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Chest infection

Juleslovestoshop profile image

Hello everyone I hope your all ok. I posted a few weeks ago about the bacterial chest infection I had. Well, 8 weeks on, 2 lots of antibiotics & 2 inhalers later, I was back at the doctors yesterday to be informed it still hasn't gone! My Dr also did blood tests, one for blood clots. That's come back on the highest scale of normal. I'm now on prednisone, 6 a day, more amoxycillan,and 2 inhalers. If there is no improvement tomorrow I have to go in for an urgent face to face. She said yesterday I should have had a second lot of antibiotics at the beginning. When I phoned her and told her I couldn't breathe after the first lot. She told me I was panicking. It was over the phone, I didn't get to see her in person. I'm very worried about this blood test. I've got up this morning and it's a bit better but no major improvement. Anyone else had this after a chest infection please? xx

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Juleslovestoshop
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14 Replies
Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop

Sorry I mean after the first lot of antibiotics it was just a phone appointment, she didn't see me. That's when she said I was panicking.

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy

It’s not uncommon to require several courses of antibiotics to become better with a severe chest infection. You may well need a different antibiotic. You don’t mention steroid tablets? Have they been prescribed because can be very helpful in severe chest infections.

Be aware that (sadly) when being extremely unwell it may take a number of weeks to feel better even once original infection has gone.

Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop in reply to Bevvy

Yes sorry I have predisolone steroids started yesterday.

Lol1944 profile image
Lol1944

Amoxycillin is useless. Request different antibiotic asap

Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop in reply to Lol1944

That's what she's given me again.

peege profile image
peege in reply to Juleslovestoshop

Wrong, totally wrong, what an idiot she is. When we're feeling ill and worried we haven't the wherewithal to snap back with demanding what we need, you might gave said amoxicillin hasn't git rid of it yet so why would you imagine it'll work this time? GrrrFor stubborn infections you need a proper antibiotic. I was in your situation in 2010, 3rd two week course of amoxy I refused and insisted on something else. The next in line I believe is co-amoxyclav. That works far better however, you now need to have your sputum tested for which bacteria(s) you're growing and the correct antibiotic to deal with it. If its one of the colonising ones like pseudonomas or heomaphillus (I cant spell it sorry) then that's a different kettle of fish.

I always refuse amoxicillin, for me its useless.

Good luck, never think you're being a pest at the GPS. We only have one pair of lungs to last our entire lives so we look after them.

PS you may want to take the prednisolone as early as possible in the morning with a snack if it’s affecting your sleep. P

Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop in reply to peege

Thank you so much for your advice, I went to see her again today as although it's improving I was still worried about the blood clot test. she said as I'm getting better she wasn't worried about the test. I've asked her several times of she knows which infection I have and she doesn't know. She did say I still need investigation so I'm having a further chest xray. My sick note runs out in Monday and I don't finish steroids until Sunday. I'm going to call on Monday as I need to make sure it's cleared properly. Hope you are well xx

peege profile image
peege in reply to Juleslovestoshop

I would ring the helpline of this forum Jules. I'm sure they would give you guidance on how to get the best from your medics. (I'm sorry, the number has changed & new one isn't in my memory box yet. Should be under 'Help' above)

Bevvy profile image
Bevvy in reply to Juleslovestoshop

You need a different antibiotic. Doxycycline works well for me. I DO struggle with side effects BUT am usually SO unwell that it makes little difference in all honesty.

Patk1 profile image
Patk1 in reply to Juleslovestoshop

If they didn't clear it 1st time,u prob need an alternative.have u put a sputum sample in

Lol1944 profile image
Lol1944

After eight weeks and an out of date doctor I would be calling in to your nearest hospital to get some decent antibiotics. The object of the exercise is a rescue pack at home of good antibiotics and pred. It is best to take quick action when infection is first noticed. Once over this episode your priority needs to be a decent rescue pack at home in the drawer ready for immediate use when necessary.

Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop in reply to Lol1944

Thank you for the advice, I'll definitely do that x

Nanny1086 profile image
Nanny1086

hi , i hope today your feeling much better , i can only say that i am always prescribed a 2 week course of antibiotics for a chest infection , i also found that amoxicillin for me were useless , and i am now prescribed doxycycline, but it’s always advisable to send in a sputem sample before starting antibiotics ,,, as they can see which bugs your growing and can prescribe the appropriate medication , i hope your feeling improved today , take care , 🎈

Juleslovestoshop profile image
Juleslovestoshop in reply to Nanny1086

Thank you for your good wishes x I've seen the Dr again today, she showed me the report from my chest xray. It's a well established chest infection. The blood clot test was above the normal level but as the steroids seem to be improving me she said she wasn't too worried. She's sending me for another chest xray, got to wait for appt. Hopefully I'm finally getting over it. xx

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