Primrose123

[primrose123]

I have asthma & bronchiectasis which I have had for many years, I have had no problem with either of them for over a year, but 2 weeks ago I was feeling quite breathless & coughing & occasionally bringing up green sputum, I had a rescue pack of Amoxillan, which I finish the 14 day course today, I did not take the rescue pack of prednisolne with the Amoxicillin as I thought perhaps the antibiotics would maybe be sufficient, but I find that I am still breathless, but my phlegm is clear so I have now started the 5 day course of prednisolne hoping that it will help my breathlessness, what I am wondering is would I require another course of antibiotics, to be honest I do not feel the Amoxicillin helps me & I was thinking of asking the doctor for clarithromycin, has anyone found this to be a good antibiotic..All advice greatly received..Thank you..x

[NorthernGirl3]

I've been told to take the prednisolone and Amoxocillin together. Have you had a sputum test? I get bugs in my chest that only respond to Ciprofloxacin, unfortunately. I hate taking it as it has some scary side effects. I've just had the same experience as you have and have got a strange bug but I've decided to try to manage it as long as possible with frequent lung clearances. So far so good. I'm still coughing up some disgusting stuff but feel OK. As the dreaded coronavirus is hitting the country I would prefer to save severe antibiotic treatment until necessaryt!

[primrose123 in reply to NorthernGirl3]

Thank you, Northern Girl3 for your sound advice, I am now on day2 of prednisolne, & I do feel slightly less breathless,& I am also coughing up a little less phlegm, I will most definitely ask to have a sputum test done, but I will finish the 5 day course of the prednisolne first which will be Wednesday & see how I feel then, I am desperately trying to avoid too many antibiotics & prednisolne as possible, as sometimes I feel that too many can create other problems, but of course there are times that they are unavoidable & you must take them...I hope all goes well for you Northern Girl3, & many thanks for your kind reply..Take care & God bless..xx

[Ceejay65]

I have long periods with no or little symptoms too. I think from what you say, you really need to consult with your GP and get a sputum sample to them. My GP conducts telephone appointments to discuss symptoms and medication and samples can then be dropped off by agreement. We’re all different and need different antibiotics for different bugs. My ‘go to’ antibiotic is Doxycycline. I have a rescue supply. It works for me but I know that particular one might not suit everyone. Minimum dose on packet states 10 days but my GP and respiratory team both recommend 14 days min. GP will advise on taking prednisone but in my experience I’ve always been advised to take them together with antibiotics. Hope that helps.

[primrose123 in reply to Ceejay65]

Many thanks Ceejay65 for your kind reply, & yes , I will follow your sound advice & have a sputum test done, unfortunately my doctors surgery does not operate telephone consultations, & I have to wait at least 2 weeks for a doctors appointment, so as I am now on day 2 of my 5 day course of prednisolne & feeling slightly better, ( my breathlessness has improved a little & I am not coughing up quite as much phlegm,which is clear) but I will call tomorrow & arrange an appointment for that sputum test...I hope all is good & well with you Ceejay65, & once again thank you for your kind reply...Take care,& God bless..xx

[Ceejay65 in reply to primrose123]

That’s good to hear Primrose. I would imagine your GP might have adopted the telephone option during this coronavirus outbreak. Might be worth asking when you call them or check on their website. Good luck, hope you get sorted. x

[primrose123 in reply to Ceejay65]

Thank you, Ceejay65..xx