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Infection

Posted , 11 users are following.

fern
fern

I  felt I was starting an infection so visited the doctor and have been taking an antibiotic for two weeks. Unfortunately I still don't feel much better. I find I am breathless and wheezing even when I am sitting doing nothing and constantly having to clear my lungs. At night I waken up struggling to breathe and end up getting up. Any infection I have had in the past has always cleared up but not this time and I'm feeling depressed. 

Anyone have any ideas 

0 likes, 27 replies

27 Replies

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  • christine48811
    christine48811 fern

    Posted

    Hi, I would go back to the doctor, obviously the antibiotics arent working and they may change them xxxx
    • fern
      fern christine48811

      Posted

      I plan to visit the doctor again but will have to wait until Monday. I was prescribed Amoxycillan and they have always worked in the past but maybe I have become resistant to them now
    • james80978
      james80978 fern

      Posted

      Should have mentioned in last post to you that before I had same symptoms as you are having that I had just finished antibiotics and steroid 3 days previously so rather phone health centre I struggled in so they could see how bad iwas. The gp put me to hospital and respiraty consultant said my bloods were OK and X-ray showed no sign of infection so I got oxygen to bring up my oxy level and like I said previously a new course of steroids only which is working very well.wish you all the best.
  • hypercat
    hypercat fern

    Posted

    Hi you might need a course of steroids as well as ab's to help clear it.  I find I need both now.   Go to your doctors asap and get more help.  x
  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 fern

    Posted

    Hi fern

    I would call or go see that doctor right away. Good luck.

  • aitarg35939
    aitarg35939 fern

    Posted

    Sorry, all, can't tell when things go thru on this site sometimes
  • julia14760
    julia14760 fern

    Posted

    Ask doc to do sputum test this way you get right antibiotic for the bug you have ,and maybe steroids will help also, hope you feel better soon xx
  • michaelfhope
    michaelfhope fern

    Posted

    If you have an "emergency pack" you should take the Steroid FIRST.

    Only if there is an increase in mucus and a change in colour or "texture" after the steroid course should you take the antibiotics.  Maybe you should consider taking a sample of the mucos (NOT whilst you are taking antibiotics) and taking it into your surgery so they can check you are getting the right antibiotic?

    • hypercat
      hypercat michaelfhope

      Posted

      Fern said she has been to the doctors and they gave her ab's so she must have an infection if she doesn't feel any better.   I do agree though that ab's should only be taken with an infection and coloured phelm.   I find now that ab's alone don't cure mine so my rescue pack also has steroids in.    I can't take penicillan so use doxyclycline.  This usually works first time for me but occasionally I have had to have 2 lots.   I just reorder my rescue pack from the chemists.   I might never have to see a doctor again...  Bev x
  • james80978
    james80978 fern

    Posted

    Had. very same symptoms this week could' nt do a thing without gasping for breath.was worried I might have pneumonia again but turns out there was no infection and course of steroids has put me back on track
  • ros6952
    ros6952 fern

    Posted

    I am a bit concerned here as my husband has COPD and at no point has he been told just to take steroids, rather than anti-biotics. He has been unwell since before Christmas and was prescribed Amoxicyllin for five days - together with steroids. This did not do the trick so he was given clarithromycin for another week with steroids. Still no luck, so the dose was doubled to two weeks with a higher dose of steroids!! We are now half way through and he still has not improved much and he has the shakes from the steroids - although he is slightly better, perhaps?? As he had no colour in his phlegm prior to starting the AB's I wonder if they were necessary.
    • fern
      fern ros6952

      Posted

      I have never had any faith with our local practice and unfortunately it is the only one in our village. The doctors tend to issue antibiotics without really paying much attention to what you are telling them. Maybe I don't have an infection after all and didn't need antibiotics!!! After reading all the comments I am beginning to wonder.

      The practice nurse who runs the COPD clinic is more approachable so I will try to speak to her on Monday.

      I have started Pulmony Rehab but the class has been off over the holidays and only starts up next week...the physios are very helpful and at least have time to discuss your fears. 

      Thank to all who have replied to my post and I will let you know how I get on.

       

    • james80978
      james80978 fern

      Posted

      That's a good call talking to the physio and nurse at rehab.likeyou say they alway have time to hear you and they have a lot of knowledge about copd.
    • hypercat
      hypercat ros6952

      Posted

      Hi Rose as a general guide coloured phelgm is a good rule,  but it doesn't hold true in every case.  His doctor wouldn't have given him ab's unless he needed them.  Taking ab's unnecessarily wouldn't harm him anyway.   Bev x

       

    • hypercat
      hypercat fern

      Posted

      Hi I hope you find some answers.  A word of caution - is it a good idea to go to PR with a cold or an infection?    You might infect others.  x

       

    • fern
      fern hypercat

      Posted

      No, I will not go to my PR class next week as I would never put others members at risk. I have ended up in hospital after coming into contact with colds and flu and wouldn't wish that on anyone.
    • hypercat
      hypercat fern

      Posted

      I once went to my Breathe Easy group with a chest infection!   I was soundly told off and went straight back home!   Glad you are not as daft as me smile    Mind you my BE group were in general very unfriendly and clique so don't go at all now.  x
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