Question:
I have a question.

For the past 5 years or so I have been extremely tired with frequent sore-throats. I have the occasional cough, but no other common symptoms.

I have outruled a few options such as anemia and any STD.

The only thing I can think of that this may be is allergies. I know that I have seasonal allergies but I haven't had a runny nose, itchy eyes, etc. So, I doubt I'd just have a sore throat and fatigue.

I'm going to try to get some blood tests. I've seen a doctor at least 20 times and they say that I have a cold, or allergies. The last time I went, he suggested blood tests.

Ideas?

Thank you,

Answer:
For the past 5 years or so I have been extremely tired with frequent sore-throats. I have the occasional cough, but no other common symptoms.

If you have seen a doctor 20 times, have they ruled out things like CFS (Chronic Fatigue), depression, mono, or similar?

What you have described is nonspecific of anything, and could be related to almost anything, or nothing at all.

Exercise, diet change or elimination of stresses or other life situations can improve mood, which can improve sleep and how you feel through the day.

Sleep disorders can also create such symptoms. Sleep Apnea can cause day time fatigue, and sore throat (from mouth breathing at night).

So, these are all things you should talk about on your 21st visit to the doctor.

Answer:
I also suggest that you consider the fact that you are an open-mouth sleeper. This will cause the symptoms you describe. Consider getting a humidifier for your bedroom and try sleeping on two pillows to readjust your head position. If this doesn't help, you should really ask your doctor for a referral to a sleep clinic. My husband has sleep apnea and on the nights he doesn't wear his breathing mask, he has the same symptoms you describe.


Answer:
Whenever I see my doctor he tells me that I should just rest a little. It's been many years and I'm getting frustrated. He's basically refusing to investigate my situtation further.

I had mono and was forced to quit my job. I slept 23 hours a day for almost a year. My doctor said it was the worst case of mono he's ever seen Then, I started feeling better and my blood test came back negative for mono. Could I still be having fatigue from that case 5 years ago?

I will consider all that's been said. Thank you all.

Answer:
Hey Guest2266, how are you doing?

Sore throat occurs in the first week and is the most common feature of glandular fever (infectious mononucleosis). (Niederman 1032) Weakness and fatigue are characteristic of mononucleosis. (Chase 523)

The main diagnostic features of infectious mononucleosis are (1) irregular fever, sore throat, and lymphadenopathy; (2) an absolute increase in lymphocytes and monocytes exceeding 50 percent and including more than 10 percent atypical lymphocytes in the peripheral blood; (3) the transient apperarnce of sheep cells agglutinins and beef cell hemolysins; (4) the development of persistent antibody against Epstein-Barr virus; and (5) abnormalities of liver function tests. (Niederman 1034) Since many of these features are also seen in other disease, differentiation depends on throat cultures and the development of the hematologic and serologic features characteristic of infectious mononucleosis. (Niederman 1035)

NOTE: Patient should be advised to the fact that his spleen is highly vulnerable to easy rupture, a most dangerous development. During the acute illness no heavy exercise is advised. (Chase 523)

Mononucleosis shows up more frequently among those with histories of physical excesses or those who are suffering from exhaustion. Although no yearly or seasonal trends are present in the general population, early fall and spring are periods of high frequency among college student - especially between the fifteen - to twenty-five-year age group. (Niederman 1032)

Treatment is symptomatic (only against each symptom). Antibiotics have no effect on uncomplicated cases of infectious mononucleosis (Niederman 1035): no organism has been isolated, but a viral agent is presumed to be the factor. (Chase 523)

Salicylates or other analegestics are usually sufficient to control headache and discomfort from sore throat. Gargling and irrigation with saline solutions provide symptomatic reliec of pharyngitis and stomatitis. (Niederman 1035)

As a rule, most patients recover uneventfully on this regimen in 2 to 4 weeks, with gradual return to normal activities. (Niederman 1035) The fever may last 3 weeks; weakness and debilitation may last for weeks and even months. (Chase 523)

Relapses do occur. Bed rest during the active stage is wise. (Chase 522)

Call a doctor for an appointment if any signs or symptoms of mononucleosis appear. Consult a doctor for suspected mononucleosis. (Doerr When To Seek Medical Care)

REFERENCES
Randolph M. Chase, Jr., M.D.(Immunologist): infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever)
Funk & Wagnalls Family Medical Guide; chap. 21 INFECTIOUS DISEASE, sec. 377, p. 522-3.

James C. Niederman: Diagnosis
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Eighth Edition, vol. 2; INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS, chap. 209, p. 1034-5.

James C. Niederman: Manifestations
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Eighth Edition, vol. 2; INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS, chap. 209, p. 1032-3.

James C. Niederman: Epidemiology
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Eighth Edition, vol. 2; INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS, chap. 209, p. 1032.

James C. Niederman: Treatment
Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine; Eighth Edition, vol. 2; INFECTIOUS MONONUCLEOSIS, chap. 209, p. 1032-3.

Steven E Doerr, MD: When to Seek Medical Care
eMedicine.com, Inc., Patien Education Article, 2005.

Best wishes,
The Prison Hospital

Prisoner: Look here, doctor! You've already removed my spleen, tonsils, adenoids, and one of my kidneys. I only came to see if you could get me out of this place!

Doctor: I am, bit by bit.





Answer:
The mono symptoms you had five years ago would not continue for this long, no. However, there has to be a reason for the way you are feeling. I think you should have some blood work as well. Ask your doctor to check your Thyroid. This test is called a "TSH". Also, a "C-reactive protein" test would help rule out any inflammation process going on. Have you ever had a Glucose test done? You might want to ask about that, as well. Many people who have problems with blood-sugar levels often experience much fatigue. If your doctor won't order these studies, please go to a walk-in or see another doctor who will take you more seriously. It's ridiculous that you have to suffer with this to the point of not being able to work. Don't let the ignorance of one doctor make such a change in your life - see another one soon! I hope you feel better soon!