Lung and Respiratory tract infection

[1947Mags]

Hi I have copd and in February this year started with a chest infection, sputum test came back the antibiotics I was on where no good for my infection so they changed them, took the new ones for a week but infection started fighting back again another sputum test and another 2 weeks on same antibiotic when the result came back from 2nd test I it showed 2 different types of bug, now on a different antibiotic Clarithromycin 500 mg 2 times a day. This is really upsetting my system Looked up the side effects and I have them all, This has now been going on for 6 months and I am losing the will to live. Sorry for the moan.

[mrsmummy]

Others have also had problems with these antibiotics. Whilst you are waiting for replies you could do a search and read older posts about it.

[Hidden]

Try not to worry Mags as stress can make symptoms worse. I know that's difficult.

When my hubby gets an infection he has to take antibiotics for 2 weeks and has a 2 week supply at home all the time. Yes it's a worry but not all infections are treatable with the same antibiotics. He takes a sample in for testing and they ring him to say whether or not He should take the ones he has or if he needs a different prescription.

However if you are not happy it is your right to ask for a second opinion.

[1947Mags in reply to Hidden]

Thanks, I am new to the forum and do realise there are other people worse off than me. Just sometimes remembering that can be hard especially during the night. Love and best wishes to all who are struggling.

[girliegirl2012]

Hi Mags, I'm sorry to hear you are having such a hard time! I've been through the same thing back in June this year. I had a difficult time with pneumonia and was in the hospital for two weeks. I didn't know if I was coming home. I was very sick. The doctors kept changing my antibiotics until they finally brought out what they called "The Big Guns." I can't remember the name of it but I know there are only a select few infections of when they have to break out the bad boys! Fortunately for me, they were able to get it under control, but I know from experience that eventually people build up a tolerance to these antibiotics and eventually none of them won't work. (This happened to my brother) Hang in there Mags! Fingers crossed that sunny days are ahead for you.

[1947Mags in reply to girliegirl2012]

Thanks for you reply. I had the flu and this led to several bacterial infections. I really thought I no longer had a part to play in life, unable to do housework, unable to walk very far, extreme exhaustion, unable to sleep and a constant cough. The last lot of antibiotics may have done the trick but still expecting it to fight back so still monitoring every bit of phlegm yuk.

I solved the walking problem by reluctantly getting a second hand mobility scooter (I know this will not help my leg muscles but at least I can get out of the house). I bought an electric bed which helps a little with being propped up, it does help with the sleeping a little. Nearly completely out of savings. The house work will have to be ignored unless I can find the extra money for a cleaner (another thought I find difficult). But on the plus side Oh not sure if there are any, joking I have 3 grown up children who have given me 6 gorgeous grandchildren, just want a bit more energy to enjoy them. Thank you all for letting me get that lot of my chest. Hugs to everyone.

[girliegirl2012 in reply to 1947Mags]

Hi Mags, Your story sounds so much like mine, it's like you wrote it for the two of us. I know exactly how you feel from breathlessness, housework, and grandchildren. I was very blessed. I have one son and two granddaughters that live at the beach. The oldest one graduated this June and is 18. She came and spent the summer with me. I have really enjoyed having her. She goes home next week after Mon. 9/4 Labor Day here in the States. My other Granddaughter is a Junior in High School. This year and next year is it. She's going on to college. The oldest one may go soon. I sure hope so. At least take some additional college courses until she decides. I know it does take a lot of energy to keep up with them when they are young. I've been there and done that! I do hope you get to feeling better. You take care Mags!