What is wrong with me?

[Sesame2011]

Im really trying to figure out what is wrong with me as im getting symptoms that could be a variety of things! I have already spoken to my GP twice so just looking for another perspective.

2 weeks ago started with a cold but could power through. Usual stuffy/runny nose, feeling unwell. A few days later a horrible hacking cough arrived, not unusual for me during a cold. This cough has been particularly brutal, gasping for air during relentless coughing attacks, not wanting to go out due to embarrassment, unable to get to sleep due to constant coughing.

A week later (on Monday) I still wasn't better. I suspected a chest infection. Got a telephone appt with GP who said its probably viral so not much they can do however prescribed amoxicillin just incase.

Today (2 weeks after symptoms started) I still feel really unwell, like generally run down, dont want to move. Got a face to face appt with GP who said my lungs sound clear, gave me stronger antibiotics and some codeine for the cough. Signed off work with chest infection.

However all day today I have also had pressure/mild pain in lower back. Don't think im constipated? My temperature is fine however sometimes get chills. Still feeling absolutely awful, cough is still very much there, have an on/off headache, appetite has decreased but not gone completely.

Is this just a really nasty viral infection? The lower back issues make me worried about kidney infection, can this happen after a bad cold/chest infection?

It does just sound like a virus. Do you really need antibiotics as you have no temperature and lungs are clear.

Thanks. Probably not but the GP gave me them to try.

Could be pleurisy but unlikely.

You will just build up resistance to antibiotics when you really need them. I never take them if there is no infection detected. Pain killers, yes. Paracetamol if you need it but other than that plenty of rest, lots of fluids and nourishing food. It can take a long time to get over a virus.

There have been some horrible viruses around which seem to be taking a while to clear. (I’m assuming you’ve done a Covid test). I’d suggest to keep drinking lots of water to aid your mouth, throat and chest (for moisture and chest clearing) and also to keep your kidneys functioning well. Keep resting whenever your body tells you to and take regular Paracetamol to deal with the temperature. Hope you feel better really soon and if not after another week maybe ask your GP to run some blood tests. Thinking of you. I get viruses on a far too regular basis for my liking !

Have just been ill for the best part of five weeks, typical head cold symptoms with some fever, chills and zero energy. I felt better after about ten days though DH then got just the kind of cough you describe. Three weeks in I got a second wave, laryngitis, sinusitis and bacterial conjunctivitis with being totally wiped out. It did all go away but I lost May.
Give yourself time, rest and don’t push yourself. So frustrating!

You don’t personally build up resistance to ABs, the bacteria does.

But I agree with you and it’s a terrifying thought.

Thanks all. Ive taken my temperature again as I feel really cold and its 38 degrees so need to keep an eye on that now.

We are supposed to be going on a trip tomorrow (3 hour drive there, home on Sunday) and dont think I should be going.

No, you should stay home and rest.