Hi all, only on the second day of my antibiotics but this chest infection is bringing me down hard. My neighbours must think there is a cat being strangled when I’m doubling over and coughing. It’s so exhausting.
Work are being nice for now but after only being ill this time last month and the conversation with my manager not like he said this but was that I should of been let go a long time ago basically.
Plus I just googled upper back pain in chest infection and read something about lung cancer!
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Helennn
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I know I should never google but I do way too often!
Yeah I think I need to go see my doctor and not the woman I saw at the surgery yesterday. Meant to have an interview Thursday too but don’t think that will happen!
Some Googling can be good for you. I use Google earth and street view to visit my favorite places and find others where I would like to go. It does me a power of good by taking my mind off my ailments and makes me look forward to future visits.
I have to agree with Hacienda . You need to see your doctor. It's so easy for us to get panicky and the panic sends us straight into the arms of "know it all" Google. 😞
Your "manager" doesn't sound like a very supportive type. A good manager always tries to help their team. It makes for a more productive work place. I know work is important, but I'd like you to know you are more important. And your health should be the priority, always.
I really am sorry you are having this tough patch. I bet the cold weather just made it worse. I am thinking of you. Please keep us updated if you are able.
Have you ever had back pain with a chest infection? I’m not sure if it’s just general aches and pains from being unwell.
He is supportive. Last month I was off for 4 days and he ended up speaking to his manager and they decided they didn’t want to loose me as a member of staff as they thought I’m good at my job. Just I feel like there’s only so much sickness in one work place they will put up with.
Yeah definitely but being off work does not pay the rent
I have had back pain when I had Pleurisy. And chest pains when I had an infection. I think the constant hacking cough can cause strained muscles here and there. And you say you've been coughing a lot, the pain could be from the cough. A friend of mine cracked a rib from coughing alone. 😩 I find a hot water bottle helps relieve the pain. Do mention it to your doctor.
If I'm not being too intrusive, what kind of work do you do? Do you think the work environment contributes to your feeling unwell, for example being in the cold a lot, or working with chemicals that may irritate your lungs? And how are you in the warmer months? Is it better?
I really hope you are a bit better today. I know you feel uncomfortable taking time off work, and I'm sorry it's so stressful.
Hi Cas, wow! I’ve pulled a rib muscle before from coughing so much but never cracked one! Yes, a hot water bottle is my best friend a lot of the time.
No not at all, I work in a call centre for a very well known insurance company answering 40-50 calls a day. I definitely think if I had a job that wasn’t speaking for 8 hours a day that I’d be there more as coughing or even just a sore throat when on the phones is a set back.
I’m also definitely better in the warmer months I find!
I’m feeling a lot more like me today thank you Cas! I’m off work again today but decided body needs time to heal!
Please don’t google Helenn it’s not worth it. It takes time to get over a chest infection but if you feel you need to see your GP then make an appointment.
I wish you well and hope you feel better soon. Xxxx
There are an enormous number of reasons for chest pain. Obviously when Ill and feeling low everyone fears the worst. Give your antibiotics another 24 hours as it is still early days. Above all take fluids and rest.
Oh wow I would be bored too! I think I may also need steroids. Were yours given together by your Dr? I think I may ring the doctors tomorrow to see what they say about some steroids before it gets to the weekend and they close.
we cannot help being ill but I understand employers need employees to run :/ I’m dreading going back to find out what my consequences are.
Hi, yes I got steroids from the doctor. Took 8 every morning for 10 days. Im also on fostair inhaler morning and night. Cough is still lingering but Im feeling a lot better now.
Hello Helennn, ah bless you, you sound like you are at the end of your rope and I'm sorry to hear how poorly you are. Also sounds like you are very depressed about the work situation? It's awful having these continuous chest infections and yes it is hard work , it takes all your energy. This winter has been extremely worse than ever with these awful bugs going round, but hang on in there it will come to an end. My advice to you is not to look things up on Google about health matters, it's best to ask your doctor or specialist at the hospital. Upper back pain can be a lot of things. Take care of yourself and please let us know how you get get on? ✋️😊
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I use Google earth and street view to visit my favorite places and find others where I would like to go. It does me a power of good by taking my mind off my ailments and makes me look forward to future visits. 
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