Chest Infection

[roger52]

Struggling at the moment, this is the third infection since 30th Dec. Third lot of antibiotics. I have had to request a home visit this morning, this last lot of tablets do not seem to be working. Day five of a five day course with steroids. Any advice would be appreciated, never posted before. Never felt so low before either.

[Sohara]

Roger have you had a sputum test done? if not ask your GP to do one for you, when your doctor comes round ask for a sputum sample pot ( if he doesn't have one with him ask for one with the relevant test form to be left for you at reception) you may not be on the correct antibiotic for the infection you have. What antibiotic are you on? and what dosage?

[roger52 in reply to Sohara]

Amoxicilin 500, she did a\ sputum test last time. Sorry to winge but feeling down.

[Sohara in reply to roger52]

Its understandable you are feeling down. Its good your Doctor has done a sample, and the dose of Amoxicillin is quite high but said its a very short course. It sounds like you need a stronger antibiotic now than amoxicillin . Its good your doctor is coming today.

One thing I must say re sputum tests is that you have to try to get a really good sample from the bottom of your lungs if that's possible. Do some deep breathing exercises and huffing, and try hard to produce a good sample. also make sure you get it into the doctors or testing station straight away, first thing in the morning. ( check with the receptionist what time the samples get picked up) its vital that your sample gets to the testing unit as soon as possible after you producing it. Growing cultures works better that way.

Don't forget to ask the doctor when he comes what the results of your last sample showed. Sometimes they get lost between reception and doctor.

Hope you feel better soon

Love Sohara

[scorpiolass in reply to Sohara]

Or maybe grovel & ask receptionist if Dr can bring these with him. X

[evermore]

Sorry you feel so low. A five day course of any anti biotic is not enough. If you have a cheonic lung condition you should have at least 10 days, some say 2 weeks. So it may be you have had the right AB but not long enough. I agree get a sample sent in for testing. Ask the doctor if you can have a blood test and ask for CRP testing. A high CRP result indicates a bacterial infection, a lower CRP indicates virus. Your doc should have the figures. Many docs are a bit behind the times and insist on WBC counts which are not as useful.

I hope you have a good visit. My docs usually arrive around lunchtime , after mornong surgery, good luck, hope you feel better soon.

[kimmy59]

They stopped giving me Amoxicillin its not strong enough for me, how long is the course they give, I always find its just working and they finish. Sputum tests always come back negative for me, so you might need a blood test.

Kim xx

[Titchy52]

roger52 I'm having Sam prob since before Xmas even tried dioxy I'm back on steroids 6daily And 500 amox I've got an appointment on June 9th for an assessment with PR hope they can help hope yourself will get sorted best wishes x

[Tee1008]

Hello Roger

I can't add to the helpful replies apart from welcome to the forum and it is nice to meet you.

Hope you feel better soon.

Tee x

[Hidden]

Good morning Roger, I am late doing my mail - at least two days late, so excuse me. I really don't think I can add anything to the sound advice already being offered. I'm sorry you are feeling so low, and it's no wonder, and I am thinking that maybe 5 days antibiotics is not enough to shift whatever it is. Have a word with your nurse or doctor.

[Caspiana]

Hello Roger. You've been given so much good advice. I'm not really good at this kind of advice but I want to say I'm so sorry you're feeling down. Very understandable. I had a bad cold and was completely miserable. I feel bad complaining about my silly little things now.

I'm so glad you're here. It's such a good forum to be in. Everyone is lovely, kind and helpful. Being here has helped me so much.

I really hope you feel better soon.

Cas xx 😊

[Watfordgirl]

Hello Roger, and welcome.

Nothing more to add to all the wise words learnt from experience. Hope your GP has sorted it out and that you soon start to feel a lot better. You will!

Sue x