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Sputum

anng18 profile image
13 Replies

Hi Everyone,

I was wondering if anyone can give me some advice, before I speak to my Dr. on Monday. I've had two lots of antibiotics and in between finishing one lot of anti-biotics and starting the next lot I had to do a sputum test, which for some odd reason I found very difficult. Anyway the results came back as satisfactory and it was described as mucopurulent and the Dr. wants to speak to me. Since I did the last sputum test, just over a week ago and completed the antibiotics on Monday, my sputum has gone a deep yellowy green again. I have emphysema - FEV1 - 30% and was wondering do I ask to do another sputum test or what?

Any advice would be most welcome. I find this site so useful - it keeps me sane.

Regards,

Anng

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anng18
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13 Replies

Inform your doctor's and let them decide. Personally that is what I would do

anng18 profile image
anng18 in reply to

Thank you for your help. It is so annoying when you get these fluctuating illnesses, but I can feel that I'm going downhill.

in reply to anng18

I am sorry you are going through hell right now. I hope you get the answers you are needing.

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats

I would take a sputum sample with me so your GP can send it off pronto.

anng18 profile image
anng18 in reply to Kristicats

Hi,

That sounds like a very good idea and I wouldn't feel under pressure. If I did the sample first thing in the morning, do you know how long the sample would last, before it is tested?

Kristicats profile image
Kristicats in reply to anng18

Best to do it on the morning you go see your GP. Your first cough up in the morning is probably the best.

Grayjay profile image
Grayjay in reply to anng18

Hi, Best to do it while it's fresh but you can keep it in the fridge for a day or two.

anng18 profile image
anng18 in reply to Grayjay

Thanks for that information.

Spacecat1 profile image
Spacecat1 in reply to anng18

My doctor said sputum test in the morning and to have it at the surgery no later than 11.0am so they can get to the hospital as soon as they can

DeanSamson profile image
DeanSamson

Hi anng18

Sputum is the vein in my lift also. But thematic have become to learn is that my mucus is always darker in the morning and after i have hacked it up it gets lighter this for me is caused by the allergens I have took in through the night and doesn't always necessary mean infection for me. Sorry your going through a bad time. I always find the antibiotics make my mucus really firm and hard to get up. Good luck Dean

anng18 profile image
anng18 in reply to DeanSamson

You could be right. It is very unusual for anyone to give me anti-biotics so quickly. I normally have to have really suffered before I get any.

Thanks for trying to help me.

gingermusic profile image
gingermusic

I was always told that they can only get the correct result from a sputum sample if given in before the start of any antibiotic not during or after

anng18 profile image
anng18 in reply to gingermusic

Hi Ginger,

I wondered about the effects of having anti-biotics on a sputum sample. I'll see what the Dr. says tomorrow. In the meantime, I seem to have developed the hacking cough that loves night-time. Thanks for your help.

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