Hand Foot Mouth Disease?

[0608]

Hi, guys.  I was wondering if anyone had first(or second)-hand experience with Hand-Foot-Mouth-Disease (HFMD).

Basically, I came down with about the worst sore throat ever around New Year's Day, and then a few days later, I developed red bumps on both palms and on the bottom fo my right foot.  I freaked out a bit (syphillis?  shingles?), but from info on the Internet, it seems like I have HFMD, which usually occurs in children but can also affect adults, especially with low immune systems (on meds and CD4 of 574 at last count, but still).

Anyhow, the bumps themselves aren't too bad (no blistering or leaking, just red and bumpy), but the sore throat is a big pain in the neck (pun intended), and I generally feel so tired, though I'm not sure if it's just from dealing with pain at al times.

Any advice or info would be appreciated.  Best wishes for everyone's health and happiness on here!

[Miss Philicia]

Is there a reason you're not going to the doctor if this is causing you so much concern?

[mecch]

Yeah don't self diagnose.  And your immune system is not weak at 500+

[0608]

Hi, guys.  The main reason is that it seems the thing to do with HFMD is to basically endure and wait it out until the virus runs its course.  I did go to a local clinic at the onset of the sore throat (pre-red bumps) thinking I had gotten a cold, but the cold medicine and the shot the doctor prescribed didn't help me at all.  And to visit my HIV doctor, I would have to take a day off from work.  Those are the main reasons, though obviously, if I don't feel better in another week or so, I definitely will.  It just sucks in the meanwhile.  Hope that makes sense.

[mecch]

New Years was over a week ago.  And now you are going to wait another week? Meanwhile, you are working? I assume you are working because you said to see your HIV doc, you would have to take a day off work...

[0608]

Yup, working hard.  It's the busy season, so I can't really afford to take a sick day.  And my job involves talking quite a bit, which may be exacerbating my sore throat.

(Skip if you're squeamish)  A few hours ago, I actually hacked up phlegm that was basically a huge fleshy blood-tinged lump(!), and my throat has actually felt considerably ever since.   

[mecch]

considerably?? missing word


Ok im not going to lean on you i don't know the situation. Sounds like going to  the doctor is a financial strain.  I've been there, living in he states....
But just wanted to say, that self diagnosis isn't a great habit for an HIV+ person to be in.  Nor is stalling seeing a doctor about a pretty serious feeling illness.  Try to see if you can arrange things going forward, over the years, so health care can be more routine when something seems wrong....

[Ann]

Yup, working hard.  It's the busy season, so I can't really afford to take a sick day. 

Oh great. HFM is highly contagious. Nice to know that you don't care who you infect. Sheesh.

Get to a doctor already and stop exposing people you work with to your illness. I hope you realise it can KILL children.

[0608]

Considerably better, I meant to say.  Points taken to both of you.  I was under the impression that HFMD wasn't particulary contagious without direct physical contact, especially if the bumps weren't watery or leaking.  Thank you for the heads-up.

[0608]

Update: Went to doctor today. Turns out it's syphillis    Now waiting for the two shots in the ass. Doctor thinks I got it about 2 months ago. Anyway, the vets were right. Don't try to diagnose yourself and get thee to the doctor when you know something's not right. I'm so not happy, but I've definitely learned an important lesson.