Hi All,
Thank you so much for writing.
I am not taking Nexium or Zantac never have.
The prednisone is a have to because if I don't I can't even get out of bed because of the pain. It's not like I take 20mg every day. It might be 20mg two days in a row, 10mg the next...but it is always some every day.
What happened was when I had pneumonia in October it started out just like a cold, runny nose, headache then it moves to my chest. I went to the Med Center and had a wonderful Dr. who understood and said because of my compromised immune system, she was going to put me on a HIGH dose of Antibiotics. It was called Avelox (I think) 1 pill for 7 days. By the 4th day I was so sick my husband took me to the ER and they admitted me because even on the high powered antibiotic I still had a fever and was so sick. While in the hospital I still took the Avelox and they did an IV antibiotic called Roecephin 1 IV every 24 hours for 3 days. That seemed to kill it out.
The second time I got pneumonia was Dec. 26, I went back to the same Med center because they had record of the first episode. Also my GP who I love couldnt get into him for like 3 days. The second Dr. I did not like but he listened and I was started on a high powered antibiotic called Levelox or something like that PLUS I told him I wanted Roecephin injections, so we did 4 shots once every day. Even with all that it took weeks for me to get over.
So this time I go back to the same place because they have a record of my past and the Dr. is a complete goober. He said nothing showed up on the chest xray, but why when I breathe or cough you can hear that wheezing. I guess it could be a cross between bronchitis and pneumonia except I have had it so often that dont you think I would know??? Given my history he should have just pulled out the big guns because of my past and I told him all of that. The Z pak is just like candy to my immune system. I don't like big drugs, but that is what it is taking now to knock the infections out.
I don't know I have been thinking should I maybe go to an immunologist to try and rule some things out or try to boost my immune system? I am doing the best I can at taking care of myself. They all seemed stupified when I tell them I don't smoke and never have. I don't drink, do drugs. I try to eat healthy, try to walk for 30 minutes a day. I just know if I can't stay well I won't be able to start Enbrel. My biggest fear is I will be one of the 2% that dies from an infection with Enbrel.
I truly am at a loss at what to do and who to trust. I think Drs. have gone WAY overboard thinking everybody is out to get them and just wants drugs. It never use to be like this. I can't imagine having to deal with this for another 25 years. I need someone who is going to trust me and my judgement. I do tremendous reading on our condition, keep records, journals...meds so I am not stupid.
Thank you for all of your support it means so much.
Lisa
