COPD?

[shotzie5]

I'm 57 in a couple of months and was diagnosed with asthma a few years ago.  I've had some really bad episodes with it, but had been doing very well until recently.  I also have had a lot of URI's, sinusitis, and bronchitis.  For nearly two months now, I have had bronchitis, sinusitis, and problems with the asthma.  About every ten days to 2 weeks, I have gotten an antibiotic shot, a steroid shot, and oral antibiotics.  (four treatments thus far).  I am also on an albuterol inhaler when needed 4x a day, 500 mg advair discus 2 x a day, and 10 days ago started a tapered dose of prednisone, which I finished today.  I'm still producing huge amounts of thick mucous, coughing, congested, wheezing, breathing difficulty, and running a low grade fever (avg. 99.2 to 99.9).  Sometimes, when I cough, I feel as though I will pass out.  There is not as much pain in my chest and back now,  though, as there had been.  I drink a lot of water and have been trying to rest, but I just generally, don't feel well and am drained from this going on so long without a break.  My husband, about a week ago, came down with what appeared to be the flu.  I always get a flu shot and have had a recent pneumonia shot (last year, I think), but did not get a flu shot this year because I was not well enough.  I don't feel like I have the flu, no flu achiness, but don't know for sure.  I also have AS (ankylosing spondylitis) but have been doing really well with that.  I am not a smoker (quit 20 years ago) and avoid chemicals, perfume, etc. whenever possible.  My mom suffered from severe COPD and was on oxygen for quite some time before she died from colon cancer.  My 80 year old dad has had part of a lung removed from lung cancer and also has asthma and is on breathing medications.  I'm not sure what to do next, but what has been being done is not working.  Any suggestions would be appreciated.  Thanks!    KATKAM

[shotzie5]

Well, my husband and I both went to the doc yesterday and they put my husband on oral antibiotics.  They gave me the usual shot coctails, but changed the oral antibiotic, so we will see.  I am hopeful that changing the antibiotics will make a difference, finally.  Will keep you informed.

[Sunny602]

My goodness! Also another thing your doc could do for you, get a sputum culture. If you have a resistant bug then that would explain why the antibiotics may not be working. A sputum culture serves two functions: one, to ID the bacteria or fungus (there is also such a thing as viral cultures) causing your problems and two, give the doctor a list of antibiotics to which the organism is sensitive to. From that list, the doctor would choose the antibiotic(s) that would most effective. To me, it sure sounds like you have an infection...yeah, definitely ask for that xray. I am glad that you have a good repoire with your doc, 18 years? Wow!
I am so sorry that you are in this much pain..I know that whenever I got pneumonia, my chest hurt like hell along with my back for some reason. From what I am guessing, you are hurting in your lower back near your kidney region. What antibiotics have you been on? Some of them actually cause my kidneys to inflame.
It is definitely time for more aggressive treatment so that you can finally feel good.
I have very resistant bugs in my lungs due to my CF issues and being on a vent, anytime I start to feel bad all I have to do is call my doc, tell them what is going on and within a day, I am on IV antibiotics as orals don't work for me. I did the oral antibiotic dance for some time...I would take them for the prescribed time feel a little better and then quickly slide backwards. I used to do this for a few rounds...not anymore though. I go directing to IV's usually for at least a f ew weeks minimum, knock the bugs down and then move on.

Right now, I am doing okay for me....I was finally given permission to go outside and mingle with the public. I was recently in the hospital for 3 weeks on strong IV antibiotics for pneumonia/bronchitis. It really did knock me out for awhile, but I am a toughie!

I will be keeping you in my thoughts...please let me know what the doc decides with you. Sunny

[shotzie5]

Thanks for your invitation and comments.  I have been on antibiotics, both by shot and orally for the past 40 days or so.  Each round of treatments has begun with an antibiotic shot, a steroid shot,  and then 10 days of oral antibiotics (I've done four rounds of this).   My doc has not done an xray or PFT's or CT.  Yesterday, I had a moment of optimism, as I felt a little better, however, that was short lived.  I woke up during the night with my chest killing me and it has been that way all day.  I'm coughing much worse and bringing up more yellow stuff ,as well as still running a fever, which I know indicates infection.  I am hurting in my back where I believe the kidneys are also.  I have been going to this Doc for 18 years and he has always known what to do for me, but this is just not working.  I go back tomorrow and will take your advice and ask him about some tests and specialist.  I think it is time.  I'll keep you updated.

How are you doing?  I am so sorry you are going through so much.  - Kathy

[Sunny602]

You certainly are going through alot...and so getting these infections or exacerbations so frequently now. Has your doctor ever done PFT's on you (pulmonary function tests) or run other tests such as xrays even a CT of the lungs? It is obvious (as it is to you as well) that your current treatment isn't working as well as it could. This has got to be frustrating for you. I would see a pulmonologist at this point, a fresh pair of eyes would not hurt right now. You are on Advair, just finished another burst of prednisone and albuterol nebs from what I gather right now. Are you on any antibiotics? It sounds like you could easily have another infection as your hubby is sick too.
I would see your doctor and also ask to see a pulmonologist for further testing once you are well enough to do them (to get baseline results on PFT's). I hope that this has helped...Sunny