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I Had A Really Bad Sore Throat That Could Not
Question: i had a really bad sore throat that could not be helped by meds. I tested negative for mono, HIV, lime disease. I got better after 4 weeks, then my lymph nodes swelled up. That went away with antibotics. Now my hands look swollen. seems like this bad virus just keeps working its way through my system. any ideas other than what I am being told, which is that I need to decrease my stress and increase my immune system? I am a busy, active and anxious 20 year old
Brief Answer:
Need treatment for anxiety and depression
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor".
I understand your concern and here is my opinion based on the information you have provided. The swollen hands, unless verified by a medical professional, may be a subjective symptom. Moreover, the blood tests have not shown anything of concern. Since the lymph node swelling was treated with antibiotics, it is very unlikely that you may have a virus causing these problems, since antibiotics do not work on viruses.
It seems that your father's passing away at such a crucial age for you is the cause of the anxiety you are experiencing. As you may know, anxiety and depression can often coexist, and in some cases even be synonyms of each other, and, in my opinion, this is what you need to focus on. Being active and busy can only mask and hide anxiety and depression but it does not make this go away and will often manifest as physical ailments without a particular cause and a weakened immune system.
Treatment can be through counseling, medication or psychotherapy, depending on your needs and level of depression. Relaxation methods, healthy regimens, sports, social support and meditation can all be very helpful, alone or as supplementation to the main treatment. So I recommend you talk to your primary care physician and discuss on ways of treatment that work best for you.
I hope this answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
Need treatment for anxiety and depression
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor".
I understand your concern and here is my opinion based on the information you have provided. The swollen hands, unless verified by a medical professional, may be a subjective symptom. Moreover, the blood tests have not shown anything of concern. Since the lymph node swelling was treated with antibiotics, it is very unlikely that you may have a virus causing these problems, since antibiotics do not work on viruses.
It seems that your father's passing away at such a crucial age for you is the cause of the anxiety you are experiencing. As you may know, anxiety and depression can often coexist, and in some cases even be synonyms of each other, and, in my opinion, this is what you need to focus on. Being active and busy can only mask and hide anxiety and depression but it does not make this go away and will often manifest as physical ailments without a particular cause and a weakened immune system.
Treatment can be through counseling, medication or psychotherapy, depending on your needs and level of depression. Relaxation methods, healthy regimens, sports, social support and meditation can all be very helpful, alone or as supplementation to the main treatment. So I recommend you talk to your primary care physician and discuss on ways of treatment that work best for you.
I hope this answers your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Take care.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
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