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Chest infection update.is this common. Help.

Sonsafc profile image
10 Replies

Monday, diagnosed with chest infection. Told to start antibiotics 2days later. (Done) Tuesday, general feeling of being unwell. Fatigued, lack of sleep, more mucus. Chest pain that concerned my hubby that much, he rang the urgent care team who sent a ambulance. All stats done, where normal. SOB was terrible. My blood sugar level, however was really low at 2.7. I'm not a diabetic by the way. They made me feel as if nothing was wrong with me. All the while I could not answer their questions because of Sob. I decided in the end, not to go to a&e, as I did not want to waste mine or their time. Overnight the chest pain is still there, 2.5hrs of sleep. SOB, a little better this morning, all meds taken. Did I do the right thing. Is this the way it's going to be in the future. Should I be concerned about blood sugar levels. Lots of questions I know, sorry, but I feel lost and alone, I m used to controlling all aspects of my life, and now find myself in a position of not been able to controlling my symptoms.

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Sonsafc
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10 Replies
Badbessie profile image
Badbessie

First point your blood sugar levels. Probably caused by the infection. A simple sugery drink will sort that out if you are not a diabetic. In order to give good care questions must be asked by all concerned. Paramedics, Doctors , Nurses etc most of the time to eliminate other causes for your symptoms. Feeling out of control at a time like this is normal and feeling anxious is also normal. I tend to get a lot of chest pain with an infection but other causes need to be ruled out and your husband was right to ring the urgent care team. I do not know how it will be in the future but most of us on this site learn how to manage the condition and cope with the not so good times. If you are improving then OK but if it gets worse or the pain is unmanageable get help you are not wasting people's time.

Hi a doctor once told me it is much better to seek help if you are not sure than it is to suffer in silence and not call for help when necessary. You did the right thing and don't hesitate to do it again in future if you need to. Remember if you have such trouble breathing then this can be a medical emergency so don't take chances.

Have you ever been to PR (Pulmunory Rehabiliation?). If not ask to be referred. This is around a 10 week or so course once/twice a week where you can ask questions of a professional and also learn exercises to help strenghten your lungs.

Also look up breathing exercises online. If you practise them they will help when you feel sob.

I hope you are feeling better very soon. Take care.

Sonsafc profile image
Sonsafc in reply to

Thank you lilsclil

peege profile image
peege

A. You've a lung infection so you'll feel awful.

B. You're taking antibiotics which can also make you feel awful. Double whammy so really, this isn't how you'll always feel.

As the others say, don't hesitate to see GP, you canusually get in same day where breathing and lungs are concerned.

Find demonstrations of breathing exercises on YouTube. I use pursed lip breathing when sob, keep practicing and it'll become second nature.

2greys profile image
2greys

Do you know that being asked questions is part of the assessment procedure, the manner that you reply in gives them an idea of just how s.o.b. you really are, it's not done by the amount of huffing and puffing you are doing.

Sonsafc profile image
Sonsafc in reply to 2greys

Thx 2greys.

Blood sugar for a non-diabetic not considered low (hypo) unless under 2.

Are you prediabetic? A glass of OJ or pop would fix it fast enough.

If pain and sob continues it may mean infection is more severe and if not improving after 3-4 days of abs may be worth calling gp as might need different abs.

Sonsafc profile image
Sonsafc in reply to

Thank you for the information Ipogle. I do seemed to have picked up a little. No pain in chest now( fingers crossed). Not finished and, but will do.

Hayley_ profile image
Hayley_

That's the problem with chest infections, there's not really a lot they can do for you that you can't do at home. I know to you, it feels like your dying, but just keep taking your antibiotics and rest. A course of steroids can help as well. But never feel like your wasting there time, if you feel like you should be in hospital, they have to take you. Hope you feel better soon

Sonsafc profile image
Sonsafc in reply to Hayley_

Thx Haley. No, they wanted me to go, after checking my heart and saying it was ok. So I decided I was not going to hospital. Like you said Hayley, there's nothing that they could do that I wasn't capable of doing.

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