Just want some advice please

[Gran25]

Hi I keep getting reoccurring chest infections. Where my sputum sample shows a pneumonia type bug. I’ve had septrin 960mg 3 times now and it keeps coming back. Feels like I’m starting another chest infection again. Has anyone had same problem as respiratory team just keep giving me steroids and septrin and I’m worrying about taking so many antibiotics just wondered if it will actually go or I’m I stuck with it. Many thanks Carol x

[Bkin]

So sorry you are going through this Carol. I can't advise on your situation except that if you are not already under a respiratory consultant, ask your doctor to be referred back to the specialist.

On Monday you could try phoning the nurses on the BLF helpline for further advice and suggestions.

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

Best wishes

[peege]

Your post reminded me of myself 10 or 11 years ago when I went from being very fit and active with mild asthma to a sick person with continuous chest infections. Each time I went to gp it was for an emergency appointment and it was a long time before any of the GPs joined the dots and referred me to a lung consultant. By that time I'd had pneumonia 5 times becoming quite debilitated.

In my opinion they should be giving you pots to collect your sputum in for analysing for which bugsyou have so you canbe given the correct antibiotics. Its really important to get treated correctly to prevent lung damage so don't be concerned about taking them.

I learnt so much from joining this forum and learning lots. It took a while to improve my health, the immune system was shot so .I've many others I've rebuilt it with a very healthy diet, weight, lots of walking, breathing exercises and supplements- including copious probiotics to counteract the effects of all the antibiotics. I also moved awayfrom polluted London.

The uk helpline number is 03000 030555 office hours. Good luck, you've found the best place. Peege

[Gran25 in reply to peege]

Awww thanks so much for your reply. Made me feel a lot better. I’ll keep on with septrin and hopefully get more sorted.

Thanks so much Carol

[peege in reply to Gran25]

You're welcome, im sure you'll have more replies in the morning. One thing we've all learnt whatever lung disease we have is the need to be proactive in seeking attention from British medics. . Night night 😃

[shouty]

I think you need to be firm with GP now. Can I ask what your unlying diagnosis is ? Maybe a chest X-ray is needed & I hope they are sending off sputum for culture & sensitivity so they know which bacteria needs treating and for how long. I have Bronchectsis which means a two week course not one. Do hope you can get it cleared up soon. Repeated infections just horrid & debilitating. Wishing you well soon

Hattie

[Gran25 in reply to shouty]

Yes I’ve had chest X-ray and send of sputum sample each time. My underlying diagnosis is ILD and bronchial asthma. Waiting to have all my lung function tests redone but due to COVID will have to wait for my tests your so right these repeated chest infections have really wiped me out

Thanks so much for your message carol

[Izb1]

Hi Gran25 and welcome to the site. I cant advise you but know that we have to push our gp to get the correct treatment. I hope you get on top of this soon x

[anng18]

Hi Gran,

I also had repeated chest infections, until I became really ill. The doctor mis-diagnosed and was going to send me for many scans, as my infection rate was so high, as shown by a blood test.

I went to the hospital for an emergency appointment at a week-end, in the hope of getting some anti-biotics. It was there, that they diagnosed I had pneumonia. I was put on IV antibiotics and a double dose of further anti-biotics. I was in hospital for 3 days, as they had picked up on the tail end of the pneumonia, which I'd had for about 3 weeks. However, I think it had been hovering about for some time longer, as I had had so many lung infections.

I needed a very large input of multiple antibiotics to clear it and yes, it makes you feel exhausted. The anti-biotics, you have had so far, could be just keeping it at bay, without curing it. I feel you need further help and advice, especially as your sputum sample is showing some variety of pneumonia.

[Gran25 in reply to anng18]

Thanks so much for your reply. I’m going to try and ring the group support on here to see what advice or help I can get. As I feel like I’m starting with another infection. Thanks Carol.

[Mooka]

Hi Carol

I know nothing about ILD but have suffered from repeated chest infections in the past. My respiratory doctor told me that only an idiot keeps trying the same thing when it’s not working. I think this applies in your case and your doctor needs to try something else. I’ve only ever taken septrin as a preventative antibiotic not to treat an infection. Can you call your consultants secretary to get some advice. Good luck I hope you get rid of this bug soon.

[Gran25 in reply to Mooka]

Thanks so much for your reply I will try and ring see if there’s an alternative. Carol 😀