Seems to be persistent

[Makingmebetter]

Well my chest infection is unfortunately still hanging about like with so many of you.

Had Clarithromycin for a week, steroids overnight after telephone consultation, then when I saw my GP yesterday stopped steroids for time being and decided on Doxicyclone for a week.

Keeping fingers crossed as this chest infection has made me so tired and weak from coughing more than normal. Slept 3 hours yesterday afternoon and that was with decent sleep overnight too. 😂.

At least the sun is shining again this morning here in Kent, and although not venturing out there in the cold, nice to have it shining through the windows.

Keep wrapped up warm everyone.

[Hidden]

My experience is that you won't start feeling better until you get that gunge up from out of there. The antibiotics will kill the bugs , hopefully, but the coughing will continue. I use a steamer to soften the stuff and an Aerosure to bring it up, but there are plenty of other methods. The drugs these days are wonderful but they can't replace the physical effort required.

[Makingmebetter in reply to Hidden]

Agree with you Don-1931.

I’ve regularly used my nebuliser which for me has helped loosen it, along with Carbocisteine, plenty of fluids etc, so hoping colour will now change with new antibiotics too.

Just a shame for us all that it doesn’t go as quick as it arrived. 😂.

[Hidden in reply to Makingmebetter]

I've been having second thoughts about the use of Carbocisteine. Seems to me that it was easier to get it out before taking that to break it down, than it was to bring up in lumps. Carbocisteine is so effective that it enables one to bring the stuff up and send it down the gullet without it reaching the mouth. Very good for reducing projectiles. 🙄

[Oshgosh in reply to Hidden]

You’re correct Don. I use my nebuliser twice daily.

In the morning,I make sure I have a really good cough and huff,as taught by the physio at pulmonary rehab.

[RoadRunner44]

Yes, you've said it! The sun is shining today. What a difference it makes to our feelings of well being. I, like others, always seem to feel better when I see the sun shine and a lovely blue sky with fluffy white clouds. Just writing about it now my spirits are lifted. Im just off to get my coat, Im going for a walk. Take care. Chrys

[Makingmebetter in reply to RoadRunner44]

It was so mild here too. Delightful, and hope you enjoyed your walk too Chrys.

[RoadRunner44 in reply to Makingmebetter]

I did go for a walk and I feel energised. Regarding your chest indfection that seems never ending. Have you been taught how to huff? I ask as my physio showed me how to loosen the phlegm by doing this. I was also given an acapella to blow in to and that shakes up the mucous making it easier to expel. With better weather we all hope to feel easier. Cheers. Chrys

[Makingmebetter in reply to RoadRunner44]

Yes, thank you, I can and do huff Chrys.

Fortunately taught this when in hospital with pneumonia back in 2012.

I haven’t got an Acapella, as only heard about this on this group, and as only joined recently, must remember to mention at next Doctors appt. I was so concentrating on getting right meds yesterday during my emergency appt. didn’t even cross my mind, but

will make a note though, so thank you, much appreciated.

[Spacecat1]

Hope you feel better soon xx

[Makingmebetter in reply to Spacecat1]

Thank you. X

[Kristicats]

It’s seems with many people the chest infections are taking 2 weeks to clear the gunk. I think next time I get one I’ll take a sample in straight away as you can be on the wrong antibiotic for over a week, then have to start from scratch with a different one.

My chest infection after Xmas turned out to be E. coli in my lungs! After I sent a sample in on the second week.

So at first started on my usual rescue doxycycline, no joy , then px co amoxyclav for one week . Then when my results came back. Px Cipro once E. coli was diagnosed with the sample!

So .... will get a sample off (as soon as )next time!

Problem is also when taking so many strains Of abs I’m likely to get a fungal infection ( thrush) in my lungs ...so more meds. What a palaver.

Hope your chest clears up soon. I’d also say to mobilise as soon as you can with an infection. Take care. Cx

[Makingmebetter in reply to Kristicats]

Thank you Chriskho and hope you have now fully recovered.