[prokrast]

My tonsils have now been swollen for about 4 weeks. They're huge, but somehow are not yet impeding breathing. My sister, a doctor-in-training, thinks it's probably mono (after conferring with her fellow doctors-in-training). I don't really want to go to the doctor since right now I have crappy health insurance (since i'm a freelancer), especially if they tell me it's mono (untreatable). Any brilliant internet diagnoses? Only other symptom is fatigue...

::sigh:: maybe it's time to find a real job so I can gain the services of actual medical professionals...

[cjrivera]

Originally posted by prokrast:
My tonsils have now been swollen for about 4 weeks. They're huge, but somehow are not yet impeding breathing. My sister, a doctor-in-training, thinks it's probably mono (after conferring with her fellow doctors-in-training). I don't really want to go to the doctor since right now I have crappy health insurance (since i'm a freelancer), especially if they tell me it's mono (untreatable). Any brilliant internet diagnoses? Only other symptom is fatigue...

::sigh:: maybe it's time to find a real job so I can gain the services of actual medical professionals...

Mono will give you large tonsils, with exudates; enlarged lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, and groin; fatigue (sometimes very severe); sometimes elevated liver enzymes which may need to be monitored if they're very high or depending on your symptoms; and most importantly (and the most dangerous complication) possible enlarged spleen.

Your right, there is no treatment for mono, (prednisone can be used for severe cases, but studies really haven't shown them to do much), but if you have mono and are active in things like contact sports (where you can get a blow to the abdomen) you could rupture an enlarged spleen. There is a simple blood test (Monospot) that you can have checked.

Other things it could be range from a viral pharyngitis, strep throat, peritonsillar abcess, or many other problems.

Like always (with any advice on the internet), don't diagnose yourself from strangers on the board, go get it checked out with a doctor. It may be nothing, but it's better to pay a little now than risk your future health.

[cjrivera]

DP

[prokrast]

What's DP?

Originally posted by cjrivera:
DP

[cjrivera]

Originally posted by prokrast:
What's DP?

double post.

[tooki]

As someone who has problems with recurring strep, I urge you to see a doctor immediately. Find a general practitioner and eat up the $100 it'll cost you to go.

If strep is left untreated, it can cause kidney damage.

They can test for strep and mono in 15 minutes now, just do it. It's not worth the risk if it's untreated strep.

tooki

[wdlove]

I also would highly recommend seeing a doctor. You amy be able to find a low cost clinic for those with insurance. Try calling you local public health agency.

[i_rooster]

Originally posted by prokrast:

::sigh:: maybe it's time to find a real job so I can gain the services of actual medical professionals...

Time to mOve to canada before the next disease strikes you!

[Cody Dawg]

Go to an ER.

You could have something more serious. Hodgkins or something like that.

Mono is very serious.

Go to an ER and let them treat you even if it costs you a zillion dollars and you can only say, "Bill me."

It's important - seriously.

4 WEEKS with enlarged tonsils/throat is very serious.

GO NOW.

[ASIMO]

Originally posted by prokrast:
What's DP?

A bonus in a certain lewd industry.

[Ghoser777]

Originally posted by prokrast:
What's DP?

Double Play?
Deep Penetration?
Dumb Person?
Des Plaines?

[RiSE]

when i get sick i go to an urgent care (not the ER!) it cost $80 for ppl with no insurance and they always have free anti-biotics to give you. Mono is no joke and it can kill you.

[Cody Dawg]

Mono is linked to Hodgkins.

[Albert Pujols]

If you don't get it looked at right now, you'll end up paying for it down the road.

Your health is the most important thing you have.

[tooki]

Originally posted by RiSE:
when i get sick i go to an urgent care (not the ER!) it cost $80 for ppl with no insurance and they always have free anti-biotics to give you.

Yep. Urgent care cost a ton less than an ER. A general practitioner is even cheaper, but may not be able to see you as quickly as an urgent care clinic.

I've also gotten free meds from them (they are given tons of "samples" from the pharma companies).

tooki

[prokrast]

So mono is the "kissing" disease...anyone know if it's safe to conduct any other...ahem...intimate acts? Can't find any good online resources...

[Cody Dawg]

Did you go to the doctor yet?

If not, why not?

[f1000]

Originally posted by Cody Dawg:
Did you go to the doctor yet?

If not, why not?

He's a prokrastinator.

[prokrast]

Right now, it's necessary frugality...dropping $100 to find out I have something and they can't do anything about it isn't a priority right now. The symptoms, while mildly annoying, are nothing to call 911 about...

[tooki]

No offense, but are you insane?!? $50-100 to see a doctor is peanuts compared to the cost of hospitalization. It costs thousands to spend a single night in a hospital.

And what about potential long-term effects? You could be subjecting yourself to thousands of dollars of medical care in the future.

And finally, mono is contagious, and if you have it, you need to know so you don't spread it to everyone around you.

If you don't have $100, this is "ask mom for help" time, seriously.

tooki

[Cody Dawg]

Tooki is right.

When you didn't seem to care other than whether or not it was "the kissing disease" and if you could spread it I thought you were nuts also.

If you have this disease and/or are sick and are possibly infecting other people then you're a very UN-nice person.

Seriously.

Borrow some money or go to the local church and tell them you're sick and need some help.

There are no excuses.