New to TB

[Vavar]

Hi there. My diagnosis for TB came a shock to me. I just went for GP appointment and ended up being admitted to hospital. Basically My GP sent me to A&E suspecting I have Pulmonary embolism. After series of test in the hospital, doctors concluded I might have TB. I was not allowed to go home and immediately admitted. During my stay in the hospital, I had scans and xray shown I have fluid in my right lung and scarring which likely from TB. I sent sputum samples and series of blood test, all came back negative. As a last resort to properly disgnose me, I undergone diagnostic surgery to get a biopsy on my right lung. Although I'm still waiting for the result of the biopsy, my consultant decided that I start with the treatment as waiting for result will just prolong the process because it takes several weeks for the result.

Although I admit I do have symptoms that indicate TB, I'm really worried about the side effects of the medication and the "what if its not TB". I'm on day 4 of the treatment and I can say its hitting me hard. I also worried that I may have pass it to my family members or my co workers.

I know I wont be able to take away the stigma about TB but any tips that will help go through this physically and emotionally is much appreciated. Thank you.

[Soul01]

Did your blood test positive for TB?Vavar, the first few weeks on the medication are often the worst, so hopefully things will improve. They did the right thing starting you on the medication. They will offer tests to friends and family if your diagnosis is confirmed. We have all been through the awful feelings of worrying that others might have caught it from us and wondering what people think.

Best advice is to take one day at a time.

Please let us know whether or not they confirm the diagnosis.

[Vavar in reply to Soul01]

Thank you. The result on my blood also negative. Still waiting for the biopsy result. I will meet my TB nurse for the first time tomorrow and hope this will help a lot of my questions.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Vavar,

That does sound very shocking, though it is good to hear that your GP and other doctors took action so promptly.

The sooner TB is diagnosed and treated the easier it is to treat and the less the risk of lasting damage to your health. So even though it seems strange and worrying to take such strong medicine so soon, it is a wise move.

Most people report that their TB symptoms subside within the first two weeks of treatment, so do hold on to that thought. And though the medication often comes with unpleasant side effects they can usually be managed - and each dose is a step closer to a cure.

It is sad that there is still so much stigma about TB. After all, it can affect anyone - and all you did was breathe. We know that most stigma happens because people just don't know much about TB. Whilst I understand if you may not want to go around telling people about it, we find that most people become more understanding if you do. If it does come up, you may find it useful to point people towards our website: thetruthabouttb.org where they can read about TB for themselves. We could also send you some leaflets to share if that helps?

With regards to your friends and family, they will be offered professional care and support if necessary to reduce any risk to their health - and remember you got TB from someone too. So there is no need to feel bad. With luck though, you have not passed it to anyone - it is not as each to catch as a cough or cold.

I hope this information helps.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Kitkat70]

Vavar no stigma. This is a worrying disease.

[Vavar]

Thank you very much for all the support. Right now as I started with my treatment, all of the informations and articles from this website and other sites has been very helpful. Hopefully everything will go smoothly from here.

[askessing]

Hi Vavar, sorry to hear about your diagnosis - I can imagine what a shock that was. I had some chest pain and that was all, went to the doctor and next thing he told me it was either TB or cancer! I'm in Thailand their bedside manner here is not great - I spent a week thinking I had cancer. But the bloods say I have TB. I haven't managed to give a sputum sample so I also have this niggling worry that there might be something else wrong with me too. Anyway, I wanted to sympathise and say that I understand the shock and then the worry you're going through. I think you should just say to yourself that you're in the best place and will get what you need to be better. I have started the meds, I'm not sure if I"m having side effects or if it's the TB - but if it is side effects they are minimal for me. The orange pee really scared me at first, but i'm getting used to that now!

[Vavar in reply to askessing]

I'm getting use to it now. At first the treatment is really tough but I'm ok now. Finally I have evidence its really TB through the result of my culture from the biopsy. Hopefully it will continue going smoothly.