'Just a cold'? No, it's worse than that

[melchar]

I've been suffering from a cold since just past Christmas. It's gotten worse, despite hot soup, tea and care.

5 days ago, on Wednesday, at 7-8am I had a terrible coughing fit that made some muscles in my side feel like I was being knifed there. My Sweetie convinced me to go to the emergency room. About 4 hours later, I had been examined, poked, X-rayed and diagnosed with bacterial pneumonia. I was given 2 different antibiotics [Amoxicillin & Azithromyci] as a 5-day course that ended today.

I was also given 3 other drugs: Prednisone - a corticosteroid medication - for the inflammation, an albuterol inhaler & benzonatate gels to ease coughing. The examining doctor said that I was in really good shape - everything considered - and thus did NOT need to be immediately hospitalized. Back home, I flopped into bed and have been slowly recovering over the last 5 days - seeking to rest between coughing fits.

Currently, I feel SO much better than I did, but am concerned since [a] the antibiotics courses are finished but I am still unwell & [b] - given my typical rate of recovery it is extremely likely that my condition will not improve. Also, why 5 days now, when the 'norm' used to be 10-14 days of medication? The probability of relapsing and feeling worse again just depresses me.

Comments

[andrewducker]

I'm glad they persuaded you to go to the doctor, and that the drugs are working. Fingers crossed you feel better soon.

[heavenscalyx]

I think the shorter periods of antibiotics is docs trying to be more careful about antibiotic resistance or something. In any case, it works for most people but not all! If you're still feeling ill, ping the doc to see if maybe you need another course or an alternate med.

[cupcake_goth]

Hey, medications twin!

My doctor said they regularly prescribe much shorter periods of antibiotics because (as heavenscalyx said) the medical profession is trying to be more careful about antibiotic resistance. But absolutely be aware of how you're feeling and ping the doctor if needed.

Also, as someone who is recuperating from bronchitis, rest more than you think you need, and use the inhaler. Don't wait until you feel really wheezy, use the inhaler as soon as you notice tightness when you breathe.

[heavenscalyx]

I can second the inhaler part, as a person with asthma who goes directly to bronchitis with any upper respiratory illness, do not pass Go, do not collect $200. Think of staying ahead of it as one stays ahead of post-surgical pain.

[melchar]

Yeah - you're right - and so was he. I'm extremely stubborn & have a low opinion of hospitals & the medical profession in general ... due to growing up with a nurse mom, then marrying into a family where my Sweetie's dad was a GP/surgeon**, his mom also a nurse. So I have a very jaundiced view of the medical profession & have seen a lot of improper care from others in the profession who do not live up to the standard of care I have seen done by family.

[This does include the doctor my mom worked for who was a greedy, careless man who felt no need to do anything beyond the minimum of care he could get away with.]


** - and the BEST damn doctor I have every encountered. The man diagnosed me with Diverticulitis over the PHONE, after an 'urgent care' nurse, then a doctor examining me in-person tried telling me I had to be suffering from an ulcer. Father-in-law sent in a script for me [for Floxin] & he told me that, based on described symptoms I would have 'tarry stools' [literally black in color] after the first dose of the meds. And he was 100% right. I was recovered and pain-free in 3 days. Damn, he was a difficult man in some ways, but 100% the best doctor & kindest soul!

[melchar]

I will do so and agree with you about the reasoning. There is SO much foolishness at present with many patients not finishing their meds the moment they feel even a bit better. So these ... beings ... make it more difficult for everyone.

[melchar]

Absolutely! There are times to hold back on a medication that can cause one's heart to race, but in my current circumstances, taking the higher dosage of Albuterol is entirely warranted!

[melchar]

Bronchitis is NO fun at all. Dancing with pneumonia is even worse, due to gunk in the lungs. My sinuses going into overdrive to make ALL the MUCUS just makes things ... nasty. ^_^ I am being EVER so careful right now. Thank you!

[andrewducker]

I'm glad you found a good one! Impressive diagnostic skills!

[melchar]

He really was the best. Anytime I saw him in any way as a doctor, I was reminded of Tolkien's line about 'the hands of the king are the hands of a healer'. Absolutely the best with any kind of medical advice, care - and emotional support, as well.

Other things? ^_^ He was terrible with finances, brilliant with horses and every person in the family knew of his love and care for them. I still mourn that he died so abruptly: cerebral hemorrhage killed him instantly at age 79, between one breath & the next as dinner was being assembled. He had spoken with everyone - kids, wife, brother - within the last 3 days and no one felt left out of his life.