please help

[pdust]

hopefully someone can give me a bit of advice

i was diagnosed with COPD a couple of months ago. Since beginning of june ive had at least 6 chest infections. Last week i was put on antibiotics yet again, they didnt work properly so i was given steroids (which i should have been given at same time as antibiotics but they 'forgot') anyway i took 6 yesterday morning... i felt okay most of the day even a bit hyperactive. Last night my fibro flared up like i couldnt believe, its not been that bad for a long time.. then i couldnt sleep, i was still wide awake at 6am. I cant go to the toilet (which seems to be a side effect) now im shaky and breathless, even my eyes feel like they are shaky!

ive called docs but got answerphone saying to call nhs helpline if you need advice... this costs a fortune! I called pharmacist and he advised not to take them until ive seen doc next week

what i need to know is can the steroids effect the fibro or was that just coincidence? and also if i cant take the steroids what alternative treatment can i have in place of them? i truly feel like a big barrel of broccoli

[TWR]

I would not take advise on here for your condition Pdust, it could work out disastrous if you took the wrong advice, your doctor would be the best person to ask, by doing that at least you would be safe.

[pdust]

hi twr, im not asking for advice on whether to take the tabs or not, just if they can effect the fibro and is there something the doc could give me instead of them.... i cant wait until tuesday to see doc as its doing my head in. of course whatever is said here i will still tell the doctor, i just wondered if anyone had been in the same position and could help in the meantime

[pdust]

and thank you... sorry i forgot my manners x

[tonyav]

Is there a walk in centre anywhere near you, if there is I would go that route if I were you.

[Sqad]

\\\what i need to know is can the steroids effect the fibro or was that just coincidence?\\

I cannot see any relationship between the steroids and fibromyalgia either adversely or beneficially...........so worsening of your fibromyalgia is coincidental in my opinion.

\\\ and also if i cant take the steroids what alternative treatment can i have in place of them?\\

Well....it would appear that you are having an acute exacerbation of of COPD treated in the conventional way with steroids and antibiotics and you are not responding.

My advice would be to go to the A&E at your nearest hospital as you may need supportive therapy.

[TWR]

No need to apologise Pdust, I hope you can get it sorted, as Squad has said go for that.

[pdust]

thanks tony, there is buts its in next town and takes nearly an hour to get there with waiting for buses and the walk and lazy as it sounds i just dont have the energy or motivation, i think i will give them a ring though, thanks for that as i wouldnt have thought of it

thanks for that sqad, if i feel im getting any worse than i am now i will do that. when im sitting im not too bad but as soon as i get up and move i feel like ive climbed a mountain grrr

[daffy654]

You need to be in hospital pdust. This probably won't get better on it's own and could easily get much worse very quickly.

[pdust]

hi daffy, im going to see how i am in a couple of hours. Im guessing its the effects of steroids, i didnt take them this morning and i do feel a little better than i did a couple hours ago. Im not sure hospital would do anything to be honest, my mum had it and my dads got it and they both are/were far worse than me and my mum went to hospital a few times and they examined her and told her to keep to her medication and rest. Only time they really treated her was when she collapsed and had to be rushed in because of it :(

[daffy654]

You may need to be on a nebuliser for a while, or have some intravenous antibiotics. Hospitals really don't mind you bothering them with exacerbations of COPD.

I know that whenever I have breathing problems/exacerbations they usually tell me off for not going to hospital sooner.

[pdust]

thanks daffy :) I worry im wasting their time.... my mam used to have a nebuliser all the time... ive taken the spiriva they prescribed for me other day about an hour ago and im finding it a easier to breathe and i dont feel as shaky. i just think by the time i get there i will be back to normal and look like an idiot

[jno]

they're there to deal with sick people, pdust! The sweet shops in the foyer are just a sideline... Sorry to hear you're poorly, I hope you get it sorted.

[boxtops]

pixi, NHS helpine doesn't cost a fortune, admittedly its 2p a minute from a landline but some providers include a bundle in monthly line charges.

[tamborine]

Paramedics will bring oxygen cylinders if you call them. Hope ur better soon