Feeling sad

[Ladydevon]

Feeling like rubbish I have had a really bad chest infection for nearly two weeks went to see the Dr and was told I have to expect it with copd and sent me away with keep warm so left feeling very deflated I just feel I am on my own coping with something I don't really understand I don't wish to put it on my 16 Year old daughter so end up saying I am fine even when I feel awful dose anyone feel the same or is it just me

[Hidden]

Hi Ladydevon

Chest infections can go on for some time but they need to be kept on top of with Anti biotics and if you haven't had these along with prednisolone you should request them, but if you can take a sputum sample for testing through the GP surgery before starting the emergency meds so much the better. Its important to try and clear up the infection as quickly as possible and if not responding to treatment referral to specialist I would say but it depends how long its been going on for.

If its only 2 weeks and you have another course of ABs take those and then see what is happening. You might want to phone the BLF helpline on Monday to get their advice.

I was very poorly last winter and had to insist on referral to a specialist after 3 months, but I was unfortunate that my chest infections developed into pneumonia and that is something you need to avoid which is why its important to keep on top of chest infections.

A few links below you may like to read:

patient.info/health/chronic...

patient.info/doctor/acute-e...

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Hope you are feeling better soon. Do give BLF helpline a call on Monday.

Best wishes Bkin

PS if you are coughing up discoloured mucus its indicative of a chest infection which needs to be treated with anti biotics and prednisolone.

If you get into any difficulty breathing over the weekend call the 111 service or 999 the emergency service. The 111 service will be able to advise you if you are in difficulty and unsure what to do.

nhs.uk/NHSEngland/AboutNHSs...

[Ladydevon in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou for replying I will definitely take your advice the only thing my doctor says that I have to go live my life the best I can I think maybe I need to change my doctor's but will certainly get hold of the Blf on Monday

[Pam1952 in reply to Ladydevon]

I think that changing your doctor could be a good option. There is so much more support available through a good GP. I hope that you get something sorted out, and are feeling much better very soon. XXX

[Ladydevon in reply to Pam1952]

Thankyou yes I think that's what I need to do X

[Hidden in reply to Ladydevon]

I have just recently changed my surgery, you can check through NHS Choices which surgeries are in your area and what rating they have which helps make the decision which one to switch to.

[lKeith in reply to Hidden]

Bkin

Unfortunately the surgeries in my area have closed around 5No and my surgery is now overwhelmed. Without travelling some distance it is not easy to change. Could always threaten I suppose to see if they take any notice or simply see the nurse.

Thanks for the thought.

IKeith

[Dedalus in reply to Ladydevon]

I agree that you should look at changing your GP - the one you have at the moment sounds very ignorant about COPD and is very unsupportive. Good luck with everything.

[Ladydevon in reply to Dedalus]

Yes he is he just seems he does not know about copd he talked to me like I had the flu tomorrow I will get it sorted I really need someone I can trust it will also put my daughter at ease thanks for your advice x

[shadow4me in reply to Ladydevon]

Please try and change your DR I had to because I was getting this attitude of my last GP her answer was go home nothing we can do xx

[Dragonmum in reply to Ladydevon]

Change your doctor - he sounds useless!

[sheila1kerry in reply to Hidden]

Great answer. Great advice.

[Lizzyblue]

Join the COPD sites on Facebook you will get lots of support

[lKeith in reply to Lizzyblue]

Lizzyblue

A bit out of date there not on facebook, too old, but thanks for the info, may be get one of the younger generation to keep a look out for me.

IKeith

[Hidden]

You are not alone. I feel the same sometimes. Ive had a cough and an exacerbation these last few weeks( i have copd), and i have felt wretched, and quite frightened. Doctors dont always make us feel reassured and then, like you say, we go home feeling worse and more worried. It is true about keeping warm, and being in a warm atmosphere. I hope you feel better soon.

[Ladydevon in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou knowing others go through the same take's some of the pressure of and knowing how to cope with it X

[Perce]

I have been fairly well for the last few years but I have just had a terrible time with a severe chest infection, it went on for 3 months and I had 7 lots of antibiotics and steroids and it us only this last week I feel it is clearing up.

The steroids have taken their toll and I have put on 1.5 stone in that time so I have to start getting rid of the extra weight now

[Ladydevon in reply to Perce]

Bless you I do feel for you and glad it's getting better for you the weight is Hard to control I spend alot of time on a running machine but as soon as I can't the weight gose back on X

[lKeith]

Ladydevon,

Hi I've had a chest infection since 21st of December with 3no lots of antibiotics that have had no effect whatsoever on my breathlessness each time I have also had a steroid (Presnisolone). It is usual that you have standby meds (antibiotics) for your problem so I think your GP is being a bit guilty of just sending you away. This is the time pf winter most of us have problems, you are not alone in this, you will get through it but see your GP or nurse again for those standby meds.

IKeith

[Jill777]

Im so sorry your doctor wasn't as supportive as he should of been. Are you not also under the hospital for COPD? The trouble with some doctors are they know a bit about a lot of things but not experts on any of them. Its the hospital doctors in the designated departments for problems who know best. I was wondering if you could get referred to the hospital for expert advice. Really hope you feel loads better soon x

[Ladydevon in reply to Jill777]

Hi I have asked but got told I am not at the 3rd stage so just live my life and stop worrying

[Robin77 in reply to Ladydevon]

Not a great response from your doctor! Hope you managed to find some more supportive medical advice. All the best!

[lKeith]

Jill777

Thank you for the prompt, but getting to see a hospital specialist is very difficult but worth a try, will giveit a go Thanks'

You keep well.

IKeith

[panda22]

Does your surgery have a respiratory nurse because these know more about copd than the doctors. Mine is great but my doctors are also very approachable.

[lKeith]

panda22

Thank you for the info, yes my practice does have a respiratory nurse will endeavor to make an appointment on mu return to UK.

IKeith

[Bobbi6]

My husband says my favorite phrase is “I’m fine”. So I know how you feel. My family wants to know how I’m truly feeling. I feel we can be honest about it as long as we don’t stay wallowing in self pity. You can’t help if your feeling poorly. I hope your chest cold soon gets better.

[lKeith]

Bobbi6

Thanks for that thought, try not to wallow but probably need a sign on top of my head to say I'm not 100%. Unfortunately don't have enough puff to get "I'm fine" out at the moment but it will get there one day.

IKeith