Re: overuse of antibiotics?

[Guest guest]

Hi Nyzki,

A really seriously tough one..... I avoided, tried anything, even didn’t go to docs when I was younger cos they always wanted me to go on abx... And I ended up with pneumonia twice... Then again, no doc ever explained the damage, nor would they accept that abx do have some pretty awful side effects.

BUT, not treating infx leads to further lung tissue damage and further deterioration – and that, I now know from experience, really changes things. 14-day IV abx in hospital as only remaining treatment ‘option’ left is no fun, believe me.

Usually bronch infx are treated w/ broad spectrum abx. I’d google the ones you’re prescribed, then talk to your doc. Also have found you have to do your own research and find own antidote to affects of abx. Most important thing is to get onto pro-biotics to give your digestive tract a chance to work properly again, and avoid nutrient deficiency that could least to osteoporosis etc when having lots and frequent abx.

Some side effects:

Diarrhoea, then sometimes constipation - use probiotics, and adjust diet accordingly

Rashes – some steroid creams do help. Have never been able to use regular soap, now use Cetaphil wash and moisturiser, and Neem oil – has helped settle onset of rashes before getting too bad.

Osteo-inflamatory-joint pains. I was put on 10mg amitriptylline (spelling?) (Endep) it isn’t strong enough to work as sleeping or anti-depressant, but was discovered to have properties of reducing inflammatory pain in low doses. Has made big difference for me, haven’t had to use codeine-based pain-relief in months (thereby eliminating another cause of digestive troubles!)

Fatigue – if don’t have the other problems, life isn’t so stressful, allows better, natural sleep. A good tonic is a combo of echinacea, astragalus and olive leaf extract, and maybe a little zinc. I use magnesium supplements now but only cos of side effects of current IV abx. And keep up good walks, low impact exercise, keep weight down if you can, and good diet as far as poss, as your income allows.

Sinusitis – get your doctor to check this, there is a good saline flush, but sometimes FESS can make a big difference – certainly has for me, albeit 10 yrs too late....

Reflux – some have meds, I’ve found I can manage if don’t bend/lie down after eating/drinking for at least half hour.

I wish I’d had the benefit of a site such as this, years ago, wish I’d known, but my point is, you’re young enough to learn about this condition and have others who can help where doctors often really don’t, anywhere nearly enough. Bronchiectasis seems really about management being best defence...

All the best,

joy