Antibotics for headcold, diahrrea?

[Butitisme]

A headcold, diahrrea coming on... should I go to doctor or wait it out.?.. Haven't taken antibiotics in a year or so... have been on W&W for couple of years, but in last six months have been getting Gammagobulin infusions on a monthly basis. This is first cold in a year or so. I don't want to jump the gun as I don't like antibiotics... I am on Xanax for 35 years for insomnia, so there are not many I can take without side effects.

[cajunjeff]

If you have an illness coming on that concerns you then you should go see your primary doctor and get a diagnosis. Antibiotics treat bacterial infections and nothing you have written necessarily points to that.

You should make sure your primary doctor knows you have Cll and a potentially compromised immune system.

We want to take as few antibiotics as possible so our bad bacteria does not build a resistance. But we don’t want to be overwhelmed by a bacterial infection our immune system can’t properly fight.

It’s a balancing act and one I think requires professional advice. I am on antibiotics now for a sinus infection. My primary, who knows all about my Cll, put me on them. It was her call, not mine.

Your specific question is whether to wait your symptoms out. The old me, before my Cll diagnosis, would say don’t run to the doctor with every little thing. Now I am in the when in doubt, get to a doctor and nip things in the bud mode. Unless your doctors visits are not covered by insurance, there is little downside to seeing a doctor. I suppose there is the risk of catching something in the waiting room. I double up on my hand washing on doctors visits now.

[AussieNeil Administrator in reply to cajunjeff]

Good advice. With respect to avoiding further infection, I wear a mask in the waiting room or if I am particularly neutropenic, ask if I can stay in an unused room or wait in my car until called.

Neil

[cllady01 Former Volunteer]

Especially since you are doing Gammaglobulin infusions, your immunity is low and even with the infusions, you must have lower times of immunity before each infusion, so, were I you, I would not hesitate to see my Primary Care Dr. being sure all your medical information is in that Drs. hands also. A cold can become infections. As for the diarrhea, that is also a need to see factor---it may be taken care of simply with an otc pill, but the source could be something that needs testing for.

[Ellieoak]

Yes call your primary doctor and let her know what you’re dealing with. Your doctor can treat you if need be but also have a Thermometer and check your levels every couple of hours. If your levels go up then call your doctor immediately. Anna

[MsLockYourPosts Passed Volunteer]

Re: Infections, I wait in the car when at my primary's office during flu season or if there are a lot of patients in the waiting room.

I also check in with my doctor sooner, rather than waiting things out, now. I hope you feel better soon!