Having had unusual sob, hot sweats, change of sputum colour - put in pot spoke to gp (weekend was approaching) he prescribed co- amox. - weeks worth while waiting for results. Results are back, normal flora???? Do feel better then I did. But now doubt my own body!! Should I still be taking abs??
Hello hoping2improve. These tests often come back as normal when there is obviously something in there. There are several reasons for this. Plates become corrupted, labs only screen for certain bacteria, they don't have the capacity to count small numbers.
Trust your own knowledge of your body. When you don't feel well and your sputum has changed something obviously needs treating.
Keep taking the abs. If you feel no better after taking the co-amoxyclav go back to your doc and insist on a change to one that targets different bacteria.
I hope that you feel better soon.
Thanks littlepom, do feel better
Keep taking the antibiotics prescribed . You know your own body I hope you feel better soon xx
Thanks Angiecbr, feeling better than I did x
Trust what your body tells you. Sputum samples are a very useful guide, both for establishing what you are growing and what it is sensitive to and as a guide to docs as to what you usually grow. They are often unreliable though. I've had them come back normal flora and ended up in 5*. Sometimes it doesn't get to the lab quickly enough. Another reason can be that the sputum is not from the area where the bugs are partying or sample is predominantly saliva.
If I were you I would complete the course.
cx
Thanks cofdrop-UK, nice to know that x
Yes this once happened to me and my doctor phoned to tell me to keep taking the antibiotics as there were bugs out there that the hospital may not have tested for.
Hope you're feeling better soon.
Best wishes
Sandra
Thanks Healthylungs5 the gp was very its up to you!
Blackpool and now. just waiting.
I'm confused, copd!? can you help please?
I.v. Antibiotics at home now
I’m so confused! What do my results mean. 
nebuliser confusion
