So, I've been dealing with a horrible sore throat the last 4 days. It hasn't turned into a cold or anything. I had strep back in December and this soreness is almost that bad but not quite there yet. But, along with that for about the last 3 days I've had a really sore neck and shoulders. I've been taking advil for the pain, and trying heat on my neck, and it's just not working. Everyday I wake up and it's still there. I even started to feel a bit naucious (sp?) last night and was almost thinking it could maybe be an odd migrane or something. Now, today every time I swallow, I get an awful pain in the back of my neck. What could be causing all of this. I don't have a fever either, although I did feel a bit achy on the first day. Should I just wait it out to see how I feel in the next few days or should I call the dr?
Thanks!
meningitis? Wouldn't I feel more sick though? I mean I have energy. I even took kids to the park today. It's just those symptoms are there but besides that I feel ok. Thanks!
Ok, now I'm freaked out, lol! No I can not touch my chin to my chest.
Cheryl, I think I should be fine. I will give fox mill a call in the morning since they are already closed. Joseph is working grave shift now and I really don't want to pay $100 for the ER when I feel like I could wait until 8am tomorrow morning when the dr. opens. Thank you! I will let you know if anything changes though.
* Ok, so I called the on call dr. and he said to go ahead and get it checked out now at the ER. He said it's better to be on the safe side and and get it taken care of then not know and have it be something bad.
I hate going to the ER because I always feel there is someone else that has something more serious than me.
Ok, SO, I went to the ER and the dr. said it is not bacterial meningitis. He said if it was I would be curled up in a ball and covering my eyes because of light sensitivity and I wouldn't be sitting up talking to him. He said it's possible that it's viral meningitis which can mimic flu symptoms, but does not do any harm. It's a virus that just needs to run it's course. Strep test was negative. He didn't want to do a spinal tap because I didn't have the symptoms of what I just described above. So, they gave me pain killer shot for my neck and a Rx for a muscle relaxer. Other than that, it's just a virus and I need to get some rest. Thanks for all the advice! Going to sleep now
you need to get checked out right away-nausea, headache, stiff neck-go rule out meningitis
I agree with Robin, sore throat plus stiff neck often equals meningitis. Don't wait until you're so sick you have to be hospitalized and have put your entire family at risk, please go get checked out. As a supermom, our best superpower is taking care of people and we have to include ourselves on that list. Good luck!
Can you bend your neck so your chin can touch your chest? If not get to dr now. But I would still visit the dr soon anyway with your symptoms.....
Ok, I am NOT a medical professional, but I feel like I should throw this out there also:
Have you ever had heartburn?
I have never been one to suffer with it, until one day suddenly about 2 years ago I had a HORRIBLE episode with it. Aside from the heart attack feeling symptoms... once I got treated and it improved I learned to recognize the minor discomforts I had previously ignored, not realizing they were heart burn related. When I began to have strong symptoms the next time, it felt like I had scratched part of my throat and swallowing felt like there was some sort of object in my throat. Like swallowing a pill that gets stuck, and then your throat feels injured, AND if felt like the pill was still in there somewhere. Only I hadn't taken any vitamins or pills of any kind.
Nausea can also be part of heartburn. Stiff neck/shoulders? maybe. Especially if you are tense due to other symptoms you weren't aware of.
I am not saying not to go to the ER, but it IS notable that you didn't mention having a headache, nor a fever, which are 2 of the top 3 symptoms of meningitis.
Any heartburn possibilities?
C.:
Oh my!!! Do you need more chicken noodle soup???!!!
If you have a fever - I would be concerned about meningitis. The symptoms of that are stiff neck, high fever and sore throat.
If you need me to come down and take care of the kids while you go to the Dr. let me know!! It will NOT be a problem!!
I would call the doctor and get an appointment.
It's probably just your lymph nodes being all swollen, but you need to go be seen to rule out meningitis.
And, no, you won't feel 'more sick' until you only have hours to live without major medical intervention. Which is why you want to rule it out early.
Like I said, probably just swollen glands... But the stiff neck means call your 24/7 nurse line and see if this can wait until tomorrow, or the ER tonight. The nurse will do a phone triage with you and be able to tell you to wait or be seen immediately.
