Antibiotics *

Hi I've just had the same symptoms as in coughing and excess phlegm /mucus ,had blood tests and chest x-ray came back clear did a sputum test abnormal it happens I have a very nasty bug /infection its got a name I can't remember it ,but my breathing has been really bad I had bouts of shivers and sweats ,this was about 6 weeks ago ,I'm still on antibiotics and I had steroids at first ,its a lot better now but the Doc said I've still got the infection and it will take some getting rid of ,I've been reading about lots of people with really bad lung infections that they can't get rid of so maybe it could be that ,the steroids and antibiotics will work very well .let us know how he gets on .

Thanks for the super speedy response! The antibiotics and steroids have not done a thing.  Inhaler has changed for one for copd,  not been confirmed he has copd. Gp been great checking up on him. Blokes don't like going to the gp, but he is ready to go back ! And thankyou. I'll update. Xx

Speaking from my own experience a chest x-ray may not detect lung cancer in every case. This is because a tumour could be in the lung but might be hidden by a rib. A CT scan would be better. Blood tests wouldn't detect lung cancer - it would be good if they did though.

Hope your husband gets to the bottom of what's wrong.

Best wishes Sharon 

Hi there and thanks for the post

I am very sorry to hear about your husband and the symptoms he is currently experiencing, it all sounds very worrying for you both.

Usually with lung cancer an x-ray would pick up some abnormal features that would warrant further investigation. Do mention your concerns about something more serious going on. They can either put your mind at ease or arrange further tests to find out more.

Doctors are trained to assess symptoms which they can then arrange the most appropriate tests for. If tests are coming back as normal despite the continuation of symptoms or they are unsure they can refer to a specialist at the hospital. There are suspected cancer pathways that doctors can put patients on if something more serious is suspected.

Do let the doctor know about the ongoing symptoms and see what they suggest needs to happen next.

I hope you both get some more answers very soon.

Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

Best wishes

Naomi

Thankyou.  I've been in to the surgery and passed them a note with ongoing issues on

 I've asked for a follow up appointment. I've also stressed he mentioned the C word last night

I've mentioned a STT (eyebrows raised)

I'm awaiting a call, there hands are tied unless husband asks for help/ calls ect

Thanks for all the replies xx

Hi my husband had the same symptoms - numerous antibiotics, steroids & chest x-rays but nothing found.  GP sent him to A&E and he was being sent home after being told muscle injury.  Luckily another doctor decided to check for a blood clot and this led to CT and PET Scan and he was eventually diagnosed with Mesothelioma caused by exposure to asbestos as an apprentice joiner 50 years ago.  Nothing ever showed up on chest x-ray.  Sincerely hope it’s nothing like that but it is something that is difficult to find.

My experience....

Spring 2022 symptoms: shortness of breath on exertion and overwhelming fatigue amongst other symptoms (eg palpitations and headaches).

Various tests done: bloods, ECG, 24 hour ECG, echocardiogram. All looks ok.

GP asked cardiology colleague for advice. Cardiologist said if no underlying suspected lung pathology I should be investigated for coronary artery disease.

Summer 2023: Pestered GP. Hello agreed to fast track me to see cardiologist. 

Autumn 2023: Appointment at Chest Pain Clinic who requested a non-urgent CT angiogram.

January 2024: Had CT angiogram and LUNG MASS found. PET/CT, biopsy etc etc. Lung mass was an adenocarcinoma, malignant tumour.

All systems go... Lobectomy (removal of one lung lobe) done April to remove malignant tumour.

Today: I have my life back.

Motto: chest x-rays do not always show lung cancer. If something feels wrong persue it.

I'm terribly sorry about your husband's mesothelioma and wish him well.

Thank you & all the best to you.

Wow. So sorry you went though all of this. I've still had no call back all day, maybe because I'm not him amd he's not asked for the call. It's me asking for the follow up. Which in my opinion they should have due to how poorly he was/ signs and symptoms.  I'll keep pressing for the appointment and try and persuade him to make the call. 

I believe he's also been exposed to asbestos in the last few years which I wasn't happy about due to lack of PPE!! 

Take care and thanks for the feedback,  really appreciate your time. Xx