How sick is too sick with a chest infection? I cant breathe.

[hereidrawtheline]

Last Monday I got very sick with a chest infection & fever. Tuesday I went to see the nurse who DX chest infection & fever & gave me antibiotics. Now its Friday and I am worse my fever is better but only marginally but my breathing is impossible. I really can not breathe its horrible. It feels like my lungs have been filled with concrete. I went back to see the Dr today - saw the horrible one I hate but the good one wasnt there. She said there was a crackle in both lungs & gave me a prescription for some stronger antibiotics. But really I dont know how I am going to cope. I cant fill my lungs up. I am feeling almost claustrophobic at the moment. I am coughing loads too but right now just trying to sit upright very still and take my mind off of it on the laptop but I really cant think of anything. It is killing me. I havent eaten all week really either.

I had pneumonia about 10 years ago and I am afraid of that happening again. But on the other hand I think no matter what I must not go into hospital because DS 2.6 is ASD and really needs me and would be gutted and confused and distressed if I wasnt around. I dont know what to do. I really just cant breathe.

have you friends or family that you can call to come and sit with you ??

You sound v poorly tbh I would be thinking about calling an ambulance if you truly can't breathe

Where is DS father ?

DH is here. I have been in bed all week not able to really get up at all and DS has been so upset and confused over it I just dont want to put him through any more.

Call your doc/NHS direct and ask for advice.

My friend had pneumonia a year ago and it took ages to clear. You need to see a doc and get help now.

Do you have someone who your DS trust who could come to sit with him?

Ah ok

You have to get medical help though, even if it means your DS being distressed. The longer you leave it the worse it could get and then you would be ill longer.

If you are having problems breathing then the doc should not have just sent you home with antibiotics.

DH is calling NHS direct now. I just dont know what to do. I mean... if I went in hospital if DH didnt drive me I would have to call an ambulance and go on my own. DS is in bed and he is sick himself with fever & D&V so he musnt be put through any more, like waking him up or anything. I feel really confused.

the doctor is horrible. its the shame of the village that she is still in practise.

What MmeLindt said

My son's ASD... he is so sensitive and especially with regards to me. If everything is not perfect he gets so distressed. But I know I need help but not sure what to do.

Its time to call a neighbour or friend out to sit with your ds so that you can go to either out of hours or the hosp without worrying.

DH is on the phone with NHS direct. I am sorry I am not trying to sound dramatic but I feel like I am dying. I just cant breathe an dI am dizzy. I am tyring to keep typing just to stay focused.

Sweetheart, I know it is hard to leave your son, especially if he is ill too.

But you have to go to hospital and get seen to.

Your son will come through this, even if it is distressing for him.

oh god my lungs feel like they are full o f ice and myarms are going fuzzy

am waiting to speak to nurse now but am about to call an ambulance

not sounding dramatic - I had some breathing difficulties last saturday and it was horrendous.

Important thing is, the more you worry about it, the harder it is.

Take a look at your hands, concentrate on relaxing them and keeping them nice and floppy. While you are doing that your dh can sort out getting you to hosp (give up on nhs direct). They will be able to sort you out there no probs.

Yes, call an ambulance. Get yourself off to hospital. Good luck.

I will be thinking of you.

alright. Def give up on nhsdirect. You will be fine I promise. Call an ambulance and then soon you will be much more comfortable.

Well, disagreeing with other posters slightly - I am not sure calling an ambulance is strictly necessary. Go to A&E without delay certainly (I would if feeling as you describe)...but surely someone can drive you, if you are too unwell...

HMC she said that DS has D and V atm

Are yoy coughing up mucus?

I don't think that it is unreasonable to call an ambulance in this situation. HIDTL sounded like she was in considerable distress.

Hope you are ok.

Sorry, I was wondering if your cough was productive or not. Sometimes with an infection, your lung airways can get so inflammed. Sometimes a course of steroids can help in conjuction with the antibiotics.

DH of HIDTL here
Paramedic came and advised ambulance to take her for a chest x-ray and bloods.
After much to and fro she has gone. She really didn't want to leave DS due to his ASD but paramedic said possibility of pneumonia and that has to be checked out urgently.

She has gone and i'm lost. I would normally be with her for anything like this, but I have to stay home with DS.

Paramedic said they may do bloods and x-ray and then send her home due to the liklihood that this is just a chest infection gone bad.
However, that stuff can take ages so I just don't know what to expect.

I am going to phone hospital in about half an hour to try and see what is going on.

Good Luck, it is a very possible it's a chest infection gone bad.

DH of HIDTL
She is in good hands, and you are the best person to look after your DS. I hope that she is seen as soon as possible and is sent home to you and your DS a lot more comfortable that she was earlier. Sounds like it was upsetting for all of you.

If you need any assistance, please post on here. There are MNetters here most of the night, as the overseas MNetters come online later. There is always someone online for you to chat to.