not a welly girly

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.

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.

Silverline.

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.

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

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 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?

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

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.

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.

Bo, hope you feel better soon. Sending you good wishes.

My SisterIL tells me that in her area they have 'Friends of the Surgery' who offer lifts to and from the surgery for those unable to make their own way there. I am not sure how widespread this helpful service is.

Things always seem worse in the dark hours of the night, don't they? I hope the antibiotics sort it out for you and hope the comments help a bit too.

I have had pneumonia several times and its a very depressing illness especially is you have to face it on your own. Do take all the good advice already given, take your antibiotics and get plenty of rest and make sure you drink a lot of liquid. As someone mentioned maybe there is a volunteer driver in your area who could drop you right outside the doctors. Or can you possibly make an appointment to see one of the nurses instead. Just take care of yourself and please accept any help that is offered. Do hope you feel better very soon.

I quite understand how you feel not being able to sleep Bo, let alone because you are poorly, it's miserable. The Silverline phone line sounds like a good idea, especially if you can phone while tucked up in bed. Re pneumonia - I remember my Dad had a vaccinatiin against it seceral years ago, but I have not heard of it being generally available or whether you have to repeat each year. I hope you feel better soon, even if it's just in spirit from all the good wishes from us Gransnetters. I will think if you tonight when I'm trying to nod off.? ??

Nanajaws, you have reminded me that I should have a pneumonia vaccination! Everyone over the age of I think it is 65, is entitled to it and apparently it lasts for 10 years. We have our flu vaccination every year and it seems to work well.
Bo, I am so sorry to hear you have been ill. It is always horrible in the middle of the night, when everything seems so much worse. There are schemes to help you with prescriptions etc. Your surgery should know about them. As for your doctor, can you change to another practice in the area? If not, be very firm and clear. DON'T let a slip of a girl who obviously has a lot to learn about people skills, patronise you. You deserve better. All best wishes for a good recovery!

Pneumonia jab available from your doctor. Mine said I'd only ever need one. Hope you feel better soon.

How are you today boheminan?