days I've felt fine. The only symptoms I've had is at work my voice tends to get scratchy. I've just attributed that to the fact that I talk alot at work (I've been dispatching lately) and the incredibly dry heat at work.

Well, this evening I've all but lost my voice (makes it real fun trying to talk on the radio) and it feels like I have 2 giant grapefruit in my throat. I can barely swallow anything.

I have yet to go to a dr. only because my insurance coverage just kicked in on the 1st of April.

I'm stuck at work till 7am tomorrow (working a double). Is there anything I can do for it while at work tonight? Or am I screwed until I'm able to go to the ER tomorow morning? (Only going to the ER cause I've learned in the past there's no going to my dr. without an appoinment made 2 weeks in advance.)

[LisaH 0]

If there is salt available, gargle with warm salt water.

Be yourself!
MooOOooOoo

[kbordson 8]

1. Sorry that you feel sick.

2. Drink warm fluids and gargle salt water.

3. Don't talk or overuse your voice (guess you can't do that and still do dispatch.

4. Consider urgent care or acute care clinic depending on your insurance.

[skybeergodd 0]

Get one of your medic units to snag a few oral antibiotics from the ED for you....they should know to do whatever they have to , to keep the dispatcher happy

[squirrel 0]

research the connection of strep throat and kidney problems. a nurse was telling me about it the other day...she works at a diaolysis (spelling?) center.

________________________________
Where is Darwin when you need him?

[skydemon2 0]

eeewwwww no kisses for you!

Beauty is only skin deep, but ugly goes clean to the bone!

I like to start my day off with a little Ray of Soulshine™!!

[iluvtofly 0]

I have started drinking more water despite how much it hurts. Unfortunately there is no salt here and I did a search and there aren't any urgent care facilities within 50 miles of here.

Usually I'll chit-chat with the people I'm working with. There's none of that going on tonight. I think they laugh at me everytime I talk on the radio. I keep wondering if they can actually understand what I'm saying.

[kschilk 0]

Gargle with Ora-Gel and use sign language.

"T'was ever thus."

[iluvtofly 0]

That would be good and all but if I used sign language no one would know where the emergency is.

[kschilk 0]

Just point.....then ya' can see how good, they really are!

"T'was ever thus."

[tigra 0]

Honestly, if it IS strep then you would most likely also have a high fever, swollen glands, body aches and feel too miserable to work. Strep is a lot more than a sore throat and a lost voice. As far as I know, the only way to get rid of strep is with anti-biotics and rest. Aspirin or tylenol to reduce the fever and a warm salt water gargle might make you feel a little better temporarily, but that's about it.