2 week check up - what will happen?

[askessing]

Hi, I'm to go back to the doctor after taking my first 2 weeks of TB meds. I have read that I might not be contagious then. How will they know? What will happen on that check up - can anyone help?

[Deniseelk]

Hello. I can only help with information I gathered with my own experience of being treated for 3 months for latent TB. I am also not a medic so excuse the layman’s terms. I have read your last two posts and am sorry you have / had active TB. Your TB team will have been very thorough in determining you had active TB at the time and although you couldn’t have a sputum test the CT scan will be a very conclusive test to determine TB “ damage / scarring, etc”. You should be confident they assessed that your disease was in an active state and you were prescribed appropriate antibiotics for a fixed number of months. For my latent TB, I was told that certainly after 2 weeks, in their medical terms, they are very satisfied the bacteria is “ killed off” so in my case it was no long able to “ wake up and become active” and in your case your active disease ( bacteria) has been killed off and you are no longer contagious. This may not necessarily mean you will be feeling totally better as your symptoms can take longer to ease. This could be why you are still “ feeling” issues around your lungs / ribs/ kidney area. It is very important you keep your 2 week check up. All your queries are exactly what you need to cover with them. At my check up they checked I had been taking my antibiotics daily, my weight, my blood pressure and answered all my questions. I suggest you write a list to make sure you don’t miss anything and don’t leave TIL you cover them. Is it worth taking a copy and passing the specialist one as you read out your questions? Maybe, they could kindly note their answers on your sheet so you can refresh your memory after the appointment? I was told that when I completed my 3 months antibiotic course there was no benefit in me taking a further blood test as the TB bacteria leaves “ markers” in our bloods and will always show up. This is why it is so important to not miss a single dose of your antibiotics. This is what they will need you to confirm at your 2 weeks follow up appointment. Could you take a friend with you that will help get all your questions answered? Best of luck and look after yourself.

[askessing in reply to Deniseelk]

thank you that's helpful . I will make a list and my husband is going to come with me as I've been alone the last 2 appointments. thank you for your reply.

[Soul01]

I agree with Deniseelk’s advice. Make a list of questions. I am on treatment even though I am not an expert ~ from what I’ve read, most people are not considered contagious after 3 weeks if they have taken the medication correctly.

It is normal to feel focussed on things at the start of the journey. From what I’ve read, the side effects for many lessen over the early stages but everyone is different.

They should do weight and blood pressure, ask if you’re taking the medication, might do a blood test, ask about any side effects you might be having and ask about how you’re feeling. They might try an induced sputum test at some point.

Make sure you ask all the questions you have got. It is easier to cope if you understand what is going on.

[askessing in reply to Soul01]

thank you for your reply. I had read about the 3 weeks and then not being contagious but this doctor says I need to be away from my family for 2 months! Have you heard of that length of time before? (my husband has just been to see the doctor to get his blood test results back - he is negative thank goodness)

[Soul01 in reply to askessing]

I have not heard of 2 months. The standard protocol seems to be 4 drugs for 2 months and then staying on 2 for another 4 months. From what I have read, most people are considered not to be contagious or to be “low risk’ after taking the 4 drugs for 3 weeks.

I think you need to ask the doctor about this st your next visit.

[askessing in reply to Soul01]

I will thank you. It's already driving me crazy being separated from my family and i'ts only been 1 week!

[Deniseelk in reply to askessing]

Hi askessing, I have not heard of the relevance of 2 months. Maybe The Administrator for this site has some insight into the relevance of this time period? Perhaps your specialist was just “ playing safe”. In any event I would say that is definitely a question for your list. Glad you have the support of your husband and he’s not got TB ( active or latent). One relief for you!

[askessing in reply to Deniseelk]

thank you - I certainly will ask about that.

[shelby1983]

Hey askessing, I am 5 weeks into my treatment for active TB. At my 2 week appointment the TB nurse just asked me if i was coping okay, took bloods to test my liver and kidney function and ensured I had enough medication until my next 8 week appointment with the consultant. They ask several questions which indicate if your treatment is working eg, is your urine turning orange etc. I've never heard the 2 month rule of contagion - I was also told 2 weeks and I would be non-infectious; there is usually a reduction in medication after 2 months - maybe that is whee you have that time frame from? There is a lot of info to take in so the advice to take someone with you is wise, I'm glad you won't be alone. This forum was a godsend to me in the gap between being diagnosed and seeing the actual TB team, I've had all my questions answered kindly and informatively. Let us know how you get on when you can! Good luck lovely x

[askessing in reply to shelby1983]

Yes I can't tell you how much I've got from this group already. I have so much time all alone and no doctor to talk to so it's been fantastic. I think I may have to try and do a sputum test as I haven't managed one yet. It's causing me the most worry to be honest as I don't know what will happen if I don't do one - I think I need to do one here to be told I"m not contagious. I just don't know. I'm vegan but have started drinking cows milk to try and induce phlegm as I just don't seem to have any! Thank you for taking the time to reply. x

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi askessing,

Our advice is that two weeks of treatment is usually sufficient to reduce your bacterial load enough that you are no longer infectious to others - however, a few bacteria always persist for longer which is why the treatment needs to last for at least six months.

Drug-resistant forms of TB can remain infectious for longer, which is why your healthcare team may be advising precautions in lieu of knowing the strain of TB you have. However, different countries all have their different protocols for managing TB, so that could also be a reason.

Hope this helps.

Helen