New boy needs helpful advise.

[kenco123]

I am 73 years old and have Emphysema. I live in Cambodia and do not have access to specialist doctor. GPs are not experienced in Emphysema so I have to self treat. I cannot return to UK after few strokes. For the last 2 years I have treated chest infection with Rulid 150mg.( roxithromycin ) At first 5 day was enough but now 20 days is not sufficient. Question ... Should I continue with this antibiotics for a longer period or should I be trying a different one. I am allergic to penicillin. I have just finished the 20 day and stopped but after a few days l am sure infection is not finished.

[Pantani]

ideally you need to get a sputum test done to establish which antibiotic is best to use for the bacteria present. It is possible that given the amount of your present antibiotic you've taken that your bug is resistant to it, so you do need to try a different antibiotic.

[Hidden]

Hi there and a warm welcome to the BLF forum!

As pantini says, ideally you'd have your sputum tested to see which is the correct antibiotic to treat the bugs you have. There one or two bugs that are very stubborn indeed and need long courses of abs to get rid of. Here in the UK I'd advise you call the help line 03000 030555, 9-5, Mon-Fri to see what they'd suggest. You can email them too.

I do sympathise, I too have lived miles away from health care. The docs there may not know much about copd but they'll surely know about lung infections?

I wish you well asap. Pheonix60

[hypercat54 in reply to Hidden]

I don't think you can ring the helpline if you are outside the UK Phoenix. x

[Hidden]

Yes like others have mentioned the abs you have been taking may not be suitable for the bacteria infection you have been taking them for so I would suggest either sputum sample and get it tested if that's in anyway possible although by the sounds of it thats highly unlikely or unfortunately trial and error ... although 20 days sounds a long time with no results at the end so you need a plan b my friend xx goodluck