To go back to the GP?

[Anothernamename]

Hi all.

Currently 32 weeks pregnant and utterly miserable due to a horrid chest infection. It started 5 weeks ago and last Friday I went to the GP as my symptoms were not getting any better. I had a deep rattle in my chest, a wet barking cough, breathlessness and awful upper back pain which is worse when breathing in and moving in certain positions. I was also coughing up green phlegm.

GP prescribed 500mg Amoxicillin for 7 days x 3 tablets per day and I haven’t noticed a great improvement to be honest. My cough and rattle are still here and my back pain is worse rather than better.

I would’ve hoped to have seen an improvement with my wheeze or cough by now but I haven’t and paracetamol isn’t touching the back pain at all. I don’t have a fever and I haven’t had one at all in the last 5 weeks but I have experienced chills and aches. GP thoroughly listened to my chest and back Friday and did confirm it was an infection despite lack of fever.

I just don’t know whether I’m unreasonable to call again, is this just how long chest infections take to clear and is the back pain a normal part of it? I’m getting so fed up with feeling rubbish and having to take time off work to rest as I’m so tired with it.

Call the hospital maternity department as well. See if they can get you seen by a lung specialist to culture the bacteria to get you the right antibiotic.

@ButterCrackers Thanks for your reply, I was considering triage but was unsure if they would see me for this? I may give that a try if I don’t get anywhere with the GP. I just am concerned that I don’t want to pester. Should Amoxicillin have started to shift it by now?

I don’t know but I do know that you have to have the right antibiotic for the bacteria. There’s a test where they take a swab or your cough up into a small pot that’s sent for analysis. Your doctor will know what’s best. Check with the midwife too as they could get you seen. I hope you’re better soon.

Thanks I’m going to call the GP now and see what they say

I hope all goes well.