What would you do?

[j.griff]

I have a low grade fever, but I am in horrible pain everywhere (even my ribs hurt- but not because of coughing, I'm not coughing) and feel more feverish than the thermometer is reading. I don't want to stay sick forever, so I'd rather not take any OTC meds that will reduce my temp. OTOH, I don't know if I can stand being in this much pain just sitting or lying down.
Would you take the pain med? (Ibuprofen) Or would you wait it out?
TIA
(yes, I have med. aversions :o )

[kdeno]

Can you sleep if you do not take the meds? Perhaps you could try to hold out a little longer and then take something before bed so you will be comfortable enough to sleep. I hope you feel better.

Kari

[AnneJ]

You will feel much better and not be in such agony. You won't feel as though someone is stabbing you in your joints every time you move. Hope you feel better soon!!

[Jennifer in MI]

Oh man. I'm so sorry. I hate that feeling. Yeah - I'd probably try to wait a little bit and then take the meds so you can sleep. Sleep will help you recover too.

I hope tomorrow is a better day!

[Doran]

...
Would you take the pain med? (Ibuprofen) Or would you wait it out?


Sleep is as important to healing as is "waiting it out". With that level of discomfort, I think it unlikely that you will sleep well. Take the ibuprofen. You don't abuse the OTC meds, obviously, but this is the time when taking them is useful.

Feel better! ((((Jenn))))

Doran

[melissel]

Yes, I agree that now would be the time to allow yourself a little leeway. FWIW, I've taken meds for fevers during illnesses and I've not taken meds for fevers during illnesses (I think I had mastitis approximately 12 times while nursing DD5--no joke), and I've never noticed any difference in the length of time it's taken me to get better. IMO, you're OK with a little ibuprofen for comfort reasons here. Gentle (((HUGS))) to you. I hope you feel better soon!

[Tami]

go in and get a strep test to rule out strep. Strep has been rampant this year!

[Amy in Orlando]

go in and get a strep test to rule out strep. Strep has been rampant this year!

I agree with Tami. As an adult, I rarely get a sore throat with strep - just the total body aches and interminable headache. I'm so sorry you're so miserable. I would go ahead and take some ibuprofen and maybe you can at least doze a bit. I hope you're feeling better soon.

[Unicorn]

Take the ibuprofin, and call the doc first thing in the a.m. Others have mentioned strep, but it could be the flu as well. Flu and strep are both running rampant around here right now. ((( )))