no subject

[taimatsu]

I have just woken up - i went to sleep after Robert left for work, I think. Can't say I feel much better for it though.

I was debating doctor/no doctor and was thinking no doctor, but I have realised I am coughing up green phlegm which is another bad sign. So perhaps I should see a doctor. However, the walk up there, short though it is, has really taken it out of me the last couple of times I've done it - I've ended up in tears, or leaning on lamp-posts retching, etc. But I feel asking for a home visit would be taking the piss given it's my third call to the doctor's for the same illness, and it's still only flu, and I saw them yesterday! Anyway, a doctor could barely get in the house, it's such a mess, let alone make it to my bedside up here. I don't know what to do.

My chest sill hurts; I still have a rash; my left shoulder is sore; I am still coughing very unpleasantly; my ears still ache. My throat is not too bad at the moment, which is a bonus.

Any advice or thoughts would be appreciated.

Comments

[bopeepsheep.livejournal.com]

Have you seen the Dr since the rash came up? If not, I'd ring. Ours will give advice over the phone, especially if they've seen you recently for the same thing, and they can tell you if a home visit sounds necessary. Without alarming you, something like pneumonia can sneak up very quickly and you're better-safe-than-sorry, like the saying goes. imc's sister-in-law came down with pneumonia in October and it was very quick - between Friday and Sunday she developed symptoms and needed hospital treatment in the end. So although that is probably not what is up with you, the doctors will understand if you need reassurance about what is clearly a worsening illness, and should be happy to provide it.

Hot water bottle!

[kissifa.livejournal.com]

Warmth from a nice hot water bottle not only removes ear-ache (by melting all the mucus built up in the ear canals that link to the throat), but they also shift mucus anywhere, chest, throat etc. Plus it's warm so it makes you feel generally better and comforted.

I also recommend melting some Vix Vapour rub in a big bowl of boiled water and steaming your passages for an hour or two.

Furthermore, a few drops of olbas oil and lavender oil on your pillow will loosen up the chest, help you breathe, and encourage sleep - well it has in my experience anyhow.

*hugs*

[beingjdc.livejournal.com]

Get a taxi.

[taimatsu]

not a bad plan - but it really is only a few minutes up the road, only as far as from dotkitten to Tesco. I have my doubts as to whether a taxt firm will bother to drive me that far.

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[beingjdc.livejournal.com]

When I was illegally sub-letting two rooms on Rectory Road to some fat lazy Americans in Summer 1998, they regularly used to get taxis between Magdalen and the St. Cross Faculty Building on Longwall Street.

Taxis have a minimum charge for precisely this reason.

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[taimatsu]

That's ludicrous. That's... about two minutes on foot, if that! That's hardly any distance at all! I boggle.

[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Green phlegm is bad. Bleargh. And I don't remember coughing nearly this much anytime I had flu...I don't get it.

My sugestion is that you go see a different doctor and get a second opinion, if you can. Because frankly, this is ridiculous; someone should be helping you.

(my mom's a doctor; I have certain biases)

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[taimatsu]

i have seen several doctors at my practice and they have all said the same thing so far... I'll jus have to see how it goes. I am going to make her listen to me properly this time and will explain just how distressed and worried I am.

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[ashfae.livejournal.com]

Good! *hugs* Hope it goes better this time.

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[taimatsu]

It did! They have really nice doctors :) I have more medicine and I didn't feel that I was wasting her time, so that all worked out okay.

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[lnr]

Most coughs you can't do much about other than take cough syrup. Once it's getting to the green phlegm stage though (especially if it's very thick and smelly as well as green, or if it's flecked with blood) and if you're wheezing then it's more likely to be a chest infection, which may be treatable by antibiotics.

[tiassa]

Has anyone given you antibiotics? Green phlegm + persistent cough + earache says, to me, bacterial infection. I've had a lot of experience with those, so.

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[taimatsu]

I have them now :)