COPD & chronic cough

[fortylove]

I have COPD w/chronic bronchitis and have been on several steroids including injections and various meds containing steriods and antibiotics since the 1st of June.  I've begun developing several other minor problems and wonder if some are due to the medicines I'm taking.  And isn't it likely that I'm going to be developing an immunity to taking so many antibiotics? Plus I cough a lot.  My Pulmonary doctor rotates the kinds she gives me to help me avoid getting resistent, but I think it's happening anyway.  What can or should I do?  And do steroids, really cause "thin" skin?  The tops of my forearms are just covered in blood blisters and the Dr. said it was probably all the steroids.  Could it be caused by something else?  Info: COPD, HCV positive (in remission, after Interferon and Riboviron - months of treatment 3 seperate times), in my 50's, etc.

[Sunny602]

No apologies needed for rambling...it is good to get things off of your chest! Wow, you have been through alot..with the HCV and nearly dying from it and now the infections. Your immune system sure has taken a beating. It definitely wouldn't hurt to see if your sputum is growing out anything....it is an easy test to do. If you have a hard time coughing up mucous, then right before you give your sample do a neb treatment with albuterol or saline to open up the passages. That works well for me! Unfortunately, with all of the steroids, your body is open to more infections...it really suppresses it, but in your case, you need them for inflammation. It is a double edged sword isn't it? I am not sure what else to suggest to your pulmo...I am sure that they have been doing regular blood work, chest xrays and the likes monitoring your illness. I pray that something breaks for you and that you finally begin to feel better. Sunny

[fortylove]

Sunny602, Wow, thanks for the prompt response and info.  You asked how often I'm on the antibiotics, well, since June 1, 2007, I've basically been on one type or another continually (I'm actually taking more than one type with those that are in my respiratory meds already).  Between recurring respiratory infections (or what seems like ongoing) and a surgery I had in August, I’m taking some all the time.  I'm also taking increased steroid treatment for both inflammation for my lungs, bronchial swelling etc., but as an anti-inflammatory relating to the surgery and recovery.  (This includes injections of cortisteroids and prednisone and all that's in my COPD meds, i.e. Medrol Dose Pack - I have a standing prn RX on file with multiple refills, too.  I've never had a "sputum culture" so I will ask my Dr. about that to get an idea of what I'm developing a resistance to.  I was not aware that they could do that.  I was also told that since I went through 3 separate treatment periods on Interferon injections and Ribavirin (6 months, 18 months and then 16 months total) that there is some inevitable long term effects on both the immune system and subsequent health problems from taking that much "poison" to get the HCV to go into an inactive status, that the build up of various scar tissue and other health issued directly associated with being on that type of medicine for so long, that other systems and organs will acquire problems, but I didn't really have a choice since my disease was at an advanced stage.  So the good news is my in remission, the bad news is I have "fallout" health problems from the treatments to save my life.  And I am grateful, it finally worked because my sister in NY was called from the hospital and told my prognosis was very poor and for her to come immediately if she wanted to see me again before I was gone.  I'm sure this is was too much info that no one really wants to hear, but truthfully, I rarely talk about any of this and I suppose I needed to some of it off my chest.  So, I apologize for the elaboration.  I've never been the type to isolate, but I've gotten to where I just want to get well and have my life back.  Thanks for at least listening.  If you know of anything else I should mention to my pulmo, I'm open to suggestions.  

[Sunny602]

It is good that the pulmo rotates the antibiotics...how often are you on them? The doctor can also tell if you have developed resistance by looking at the results of you sputum culture. Not only will the bacteria causing your infections be identified, the results also give the doctor a good idea as to which antibiotics will work best with the type of bacteria that you have as well as which are resistance. If the doctor hasn't done a sputum culture, then it might be a good idea to get one just to see what you are growing out. You are right about resistance though, after repeated exposure to antibiotics, bacteria can become resistant...at least they seem to have a higher chance of doing this from what my own doc has told me. What does your pulmo think about this concern? As far as thin skin and prednisone, after being on them chronically, there are skin changes and bruising is easier. Skin can also tear a bit easier while on chronic steroids too. Definitely bring your concerns to your doctor as he or she knows your history extensively and can shed better light on this than I could. Sunny