Chest infections

[Chalky2]

I got short of breath about 4 weeks ago and had a sputum test sent away which the result was a bacterial infection I am on my second lot of antibiotics and steroids but no improvement yet has any one else had an infection for so long. Grateful to hear if anyone has had a similar thing happen to them. I have had copd for a few years and never anything like this before I can’t really do anything as I lose my breath as soon as I get up from the chair. I am my husbands carer but can’t do anything for him at the moment so I’m scared it won’t go away. Pauline

[CDPO16]

Some infections can be persistant but if you have been given antibiotics as a result of sputum test results they should start to work. I have had similar problems which took a couple of months to clear properly and then it took time for me to 'get going' again. I understand your concerns and hope that you soon begin to feel better and that you have some help in caring for your husband.

[Chalky2 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you cdpo16 you have made me feel so much better I will try to stop worrying to much and get a decent nights sleep as I have been worrying about my husbands care his sister lives down the road she is going to help until I feel better thank you so much take care From Pauline

[CDPO16 in reply to Chalky2]

It is hard not to worry when faced with such problems. I hope that you do manage to get a decent nights sleep and I hope that your sister in law will help to take care of you too.

I don't know how long you have been taking your second course of antibiotics and steroids but please don't hesitate to contact your GP again if you don't improve when you have finished the course.

Wishing you well, Carole

[Chalky2 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you Carole I started the second lot on Wednesday and I will contact my GP if no improvement thank you so much Pauline

[CDPO16 in reply to Chalky2]

It's early days yet for the course started on Wednesday. Antibiotics and steroids take about 3 days to 'kick in'. I think the good thing is that your GP has prescribed based on sputum test results, something my GP doesn't do.

[Chalky2 in reply to CDPO16]

Thank you again for your help CDPO16 my gps are pretty good as I was due to see him about the result of the sputum test on the Thursday but he phoned me the day before and told me to pick up the antibiotics from the chemist and start taking them straight away then see him the next day and he would discuss the results with me which I did. Thank you again chalky 2 Pauline

[ChaOliver]

I have had the same experience. Then suddenly, after 4 weeks of steriods and antibiotics I wake up to being well. No idea as to the virus I had.

[Chalky2 in reply to ChaOliver]

That’s good to hear hope my recovery is just round the corner thank you cha Oliver Pauline

[hallentine47]

Sorry to hear about your challenges and yes I have experienced such many times over the years I have lived with Emphysema COPD. Can you check with your GP that the antibiotic he is prescribing is the best and most appropriate for your particular infection? Just a thought! Hope matters improve for you both.

[Chalky2 in reply to hallentine47]

Hi Hallentine47 yes I checked with my GP and he said my sputum had a bacteria in it and amoxicillin 500 mg along with steroids would be the right antibiotic for me I am about to finish my second lot but no improvement as yet. Chalky 2 Pauline

[hallentine47]

I would ask if there is an alternative for this bacteria? Fingers crossed for improvement soon.

[Chalky2 in reply to hallentine47]

Thank you just worried about taking to many antibiotics

[hallentine47]

Yes I have much the same thinking but I am ill now and need help now and so whatever it takes now, is what I take. I have stopped worrying about what the effects might be in the future because I feel this may be limited whatever I do. Long term steroids and antibiotics have already done damage to my skin, teeth,eyes and hearing but they got me through a particular period for which I was thankful. I try to find a balance and compromise. We only have today sometimes even less.

[Chalky2 in reply to hallentine47]

Hallentine47 yes I understand what your saying I do try to not worry about it but my husband needs me and I worry I won’t be able to care for him. Can’t understand why all these antibiotics and steroids I am taking aren’t helping me as I am taking the one prescribed for this bacteria I have perhaps I am expecting too much but after 4 weeks of treatment thought I might see an improvement by now. Thanks for your advice. Pauline chalky 2

[Dedalus]

Hope you feel better soon Pauline x

[Chalky2 in reply to Dedalus]

Thank you xxx Pauline