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Original poster

Doctor says there's no middle ground!

152 replies

Stupidcough · 22/10/2019 11:26

Firstly can I say I'm feeling really unwell, so please don't flame me if you disagree.

I'm off work sick at the moment as I have a really sore throat and a nasty cough. It hurts my chest a lot every time I cough and when I speak my throat feels like I have swallowed razor blades. I am weak and tired, with a pounding headache.

I don't have a cold or any other symptoms of one, and this came on very suddenly on Saturday. I was absolutely fine in the morning, and by lunchtime I was in bed.

Rang the doctor's this morning, the receptionist said they don't see people for coughs and I should see a pharmacist. I told her I'm concerned it's a chest infection which is why I'd like to be seen. She grudgingly took my number and added me to her 'list'.

I've now received a text from my GP saying that chest pain is not a worrying symptom with a cough, and if I get chest pain when I'm not coughing I should go to a&e. Otherwise I should see a pharmacist. He includes a link to the NHS page on coughs.

I know it's unlikely to be life threatening, and I am not a person who goes to the GP with a cold, but I genuinely think it is 'something'. I find it hard to believe that there is no middle ground for chest pains between a common cold and a heart attack.

I feel absolutely rotten and now I feel silly having asked for help. I'm never off work so I feel guilty about that too.

OP posts:
Baguetteaboutit · 22/10/2019 12:10

If it's a productive cough with thick phlegm that only reluctantly slides into the water if you fire it to the side of a toilet bowl and it is discoloured in festive shades of green and you feel like you have been run over by a bus and you have a temperature, you have a chest infection.

billynomark · 22/10/2019 12:12

Happyhammy plenty of people have the same symptoms and it's not pleurisy, just a cold virus with a nasty cough. Totally unfair to go to the doctor's surgery on the first day of a virus and expect antibiotics (which most infections will clear without anyway)

SarahAndQuack · 22/10/2019 12:12

Sorry, but sounds just like a cold to me as well. They can be rough.

I'd go back if it's a productive cough/you get that horrible thick phlegm.

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General health
ThreeLittleDots · 22/10/2019 12:14

Colds and influenza are viruses. Antibiotics doesn't work for viruses, just bacterial infections. You don't have any symptoms of a bacterial infection.

Starryskye · 22/10/2019 12:14

You need to get a grip. Just because you've got a bad cough and have a 'feeling' doesn't mean you go to the doctor. You go to a&e in life or death situations or if you have a break. You go to the doctor if you're seriously unwell but not dying. It's not difficult.

Original poster
Stupidcough · 22/10/2019 12:14

I am coughing up mucous and there is a wheeze. I genuinely thought that was obvious when I said 'nasty cough'. (That's not a dig at the PP, I've just realised I didn't say those things to the doctor's receptionist- not that she asked)

I get what you are all saying, I really do. I don't take antibiotics 'just in case', in fact I've had them once in my adult life (for a chest infection, ironically) and I'm in my 40s.

I rarely seek medical help. I don't go to the doctor's for colds, sickness bugs or anything like that. Not do I take the children for things like that. I just think you know your own body, and sometimes you are able to say, ok, something isn't right with me.

OP posts:
adaline · 22/10/2019 12:15

You don't need to have a runny nose to have a cold - sore throat, cough, sore chest and headache are all typical cold symptoms.

Hope you feel better soon Flowers

Original poster
Stupidcough · 22/10/2019 12:17

@starryskye I specifically asked for no flaming, as I'm feeling utterly rotten. But if you're the kind of person that likes to kick someone when they're down then you must have a miserable life. Many people have disagreed with my without being nasty.

OP posts:
SarahAndQuack · 22/10/2019 12:19

I don't think anyone is flaming you, just giving you a bit of no-nonsense advice.

(Also I'm not actually sure you can impose a 'no flaming' rule and use it as an excuse to say whatever you like!).

You feel rubbish; we get it. But it's probably not anything but a cold, and now your doctor's said it, and we've all said it, and you might be better curling up with a hot drink and a blanket and turning off the computer.

PoppyFleur · 22/10/2019 12:21

sometimes you are able to say, ok, something isn't right with me.
You are correct, something isn't right with you, you are poorly with a nasty cough. Be kind to yourself, rest, drink fluids especially warm drinks and have a bath as the steam will help with the mucus. Sleep as much as you can because we heal when we speak.

Feel better soon Brew Flowers

PoppyFleur · 22/10/2019 12:21

sleep!

francienolan · 22/10/2019 12:22

I've just gotten over a similar thing and the doctor had me come in just to tell me to rest hydrate. Went to the pharmacist and she was very helpful and recommended an over the counter syrup that significantly reduced my coughing so I could be in less pain. Honestly pharmacists know their stuff!

ChasingRainbows19 · 22/10/2019 12:22

I had minimal cold symptoms when I had flu but it floored me with similar symptoms as you... could it be flu?

Original poster
Stupidcough · 22/10/2019 12:24

@sarahandquack, I was told to get a grip. I think that is pretty nasty. I haven't 'said whatever I like' at all. I am not on a computer, I'm on my phone, to relieve the boredom of sitting in bed unable to sleep.

I honestly only posted because I was shocked at the lack of middle ground! My doctor's text would suggest that it's either a virus or a heart attack, either way I'm not to bother him. I'm surprised so many people think this is acceptable.

OP posts:
Cohle · 22/10/2019 12:24

Why not go and see the pharmacist rather than complaining on the internet? I'm always amazed by how many people with no medical qualifications manage to diagnose themselves with chest infections.

Original poster
Stupidcough · 22/10/2019 12:26

Anyway, thanks to those with nice messages, I do appreciate them.

And I'm not averse to 'no-nonsense advice' either. I dish it out myself. I just think there's a fine line between that and nastiness.

OP posts:
SpaghettiSharon · 22/10/2019 12:27

Even if it is a chest infection it will get better on its own - I’ve never taken ABs for a chest infection and I don’t currently have one so I’ve clearly recovered.

Bed rest and lots of fluid.

SarahAndQuack · 22/10/2019 12:30

I didn't read it as nasty.

Likewise, I don't see why on earth it matters whether you're on the computer or on the phone. Confused

Just step back from it all. The GP didn't mean any harm. No one else does either. You're just feeling rubbish because you're not very well. Go find yourself a nice gentle film or something to watch and cheer your up.

ThreeLittleDots · 22/10/2019 12:32

I'm not to bother him

He can't do anything for you, your symptoms are normal for a virus - he'll be dealing with cancer referrals, getting called out for end of life care cases, seeing suicidal people needing medication.

The resources for investigating every virus just in case it's bacterial are simply not there! Even if it is bacterial the vast majority run their course with no problems.

adaline · 22/10/2019 12:34

Things don't feel right because you're unwell, OP.

Honestly, a couple of days of bed rest will see you right. Sleep, lots of fluids, tea with honey for your throat and snuggle up with some rubbish on the TV and just rest.

Thingywhatsit · 22/10/2019 12:39

Wow!

Op, I don’t think you deserve some of what is written here.

I think the best cause of action is to get yourself to a pharmacy and get checked over. It’s possible you might have tonsillitis. When I had it, it really felt like I was swallowing razor blades.

If the pharmacist picks anything up then hopefully they will be able to assist with the GP surgery giving you an appointment.

And to the previous pp - chest infections often do require antibiotics. Not all will clear without.

BuggerOffAndGoodDayToYou · 22/10/2019 12:41

Sounds like what I’ve got. Cough, throat feels like I’ve swallowed razor blades, practically no voice, breathing is laboured, generally feel like sh*t, painful chest, aches etc....

I’m drinking hot lemon and honey, taking paracetamol and resting. About to snuggle up with DS and watch a film (he’s got it too).

It’s probably a virus so I haven’t even considered seeing a doctor.

ThreeLittleDots · 22/10/2019 12:42

chest infections often do require antibiotics. Not all will clear without

She's only had it for 3 days, she's not in 'see the GP' territory.

MrsMaiselsMuff · 22/10/2019 12:43

The middle ground is going to see a pharmacist. They have a wealth of knowledge and are often far more useful when it comes to minor ailments than GPs are.

SabineSchmetterling · 22/10/2019 12:44

I have a similar thing at the moment. It’s horrible and I felt awful the last couple of days. I know it’s most likely a viral infection though so I’m just resting up, drinking plenty of fluids and keeping toasty under an electric blanket. I’ve taken some sheet cough syrup too which seems to be helping today. I’m hoping the sore throat will ease off soon though. It’s really painful.
I think your doctor is right but am sorry you’re also ill. Hope you feel better soon.