Should I go back to A&E??

[Rolypops]

I have had a horrendous cough for two weeks now, I was so bedridden by it I didn't test for Covid but I cannot shake it, and two days ago I started to cough up blood. I went to A&E and after a ghastly seven hour wait was told that I have probably got a chest infection or bronchitis, was given steroids and antibiotics and sent home and told to go back in three days if not better, which would be tomorrow. However after a seeming improvement yesterday I am worse than ever today, a horrible loud wheeze when I breathe out and green and bloody stuff coming up with each coughing fit. I am short of breath but no temp.

Just don't know what to do, coughing so hard I can't hold my bladder and blood coming up cannot be normal. Should I go back to A&E or will they tell me to wait another day for the abs to work? They only tested basic stuff when I was in there the first time. I was only given enough steroids for a few days.

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Oh OP! You can have pneumonia and be at home, just seems that in your case the antibiotics weren’t enough quickly enough. I expect you are on IV antibiotics and you’ll start to feel a lot better soon. But it will take a while to make a full recovery. Be kind to yourself!

My auntie had it at 70 and she is now fine with no further problems.

Try get some sleep.

I had pneumonia a few years ago and it knocked me off my feet for a few weeks. I think the important thing is to listen to your body and take your time. Get as much rest and sleep as possible to give your body healing time.
I remember how scared I was when I heard them say pneumonia, sending you a hug. You're going to be fine.

Hopefully you are getting some rest and the right treatment .. 💐

I'm sorry they've diagnosed pneumonia it can be painful as well as breathlessness.
You're in the right place for IV Antibiotics which will work much quicker than the tablets you had at home
Do ask the nurses if you're struggling.
I hope you're as comfortable as you can be.

I hope you feel better really soon OP. My mum has COPD and has had pneumonia a few times, antibiotics and steroids worked for her ❤ recovery takes her a few weeks to feel normal. I had it once aswell.when I was 20 after a chest infection 💐

As I said, I had pneumonia.
I wasn't hospitalised but the antibiotics did work, in the end.
Although if you are prone to blood clots I would recommend you walk short distances often. I know how hard that is. I ended up with a DVT in my leg because I didn't move much.

Hospital transmission of covid is not very low. I would be wearing respirator masks (FFP3) if in, and I work there!
No testing, staff and students encouraged to work even if positive, and very few masks worn.
Studies have shown that around 30% of patients testing positive in hospitals acquired it there.

Take care, OP.

@DoughnutDreams I work in hospital. The latest NHS England figures reported last week show a grand total of 2722 hospital patients with COVID across the entire country, and 2982 staff either Covid positive or self isolating across the entire NHS. https://www.england.nhs.uk/statistics/statistical-work-areas/covid-19-hospital-activity/

@DoughnutDreams you would wear an FFP3 with pneumonia, wheeze and breathlessness?
I found it difficult to tolerate without pneumonia!

There is no routine testing of staff or patients, even with symptoms, so current statistics are meaningless.

I would imagine covid on top of pneumonia would be more unpleasant than wearing a mask. Since staff are not willing to protect vulnerable patients, I'd have to try and protect myself.

It would make much more sense if we were to try and protect our patients from HAI, obviously.

@DoughnutDreams do you really think now is the time to be going on about this? Op is unwell and worried.

If you want to be dramatic start your own thread.

OP said she is worried about covid. Advising to think about wearing a mask is helpful. Downplaying risk is not.

Take your own arguments elsewhere.

@DoughnutDreams even if you quadruple those figures to allow for unreported cases, they’re very
low. There are about 170k nhs beds, and 1.27m staff.

@DoughnutDreams can you site your study sources also?

You were right to go back to A&E. Hospitals can prescribe things that GPs can't such as intravenous antibiotics.

Rest up, try not to worry and get better.

If they find anything else wrong with you we'll cross that bridge when you get there.

I hope you feel loads better after some rest and food and the good drugs. xx

I hope you have managed to get a little sleep and that you start to feel better soon

You need to trust that you're in the right place, OP. Hang in there. x

I e had pneumonia twice now. Last year had it for several months before finally being admitted to hospital. Within 48 hours on intravenous antibiotics I was feeling so much better and went back home. It's amazing how the right antibiotics do the job. I'd had two lots of amoyxycillin that did nothing. Hopefully by Monday you'll be really feeling on the mend.

Ah bet you feel like a right twerp now you've read the whole thread right @Daz57 ?

There has been a change of opinion the senior doctor thinks I have bronchiolitis which I thought was something only children got?! Bit worried as he said it's quite rare in adults. Do have a treatment plan though and should be allowed home tomorrow but generally feel so anxious and exhausted.

Fingers crossed they sort you out lovely.

It's good news if you get to go home.

Try and rest, I know it's easier said than done in hospital xx

Glad you've finally been seen op, what a relief for you.

Have they given you antibiotics?

Rest up and get better soon 💐💐☕

How are you doing @Rolypops?