On Thursday I began to feel sick right after my breakfast, Friday during the day I was ok until around 10pm, I then noticed an abscess on my left breast which was infected. I immediately phoned nhs 24 and they had a look and reassured me it’s common and gave me antibiotics flucloxicillin, I am probably spelling this wrong. I’ve been taking 500mg 4x daily since Saturday and have felt so violently sick since, I’ve not physically vomited though. I also feel very fatigued and tired more so that usual. Today I woke up and was extremely dizzy on and off all day. I phoned my GP doctor and he just told me to wait until Friday to see if any improvements. Also I phoned NHS 24 again explaining my symptoms and again was advised to wait it out. With health anxiety I can’t help but feel something isn’t right with my body and I’m in a state of panic. I’m not even sure what I’m scared off???? If that makes sense. I feel like my hearts going to stop ( very irrational) I know. Taking medication is a big trigger for me too. Does anyone have any advise? I feel as though I’m getting no where with my doctor or NhS 24, it’s hard to accept something when you have an over whelming feeling something isn’t right with in your body.
Sorry for the long read. Appreciate you all. Thank you in advance xxx
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Healthanxietygirlxo
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Hi relax as these are quite common. I have had a number of infected abscesses and I haven't died yet!
The ab dose is quite strong so make sure you are following your doctors instructions to the letter ie if it says eat with food then do exactly that. Ab's are well known for causing stomach ache so try taking them with a glass of milk as this will line your stomach. Or natural pure yoghurt as this is even better.
The usual instructions are to give it 3 full days to start working. You will know when it is as the infection and pain will lessen a bit. If they don't start working after 4 days then give the doctor a ring as you might need a different ab. I have had to have 2 lots of these before they clear it.
Don't try and squeeze it as you will make a hole in your skin and also maybe damage the lower levels. It's ok with clean hands to gently squeeze it round the edges and hopefully a bit of the pus will drain out. Keep the area as clean as possible and this should all do the job.
You are NOT going to die, but then if you do start to have more serious symptoms ie confusion, slurring your words then make sure to ring your doctor immediately. It can turn to sepsis but it is very very unlikely and none of mine ever have - and I have had some whoppers in the past!
I hope this has reassured you a bit. Oh and ab's can make you feel tired and drained so just try and take it easy.
Thank you so much for replying! I didn’t even notice the abscess at first until I jumped into the shower and when I got it I noticed how bad it was and it was leaking puss and blood, it’s gone a bit crusty now! Sorry if that is TMI but the infection does look like it’s getting better, it’s just the sickness that’s really getting to me! And that’s with anti sickness tabs too! I’m 4x daily on an empty stomach! And I’ve been trying to follow it religiously, I missed one dose but phoned my dr and he advised to just continue as normal which is what I’ve been doing! No confusion ect just hot flushes now and then and sickness feeling. Thank you so much for your reply, it really does help xxxxxx
Not TMI at all. Like I said I have had whoppers before so that doesn't worry me at all. It's a good sign that it's leaking a bit and shows the ab's are working. It will soon heal up and you will be as good as new.
Just make sure you keep the area as clean and as germ free as you can otherwise you risk reinfection.
Now I shouldn't say the next bit but I have been on a big dose of ab's and I have cut them down to 3 or even 2 without problem. But I am not advising you to do that. Even if you are supposed to take them on an empty stomach I doubt whether 1/2 spoonsful of yoghurt will hurt. Just a little bit to line your stomach should ease the discomfort a bit. But it must be pure yoghurt - not the cheap crappy stuff.
Thank you so much! I’ve been trying to add something small and bland right after I take a tablet to see if that helps! Hopefully I’ll be feeling better soon, I already struggle with my anxiety with this covid 😭 xxxx
I remember when I was little I always got tonsillitis and every time I was on antibiotics I had a stomach ache and felt sick. Thankfully as soon as I turned 5 I got the tonsils out. I think it’s pretty common. Like others have said, read if you’re supposed to take it with food.
I also have health anxiety. It wouldn't take much to send me into severe panic attacks if I didn't prevent them with herbal supplements. Anyway, I looked up Flucloxacillin and found this regarding side effects....
"As of 2011 digestive troubles are one of the most common Flucloxacillin side effects reported. This typically includes mild stomach cramping, nausea with occasional vomiting, and diarrhea. While it is recommended to take Flucloxacillin on an empty stomach, eating a small and bland snack with the antibiotic may help to lessen these side effects. Eating frequent, small meals each day while on this antibiotic may also help to reduce the chances of experiencing these side effects."
So although your symptoms seem stronger than what the article says it seems it may be normal. Another article said that if you're allergic to penicillin you shouldn't take Flucloxacillin and also "A typical dose to treat infection in an adult is 250mg to 500mg four times a day." netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/i...
I hope this info helps to make you feel less anxious and that you start feeling better soon. Hang in there, Friday's comin'.
I agree. If they were allergic to penicillan though they would soon know - trust me. I took it for many years for chest infections without any problem then the next time I came out in an allergic reaction which was a bit nasty. Now I can't take it.
I don't think that was a long rant, you have to tell someone to get it out off your system, i personally think your right when you say your body is telling you there is something not right and nine times out of ten its right, keep on at them to get a diagnosis as they just want to fob you off you get nowhere if you dont keep pushing remember its you're life.
It is important to keep taking antibiotics as prescribed, or the bug you have may become immune to them.
I must admit, Flucoxacillin doesn't agree with me either, but I will take it.
If you feel well enough, take yourself to your Pharmacist and have a word with him to set your mind at ease. Pharmacists are medically qualified but they specialise in drugs and their interactions.
Hi. I also experience Health Anxiety. Started on Amoxicillin for a dental infection last week and had a few days of feeling unusually fatigued and lousy. Antibiotics can do this. So I reframed the situation and told myself that what I was feeling was the Amoxicillin doing its job! That got me through the bad period. If it's ok to have dairy with your particular antibiotic (ask your doc or pharmacist) make sure to eat yogurt to replace the good bacteria in your gut that the drug is messing with at the same time that it is taking out the "bad guys".
That s why I opt for natural remedies first from a Naturopath. They know drugs have side effects and they respect and listen to you. If you want doctor who respects your fears , your body and knows about drug side effects go to a Naturopath . He will also explain to you about covid and will make you less fearful as a lot is Media propaganda. Natural antibiotics is often working better than chemical antibiotic and has no side effects. I try natural first and only when natural does not work I opt for chemicals ( so far natural works better for me). Take care !!! There s also natural supplements to boost your immune from covid , no side effects, do wonders. Vitamin C, zinc, Echinacea, vitamin D . Oregano oil is natural antibiotic and propolis does wonders for cough, throat infections. My husband is Naturopath so I know about this
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Sick of feeling sick! 
I’m sick but thinking of you guys 💜
