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Can't get infection cleared up!

Posted , 6 users are following.

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Have had chest infection on and off for last 6/7 months. I was prescribed 5/6  2- week courses of Co amoxiclav. This time I have been prescribed 2 week course of Ciprofloxacin. In addition I take carbosistene tablets and use an Aerobika device. Has anyone experience of co amoxiclav failing to clear an infection and the effectiveness of Cyprofloxacin instead. Would like a little bit of hope....if possible!

1 like, 11 replies

11 Replies

  • mo_69
    mo_69 telescape

    Posted

    Have you had a sputum test. If not you should to deterine which antibiotic is the best for the infection. I have had various ones depending on the bug in my sputum at the time. Before I was diagnosed with B/X i also had continuous infections and antibiotics prescribed by my GP. I asked after the 5th lot of ABs to be referred and the Hopital gave me a CT scan which determined my B/X. Doctors do not all know much about B/X. I was told at the bronchiectasis clinics at the hospital a GP  cannot prescribe above a certain strength or quantity of ABs. Have you been diagnosed with B/X.

    Also I know everyone is different but I had a bad response to Ciprofloxacin and when I researched it it can be a very dangerous drug. 

    • telescape
      telescape mo_69

      Posted

      Thanks mo69 for your prompt response. I did have a sputum test and this was one of the recommended anti biotics. Have lived with B/X for best part of 65 years and see a consultant every 6 months. In addition my GP contacts him for advice as and when required. He sanctioned the use of cipro and so far, I have had no concerning reaction. Thank you again for yuour help.
  • pinksnugsy
    pinksnugsy telescape

    Posted

    Hi there

    I'm sorry to hear you have been suffering for so long.

    I'm guessing your taking cipro in tablet form? This used to happen to me all the time many years ago but now I have intavenous AntI biotics as I frequently grow pseudamonus. This is the only way I can get on top of infections. Do you know what bug you are growing?

    Seems tof me like you need a two week course of ivs to get you back on track.

    Do you live in the UK?

    Rachel x

    • telescape
      telescape pinksnugsy

      Posted

      Wow, thank you pinksnugsy for your very prompt response. I just joined this forum this afternoon and can't believe you have responded already and in such a knowledgeable way. I don't know what the bug is....doctor didn't say and I didn't even know that i should ask! I don't even know what pseudamonus is....(I see I have a lot to learn. Incidentally I am 65 and have had  this condition since I was a baby.) Yes I have been given cipro in tablet form. I live in N Ireland. I'm keeping fingers crossed that cipro tabs work but if not, I now know that there is an alternative. Thank you so much!

    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy telescape

      Posted

      It's a great forum & plenty of bronchiectasis patients are so helpful.

      I've had the condition sInce I was little but wasn't diagnosed until I was about 20 I'm now 48 yrs old. Not many GP's have no idea how to deal with this condition but I was lucky to find a good consultant who really helped me and still does now. The most important thing is to find out what bugs your growing the reason why I mentioned pseudamonus is this is very often treated with cipro. You have to remember what works for onext person doesn't always work for another. It seems to me like you are having frequent infections but are still being offered the same drugs. My advice is go back to yr GP ask him to send a sputum samples off if you haven't lately and see what your growing also asked to be referred to a chest specialist consultant. Do you clear your chest twice a day? Do you have an acapella? Do you exercise daily?

      So many questions sorry but hopefully I can help you further.

      Rachel x

    • telescape
      telescape pinksnugsy

      Posted

      Yes sputum test was done. I have recently been given an Aorobika which I think is similar to an acapella and find that it is very helpful. I know I should exercise more but will make a concerted effort now that the Spring is here. I'm off to Spain for a couple of months in the hope that the climate and drier air will be good for my condition.......but would be happier to go if my infection had cleared up first. Again many thanks!

  • marion49836
    marion49836 telescape

    Posted

    Hi. Sorry to hear of your ongoing chest infection. It can be very debilitating. I have been prescribed cyprofloxcin several times and found that has been the most effective in getting rid of infection. I also take it with a steroid called prednisone Hopefully it will help you. All the best
    • telescape
      telescape marion49836

      Posted

      Thank you Marion for your concern and advice. It is so good to hear from others who have shared experiences. This is the third helpful reply that I have received and am hopeful now that I will feel better soon. Keep well!
  • poppy07
    poppy07 telescape

    Posted

    Hi,

    just entered discussions for first time.  I am a over 60's female and have bronchestasis, I had it from whooping cough as a child, not diagnosed till in my 40's which seems to be when it presents itself with continual coughing, I was always told to shut up and stop coughing, or doing it for attention, I was even told I needed to see a physiatrist as I was imagining it, saw many doctors and specialist before one took notice and did tests and that's what I had. I have got better over the years but always have amoxicillin to hand, may also need predisilone even to clear up, but generally I am quite well, still cough but everyone one is used to it.  I do have coughing fits which sometimes worry me as I can't always get my breath,  not to often though. I have never smoked either. It can be managed now, I know some are worse than others, there's worse things in the world. Hope you can manage yours over time.

    • pinksnugsy
      pinksnugsy poppy07

      Posted

      Hi poppy

      Glad you got BX (bronchiectasis) under control.

      For you cough do you take anything?

      I have manuka honey daily. Tumeric & black pepper tablets, all good anti inflammations. Also have you had an allergy test? Maybe you have allergies which are making you cough more than you should. Dust mites, animal hair, pollen etc there's many things that can trigger a cough so it's worth investigating. A dehumidifier is also good.

      Stay well

      Rachel ?

    • poppy07
      poppy07 pinksnugsy

      Posted

      Hi

      thanks for reply, lots of things will make me cough, change of air even, not the best of air where I live, even if it is the countryside, I know I am better by the seaside and mountain air places.  Just going from downstairs at night  to upstairs will start me coughing. I get a lot of saliva also, I do take tabs for this and I also find sucking an extra strong mint helps with this, seems to cut through the yuk.  On the whole I am okay as I am and nurses are happy with progress, there are worse than me. Honey makes me cough. Have you tried living on your tummy, that helps to stop the coughing also, gradually turning over when you think it's safe to do so.

      keep well

      poppy

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