Got a question: Can you think of any pathogens that would last a very long time in someone's throat and cervical lymph nodes but not really exhibit any other symptoms? I got sick somewhere around Feb/March. After three weeks of misery (at the time: swollen lymph nodes, some small sinus involvement, some coughing, terrible ear pain, throat pain, red and raw throat, possible sores, but not super visible). We checked for mono and strep with rapid tests. Both were negative. NP at my college diagnosed possible influenza and sent me home to rest. About a month later, I went back begging for antibiotics just in case it was microbial because my ears were still in severe pain (refereed..no apparent infection or fluid). NP said no infection, refused to give a trial of antibiotics, and I cried and was too embarrassed to go back. She said allergies even though I could still see small sores in my throat, redness, and had swelling in my neck. I started taking claritin religiously, avoiding allergens, etc. No major change. Sometimes it's better. Sometimes it's worse. A week of almost normal. 2 weeks of major ear and throat pain with lymph involvement. 2 weeks of mild pain. A month of severe pain and swelling. Throat always looks raw/red. Sometimes I think I see sores, especially behind the flaps of my mouth where my throat and oral regions meet. (no lymph nodes anymore--behind these flaps that I don't remember the name for).
So now, it's been almost 8 months of off and on pain. No fever. Maybe had a very mild fever initially. Don't remember. Don't think I did. I'm racking my brain trying to figure this out. I've even considered herpes. But, since I"ve had cold sores from childhood, there isn't a test that would prove it. The IgG test only tells you if you have HSV 1 or 2 or both, not the body location. I've thought of yeast. I've thought of TB. I simply don't know.
The nurse now things it's viral after an apt this week. We are doing a CBC to check different levels of immune cell involvement because that should help us decide if it's allergies or a viral infection. I have no sinus involvement. Only occasionally do I cough mostly to clear my throat. I see no post nasal drip. My ears are clear but the swelling and pressure and referred pain can be unbearable.
I started gargling raw, unfiltered apple cider vinegar, oregano oil concentrate, grapefruit seed extract, and water on Thursday (5 days ago). I felt stinging and pain in one of the sores that I had been able to see. I almost went to the ER that day. But, by Friday, I had the most relief I've had in months. I've been gargling the mixture (according to the health food store, those two oils have antimicrobial and antiviral qualities, but who knows since it's health food store stuff). I have been in the least pain since I started and the swelling has gone down. Also, any sores/white patches/papules I could see have cleared or become less defined. I forgot to gargle this morning, and I feel the pain coming back.
I need ideas because I've only able to see the college school nurse until I can get insurance. But, I don't want to ignore this any longer. I've asked my boyfriend to get tested for HSV just in case. He can't recall ever having sores on his mouth or other bits. So, if he's positive, it could maybe mean more than if I test positive, since I've always had lip and gum HSV 1.
Yeast? Viral? Some bacterial infection that doesn't cause a fever or classic response?
I must mention that I am currently getting the black mold in the leaky rooms of my impoverished house typed to see if they are Stachybotyrs chartarum. Can it cause all of this?
Also, I cut out wheat and gluten about 3 or more weeks ago. No change. I'll be adding it back in this week to see if I get worse. I doubt I will. I also cut out caffeine. I thought maybe it was irritating or causing it. Some chocolate made the swelling go up. I won't add that back in yet. I will cut out dairy next. I'm just not convinced it's allergies.
No unexplained bruising or slow to heal bruises. No dry throat or eyes.