The Doctors Lounge - Infections Answers
"The information provided
on www.doctorslounge.com is designed to support, not replace, the
relationship that exists between a patient/site visitor and his/her
physician."
Back to Infections Answers List
Question: why isn't ig going away???
| pennylane
- Mon Mar 14, 2005 5:14 pm |
Hello, I'm looking for some insight and am glad I found this site.
I've been sick since about October, on and off with the "colds". Back in December, I had Bronchitis and was given an Antibiotic that was strong. I was unaware of the fact that I was pregnant and unfortunately had a miscarriage on January 20th. The bronchitis did not clear up totally and I was put on another Antibiotic. I was also given a blood test. My results indicated that I had a bad viral infection and bacterial infection and that my iron was very low. I was also told that my white blood cell count was very high (14 I believe). I began taking palifer for the iron and an Antibiotic for the infection. I went back recently for another blood test, again another Antibiotic (Suprax) which I am now taking. My WCB went down to 11 (which is still high I'm told). I'm still stuffed up although the Strep seems to have cleared up fairly well. My concern now is that I have 4 days left on the suprax and now I am having underarm and arm pain. Also throuought this time, I have had pain under my left shoulderblade. I should mention that I am a smoker. Could this be cancer of the lungs? Thanks in advance for your help.
|
| angelseakr
- Mon Mar 14, 2005 8:38 pm |
Hi Pennylane, I am sorry to hear about your miscarriage. I know that it is a hard thing to deal with. I would definitly tell your physician about your underarm pain and other complaints. It may have nothing at all to do with what you are dealing with but sometimes you can get swollen Lymph nodes in your arm pit area from infections.
You mentioned you had a viral infection and now since you are on a Antibiotic I am assuming it is bacterial.
Bacterial infections may develop after a viral illness, such as a cold or influenza, and are less common than viral illnesses. Bacterial infections may affect the upper or lower respiratory system. Symptoms tend to localize to one area. In the upper respiratory system, the most common sites of bacterial infections are the ears, sinuses, and throat. In the lower respiratory system, the most common sites are the bronchial tubes (bronchitis) and the lungs (pneumonia).
Bacterial infections are more common in smokers, people exposed to secondhand smoke, and people with chronic lung disease (such as Asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and other chronic medical problems. Antibiotics can effectively treat most bacterial infections.
There are a few steps you can take to reduce your risk of catching a cold or influenza. They include the following:
Wash Your Hands Often
Hand washing is the most neglected, yet most effective, method of disease containment. The primary means of spreading both colds and influenza is person-to-person contact. Effective ways to prevent respiratory infections include: 1) washing your hands thoroughly and often, and 2) avoiding hand-to-hand passage of germs and droplet sprays from sneezing and Coughing.
Avoid Crowds During Influenza Season
This may not be a very practical suggestion for everyone. However, if you are at high risk of catching a cold or influenza, or at risk for developing complications from these infections, try to avoid crowded areas or people who are obviously sick during the winter influenza season.
Get a "Flu Shot"
Each year, the World Health Organization tries to determine which strains of the influenza virus will be most dangerous in the upcoming influenza season. Vaccines are developed for these strains.
Anyone may benefit from a flu shot, but vaccination is strongly recommended every fall for several groups of people people who are at the highest risk for complications. These include:
People over age 50
Infants aged 6-23 months
Residents of chronic care facilities and nursing homes
Those with chronic illnesses, especially of the heart, lungs, blood, and kidneys
People with a weakened immune system
Women more than three months pregnant during flu season
Health care workers who come in contact with sick patients
Caregivers or household members of persons in high risk groups
Flu shots are available at doctors' offices, hospitals, local public health offices, and at some workplaces, stores or shopping malls. A possible side effect is a mild "flu-like" reaction including Fever, aching, and fatigue. Up to 5% of people experience these symptoms after having the influenza vaccine.
Please strongly consider stoping smoking which can exacerbate any respiratory problem. Take care of yourself, vitamins espically zinc and vit c are important. Follow up with your physician about your other complaints.
I hope this helps you and I wish you well.
|
| pennylane
- Tue Mar 15, 2005 8:59 am |
Thank you for the information. I'm sorry I have a follow-up question. My biggest concern and fear right now is the high white blood cell count as my understanding is that it is usually associated with cancer. Could this be the case or are the levels I am showing in my tests normal considering the infections that I have? I fear this also because of the fairly constant naggging pain under my left shoulder blade. Thanks again.
|
| angelseakr
- Thu Mar 17, 2005 6:07 pm |
Hi Pennylane, sorry for the delay, I attempted to write you back but my computer went on the blink.
Usually depending upon the lab a wbc higher than 11.
5 is considered elevated. An elevated wbc is usually idicative of a bacterial infection so if you have one an elevation as you mentioned would be normal.
Perhaps the pain in your sholderblade is from a pulled muscle from Coughing? I would suggest telling your physician about your concerns and getting a CXR.
I hope this helps.
Good luck!
|
| pennylane
- Mon Mar 21, 2005 8:49 am |
Thank you for your help. It is much appreciated, you have put my mind at ease. Enjoy your day! Penny.
|
Check a doctor's response to similar questions
 send
to a friend
|
