What Do You Do When You Get Sick?

[bloominacres]

Hi all,

Not to sound stupid, but I am wondering if I need to be seen by my primary care physician. I have just come down with the second cold in 4 weeks. This one is much different in that I have a 101 degree fever, chest congestion and everywhere on my body hurts. I really hate going in and spending the $50 copay just to be sent home to bed. On the other hand, should I be more concerned than usual? I have not had a cold per se for over 5 years, so this is a bit much.

 

I am on Plaquenil, have diffuse with lung involvement, etc. Any advice would be much appreciated. I am getting my flu shot next week, if I am well.

 

Warm hugs to all,

Mary B

[janey]

Mary,

I so sorry that you are feeling bad. You would think disease was enough, but NO - then we have to go and get sick. :angry: I would definitely go see a doctor that is well acquainted with your condition and get a chest x-ray. Now that you have a fever, you need to make sure that you haven't developed pneumonia. Don't let them send you home without an x-ray (I speak from experience.)

 

And you're right - you can't get a flu shot if you are ill. So you need to see what's going on and correct it first. Please let us know how you are feeling and what you find out at the doctor's.

 

Big Hugs around you,

[peanut]

Mary, A yucky painful fever is the worst. I'm sorry dear. During the year before my diagnosis I kept getting sick. It was crazy and it took forever to get over it. It really just took a lot of rest and limiting my exposure to people and public places. Even now I'm quite aware of who I'm around because I'm on immunosuppressants.

 

Janey's right about the x-ray but get the best lung doctor you can find to do it. I went to the ER twice with a viral infection in my chest and they said I was fine. However, a few months later I got an x-ray done by a pulmonary specialist and she said otherwise. She told me that an average doctor would look at this x-ray and say I was fine, but because she's a specialist she knew what to look for.

 

Get Lots of Rest,

peanut

[CraigR]

I agree with the others. A fever can be a clue that you have a secondary infection, so you shouldn't take any chances. The only thing that I would add is that there is also a vaccine for pneumonia (some forms).

 

Craig

[debonair susie]

Hi Mary,

 

Nothing I can add that hasn't already been said :rolleyes: .

 

So, I'm only here to say... Feel better soon.

 

Big Soft Hugs,

 

Susie

[Sweet]

Hi Mary,

 

Sorry you are feeling so lousy love. I would definitely see a doctor. With your lung involvement you really don't want to take any chances. Also beings this is the 2nd cold in 4 weeks, makes me wonder if you really got over the first cold and perhaps this time it's just manifesting itself a little stronger.

[bloominacres]

Thanks for all your replies. I did go see my primary care physician. No pneumonia according to the chest x-ray. He did a nasal swab for flu and I will know on that tomorrow. Just said to continue doing what I was doing and if things didn't improve to come back in for supportive care. Whatever that is.

The fever has broken and everything is soaking. Sheesh.

 

I have had a pneumonia vac, but that only covers pneumococcal pneumonia, which is the BAD one. Hopefully I will be well enough to get my flu shot next week, unless of course this is the flu.

 

Thanks for all your thoughts.

 

Warm hugs,

Mary B

[WestCoast1]

Hello Mary, I have not had the chance to welcome you to the Forums...so welcome! I am so glad to hear that you went in to the doctor. Like Sweet said, with lung issues, its best to play it on the safe side.

 

I hope that you are feeling better every day!

[janey]

I'm glad you went to the doctor and got a chest x-ray. Better to be safe than sorry. Also glad that pneumonia was not apparent. SO - it looks like the time for a nice hot bowl of chicken noodle soup. Nothing better for a cold and for warmer you body than than. P :)

 

Please get some rest and take care of yourself, or even better, let others take care of you.