1. Community
  2. Chest and lungs
  3. Respiratory Symptoms and Disorders

Can anyone give me hope please?

Posted , 3 users are following.

Bigsby
Bigsby

I started a terrible dry cough 5 weeks ago,sore throat, no head cold symptoms but felt really ill. I was retching and incontinent when coughing. After 1 week mostly inbed, one afternoon during a coughing bout I found I could not breathe at all, the breathing tube just closed and I could not breathe for what seemed an age. Panic stations and my husband drove me straight to hospital with me already in my nightie. I was in for 5 days and had iv antibiotics and steroids and atrovent nebules. Came out with more of the drugs for 1 week. No real effect and the consultant warned me about relapse and it all started again 10 days later, just as bad. Iwent to doc again as I was so bad, he sent me away with Clarithromycin. took them and have been mostly in bed since, same hacking cough and feel so ill,weak and coughing my heart up, Docs again today, he said my chest was congested and gave me something to liquify the phlegm so I can cough it up. I have never had anything like this before and I am 70. Just so ill, cannot sleep, sat bolt upright at night. I'm sure you have the message! Anybody out there with similar symptoms so we can commiserate with each other?

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • maryj69
    maryj69 Bigsby

    Posted

    I developed a harsh dry cough back in January with symptoms of a chest infection. Phoned doctors and was given amoxicillin, didn't help. Back to the doc and given clarithromycin, no use. Meanwhile the cough is getting worse with sore lungs, aching muscles, sweats and green phlegm which is as thick as chewing gum. Had a chest X-ray which was clear, sputum clear so back to docs again and given doxycycline, no use. By this stage I'm really worried so pay to see a private consultant. CT scan and breathing tests done but I'm feeling very ill so my doc prescribes more doxycycline. No use. CT scan comes back clear some inflammation shows up in the breathing tests and consultant gives me an inhaler and says I have mild asthma.  To cut a long story short I was off work for 11 weeks, feeling very ill for 9 of them, had 6 courses of ab and this is now 13 weeks later and I'm still coughing. No one seems to know what it is or what's causing it but it's certainly knocking people off their feet. Hope we all feel better soon xxx

     

    • Bigsby
      Bigsby maryj69

      Posted

      Hello

      Thankyou for your reply, it certainly sounds like we both have a very similar bug or virus or whatever. Have you had sinus problems as well? I have had a nasty nasal discharge and I wondered if the cough was made worse by a condition called post nasal drip so I took a Sudafed and slept for about 2-3 hours that night. Shouldn't have taken them as I have had high bllod pressure which is controlled now, so I told a fib to the chemist and bought some! I was desperate! I have had 3 tabs over 2 days and I haven't been coughing so much but the tabs can have side effects so I'm going to lay off tonight. You seem to have had a rough time, I do hope you are feeling a bit better now. I too have been given inhalers and told I have asthma. Idon't believe him, but I do use them when the coughing is really bad. Not a lot of use though, mainly psychological I think.Getting a bit stronger now sofingers crossed, I asked the consultant if he could put a name to it when I was in hospital, but he couldn't, just said it was viral! Like you I hope we all improve soon, Best wishes xxxx

    • maryj69
      maryj69 Bigsby

      Posted

      I'm still coughing up thick phlegm and have no energy. Going to see my doc on Wednesday so will let u know what she says xxx
  • raymond54351
    raymond54351 Bigsby

    Posted

    Hi. Three members of my family had this - never had anything so bad before. We each had three visits to the doctor as it persisted for weeks. Antibiotics did no good. Finally I insisted on a blood test. It turned out that we all had whooping cough. It is not only a children's disease - I am 67. It seems to have gone off the doctors' radar as it is rare. Still got it but it is slowly getting better. It can take six months to fully clear.
Back to top

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.