Forgot to introduce myself.

[Johnem]

Hi all,

I'm quite a recent joiner but over the course of time, have often found helpful advice posted here.

Wishing to help, I replied to a couple of posts, but omitted to introduce myself, so, blaming my age, apologies for that oversight.

My name is John and I am 79 and have severe COPD with underlying asthma. (38% FEV1 5 months ago) The last 6 months has seen my SOB worsen considerably and the mucus production and resulting congestion has also worsened. Presently, I am having my second rescue pack session of prednisolone and Doxycycline after finishing the last one on the 11th of this month and if this is not successful, I can only think that my condition has deteriorated further and I will get in contact with my specialist respiratory nurse. Fortunately, when my SATs drop, they are getting back up to 91 to 93% in a reasonable time.

[sassy59]

Nice to meet you John and hope the antibiotics work for you. Wishing you well. Xxxxx

[Johnem in reply to sassy59]

Many thanks sassy, wishing you well also. xx

[Bkin]

Hi John

Maybe supply a sputum sample for testing to you surgery, it could be you are growing bugs that require a different anti biotic.

Hope you are feeling better soon.

[Johnem]

Thanks for that suggestion Bkin, I'm having a blood test for B12 deficiency on the 31st, so will do that also, but my mucus never changes from a greyish colour, however, I have been diagnosed with a chest infection before without a colour change. It seems mucus colour can be somewhat misleading at times.

[RibvanRey]

Hello John welcome to the Community. As a fellow Bronchiectasis sufferer I feel the need to ask if you have seen a GP or Respiratory Specialist Nurse since your first Doxycycline failed to clear your infection?

If the infection reared its ugly head again so soon after taking two weeks of Doxycycline it is unlikely that it was killed off. Just serpressed. Taking a further two week course is not going to help. It will need a different antibiotic.

As mentioned by Bkin a sputum sample would be the best root if possible. Although if you are like me and do not produce any product then a visit to the GP for a broad spectrum antibiotic from a different family of drugs will be needed.

Kind regards, Rib

[Johnem in reply to RibvanRey]

Thanks Rib. I have had a number of flare ups, some caused by infection and also by cause unknown and the GP rightly points out that they can be bacterial or viral cause, in which case the AB's won't work, but says it's best to be proactive and take Doxycycline more as a preventer whilst the immune system is less efficient due to the prednisolone. So I will try for a mucus test and also speak to my nurse specialist.

Thanks again.

[Hidden]

Hi John welcome!!

Rescue meds are great. Hope the treatment gets you back on your feet in no time! Don’t forget the old vicks on your chest and hot toddies!!

Take good care x

[Johnem]

Hi H L, thanks for your kind thoughts.

[mrsmummy]

Hello and welcome to the forum.

[Johnem in reply to mrsmummy]

Thank you, I enjoy the posts, the friendliness and info.

[Pam1952]

Hello John and a very warm welcome to the group. I hope that your rescue pack works it's magic, and that you're feeling much better very soon. Take care. XXX

[Johnem]

Thanks Pam, appreciated. xx