What can I do? I need to be without antibiotics for six weeks.

[Pepsicoley]

Hi

I have said before, on this forum, that I am still waiting to have a confirmation of what is wrong with me. I have been told that I probably have COPD (and I believe that I have because I have frequent episodes of being short of breath). I had lung cancer 4 years ago and have, since then, had four or five DVTs and four or five Pulmonary Embolisms (sorry if I have spelled the word 'embolisms' wrongly).

Every time I get close to having a spirometry test, I am knocked back by having a problem which needs antibiotics. I have been told that I cannot have the spirometry test until I have been off antibiotics for six weeks minimum.

Do you lovely, helpful, people have any idea what I can do to steer clear of the antibiotics?

I will let my friends and family know that if they come anywhere near me when they have a cold etc they will be in very serious trouble. Other than that I have no idea what to do so I'm hoping that my friends on this site will be able to help.

Love from

Annec

xxxxx

[martin1945]

Hi Annec

I have had numerous spirometry tests either at my pulmo or in hospital as an in-patient. I most cases I have been on antibiotics, either rulide or azithromycin and with or without steroids, usually prednisone or solumedrol. It has never arisen that I have been refused spirometry because I have been taking ABs.......strange! Stay well Martin

[Hidden]

I agree with martin, it seems a little odd.

The rest of this is on an initial assumption! If incorrect, please ignore the advice in the first two paragraphs.

I guess if you need lots of antibiotics you regularly cough up greenish thick mucous. This may not be bacterial in nature. Does your gp take samples to try and culture? Do things grow?

I also have a respect for antibiotics. Do you ever ask your gp what alternatives he would use if not prescribing antibiotics? Also, if not a bacterial infection, what else could cause your symptoms? How would you treat that?

I would suggest make sure you drink enough fluids. Use steam if it helps. Also have a chat with your gp about going on mucodyne. This will help reduce any mucus production and reduce the thickness help you get rid of it.

Best wishes

Kevin

[Hidden]

I was also told this. I think it's under the usumpsion that you still have an infection if you are taking antibiotics , and they want you to be clear of these so they can get a true reading of your lung capacity, that's how I understood it anyway

Regards jan

[Lynne1955]

I too had to have a repeat spirometry last year as I the GP realised I had a chest infection and gave me ABs. I had to wait until 6 weeks after I had finished the course as they affect the readings (make them seem better than they are, I think). I know I have read that this is normal practice too, but can't remember where. It would be BLF site, NICE guidelines or NHS choices.

All you can do is try to avoid infected people, stay away from public transport and toilets as much as possible, use hand gel like there is no tomorrow and eat well.

It's hard as it partly depends on how strong your immune system is.

Lynne xx

[raptor]

It is normal practice,,it makes sure they get the best reading possible,,in your case it may be worth discussing it again with the nurse xx

[phillips1]

Scratches head and gives answer. Dunno! Probably raptor is right and you should have a word with the quack or the nurse. Sorry I can't help more. Bobby xxx

[Hidden]

I was still on antibiotics when I had my first test, I was also in huge pain which I thought was pleurisy - I could barely take a breath in or out without agony. And it was less than 4 weeks from finishing AB's when I saw consultant at hospital and re-did the test. This time with no pain. And that is when I got my diagnosis.

Anna

[Hidden]

Diagnosis can be done while on antibiotics, xray, ct scan, mri etc. A spirometry test doesn't diagnose it measures how well you expire breath, mmmmmm odd. I think I had my pre diagnosis tests whilst on anti bios.

Don't see the quack, see a professional medical adviser.