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Ill again.

Mavary profile image
33 Replies

Hi all just to say Mike has gone down with another infection this afternoon. We went to my sons this morning and he was fine. We came home and he didn't want his dinner. I gave him some pineapple and ice cream which he did eat. Another son came to visit and I could see that Mike was cold so I took his temperature. It was 38.1 degrees so I knew he was ill again. After that he wasn't well at all. I wouldn't ring 111 as Mike said he didn't want to go to hospital again and I didn't want that horrible Paramedic. I started him on his Doxycycline and gave him some Paracetamols. If he doesn't get any worse I will call the Dr in tomorrow otherwise it will be tonight. What a time to be ill. I am very worried. Hope everyone else is ok and all ready for Christmas. It has been particularly hard for me this year as I have had to do everything. Up till this year Mike has always been able to help. He has tried by washing up a couple of times but everything takes it out of him. Poor thing! Love to you all. X Mavis.

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33 Replies

Oh Mavis how awful for you. Good idea to start the antibiotics. Call the gp tomorrow either way you need the support. It is so difficult for you my kind thoughts are with you and my prayers please god he feels a little better tomorrow. Take care love, With much love TAD xx

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to

Thanks Tad. I need support. I don't know how many more infections he can have. Each one will cause more scarring. I'm definitely going to call in the Dr tomorrow. We have already got the District nurse calling in and I feel sure our Palliative care nurse will either ring or call in. We have plenty of people we can call on but they can't help how I feel. Anyway enough of me. How are you. X. Mavis.

in reply to Mavary

You are so sweet asking about me! I just have my fingers crossed all will be well the oxygen seems to help but the panic attacks are not good. Try to stay well hope Mike is a bit better TAD xx

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to

Hi Tad. Just to say Mike has panic attacks where he can't breathe. I just stay very calm and tell him to slow his breathing down. He has got very cross with me but i remain calm. Think nice things. Or concentrate on breathing slowly. I hope that helps. I know it can be scary. I have had them in a different way. I have felt that everything around me is not real like being in a dream. It hasn't happened for years now but it was quite scary at the time. The Doctor said it was panic attacks. X

helingmic profile image
helingmic in reply to Mavary

Yes, being cross in his case is that he also wants immediate relief. Have you got some paper bags? (Not Plastic, too dangerous). this is how you do, put the paper bag over your nose and breathe in it, until you calm down.

You can also cup your hand over your nose and breathe in with your hands on cupped over your nose.

Also, if you have a Ventolin inhaler, when this happens you can take up to 20 puffs for relief. After the attack has calmed down, take some calming tablets. I use Kalms from my chemist, but there are a few others that can calm you down.

Can you spot a trigger? put yourself in a better breathing position, leaning on the back of a chair, or with the shoulder against the wall. Hope some of it helps.

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

So sorry to hear Mike is feeling so poorly. I wouldn't ring 111 either - useless. Glad you started him on the abs straight away. Last week my temp was spiking and then went into the 38s - down now with the abs. I hope Mike starts to improve very soon with the Doxy.

Healing vibes on their way to you both.

Love cx

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to cofdrop-UK

Thanks Cofdrop. What would I do without you all? X. Mavis

libby7827 profile image
libby7827

I'm so sorry to hear this Mavis, I do hope it's a false alarm and he's simply whacked from being out this morning. If not, do let us know what the doc has to say. Best wishes to you both. Libby x

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to libby7827

Thanks Libby. X

Suzy6 profile image
Suzy6

Oh Mavis so sorry. It must be a worry for you and dreadful for Mike. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to Suzy6

Thanks Suzy6. Mavis. X

Mavary profile image
Mavary

Thanks Flibberti. With IPF this is what happens. I have the Doxycycline in specially for if he is ill over the weekend. If he was any worse I wouldn't hesitate to call them. The Paramedic we had last time really upset me. First thing she said was they would take him this time to see if they can bring him back. IPF has specific sounds in the lungs which sound like Velcro being pulled apart. The second thing was that she had never heard sounds like that before and told her colleague to listen. On the way out I said quietly to her that I didn't think it looked good. She then told me that it wasn't and it would get worse so he would feel like he was choking. After she was gone I was worried sick. So you see why I am not sure of Paramedics. Saying that I have had them quite a few times before and they have been really lovely. I have had to call them in the past for my Mother and my Father both either when they were ill or had fallen. I also had them for Mike before and once for me. I've never known a Paramedic so negative before.

teaky-19 profile image
teaky-19

mavis I have turned ill again with ipf 3 days ago started docxyckline and steroids feeling a little better now I don't want to go to hospital either if hes not got steroids get from your doc tomorrow they should help hope your husband feels better soon.i also go down hill fast my wife knows as my face goes agrey colour wiyhin minutes of me feeling ill it must be that we are not getting enough oxygen through our body even the paramedics should know that if you feel mike is really ill phone 999 not 111 ipf can strike fast getting help fast is essential.

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to teaky-19

Hi Teaky. We had Doxycycline in for anything like that and I got them immediately his temperature went up. I certainly hope we don't have to call an ambulance but you never know with this illness. Because they say he has a year I think they would rather treat him home anyway. Last time he went in he came out with a cold then I had it. There are too many germs in hospital. You have to be well to go in there. Ha! Ha! X

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to teaky-19

Hi Teaky I'm so wrapped up in what's going on with Mike. I didn't think to say I hope you continue to improve. It's not a nice thing to have. How long have you had IPF? Mike has had it for at least four years. You take very good care and have as best a Christmas as you can. Lots of love. Mavis. X

teaky-19 profile image
teaky-19 in reply to Mavary

ive had ipf 5 years also have copd I was given 6 months to live.about 5 weeks ago just taking it day at a time.but as you know ipf can strike at any time.its a horrible disease hope mike will feel better in a few days hope you and mike have a nice christmas

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to teaky-19

Hi Teaky. Just caught your last message of six months. I'm so sorry. I just hope they are wrong for both you and Mike. It is an awful thing to live with the knowledge. You are both going through what Mike and I are. It doesn't seem that long ago we were young and starting off in life. Now I suppose it's time for our children and then their children. We have to live for today and forget tomorrow. Saying that it is easier said than done. Try to enjoy your Christmas and keep me posted. We both send our love. Mavis. X

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to teaky-19

Hi Teaky. Hope you are feeling better now. I rang the Drs this morning and he has prescribed some Clarithromycin and Prednisone so hope that will knock it on the head. I hope you will be well enough to enjoy Christmas. Bloomin. IPF. Love. Mavis. X

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

It's dreadful you had that experience Mavis but this woman is not representative of the normally brilliant paramedics. As you say your experiences of good paramedics far outweigh this one horrid experience. Hope all goes well for your dh.

love cx

DozyDormouse profile image
DozyDormouse

I am so sorry to hear he is poorly, soothing get well hug for him and a big mumsy hug for you. You are a marvel managing so well, it is easier for us with it. We can't see what we look like but I think it looks worse than it feels at times. Dozy now has to go back to bed it's late to be up. - Dozy x

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to DozyDormouse

Hi Dozy I expect you will be in bed now. Thanks for posting. I worry every time he is ill. He went down so fast again. We went out and were fine. We came home and he wouldn't eat his dinner. Not long after he was cold so I thought it was suspicious. I took his temperature and it was up as I thought. I gave him some paracetamol and got his Doxycycline. I hope that will knock it on the head. Ill get the Doctor tomorrow anyway. You have a lovely sleep Dozy. Take care and have a best as you can Christmas. Lots of love. Mavis. X

longlungs profile image
longlungs

Marvary such a damn shame.You must be worn out, he is having a rotten time of it.Lets hope by starting the meds quick like you have stamp all over it ! Your such a great nurse to him you will know when you need to call who ever when ever. Nasty paramedic needs to be the driver only so doesnt interact with humans to much huh ?But as everyone else has said most are brilliant helpful and comforting.Look after you to.Wishing and willing some good healthy days over this holiday time Marvary. :) Janexx

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to longlungs

Thanks Jane. I think she should be a bin lady. Somewhere that she can't upset people. They are all really lovely otherwise. I didn't think Mike completely got over the last infection and I told the Respiratory nurse that. He sent a sample off but it didn't grow anything. I think it must have been in another part of his lung or something. Lets hope this time we can clear it. You take care. Lovely to hear from you. Have a nice Christmas. X. Mavis

Just saw you post Mavis,big hugs to you,I'm sure you need some & a gentle one to Mike!

What a worry for you,& such ashame after having a nice morning at your sons,it just doesn't seem fair does it?

It seems you have done the right thing,with his meds etc.But if you are still worried,do contact someone.

I will be thinking of you both,& do hope,& pray,you have a peaceful Xmas,lots of love Wendells xxxxx

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to

Thanks Wendells. I thought we were going to have a quiet Christmas but it looks like his IPF has other ideas. I think I'm going to have to get a chicken in just in case. It's lucky we had some antibiotics in. I will be ringing the Dr soon. I have already tried but can't get through. I got through once and I was number six waiting so I put the phone down for later. It's not like I want him to go into the surgery. Anyway! How's the sun. Can you send some our way. We have wind and rain. Not very nice. You are in the best place. Are you all ready for Christmas? It must be strange to be somewhere warm at this time of year. Strange but nice. Happy Christmas. X

junespoon profile image
junespoon

Late reading your post,but hoping that the antis have started to work for Mike, really feeling for you both,, Sending you both Love and Special thoughts, Xx H

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to junespoon

Hi Junespoon. Thanks for your post. Mike is feeling a bit better now. I phoned the Dr and he has given him some Clarithromycin and some prednisolone. I caught it at the very beginning as well. He went to bed for the afternoon and soaked his pjs with sweat. He didn't want to eat up until that point but he got up at tea time and asked for a cup of tea and some biscuits. He then went on to eat three bacon sandwiches. I think it is best to give him what he wants until he is better. Thanks again for posting and your good wishes. Mavis.

katieoxo60 profile image
katieoxo60

Mavary, so sorry to hear your hubby is poorly again so near to Christmas, hope the doctor can be of help when he comes in today. It must be very worrying for you, try to keep your strength up you are doing your best and one infection after another is very daunting. I understand how it feels I have been that way myself a few years ago. My thoughts are with you hope all goes well for youxx

sassy59 profile image
sassy59

What a worry for you Mavis and my heart goes out to you both. I do hope that things are improving when you get to read this and if not, that the doctor has been called and given different antibiotics perhaps. You can only do your best and hope and pray that things improve. Love to you and Mike and let us know how everything goes when you get the chance. Thinking of you. Carole xxxx

onamission profile image
onamission

I'm so sorry to hear this its not nice at any time but Christmas, I have come down with the flu so I'm staying in and take my AB's and steroids before it turns in to a chest infection

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to onamission

Hi Onamission. I hope you will soon get better. You need to be by Wednesday or you will miss Christmas. Thanks for posting. Mavis. X

ageing-lioness profile image
ageing-lioness

Mavray, hi you don't know me but I've been around for quite a while, on BLF. my OH had IPF so I can empathise with your situation,have you bought him a travel fan from boots or sainsburys it's very good for the panic attacks just put it about 3ins away from his mouth directly into his face don't know why it should work but it does. Also bottle of smelling salts waved under his nose also works.does Mike cough a lot? A warm towel placed inside Jamas on chest helps to relax the diaphragm. I do hope you have a peaceful Xmas msg me on here if you want to chat, sometimes you just feel so helpless watching them struggle, lots of cuddles helps both of you. Take care AL x

Mavary profile image
Mavary in reply to ageing-lioness

Hi ageing-lioness. Thanks for you post. He has a fan in the lounge and one beside his bed. He doesn't often get panic attacks but when he does he has got a job to breathe. I just stay calm and try to calm him down. The Dr has given him some tablets to put in his cheek. They work straight away and he is dozy for the rest of the day.i like the idea of the smelling salts and warm blanket on his chest. It's definitely worth a try. I do feel helpless frustrated and very sad. I have also felt cross. It's a good job my hairbrush is strong because it had a good fly the other day. If you need to talk as well I am a good listener. Mavis. X

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