Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD? - Update: saw the doc, so glad I did - thanks!

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

I'm a teacher so I'm around germs a lot, but I get plenty of sleep and exercise. There was "stuff" going around school a few weeks ago (cold and flu). I had on-and-off cold and flu symptoms for about 2 weeks (only mild symptoms - low grade fever now and then, runny nose, dry throat but not sore, no couphing, nausau after eating, mild diarhea, no vomiting).

After 2 weeks, I felt back to normal, but had to work really long hours and felt exhausted the next day. Then it hit me full force. For four days now I have had major congestion, pressure in my sinus cavity, mild diahrea, and some mild nauseau, but no vomiting. Ugh. I've taken the day off and FI thinks I should see the Dr., but I feel dumb paying $20 for a Dr. to say "you have a common cold and mild flu, here's some pills."

Then again, it's been 4 days now of not breathing out of my nose! I've been taking nyquil and dayquil, but it only helps minimally. I do feel a little better today, so maybe I should just let it run it's course? Or should I just suck it up and pay the $20 to see the Dr? What would you do?

amymaysa · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_should-i-see-a-dr-or-wait-it-out-wwyd?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:1608044a-800e-4e03-a693-9b3059ce46bePost:aa0610b5-179e-4b26-9e35-fcddbe2687fb">Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm a teacher so I'm around germs a lot, but I get plenty of sleep and exercise. There was "stuff" going around school a few weeks ago (cold and flu). I had on-and-off cold and flu symptoms for about 2 weeks (only mild symptoms - low grade fever now and then, runny nose, dry throat but not sore, no couphing, nausau after eating, mild diarhea, no vomiting). After 2 weeks, I felt back to normal, but had to work really long hours and felt exhausted the next day. Then it hit me full force. For four days now I have had major congestion, pressure in my sinus cavity, mild diahrea, and some mild nauseau, but no vomiting. Ugh. I've taken the day off and FI thinks I should see the Dr., but I feel dumb paying $20 for a Dr. to say "you have a common cold and mild flu, here's some pills." ETA: my mucus has always been clear, so no sign of infection, right? Then again, it's been 4 days now of not breathing out of my nose! I've been taking nyquil and dayquil, but it only helps minimally. I do feel a little better today, so maybe I should just let it run it's course? Or should I just suck it up and pay the $20 to see the Dr? What would you do?
Posted by 2012FutureMrsB[/QUOTE]

It's not dumb to go to the Doctor. Yes it sucks if you pay a co-pay and they tell you to rest, drink water, and take advil. But you never know if it's something more.

kbsmom1 · February 2012

if you have the flu...its probably too late for Tamiflu....but sounds like you could have a sinus infection and need some antibiotics.....plus maybe a decongestant..Id rather pay the copay and feel really good in 24 hours without a headache than suffer thru the symptoms for a week or so...sinus can cause all your above symptoms plus you dont want it to get inbeded or go into your shoulders thats when I really feel nasty....Feel better soon:)

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_should-i-see-a-dr-or-wait-it-out-wwyd?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:1608044a-800e-4e03-a693-9b3059ce46bePost:c12d1cf3-c760-4ca0-a468-5b51f9fd9116">Re: Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD? : Why is it dumb? You obviously have something and I would rather know what it is then just wait it out.
Posted by edielaura[/QUOTE]

True. Good point. Maybe I'll call the doc. Wouldn't hurt I suppose.

Lobsters25 · February 2012

I had this twice this year, and the doctor put me on some crazy strong meds to kill it. Not sure about in your area, but about everyone around me in my office had to give in and head to the doctor at some point, otherwise it just kept coming back.

rlavach · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_should-i-see-a-dr-or-wait-it-out-wwyd?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding%20BoardsForum:14Discussion:1608044a-800e-4e03-a693-9b3059ce46bePost:aa0610b5-179e-4b26-9e35-fcddbe2687fb">Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD?</a>:
[QUOTE]I'm a teacher so I'm around germs a lot, but I get plenty of sleep and exercise. There was "stuff" going around school a few weeks ago (cold and flu). I had on-and-off cold and flu symptoms for about 2 weeks (only mild symptoms - low grade fever now and then, runny nose, dry throat but not sore, no couphing, nausau after eating, mild diarhea, no vomiting). After 2 weeks, I felt back to normal, but had to work really long hours and felt exhausted the next day. Then it hit me full force. For four days now I have had major congestion, pressure in my sinus cavity, mild diahrea, and some mild nauseau, but no vomiting. Ugh. I've taken the day off and FI thinks I should see the Dr., but I feel dumb paying $20 for a Dr. to say "you have a common cold and mild flu, here's some pills." Then again, it's been 4 days now of not breathing out of my nose! I've been taking nyquil and dayquil, but it only helps minimally. I do feel a little better today, so maybe I should just let it run it's course? Or should I just suck it up and pay the $20 to see the Dr? What would you do?
Posted by 2012FutureMrsB[/QUOTE]
The bolded above is the important part. That's what you can't get by sitting at home. If it is an infection, only an antibiotic will kill it. Even if it's not, you may need a stronger decongestant than what Nyquil can give you. GO!

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_should-i-see-a-dr-or-wait-it-out-wwyd?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:1608044a-800e-4e03-a693-9b3059ce46bePost:0c0bd77a-3474-4bb3-ad36-cb3e062f5c8d">Re: Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD?</a>:
[QUOTE]if you have the flu...its probably too late for Tamiflu....but sounds like you could have a sinus infection and need some antibiotics.....plus maybe a decongestant..Id rather pay the copay and feel really good in 24 hours without a headache than suffer thru the symptoms for a week or so...sinus can cause all your above symptoms plus you dont want it to get inbeded or go into your shoulders thats when I really feel nasty....Feel better soon:)
Posted by kbsmom1[/QUOTE]

Thanks! I think you're right. Better to feel better now than wait and feel bad for longer, or possibly turn into something worse.

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

Just called the doc - going in an hour. Thanks, y'all talked me into it

NcsuPsych · February 2012

Go to the doctor. I recently went to the ER because we thought I fractured my neck. Turns out I didn't, but I did bruise the ever living $hit out of my upper body and had I not gone to the ER, then I would have been in a lot more pain because I wouldn't have had the meds they prescribed.

We have a lovely medical bill now, which Im not looking forward to paying, but it was better to go and make sure my neck wasn't injured, than to sit at home and worry about it and then be in massive amounts of pain.

It's 20 bucks. Just go. You'll feel much better afterwards.

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

In Response to <a href="http://forums.theknot.com/Sites/theknot/Pages/Main.aspx/wedding-boards_chit-chat_should-i-see-a-dr-or-wait-it-out-wwyd?plckFindPostKey=Cat:Wedding BoardsForum:14Discussion:1608044a-800e-4e03-a693-9b3059ce46bePost:39cabdbc-8f46-4090-8d63-aa9b5feef8f9">Re: Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD?</a>:
[QUOTE]In Response to Re: Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD? : Most sinus infections don't require antibiotics, actually. I learned this after I was having recurring infections that weren't being helped by antibiotics (especially if you get a sinus infection after having a cold or other viral infection). However, a doctor can give you stronger decongestants and antihistamines (helps to dry you up even if you aren't having allergy symptoms) and possibly an oral or nasal steroid to reduce the swelling in your nasal passages. If you've had symptoms for a while, this is usually helpful or even necessary to get full relief. Source: Years of repeated sinus infections that never went away.
Posted by yaga13[/QUOTE]

Thanks. I'm in the waiting room as we speak. Hopefully won't have to wait much longer.

ElleB87 · February 2012

I'd go, just in case. Last year I thought I just had a really persistant cold but I woke up on morning with a lump the size of a golf ball on the neck (swollen node) and it was actually a really bad case of Mono.

Hilraythebride · February 2012

I would go they can give you an antibiotic you can't get OTC and that will actually help fight it not just mask the symptons like nyquil and that stuff.

angele4200 · February 2012

This isn't completely related but...
lol

AdeleDazeem · February 2012

oh, I heart you, angele!

Also? Colds and flus are viruses... antibiotics don't do squat for them.

skippylouwho · February 2012

Common colds last about 2 weeks, when it's over 2 weeks you should see a doctor 'cause you've probably got something else Counting when you first felt the symptoms, to me, your message reas like it's been more than 2 weeks. I'd see a doctor for $20

2012FutureMrsB · February 2012

Update - The doc said my cold probably left some "residue" (his word) and that the mucus just builds up and doesn't drain properly. He gave me a shot of something, some prescription nasal spray, and a prescription for antibiotics, which were only $2 with my insurance - nice! The nasal spray was a sample so I didn't have to pay for it. As soon as I sprayed it, I felt immediate relief. Within about 20-30 minutes, I was breathing through my nose again! Wow . . . forgot how good that feels.

So glad to went to the doc. It was worth it. He also said the nyquil/dayquil would probably have taken about 2 weeks to work - ugh! What a waste of money.

jjolovich · February 2012

Also, they are now saying that tylenol cold works alot better than nyquil, it has a better decongestant in it.

But glad you went to the dr!!

Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD? - Update: saw the doc, so glad I did - thanks!

Re: Should I see a Dr. or wait it out? WWYD? - Update: saw the doc, so glad I did - thanks!

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