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Author Topic: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE  (Read 13338 times)

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Offline sweetasmeli

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Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« on: November 20, 2006, 11:37:20 am »
Am bunged up and miserable as shit with what the village doctor describes as: an upper respiratory infection. I presume he means chest infection. It started out as a cold about a week ago, developed into cold and sore throat, then bit of fever yesterday (that seems to have gone now) and now a cough, snotty nose, stuffy head and lots of lovely green slimey stuff...yum!

The doc checked me out yesterday and said he couldn't hear anything a la stethascope but says if I want to be sure, then go ahead and get an xray done.

The thing is my energy level is zero at the moment, I feel like crap and I can only get it done in town, which is about an hour away. If I go it will mean hanging around for a few hours for my friend who will give me a lift but has stuff to do. I have the choice of getting it done for free in the germ-infested hospital (where most people who go in come out sicker than when they went in!) or paying about 50 euros to get it done at a private clinic. Either choice means I have to drag myself outdoors while I'm feeling like crap. I'm on strong antibiotics and a cocktail of phlegm/catarrh beating concoctions and anti-inflammatories already. (For those of you who know my stance on taking conventional meds, you will understand what a hurdle just that was for me to get over...)

So I guess my question is: How necessary is an xray at this point?
I'm obviously thinking about the risk of pneunomia...

My health hasnt been great for about 5 months now. Have gone from 4 years of great blood counts and pretty much nothing (illness wise) to a mediocre blood count in Sept and - since June - shingles, herpes, stomach bugs, a tooth abcsess and now this. Plus my energy levels have plumetted and, well, I just feel different.

Last few blood counts:
Dec 05 - CD4 570/35% VL 1110
Apr 06 - CD4 535/35% VL 1020
Sept 06 - CD4 287/30% VL 4927
No meds. The Sept tests were done after a month of a recurring stomach bug. 

Think that the stress of past few years may have finally caught up with me...
Delighted as you can imagine.

Any advice welcome.

Melia

 

« Last Edit: November 22, 2006, 11:53:31 am by sweetasmeli »
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Offline frenchpat

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #1 on: November 20, 2006, 11:46:12 am »
Melia,

sorry to hear you are not well.

As for advice, I am no specialist so... all I would say is try to rule things out one by one.
We're all different but it could be that your zero energy levels are entirely due to present infection. I remember having just about 200 cd4 and 500000 vl and still feeling ok...

sorry I can't help more :(

(((((((((((((((((((((((((MELIA)))))))))))))))))))))))))))))


Pat :-* :-* :-*

People have the power - Patti Smith

Offline RapidRod

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #2 on: November 20, 2006, 11:46:38 am »
Melia, that is one of those catch 22 questions. Hell if you do, hell if you don't. You probably need to have one done and have it over with instead of wishing you had. I hope it comes back clear and nothing really seriously wrong.

Rodney

Offline MSPspud

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #3 on: November 20, 2006, 12:09:35 pm »
Hi Melia -  I am sorry to hear about your continuing health issues.  Unfortunately I don't have any answers for you considering everything your taking and what I know you're doing.  I will remind you to make sure you eat yogurt and to take bacterial supplements after your round of anti-biotics.  While they are sometimes a necessary evil, I really hate how they kill all the good too.  I've had some recent rounds and the only upside is they curbed my appetite and I've shed 5 pounds of unnecessary trunk fat.  

I also know you don't want to hear this, but the time may be coming to consider meds.  I am on them and I can say, I feel much better then the months leading up to the decision to start therapy.  I started having the continuous one off sicknesses, including shingles and figured it was a warning sign that I needed to give my immune system a break.  Honestly, if you can handle the ills of anti-biotics...  anti-virals are a breeze (at least for me, b/c I know this will stir controversy).

Hang in there.   An X-ray may not hurt in the meantime.  Have you also done a Vitamin C flush in case this is viral?

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #4 on: November 20, 2006, 12:14:18 pm »
Thanks for the acidophillus reminder Jason...forgot to take them today.
Whats a vitamin c flush?
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(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

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Offline MSPspud

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #5 on: November 20, 2006, 12:42:33 pm »
The vitamin C flush is something my mom prescribed when I could feel a cold or sickness coming on.  It basically detoxes and can have an anti-microbale effect.  While the process is tedious, I found it be ward off impending sicknesses fairly well.  I'm also a fan of detoxing from time to time.   

http://www.perque.com/pdfs/Pt_Ascorbate_Slush_FIN.pdf

Offline thunter34

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #6 on: November 20, 2006, 12:54:30 pm »
Girlfriend!  I feel your pain!  As some of my buddies on here can testify, I've been battling the ick for a good month now.  I was also concerned about PCP.  Checked in with my medical folks.  They told me that PCP would present with a tightness in the chest and a generally dry cough- not lots of green goo (and I had a lot of it).  I think the PCP threat is greatest below the 200 mark.  I wouldn't totally rule out the X-ray, but if you really feel like a big pile o' crap right now, you might could try to hold off on it for a day or two and down some Sudafed.  That's what finally started me on the uphill climb.  I was like you and tried to hold off on pills and just get over it on my own.  It wasn't happening.  I don't know exactly where you are located, but my doc told me the chest infection thing was just going around like wildfire down here Georgia way. Good luck.

Tim
AIDS isn't for sissies.

Offline Christine

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #7 on: November 20, 2006, 01:25:51 pm »
Hi Melia,
It is probably better to get a chest xray to rule out pcp. It usually presents with a fever, tightness in your chest (like someone put a belt around your rib cage and you can't inhale completely), a dry hacking cough, and pain upon inhalation.

When the doctor listens to your lungs it sounds like a rattle when you inhale. The chest x-ray will show spots on the lungs, and a ct scan will look like spun glass in your lungs. They can also do a oxygen saturation test. It is a little clamp that goes on your finger that measures the amount of oxygen in your blood stream..as close to 100 that you can get is best.

When I had pcp in March, I had the O2 test, and my counts were 92-94 something around there, but my heart rate was really high indicating that I was breathing really hard to compensate for not taking in my normal amount of oxygen.

It it were me, I would get the chest x-ray just to be sure it is not pcp. If it would be pcp, you want to be able to start meds as soon as possible.

Sorry you feel so horrible. I will keep you in my thoughts and prayers.
Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline penguin

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #8 on: November 20, 2006, 02:45:02 pm »
melia…

URI, is any bacterial/viral infection affecting nose, sinuses, throat etc..and in this case probably means sinus infection (judging by the slimey green stuff description!)

other than to give you some extra reassurance.. i wouldn't see an urgent need for the xray, if you’re on antibiotics already,& getting there’s gonna be a trek. Pneumonia creates quite distinctive chest sounds, which your dr would have heard with a stethoscope.
Keep taking the antibiotics, + paracetamol/decongestants as needed, and plenty of fluids.  If you’re not feeling better within the next few days, and/or your temperature spikes, get back in touch with your dr. Otherwise, rest up, and feel well soon.

kate

Offline blondbeauty

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #9 on: November 20, 2006, 03:20:18 pm »
I had two chest x-ray the first time I went to the hospital to have my first diagnosis confirmed + an electrocardiogram + many other serology tests to find any of the infections known by man. I tested positive for HIV, Toxoplasma, Epstein Barr and CMV. The two chest X-ray took only 30 seconds, so I encourage you to have them done instead of living in the anxiety of not knowing what is going on inside you. Even if the hospital is a nest of germs, an x-ray machine will not transmit you any disease. Trains, buses and undergrounds have much more germs than the dirtiest hospital. The air conditioning conductions of the planes I fly are clogged with dust and bacteria and here I am. Alive and happy.
« Last Edit: November 20, 2006, 03:22:51 pm by blondbeauty »
The only member in these forums approved by WINBA: World International Nail and Beauty Association.
Epstein Barr +; CMV +; Toxoplasmosis +; HIV-1 +.
Counts when starting treatment:
V.L.:80.200 copies. CD4: 25%=503
Started Sustiva-Truvada 14/August/2006
Last V.L.count (Oct 2013): Undetectable
Last CD4 count (OCT 2013): 52%= 933

Offline allopathicholistic

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #10 on: November 20, 2006, 03:58:53 pm »
Hi Melia,
It is probably better to get a chest xray to rule out pcp.

Ditto! Plus it's kind of cool & can satisfy your curiosity. Hugz to you honey


Offline newt

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #11 on: November 20, 2006, 05:36:32 pm »
You don't need an x-ray, you need 2 weeks at a spa.  :)

Chest x-rays are not diagnostic for PCP btw.

Get well soon. xxx

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline AlanBama

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #12 on: November 20, 2006, 07:24:05 pm »
Matt's right, they do sputum (sp?) testing for that.

Melia honey, I'm sorry you are ill and I hope you start feeling MUCH better real soon!   OK, don't laugh.....my advice:   a good strong slug of bourbon whiskey.
It has helped me in the past....

warm hugs,

Alan
"Remember my sentimental friend that a heart is not judged by how much you love, but by how much you are loved by others." - The Wizard of Oz

Offline Eldon

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #13 on: November 20, 2006, 08:44:17 pm »
Hey Melia,

It is unfortunate that you are feeling the way that you are due to the circumstances that you are dealing with. As far as whatyou described, a chest X-ray would be in proper order to identify if there is any potential problem that could occur.

I am sending you get well wishes. Take care of you!



Make the BEST of each Day!

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #14 on: November 21, 2006, 02:33:20 am »
I'm staying put today. I have no fever, no tightness in chest and no huge problems breathing. Just sore throat, irritating and exhausting cough and producing lots of the lovely green stuff, mm mm! Plus I feel wasted and dont want to be out and about anywhere today, especially amongst other people with all their germs!

The antibiotics and all the other crap I'm taking should have kicked in properly by tomorrow. If I dont feel any better by then, I'll go and get fully checked out - xray and all.

Thanks for your all your advice and get wells.

And now back to my couch, hot water bottle and pile of dvds...

Melia the Mucus
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(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #15 on: November 21, 2006, 09:39:52 am »
Ok I give in. I'm going back to the docs tonight.

My throat has gone noticeably worse and nothing is soothing it, not the anti-inflamms, not the gargle stuff, not honey and lemon, not the lozenges. The skin around my face and neck is very hot to touch but my temp reading is normal. And I'm developing lumps on the back of my tongue! I can't tell if they're painful or not cos that whole region is painful anyway. I can barely swallow. And I think the green stuff is on my chest now. My breathing seems to have changed...

I thought once I was on the antibiotics for a few days I would start feeling better...incidently, the antibiotic I am on Ketek. Does anyone know anything about this stuff? Cos I googled it and ended up scaring myself!

Wtf?

Not amused.

Melia >:(
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline penguin

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #16 on: November 21, 2006, 10:16:54 am »
ketek = telithromycin,a macrolide antibiotic. good, strong stuff, esp for things like tonsils,sinuses,chests.. if this is a viral infection though, antibiotics will only treat any secondary bacterial infection.

some people can be allergic to it, but this would happen within the first couple of doses..

hope your dr can give you something to help - let us know how you get on.

kate



« Last Edit: November 21, 2006, 10:28:00 am by penguin »

Offline newt

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #17 on: November 21, 2006, 11:13:38 am »
Ketek is a new-generation antibiotic, generic name telithromycin, it belongs in the same familiy of drugs as erythromycin, azithromycin, clarithromycin etc (macrolide antibiotics).

It is unnecessary to be on such an advanced drug for an upper respo infection, a basic broad spectrum peniciilin like amoxycillin or older type of macrolide like azithromycin (Zithromax)  or clarithromycin (Biaxin)  is usually sufficient to prevent a secondary bacterial infection. Ketek is only necessary when you have a known macrolide resistance. FDA issued a warning on Ketek because a few people got fulminant (ie fast) hepatitis (n some copped it), but as Kate says, if this was gonna happen it would happen quick like.

- matt
"The object is to be a well patient, not a good patient"

Offline Christine

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #18 on: November 21, 2006, 11:22:03 am »
Melia,
Sending you good wishes and prayers. Let us know how you are doing.

Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #19 on: November 22, 2006, 02:54:54 am »
Ok morning after.
Pulled some strings and managed to see a lung specialist doc (cant remember the official name) at hospital last night. Xrays all clear, yay! It is indeed viral and I have toncillitis. That's why the antibi's were doing sweet fa apparently. So doc gave me some medicine through an oxygen mask to help my breathing (that was wierd), prescribed some stronger anti-inflammatories, an inhaler and some throat rinse for what he suspects is thrush. (Matty, if you're reading this, damn Kepek Ketek Kerplunk!). He also told me to stop the antibi's cos there's no point but to carry on with all the decongestant stuff. But I spoke with my hiv consultant in the uk this morning and he advised me to finish the antibiotics, seeing as I only have 2 days left. So I'm going to do that. It's confusing taking advice from conflicting views though on a subject I know nothing about! The best I can do is keep treating the symptoms and hope the virus passes sooner rather than later. I have to let him know how I am in 2-3 days.

At moment would gladly rip own tonsils out...

Melia de Mucus
(that one's for Frenchpat)

PS: Thanks for your kind wishes and pms!
« Last Edit: November 22, 2006, 05:52:05 am by sweetasmeli »
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(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #20 on: November 22, 2006, 04:17:21 am »
I hope you feel better, Melia. It seems a lot of that is going around. My godson is just getting over strep throat and a friend of mine's little son (had to be about 4 or 5) had it bad and I took them to the E.R.
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

tendai

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray?
« Reply #21 on: November 22, 2006, 04:45:14 am »
get well soon

Offline frenchpat

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #22 on: November 22, 2006, 02:52:00 pm »
Melia,

the news aren't great but at least you now know what you are dealing with. I hope that despite the conflicting advice from your docs (worth getting a third opinion ?) your health will improve soon.

Once you get rid of this bug we'll have to find you another classy "nom à particule" - just let me know ;D

Pat :-* :-* :-*

I absolutely love the pic you use here and am trying very hard to do just that... thanks!
People have the power - Patti Smith

Offline Christine

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #23 on: November 22, 2006, 04:49:29 pm »
Sending you good thoughts that it all clears up soon, and that your throat feels better really fast. That is a nasty feeling.

Christine
Poz since '93. Currently on Procrit, Azithromax, Pentamidine, Valcyte, Levothyroxine, Zoloft, Epzicom, Prezista, Viread, Norvir, and GS-9137 study drug. As needed: Trazodone, Atavan, Diflucan, Zofran, Hydrocodone, Octreotide

5/30/07 t-cells 9; vl 275,000

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #24 on: November 23, 2006, 02:49:28 am »
Ok I received a 3rd opinion last night, that I actually didnt ask for, but got anyway.
The village doc who first checked me out and prescribed the antibiotics wanted to check me out again last night. He called me and asked me to go in to see him. After checking my throat and lymph glands, he said there is NO WAY I have tonsillitis...

AAARRGGHHHHH!!!!!!!!!

He also said that he still doesnt think it is viral because my blood test shows me white tcells are normal (about 8700). He also says I do not have thrush and would not have it after only 3 days on Ketek.

AAAARRRGGGHHHHH!!!!!!

He does however say that I do have big ulcers in my throat, which are why I am in so much pain and can no longer swallow anything beyond juice, smoothies and soup.

I dont get it. I really dont get it. What f**kin school of medicine do these docs graduate from? How can they have such conflicting diagnoses and ideas? Who the hell am I supposed to put my trust in?

AAAARRRGGGHHHH!!!!!!

Still Melia de Mucus >:(
« Last Edit: November 23, 2006, 02:51:06 am by sweetasmeli »
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline frenchpat

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #25 on: November 23, 2006, 03:00:44 am »
That's awful!

But this isn't really 3rd opinion; at this point I would get a 3rd doc involved - I realise it is more travel and uncomfortable moments - but  this doesn't make sense. I have experienced such contradictory diagnoses and they suck. Unfortunately, through dealing with our health challenges we discover that doctors sometimes are no better than your average plumber ::) - !poof! one more illusion gone...

I wish you loads of energy to go through this

Pat :-* :-* :-*
People have the power - Patti Smith

Offline anniebc

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #26 on: November 23, 2006, 03:29:05 am »
Hi Melia

Sounds to me like you have a sever case of tonsilitis..but if your Doc says no, then I don't know what to say...have they done any swab tests?

Warm hugs from NZ
Jan :-*
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Offline Queen Tokelove

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #27 on: November 23, 2006, 03:33:04 am »
It's funny that none of these doctors can come to a conclusion. What did they go to school for, the letters behind their names? I can understand how frustrating that must be. I hope you feel better soon. I'm full of home remedies but I'm sure that prolly wouldn't help or you've tried it already. Get Well Soon.
Started Atripla/Ziagen on 9/13/07.
10/31/07 CD4-265 VL- undetectable
2/6/08 CD4- 401 VL- undetectable
5/7/08 CD4- 705 VL- undetectable
6/4/08 CD4- 775 VL- undetectable
8/6/08 CD4- 805 VL- undetectable
11/13/08 CD4- 774 VL--undetectable
2/4/09  CD4- 484  VL- 18,000 (2 months off meds)
3/3/09---Starting Back on Meds---
4/27/09 CD4- 664 VL-- undetectable
6/17/09 CD4- 438 VL- 439
8/09 CD4- 404 VL- 1,600
01-22-10-- CD4- 525 VL- 59,000
Cherish the simple things life has to offer

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #28 on: November 23, 2006, 03:50:25 am »
Jan
They havent done any swab tests. I didnt know they had to, so I dont understand why they havent. The doc last night just said there is no way its tonsillitis because my tonsils are not red and swollen and my lymph glands are not up. I really dont know what to do next.

QA
It IS frustrating! At home I've been juicing loads of fruits, taking extra vitamin c and echinacea, and gargling with warm lemon and honey. Also just sticking to smoothies, warm drinks and soups for time being...what else do you have?

Melia
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline gerry

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #29 on: November 23, 2006, 05:16:02 am »
Melia,

Sorry to hear about your current problems.  It does not sound bacterial because you are getting worse in spite of the antibiotics.  You probably should have another chat with you HIV consultant to discuss the possibilities about what the throat ulcers could be in the setting of your current CD4 counts.  Here's a link about possible causes of ulcers in the mouth, throat and esophagus: Ulcers.  The article touches on using steroids for aphthous ulcers but you should not even think about this unless the diagnosis is absolutely certain (just mentioning this as a caution since this was highlighted in the article); if there is a possibility that it could be thrush, fluconazole would be a pretty easy fix.  And developing thrush does not have to be related to using antibiotics in the setting of HIV.

For symptomatic relief, not sure what's available where you are, but lozenges, sprays and gargles that contain topical anesthetics (assuming you are not allergic) may help.  There's Chloraseptic lozenges that contain bupivacaine, for instance.  There is also viscuous lidocaine 2% that can be given as a prescription and used as a gargle.

Hope you feel better.

Gerry

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #30 on: November 23, 2006, 06:12:41 am »
Gerry
As well as Ketek, which I finish today, I'm currently under the following presciption:

Mesulid anti-inflammatories
Trebon N (acetylcysteine)
Trachisan lozenges
Dexarhina nasal spray
Hexalen gargle

Which for someone who is loathed to take meds is a royal pain in the arse!

I'm actually in Greece and my hiv consultant is in the uk. Wont be seeing him till next month so any further advice he can give would have to be over the phone.

Thanks for your advice and get well wishes.

Melia
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline JohnOso

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #31 on: November 24, 2006, 03:46:20 am »
Melia,

Re: throat swabs....usually at our hospital, if the doc suspects tonsillitis or otherwise some throat infection, he/she will swab the throat to rule out "strep throat".  that way, he/she will know the appropriate antibiotics to prescribe. 

some viral infections will cause a sore throat (and in which case no antibiotic will work for the primary infection).

I am really sorry that you are feeling bad.  I know how miserable those upper respiratory infections can be.  And to have three different docs tell you three different diagnoses...jesus h. christ!

)if you are leery of catching something else in a hospital waiting for an xray, you could always ask for a mask to wear and make sure you wash your hands frequently....certainly wouldn't hurt, in any case)

PS  I have seen many chest xrays of PCP patients and the vast majority look "okay"...the only surefire way to directly diagnose is to do an invasive bronchoscopy.

john

Offline sweetasmeli

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #32 on: November 26, 2006, 01:31:06 pm »
I have stolen most of this post from a pm I sent earlier today. Couldn’t be bothered repeating myself…

I went to see my usual village doc yesterday, who I know better and respect most out of all 4 of the village docs who I’ve had dealings with (he wasn’t available before yesterday though…unfortunately).

It is not tonsillitis because my tonsils are not enflamed enough for that. It is not bacterial, otherwise the antibiotics would have done the job before now. And there is no thrush in my throat.

He told me to stop all the treatment I’m on. He said it is definitely viral and is just something I’m going to have to sit out with an intake of lots of liquids, vitamins, fresh fruit (whole and in juices) and vegetables (in soups). He said if the pain in my throat is unbearable and/or I have a fever – which I did last night and I have all day today - just take paracetemol. He says there is nothing else I can do except be patient and let it pass in its own time. He reckons all the stuff I’ve been taking this past week – the antibiotics, decongestants and anti-inflammatories prescribed by the other docs - have exacerbated the problem.

Great.

So here I sit, sitting it out.
Throat still raw, chest still full of catarrh and nose still expelling stuff that looks like something dredged from the bottom of a swamp.
And still bloody miserable. But a teensy bit more hopeful that it will pass in time…cough splutter!

Melia :(
/\___/\       /\__/\
(=' . '=)    (=' . '=)
(,,,_ ,,,)/   (,,,_ ,,,)/ Cats rule!

The difference between cats and dogs is that dogs come when called, whereas cats take a message and get back to you.

Yeia kai hara (health and happiness) to everyone!

Offline Teresa

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  • Posts: 1,755
Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #33 on: November 26, 2006, 04:57:06 pm »
Melia,

Im hoping this awful stuff runs its course and soon! Hang in there. Your in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs
Teresa
Hubby HIV+ 5/5/06
CD4:320
  %: 26.7
 VL: <20
Atripla (started it 8/24/06)

Offline Eldon

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Re: Do I need to get a chest xray? UPDATE
« Reply #34 on: November 26, 2006, 05:13:50 pm »
Hello Melia,

Stay strong. You are also in my thoughts and my prayers.


Make the BEST of each Day!

 


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