Another cold and then a sore throat so what to do?

[romarin]

I have read recent posts re sore throats and advice about seeing DR. But my sore throat has arrived during a cold as per usual Before CLL. I mean it is not an isolated symptom. Feel like continuing another day or so with gargles and stuff....am I dumb?

Thanks for any response!

[Newdawn Administrator]

Hi Romarin, I have to confess that I do still ride out a sore throat if it's part of a cold and tend to trust to instinct about whether it's getting worse. I realise there are secondary infection risks but in truth, I'm reluctant to rush off to the doctor and I've never yet had a swab offer (and I know ChrisCanada's view on this!).

But, and it's a big but, if it simply wasn't showing signs of improvement and was exceptionally painful, I'd be there quickly. And the proviso is the level you're at, general health and associated symptoms. And during treatment it would be a no brainer to seek help rapidly.

I did wonder if your persistent indigestion that you posted about had subsided or you'd sought your GP's advice because there is a link between acid (GERD) and sore throats.

I would seek help about that for sure. But it does throw up important questions about when we seek help for what can appear to be minor symptoms we've weathered in the past. It can be a difficult balance because each day can bring a new symptom and probably like you, I don't want to be in the doctor's surgery constantly.

Hope it eases soon and I have a feeling of underlying 'lergy' myself which I hope I can back off!

Newdawn

[romarin]

Thanks for your response- yes it is so hard how to respond to each new problem, how much one should decide oneself.... I feel inclined to follow your approach. Also I am currently in France and French GPs hand out pills and potions ad lib. My indigestion seems to have gone now- what was that about? I have given up beloved butter for a bit so maybe that is it!

So far I'm doing the salt gargle and waiting to see how I feel tomorrow.

I guess the important thing would be to know a bit more of WHY the sore throats are so significant.

[Newdawn Administrator]

I've always thought it's because of the risk of secondary infection or the possibility of it indicating deteriorating immunity. Vitally, a persistent sore throat problem can indicate nodal involvement impacting on the throat. I recall a member on here needing premature treatment as a result of this. Sometimes we do need a 'belt and braces' approach in CLL.

Hope the bad throat eases with the gargling and good to hear the indigestion has subsided. Hadn't realised you lived in France Romain.

Newdawn

[lankisterguy Volunteer]

Romarin wrote: I guess the important thing would be to know a bit more of WHY the sore throats are so significant.

Hi Romarin: (DISCLAIMER) Like the others here (except for Dr. Brian Koffman, Dr. Eric Zelnick and the other trained medical professionals that comment from time to time) I am NOT a trained medical professional.

But after 58 years of having a bullet proof immune system, and expecting colds and minor infections to disappear on their own in a few days: I found that as my CLL progressed to treatment (2x in less than 24 months each), every cold, cut or minor symptom would get progressively worse instead of getting better. What seemed like a simple cough turned out to be Whooping Cough (Pertussis), extreme fatigue was diagnosed as a reactivation of a childhood virus HHV-6. A simple skin irritation (unmentionable location) became a large staph infection under the skin requiring 2 months of treatment.

The good news is after 18 months of Idelalisib on a clinical trial, my immune system is bullet proof again- no colds or infections since starting treatment. The not so good news is that my Psoriasis/Eczema that began about the same time as my CLL was diagnosed has flared and some vertebra show signs of arthritic deterioration, we suspect autoimmune causes.

So, to answer your original question: Don't expect your immune system to work correctly, or consistent with your past. Anticipate that it will be unpredictable and constantly changing. Don't let a simple cold or sore throat progress to pneumonia, or allow GERD or Pertussis to continue without a professional diagnosis, since any of them can do serious damage that could be life threatening.

Be calm, but alert to dealing with simple problems, especially as your CLL progresses and your blood tests deteriorate. Watch your immunoglobulins, ANC, RBC, etc. and take early action to prevent or get treatment for minor infections and symptoms as your immune system deteriorates.

Len

[romarin]

Thank-you for wise advice. In fact that is what has just happened. Waited for antibiotics and by last night had sore throat plus raging conjunctivitis. Scarey. So a lesson, react fast and if in doubt take antibiotics. Improving now I think. Thanks guys....By the way not in France all the time but trying to continue to divide my time with UK...thus interesting complication of French medics...

[jangreen]

Hi I too have this same problem. I seem sometimes either at hospital/Dr's/Blood tests and so on. I do get fed up and just want to live a normal life but I have found that quicker medical intervention is for the best. Good luck