Flu jab for over 65's

[Dids49]

I had the flu jab yesterday, spent the entire night coughing last night and have been terribly breathless today. I feel exactly as I did when I had pneumonia so I have increased my steroids from 10mg to 40mg today. Not feeling any better so think I will try the Clarithomycin as well tomorrow. I have missed my statin tonight in readiness to start them. I just wish the GP had prescribed me the 250mg instead of the 500mg until I know how I am with them - not had them before and feel a bit nervous of them. I will try to get a telephone appointment tomorrow with my GP and see if the higher dose is ok for me. I already have a high heart rate and an abdominal aortic aneurysm and don't want to be pushing my luck. Any advice please? Have attached a photo of a few of the bruise type marks that are sore to the touch. These are apparently a result of the steroids so I imagine it will get worse on the higher dose I am taking.

[Artist44]

Sorry you are feeling rough but please contact your GP today.

I have matching marks on my arms just above the wrist and get them quite often. I’m on 5 mgs of steroid every day so guess that’s the cause. Why only there I’ve no idea but cannot COPD without my steroids so it’s just another side effect. They fade after a while.

Hope you soon feel better.x

[Dids49 in reply to Artist44]

Thank you Jeanrita. It looks like the marks are a result of our treatment then. I didn't send a picture of my hand but the back of it is almost covered with black bruise areas that have been there for 3 years, I really wish they would fade.

Thanks for your comments, I appreciate your input very much.

[Artist44 in reply to Dids49]

Coincidently I have just started a flare-up, the first for over a year, and reluctantly after waiting a couple of days have increased my steroids to 30mgs a day for 5 days plus antibiotics for 6 days. This is the recommended emergency dosage for me.

As much as I hate taking them the improvement in how I feel is amazing and I try to forget that I will inevitably put on even more weight.

At 74 I must accept that I have to take steroids for my COPD and anti depressants for my indoginous depression to live my life.

Fifty years ago I would not have made it this far.

So, I hope this helps you to also come to terms with what has to be and be thankful that there is a solution to help you live your life.

Best wishes

JJ

[gingermusic]

I worry that you feel comfortable increasing your steroid use like that without advice from a GP also the antibiotic will not help the problems you have given. I really think you need to speak to a doctor asap

[Dids49 in reply to gingermusic]

I was given the extra steroids via a prescription as a back up for immediate use if I had a flare up with my chest and was told to go up to 40mg. I have spoken with the GP today and it looks like I will have to start the Clarithromycin tomorrow to try and help with the soreness and tightness. Thank you for your reply, any advice is really appreciated.

[Hacienda]

Please don't self medicate. Go to your Walk in if there is one, too much steroids by the look of your Bruises. Best of Luck, I had my Flu jab last week, over 65's no side affects. Hope your feeling better soon. xxx

[Dids49 in reply to Hacienda]

Thanks for your reply.Having spoken to my GP today it was ok for me to increase the steroids to 40mg and he insists that my flare up is nothing to do with the flu jab. Looks like a few miserable days ahead with a very sore chest but hopefully the treatment will kick in and work.

[hallentine47]

I have suffered in a very similar way. Following the flu jab I became breathless and extremely tired wanting to sit down or lean against something all the time I was walking around the house. I too have increased the steroid dose from 15 to 25 and today reducing to 20mg. Yes it reminded me of when I had pnuemonia.

[Dids49 in reply to hallentine47]

My GP insists my flare up is nothing to do with the flu jab and is happy that I increased the steroids to 40mg in line with his previous instructions. Needless to say, it has been a total 'do nothing day' today but they seem to become the norm lately. With the terrible soreness as well and total lack of energy it is like having pneumonia all over again.

Hope you are feeling better Hallentine and thanks for your comments.