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Original poster

DH horrendous cough

273 replies

justbananas42 · 12/11/2021 22:17

DH is on day 4 of isolation and his cough is really terrible. It’s practically non stop and he’s wretching occasionally as well. He also feels very under the weather, like he has a case of flu or something. He’s 44 years old and double jabbed with Astra Zeneca. I’m worried Sad

OP posts:
amazonianwoman · 23/11/2021 00:37

DH went to A&E cos oxygen sats were 92 but once he got there and moved around they were over 95. He was slightly embarrassed!

But if they stay 92 or below even after movement (not strenuous, just movement) then need to act.

Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 00:37

And paracetamol not nurofen - this was advised near start of pandemic.

@amazonianwoman it was, but it now says you can take paracetamol OR ibuprofen on the NHS website. So it seems the advice has changed?

OP posts:
amazonianwoman · 23/11/2021 00:40

@justbananas42

And paracetamol not nurofen - this was advised near start of pandemic.

@amazonianwoman it was, but it now says you can take paracetamol OR ibuprofen on the NHS website. So it seems the advice has changed?

Oh ok. Still prefer paracetamol but as long as ibuprofen not taken on empty stomach (you said he isn't eating much) and for prolonged period - don't want to risk stomach ulcer!
Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 00:42

@amazonianwoman I will pick up some paracetamol tomorrow. And I will make sure DH has moved about a bit before doing the oximeter readings!

OP posts:
Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 00:46

Something else I’ve noticed - he often feels like a radiator to touch, even though his temperature is back down to 37.3C. Not sure what that means?

His pee was very dark and infrequent but is back to normal since he’s upped the fluids. He also has a bit more appetite today.

OP posts:
thaegumathteth · 23/11/2021 01:17

@justbananas42

Something else I’ve noticed - he often feels like a radiator to touch, even though his temperature is back down to 37.3C. Not sure what that means?

His pee was very dark and infrequent but is back to normal since he’s upped the fluids. He also has a bit more appetite today.

I am NOT medical but I wouldn't worry about that as long as it seems like the thermometer is giving an accurate reading (eg test yourself).

37.3 when he's on 4 hourly nurofen is maybe an indicator it would be higher otherwise though.

Seriously OP also remember to try and rest yourself

SunshineCake1 · 23/11/2021 07:17

This is outrageous and so scary for you. If this was my husband I would be ringing the GP every morning and would keep ringing the same morning getting a different receptionist each time until someone would see him. I would also do the online 111 form as well as ringing. I'd do everything I could before going to A & E but at this stage if you don't get an appointment today I would go to hospital.

I had been poorly and I am pretty sure it was my dh telling the 111 call answered my sats were 92-94 that got me an appointment and not the other symptoms.

Kikkomam · 23/11/2021 07:23

Sounds positive op. Nurofen every 4 hours is a lot, try paracetamol to give his tummy a break although you can take both together if you need to.

HalfHope · 23/11/2021 07:29

OP I had something like this with a virus in January 2020. PCR did not identify which virus but I had an ongoing fever for over two and a half weeks, awful cough, brain fog but GP could not hear chest infection. GP upped nurofen dosage to tackle the never ending fever. I actually asked if she thought I'd ever get better. Eventually she did hear signs of infection by week 3 and I got antibiotics. I think your DH needs someone to listen to his chest for signs of infection.

parentalhelpline · 23/11/2021 07:43

I had an unknown virus (which might have been Covid) last May and after ringing 111 on two consecutive nights because of low sats they called an ambulance and I ended up in hospital for a night. COVID meant that they were being cautious and gave me a chest X-ray and did blood tests, and concluded that whatever virus it was had opened the door to bacterial pneumonia. They gave me antibiotics and literally within hours I started feeling better - the oximeter started measuring 95+ rather than low 90s and the fevers and night sweats stopped. Still took weeks for me to feel properly better though.

It does sound to me like he might have a chest infection, maybe pneumonia, and needs antibiotics. I would keep pushing for a doctor to see him.

Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 08:50

I rang his GP surgery first thing this morning. After being informed I was number 22 in the queue, I finally got through and he’s got a telephone consultation this afternoon. I’d rather he was seen face to face but I suppose it’s better than nothing? What do you think?

OP posts:
Sallydimebar · 23/11/2021 09:43

GP should see you if they feel it’s needed. We have big sign up in waiting room to keep mask on as covid patients are also being seen in surgery.

We also have a covid care centre, 111 made us an appointment with them to check rash on DS when he had it .
You can go A&E if really urgent they will isolate you on arrival .

I would get in touch with 111 and ask to be seen at local covid centre if you have one .

Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 09:48

I’m struggling to cope - I feel at rock bottom mentally. I’m also failing my DC as we’re not getting out much and are watching so much TV. I just don’t have the energy Sad

OP posts:
Sallydimebar · 23/11/2021 09:54

If he’s had temp for 14 days I would want him seen by someone now if nothing else to give you peace of mind . DS had double ear infection riding off covid his temp was ongoing and needed antibiotics.

LatinforTelly · 23/11/2021 10:14

Do not worry about your child(ren)! They will be absolutely fine. They are warm and fed and loved. Two weeks (or a month, or two months) of telly is not going to harm them! BrewFlowers

Try and be very definite with the doctor this pm. He has had a temperature for over 2 weeks, still low oxygen etc etc. Rehearse saying "No, he needs to be seen" ("He needs" better than "I want" or "I'd like")

Sarahschild · 23/11/2021 11:17

It sounds like it has turned the corner and is now possibly pneumonia.
Stop the nurofen, only supposed to have 6 a day.
Can have 8 paracetamol a day.
Loads of fluids even if he doesn’t feel like it. Water, herbal tea, watered down juice, lots of vitamin c up to 2000mg daily.
His oxygen sats will come up if he sits sitting upright and does the breathing of smell the cake and blow out the candle. So deep breath in through the nose and out slowly through the mouth like blowing out a candle.
Gentle walking will bring it up.
He may need anti biotics. I was like him then went to the dr for the third time and was prescribed AB’s and felt a little better each day.
Sorbet is good to get fluids in or chicken broth.

IWishTheBishopWell · 23/11/2021 12:57

My Covid cough lasted about 8 weeks.

I tested positive for Covid in early August and was off sick for 7 weeks. I have since had 6 courses of antibiotics:

  • 1 in week 2 for a secondary chest infection
2 in late August/early September for a kidney infection 3 since mid September for 3 UTIs.

It's not uncommon for people with Covid to need antibiotics for secondary infections, especially chest infections.

Astounded no-one is seeing your DH. My chest infection was diagnosed remotely by 111 during my isolation period - I'm asthmatic so they trusted my judgement without seeing me. Both 111 and my GP and indeed the Covid Monitoring Service advised me there are services which see patients in their isolation period if deemed necessary.

Ask your DH to have you with him when he speaks to the doctor so you can feed in too, especially if he minimises.

SorryPardonWhat · 23/11/2021 13:04

That's great that you have an appointment this afternoon. Insist on being on the zoom with DH, you know more about his obs than he does. Make a list of all his symptoms now, including a history of when it all started etc. Also make sure you tell the GP this is affecting family life, and that you can't cope any more. GP needs to get the full picture. Best of luck.

Original poster
justbananas42 · 23/11/2021 14:04

Thanks for the replies. I have some good news - the doctor called and DH explained about the awful cough and how long it has been going on for, as well as his oxygen readings. They've prescribed antibiotics, steroids and one other thing (DH wasn't sure what it was). I'm going to collect it all from the chemist this afternoon.

One thing I'm a bit annoyed concerned about is that DH didn't mention his temperature and the fact that the nurofen could be masking a high temp, but at least he's going to get some proper medicine now.

I'm so relieved that they're finally taking this seriously and not trying to fob him off with throat sweets!

OP posts:
Glinsk · 23/11/2021 14:19

They've prescribed antibiotics, steroids and one other thing
This sounds good. I was in hospital a week with covid and given strong steroids (among other things). They will increase his appetite and help his lungs. If he has some pnumonia the ABs will help.

time4anothername · 23/11/2021 14:23

@justbananas42

Thanks for the replies. I have some good news - the doctor called and DH explained about the awful cough and how long it has been going on for, as well as his oxygen readings. They've prescribed antibiotics, steroids and one other thing (DH wasn't sure what it was). I'm going to collect it all from the chemist this afternoon.

One thing I'm a bit annoyed concerned about is that DH didn't mention his temperature and the fact that the nurofen could be masking a high temp, but at least he's going to get some proper medicine now.

I'm so relieved that they're finally taking this seriously and not trying to fob him off with throat sweets!

well done, hope you can relax a little now. It doesn't matter about the neurofen as they'd have done the same presumably. Personally I'd stay off the pain killers now unless my temp went very high or pain was stopping me sleep so that I could better monitor how I'm going on the medication regime but check in with the doctor about that if not sure.
Maybe the other thing prescribed is an antiacid because it is important to not take steroids on an empty stomach or when the lining is already irriated.
heldinadream · 23/11/2021 14:26

Thank goodness. I hope you feel better now too, and can stop feeling so stressed and worried.
Wishing you all well.

SorryPardonWhat · 23/11/2021 16:42

Excellent - well done both of you!

LatinforTelly · 23/11/2021 16:53

Good news, OP. Very much hope he turns the corner now.

Bobholll · 23/11/2021 17:03

Why aren’t your kids at school OP? Send them in surely?! Or nursery? Or are they very young & don’t go? Can family take them? Can you take annual leave while they are out the house & have a rest? Or just pull a sickie and rest? You sound very tired.

111 are useless in my opinion. No offence to the doctors but they are overworked & usually seemed pissed off they have to call you. My GP is brilliant. Far better to contact them if you can!