this "canker sore" thing is getting ridiculous

I have what are apparently canker sores in my throat (I've had outbreaks for about 3 years now). Went to a doctor on campus yesterday, and she took one look at my throat and told me there was nothing she could do, and it's common, and I need to just deal with it. That was it. Hardly even saw the problem though. It's not just ONE in my throat. It's FOUR right now. Three or which are on the side/tonsil-type part of my throat. Is that normal? It's very painful to swallow when this happens, and some will go away only to be replaced by others, so I've had canker sores at the peak of their painfulness for since around Tuesday of last week. Last time I got a bad outbreak last year it was promptly followed by a horrible throat infection that was much worse (pain+fever+swelling tonsils for a few weeks).

I just feel crappy that I've been told I have to just deal with this for the rest of my life. It really really hurts, and apparently I'm helpless to stop the random outbreaks. Maybe if I get another throat infection and talk to a doctor again, they'll be actually helpful. Has anyone here even heard of something like this? If so, any suggestions on how to deal with it? I'm very tired of having a sore throat all the time.

~Nova

 

Hey whats up Novastar? Thats not all all normal. I've never heard of it, or read about it. I would say just keep your a immune system strong to prevent outbreaks. Also go to a real doctor because thats got to suck.

 

see a doc.
mean ti me rinsing with salt water may reduce the sores.

 

Thanks, guys. Time to swipe some salt packets from the dining hall! lol


~Nova

 

I know exactly what you're talking about-I've had them in my throat and mouth off and on for years-if they're the same things I have, they're actually called "apthous ulcers"-kind of look like a small (or not so small) ulcer, with a white center. If I have them in my mouth, a paste called Kenalog in Orabase helps a lot (you need a prescription). If they're in your throat, there's a gargle that really helps me called Tonsiline-you don't need a prescription but you usually have to ask the pharmacist to special order it and it's not expensive. Those things can be really painful and for me, salt water does it a lot more harm than good-it makes it hurt a lot more and doesn't help it heal. Good luck and I sure hope it gets better. These things (if they're apthous ulcers) are an inflammatory process and are not an infection-they can be brought on by stress, lack of sleep, etc. I had them so often that I did some research into it-I had one in my throat one time that was the size of a nickel (it almost killed me) and I used to get them like you around my tonsils-still do sometimes. Anyway, good luck and let me know if any of those things work.

 

Hey Nova!
i agree w/ DQ Veg, no salt! that will probably irritate more than help (since most likely is an immune system issue rather than a run of the mill infection)
get to a doc and make sure everything is alright
in the meantime try using aloe vera juice (which you can find in asian markets) as a mouth wash to soothe, and drink a tea of 2parts goldenseal (astringent and antiseptic), 1 part licorice (soothing, will help speed the healing and will sweeten your concoction ) FOR NO LONGER THAN TWO WEEKS. Most herbal teas are not meant to be taken for long periods of time, specially golden seal.
but please DON'T TAKE THIS ADVISE (OR ANY ONE ELSE'S) IN PLACE OF YOUR DOCTOR'S.
i hope this helps
feel better
peace