Self Medicating

[jw47]

I was wondering if anyone had comments of self medication. I have mild COPD and my nurse has prescribed steroids and antibiotics to have at home and to be used if I get a chest infection. At the moment I have a chesty cold, no increase or colouration of mucus, temperature staying around 36.6 but I just feel a bit low with no energy (probably like most of us at this time of year)
I am a bit reluctant to start taking the above medication

Any comments would be read with interest

[retrocop]

Read the instructions on the prescription and take them as directed. They are given to you for a specific problem so self medicate.

[retrocop]

Forgot to add. With COPD even a minor chest infection needs attention.

[barry1010]

Do you know that you have a chest infection? A cold will make you feel lousy with no energy as your body already struggles with COPD. If you don't have a chest infection the antibiotics won't help at all.

[dannyk13]

I also have COPD with stand-by antibiotics and steroids.You are better in a position to know whether you have an infection.From what you describe I would say your lack of energy is not due to an infection.

[jw47]

Thanks for your comments. My query is that if I take the antibiotics now for which I think is just a cold what happens if I do get a chest infection Although as I said I have mild COPD I am not short of breath of have a need to use the blue inhaler, Not really sure the self medication is a good idea. I know its difficult to get Drs appointments nowadays but I don.t think I would bother the doctor with my present symptons. Was really more interested on comments about self medication

[woofgang]

I think it can be useful. In the past when I have had intractable sinusitis, I have had a standby prescription of antibiotics but I knew when the simple self management techniques weren't working. If you aren't sure in your own case, then it might be worth giving your specialist nurse a call for guidance, both for this specific case and more generally.

[barry1010]

I too have antibiotics at home in case of a chest infection but I always know when I have one as I get a pain in by upper back, between my shoulder blades as well as the usual symptoms such as a high temperature. I only take the antibiotics if I am absolutely sure that I have a chest infection and it works for me.