Having a rough time with respiratory infection

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone, I'm sorry but I need to whinge about germs and bacteria

and all such nasties that are taking up residence in my upper

respiratory tract right now. I've been knocked flat by a real

humdinger of an infection, which hit me incredibly fast and hard. I

woke up on Wednesday morning feeling a little grotty and like I was

getting a cold, but nothing too serious. By lunchtime however I

developed a hacking cough that caused me to dislocate a rib and it

was a rapid descent from there. Within 20 minutes I was being rushed

to the emergency doctor, unable to breath and in so much pain I

honestly began wondering whether my rib had triggered a pneumothorax.

The doctor was very concerned about my breathing which by now was

getting laboured, but still just sent me home with a script for

antibiotics. Stupid really as I should have been sent to the ER for

oxygen therapy and IV meds but was too weak and tired to argue. By

the time I got home my breathing had become almost impossible and I

was spiking a temp of 104. I literally curled up in a ball on the

sofa and on more than one occasion during the next scary few hours I

actually stopped breathing for minutes at a time. I was terrified and

should have been in hospital I know, but I was felt so ill I couldn't

even bear to move. My poor long suffering parents were besides

themslves with worry. Thankfully as the afternoon progressed the meds

kicked in and I was able to use a steam therapy machine which helped

ease my breathing a little.

I've been taking the antibiotics religiously since, but thanks to the

infection and dislocations from coughing, I've now developed

pleurisy. Rather worryingly too, my throat has become infected since

starting the meds, leaving my tonsils green and covered in horrible

ulcerated lumps. I'm now concerned that I may be developing a

secondary strep throat infection that isn't responding to the

antibiotics. I haven't eaten in two days and even drinking is

becoming difficult. My temp is still spiking highs of around 102, my

head feels like there a jack hammer in there and I can't stand up

without the room become a roller coaster. And of course I hurt all

over because every time I cough or sneeze I sublux or dislocate

something, usually a combination of my shoulder, ribs, neck or jaw.

Something else that is freaking me out though, every time I have a

coughing fit my heart rate goes ballistic, staying tachycardic for

lomg periods and throwing ectopic beats all over the place too.

I'm sorry for the whine, but I really do feel rotten and very scared

right now as last time I feel asleep when I woke up I was suffering

syncope and my finger nails were blue from reduced pulse/ox. Grrr, I

hate germs!! Hope everyone is doing and thank you for allow me to be

pathetic again!

Love and hugs.....Jo

xxx