Weird cold

[challny]

So, I came down with my first cold since dx 2 years ago. It started out mild but by third day my cough felt like I had broken glass in my lungs. Called pulmonologist. Nurse said come in right now (luckily I'm very close to hospital) Went in, chest x-ray, swabs, doc says all clear, just upper respiratory infection. Got ABs, steroids and best cough medicine I've ever had. It was gone in a week and I never really suffered because of that high-octane cough syrup. OK, so here's the weird part. For that whole week, while I felt kind of lousy my breathing was actually really, really good. Maybe it was the steroids (20 mg. daily for 7 days) But now that I've quit all the extra meds, I feel really crappy. I've taken steroids before and could never tell any difference with my breathing. So what I'm saying is that I was breathing better than ever with that chest infection. How crazy does that sound? Anybody else ever exerienced that??? Thanks

[Ergendl]

It's amazing what steroids can do. They can make you feel a million dollars, but there's always a price to pay when you come off them.

[Izb1]

I have only been on steroids twice and cant say they did anything for me, but if they worked for you then great. Its not good to stay on them though, maybe the blast from these cleared your lungs, crazy how our bodies work. I would be interested to know what the cough medicine you were on was called, just cant shake of my cough no matter what I do. Hope you feel well enough to enjoy Christmas and the New year x

[challny in reply to Izb1]

Hi, @lzb1 ... the cough medicine I was given contained hydrocodone, a powerful narcotic. I doubt any doctor would give it on repeat prescription. I have COPD, but it was given to me specifically for my chest infection. It worked well. With emphysema, I don't usually cough much, just SOB and fatigue. Hope you're doing well and get what you need from your docs.

[Izb1 in reply to challny]

Oh! Well that will be out here in the UK , just thought I would ask, my doctor has already told me that she cant give me anything for a cough, will stick to the home remedies, thank you anyway x

[challny in reply to Izb1]

Sorry, @lzb1, wish I could help you with your cough. I did a little extra one time and got kind of loopy. I would probably do it too much if I had it all the time.