not a welly girly

You're not being a wimp or 'giving in' when you take antibiotics. You need them because you are ill. I end up on several courses over the winter but I would end up in hospital if I didn't take them. I do worry about taking them so often but I really have no alternative. In fact I would be on steroids with the type of cough you describe. It's not good that your surgery/pharmacy are so far away-is there a volunteer driver scheme in your area to help get you to the doctor? Often it's the WVS that run it or the Round Table. Or does pharmacy operate a home delivery system? You need to ask for help when you need it - you must take good care of yourself. Don't continue to suffer alone - I would come and help you if I could and I bet there are people near you who would do the same. I hope you feel better tomorrow.

The fumes probably creep up between the bedclothes to your nose and so down to your chest. Putting some on a tissue, folding it inside so that it doesn't burn your poor raw skin, and holding it under your nose could have the same effect.

Rubbing Vick on the soles of your feet Bohemian,
DD recommended that, rub Vick on your feet and wear a pair of warm socks to bed.

loopy so did I

I really do feel for you boheminan. I've just about got over a nasty cough and cold which has been plaguing me for about 4 weeks. At its worst, around 2.5 - 3 weeks ago, like you, I had no hope of getting to sleep - I was being convulsed with such frequent coughing, and in between the wheezing and rattling in my chest was just so flipping noisy! I kept thinking I should have seen the doctor, because maybe it was more than 'just a virus', but I didn't. I just kept expecting hoping it would clear up.
I do hope you get through this soon. I know how desperate it can feel being awake, and utterly exhausted, when everywhere around you the world has gone to sleep. ((((Hugs)))) and for you.

Rubbing Vick on the soles of your feet Bohemian, what's that about? I've never heard about it and would be very interested to learn more

Welly girly I thought this was referring to welly boots, oh well!

Poor you Bohemian that's truly miserable, it really knocks you for six.
I do hope all you poorly GNs pick up quickly x

I know just how you feel boheminan as I also live alone and have just gone through a nasty illness. It was dire, but I eventually pulled myself together. I found that I was not feeding myself properly - I don't particularly enjoy cooking and was I just eating enough to stop me feeling hungry but not enough as I was loosing weight. So I did an online order for lots of goodies which didn't need much preparation. Luckily I live within walking distance of my surgery, chemist and co-op too so I got some fresh air eventually. So do feed yourself properly.

I know how it is, I put off going to the GP even when I know I should but feel I am moaning!

However, sometimes needs must, especially with an infection.

A bad chest infection can wipe you out completely - you are not being a wimp! I am sorry you have to do all that taxi-ing to get what you need - what a b***nuisance. Any helpful neighbours around? Don't think you are puttingon them if you ask for help - would you not do what you could for them in similar circumstances?

I think you should lie back in the warm and get the anti-b's down your neck and stop feeling that you are making a fuss - you are ill for goodness' sake! You must look after yourself, give in to the "sick role" and take care.

Thanks jingl and rosequartz for being bossy! I need shaking up at the moment.

I put off of going to doctors.

My own doctor's always fully booked, so I have to see a locum - the last one I saw was very offhand. She was newly qualified and l ended up feeling anyone older than 50yrs is a waste of space and should be put own!

Getting anti-biotics involves a long haul to the surgery. I have to get a taxi there and back. The doctor won't come out. There's always a long wait and when I finally get to see a doctor, I feel I'm a waste of time and space wingeing about my various aches and pains. This is all topped up with a long walk to the chemist to get my script. I hastily add, thank goodness for the NHS and that I have a doctor to go to.....

Gone are my days of Carvel capsules and Vick! though I've tried rubbing Vick into the soles of my feet, as recommended by some folks on here, and it really does seem to have alleviated the coughing How?

jingls is right - you musn't wait and hope it will go away on its own, I know antibiotics are over-prescribed but as soon as you realise it is the beginning of a chest infection you need to start taking them.
Some people ask for them for colds! But if you are prone to infections you really do need them before it gets worse.

There - that's you told
Sorry to sound bossy, but I have to nag encourage DH the same

I do hope you feel better soon

Thanks Teetime, I knew someone with a better memory than me would know.

Oh! What do you mean, you "finally gave in" and started the antibiotics? You mustn't let all this stuff about over-prescribing deter you from taking medicine when you really need it.

I really hope they kick in soon and you start to feel a lot better. Take care.

Silverline.

It's horrid to be awake in the night isn't it. It feels as though the whole world is asleep bot you. I remember that from feeding babies in the night and feeling they were so vulnerable. It must be worse to be awake and alone with no-one else in the house and feeling ill.

I can't remember what it's called, but Ester Rantzen's phone line for older people who are lonely is, I think, open all night. Some one who is more awake will be along in a minute who can give you better advice, I'm sure, but I wanted to reply to you as soon as I saw your thread.

bo I'm so sorry that you are unwell at the moment. I have had pneumonia a couple of things and some nasty chest infections and I think those are the only times I didn't want to be alone to be ill. This kind of severe illness is very depressing and its hard to 'pull yourself together' as you probably think you should. the other side of the coin is that in my experience people love being asked to give you a helping hand its makes them feel good and when then tell you its no bother they mean it. If I lived near you it would be me on the doorstep wanting to come in a pester you with my ministrations but as it is I'm here and so are all the other Gransnetters. I hope you have a better day today.