I am so glad to hear from you. Yes we are similar. Sorry to hear it.
I did not know about the bacteria being stuck inside. I have seen them on the camera. Blown up. Cos it's a sea of tiny cells. In the car I can see back of throat is red on each side. Lots of light in the car. (Someone once asked me if my tonsil was growing back but nobody since agrees)?? My GP got on a chair and had a big light over my mouth. I tilted my head back over the chair. She said it was red (infected) all the way down.
I also have had a bit of relief with antibiotics (abx) for a week. I have 2 lots of at a time.
Then after I stop it flares up again. I don't know how you stood it for a year ? Mine seems to run a course of 12-18 weeks.
Last time I saw ENT he remarked that I was not producing mucous. He forgot to write to my doctor after saying he would do it right then. He rushed me out. I asked about cancer he said definitely not. My GP rang him. He said he wondered if I had Sjogren's Syndrome. Blood tests say I don't. My tongue has holes in it. (Desicated ) . And that holds bacteria in it. The ent thought he might find cysts. But none were present.
The Gastrointerologist suggested the gluten free organic food no processed food. Which is expensive. We did do it and I did get well. But it could have been I was about to get well anyway. Yes all shrug their shoulders. ENT says it's rare. The other 2 cases he has have auto immune diseases and use low dose abx. He suggests that's the bad thing. No antibiotics but Australian guidelines say to use very strong antibiotics.
I do have ME-CFS and my blood test show auto immune disease at a high level. Low Natural Killer Cells. B cells. T cells. Which relate to ME/CFS.
I did a stool test for research for CFS and it showed strep b at 99%. But the ENT said what's in the bowel is not in the mouth. But most doctors now realise that the bowel does reflect the immune system. The protocol for this was very strong abx. Very expensive treatment. U take for xx days. Then probiotics for xx days.
I am doing pain management clinic for failed back surgery pain. Twice a week. So I have little spare time. My husband retired. He is older than me. I have applied for disability. Once it comes through I will see the CFS doctor and try the protocol again.
yiu think I would get relief from tramadol. But Nooooo?! I take panadol osteo as well. ENT suggested I add neurofen and it works the best. But I my GP thought taking that taking neurofen long term was not a good idea. I take it for sleep.
I have dentist today. A little filling. I have got CLT after dentist on one side once and another time after surgery. I do wonder if it's there all the time. Cos I may have a sore throat for 2 days but it goes away. But when I get a cold it's really painful. And cold symptoms are not so severe with no mucous. It's expensive being sick hopefully I will get a health care card. I do have private health insurance. We have Medicare but there is always out of pocket expenses.
Where do u live ?
I have grown up children and grandchildren and 3 poodles.
Melb. Australia
( the GP did nose swab) GP says ppl are carriers but don't always get sick. And it rarely shows up.