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Worried and stressed

Helennn profile image
19 Replies

Hi all, only on the second day of my antibiotics but this chest infection is bringing me down hard. My neighbours must think there is a cat being strangled when I’m doubling over and coughing. It’s so exhausting.

Work are being nice for now but after only being ill this time last month and the conversation with my manager not like he said this but was that I should of been let go a long time ago basically.

Plus I just googled upper back pain in chest infection and read something about lung cancer!

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Helennn profile image
Helennn
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19 Replies
Hacienda profile image
Hacienda

Go to your Doctor Helen, Do not Google over any illness..Hope you feel better Soon, Most of us have been there so we know how you feel. take care xxx

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply toHacienda

Hi thank you for your reply.

I know I should never google but I do way too often!

Yeah I think I need to go see my doctor and not the woman I saw at the surgery yesterday. Meant to have an interview Thursday too but don’t think that will happen!

Take care

in reply toHelennn

Some Googling can be good for you. :-) I use Google earth and street view to visit my favorite places and find others where I would like to go. It does me a power of good by taking my mind off my ailments and makes me look forward to future visits. :-)

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply to

Aww that does sound like a good idea actually! :)

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello Helennn .

I have to agree with Hacienda . You need to see your doctor. It's so easy for us to get panicky and the panic sends us straight into the arms of "know it all" Google. 😞

Your "manager" doesn't sound like a very supportive type. A good manager always tries to help their team. It makes for a more productive work place. I know work is important, but I'd like you to know you are more important. And your health should be the priority, always.

I really am sorry you are having this tough patch. I bet the cold weather just made it worse. I am thinking of you. Please keep us updated if you are able.

Take good care.

Cas xx 🌞🐞

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply toCaspiana

Hi Cas, thank you for your reply.

Have you ever had back pain with a chest infection? I’m not sure if it’s just general aches and pains from being unwell.

He is supportive. Last month I was off for 4 days and he ended up speaking to his manager and they decided they didn’t want to loose me as a member of staff as they thought I’m good at my job. Just I feel like there’s only so much sickness in one work place they will put up with.

Yeah definitely but being off work does not pay the rent :(

It definitely did!

Take care! Xx

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply toHelennn

Hello Helennn .

I have had back pain when I had Pleurisy. And chest pains when I had an infection. I think the constant hacking cough can cause strained muscles here and there. And you say you've been coughing a lot, the pain could be from the cough. A friend of mine cracked a rib from coughing alone. 😩 I find a hot water bottle helps relieve the pain. Do mention it to your doctor.

If I'm not being too intrusive, what kind of work do you do? Do you think the work environment contributes to your feeling unwell, for example being in the cold a lot, or working with chemicals that may irritate your lungs? And how are you in the warmer months? Is it better?

I really hope you are a bit better today. I know you feel uncomfortable taking time off work, and I'm sorry it's so stressful.

Please keep us updated.

Cas xx 🌹🌸🌷🌼

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply toCaspiana

Hi Cas, wow! I’ve pulled a rib muscle before from coughing so much but never cracked one! Yes, a hot water bottle is my best friend a lot of the time.

No not at all, I work in a call centre for a very well known insurance company answering 40-50 calls a day. I definitely think if I had a job that wasn’t speaking for 8 hours a day that I’d be there more as coughing or even just a sore throat when on the phones is a set back.

I’m also definitely better in the warmer months I find!

I’m feeling a lot more like me today thank you Cas! I’m off work again today but decided body needs time to heal!

Helen xxx

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana in reply toHelennn

Rest Helen. I'm so glad you are putting yourself first today. 😄👍

Many hugs. 💜

Cas xx

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

Please don’t google Helenn it’s not worth it. It takes time to get over a chest infection but if you feel you need to see your GP then make an appointment.

I wish you well and hope you feel better soon. Xxxx

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply tosassy59

Hi, thank you for your reply.

I’ll see how I feel by end of the week and if not ring up on Friday and ask for another appointment.

Thank you so much. Take care xxxx

Magpuss profile image
Magpuss

If I'm looking for info on health matters I go to NHS direct - never Google.

Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

There are an enormous number of reasons for chest pain. Obviously when Ill and feeling low everyone fears the worst. Give your antibiotics another 24 hours as it is still early days. Above all take fluids and rest.

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply toBadbessie

Hi, thank you for your reply.

Yes I think we definitely all fear the worst :(

Thank you, take care!

mas7656 profile image
mas7656

Hi Helennn, sorry to hear you have this dreaded chest infection.

I too have had it and its very unpleasant.

I had antibiotics and steroids.

I'm still off work after 6 weeks........totally bored now.

I'm having an OH assessment done by my work and worry what the outcome will be.

I still have a chesty cough but I'm feeling a lot better.

I found sucking Jakemans chest and throat sweets helped.

Take plenty of rest and hot fluids.

Hope you feel better soon xx

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply tomas7656

Hi Mas, thank you for your reply.

Oh wow I would be bored too! I think I may also need steroids. Were yours given together by your Dr? I think I may ring the doctors tomorrow to see what they say about some steroids before it gets to the weekend and they close.

we cannot help being ill but I understand employers need employees to run :/ I’m dreading going back to find out what my consequences are.

Thank you, take care xxx

mas7656 profile image
mas7656

Hi, yes I got steroids from the doctor. Took 8 every morning for 10 days. Im also on fostair inhaler morning and night. Cough is still lingering but Im feeling a lot better now.

I hope you're feeling better soon xx

Helennn profile image
Helennn in reply tomas7656

The only thing is that I love to hate steroids, haven’t had them in a long time but my remembering being that I got no sleep on them!

Aww I’m glad to hear :) xxx

Stumpy55 profile image
Stumpy55

Hello Helennn, ah bless you, you sound like you are at the end of your rope and I'm sorry to hear how poorly you are. Also sounds like you are very depressed about the work situation? It's awful having these continuous chest infections and yes it is hard work , it takes all your energy. This winter has been extremely worse than ever with these awful bugs going round, but hang on in there it will come to an end. My advice to you is not to look things up on Google about health matters, it's best to ask your doctor or specialist at the hospital. Upper back pain can be a lot of things. Take care of yourself and please let us know how you get get on? ✋️😊

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