Yet another exacerbation of COPD. Within a month.

[Ern007]

Here I go again. Back on the antibiotics and steroids - it's hardly any time since my last exacerbation of COPD. Plus this morning i found I have a virus that is causing every pain, streaming nose for days and lack of sleep. so much for flue jabs... 6 more days on steroids, and on antibiotics and oral thrush caused by a combination of the two...sorry to be gloomy folks but I am sure it's only two or three weeks i posted I was having an exacerbation of COPD....

Anyone else having increased frequency of Chest Infections/ exacerbations ?

[mrsmummy]

There are lots of viruses around just now so do take care and look after yourself.

[mellyme]

With you mate. It will pass as all things do, and then may you have a long peaceful health. Keep using us.

xx

[Hidden]

Well flu jab just covers for flu you have the other thousands of viruses around, which are not killer viruses hopefully but give us a bad time..

No I don’t believe you should have many exacerbations, for me it calls for a med review..

I know we have bad patches but I find it means my treatment isn’t adapted anymore, I was told so by my respiratory specialist actually..usually swapped mine for something stronger..

Take care x

[Ern007 in reply to Hidden]

Happylondon - I was that ill i thought I had that Aussie flue. I was not sure our flue jab covers that.. The worst with these infection is you can't sleep. I watch films so go sleep late, normally that's fine. I have had 10 days of maximum time of sleep at one go, about an hour, then maybe a cat nap - Been for an echo at the hospital this morning, first time ever they declined to tell be if it was Ok or not, they normally do with scans, maybe I am getting paranoid..a bit better as steroids seem to be kicking in - No hospital appointments until march, so i can catch up on needed sleep.. 7am I saw doctor yesterday, that's early by any standards..

[Hidden in reply to Ern007]

Yes it covers aussie flu this year..well on paper..

How awful for you..

Ask for advice from the BLF helpline..March is a long way away..

Your GP should have your results..

Take care xx

Fran

[Ern007 in reply to Hidden]

Thank's I saw a GP yesterday, not my GM at 7M, really did me good going out at that time, Going to be asked to be seen Monday as it's one step forward, then one step back. March seems an eternity away.

[Hidden in reply to Ern007]

You are right..keep on going till you get answers, it is tiresome I know..

it takes ages to get the right tests, the diagnosis then finally the right treatment but then whatever the news comes relief,

like when they diagnosed me with this lymphangioleiomyomatosis alias LAM, I thought it had been a long road but I knew something wasn’t right and it wasn’t stress! Then started the process of acceptance and treatment..

We know our own bodies..

Take care xx

[Ern007 in reply to Hidden]

Happylondon - Another complication for me, well not helping my minds eye is that Ear Nose and Throat sent me for a Barium Swallow because of difficulties swallowing. I got a letter to my GP copied to me and I can pronounce nothing, so here is the jist. The barium was not mobile, taking an age for the die to disappear, another problem was refux, narrowing of the esophagus.means reflux can enter my airways including food. If that happens to may or may not cough it up, if you do all well and good. If not it can go bad in airways, and cause nastie's like pneumonia. This is why I was extra concerned/confused this week. I have to go to a speech therapist to learn new ways how to swallow..

I thought I knew my body LOL, but he is one that can mimic a chest infection and even COPD symptoms if not recognised..

[Hidden in reply to Ern007]

Ok Ern I have been to a speech therapist too..you will find it useful if you keep up with the exercises..unfortunately between pulmonary rehab, physiotherapy, exercises, healthy eating this shopping and cooking I have had to prioritise..I will have to start again..when she made croak like a toad and purr like a cat I couldn’t keep a straight face!! 😃 so you will have fun xx

[Roessner541]

I used to have them all the time they finally started giving me a Daliresp and NAC I haven't been back to hospital three years on Feb 9th knock on wood

[Ern007 in reply to Roessner541]

i hope you keep hospital free, they are doing something right.

[Ergendl]

Yes, I had the flu jab, but still got two vicious colds in succession that kept me unwell from November 7th to the end of December - still getting the last few dregs of them as they fight back not to go. This winter's cold bugs have been particularly nasty for many, not just me.

[Ern007 in reply to Ergendl]

I can remember a time when I have had so many different infections. they are nasty this year, I have not felt as ill for years. Today slightly better, I hope that carries on.

[MEATTLE]

I ALSO HAVE COPD FOR THE 20 YEARS- THE ONLY WAY TO SURVIVE IS TO FORGET STRESS AND DO DEEP BREATHING

EXERCISE

[Ern007]

Thank,s for all the replies . when ill and frustrated, it's good people in the same situation, are just a few key strokes away.

[lKeith]

Ern007

Yep, am on 3rd dose of antibiotics since 22nd December, unfortunately they are not doing much to improve severe breathing difficulties but must see out this course. It's not unusual for us types to have exacerbations at this time of year I've had 3No doses and so have others, some even admitted to hospital. It's seems quite normal provided it makes you better.

IKeith

[Ern007 in reply to lKeith]

This winter seems worse, unless my COPD is.. My third course also.

[Jackieshep57]

It seems that many more people getting ill this winter. I was hoping to stay well until my spirometry tests in 3 weeks and yet another cold and my voice is going. Trying to keep going, time will only tell if this gets to be another infection! Maybe we should hibernate like the sensible animals....lol.

[Ern007 in reply to Jackieshep57]

Jackieshep57 Yep, I was getting on the better side, now back to square 1 - This winter is as bad as I have know it.. hope you are Ok for your spirometry tests .

[Jackieshep57 in reply to Ern007]

A tip for oral thrush is Nystan, tastes nice too. As for me I just never know if a cold will end up as chest infection. Taking plenty of vitamin C and hoping. My Dr insisted I must be well for the Spiro tests so may have to be postponed. I just want a diagnosis. Hope you feel better soon.

[Debbbruder]

Thoughts are with you

[Debbbruder]

All the time from October to

April it’s are hard slog at times x

[Juliette011]

Hi Ern, you are speaking my language. I'm in the same boat, minus the swallowing issue. Sorry you and others have to deal with that too. But yes I'm having my second exacerbation this year. So another round of antibiotics. Not sure if you are in UK or not, I'm in Australia with the bloody aussie flu!! Had the jab and all, lol!! Am taking amoxicillin and clav and the prednisolone for five days, he says!?? I have been through that no sleeping routine, but without an exacerbation happening, so ?? Someone posted to not get stressed and keep the exercise up. Well I agree, and aim and want this. But when you feel like crap and can't breath not sure if exercise is the answer at the minute!! Anyway honey pie...get better, stay corse, keep a smile on the dial and remember...This Too Will Pass!!!! All the best.

[Ern007 in reply to Juliette011]

Hi Juliette011.

Flare up are never a joke. I know when a cold is going to turn into a chest infection and then antibiotics and steroids.

I am in the UK, I would have though Aussie weather was much better but Aussie flue must have been bad.

Try not to get stressed - That can make an exacerbation seem worse, steroids don't help sleep and lack of sleep feeds stress.

One thing is sure take your med's and exacerbation come, but they always go...This year early on was rotten in the UK never had as many flare ups for years., at the moment weather is kinder but I went to Corfu and it was in the 90's C - Hot weather I found does not stop an exacerbation .

Hope you are well soon Julliette