Weird trip - more time in A&E than sightseeing
Mar 21st, 2017, 12:24 PM
#21
Original Poster
Just a quick follow up -- Trying to recover (from the jet lag - not the illness)
I left out a couple of other things I did fit in - A window table for dinner at the Portrait before walking over to the ENO Pirates, and touring Spencer House followed by a lovely lunch just up the road at the Wolseley.
Missed out on Red House and lunch w/ a friend on Saturday.
No -- not the ankle, and not related to what Patrick mentioned. A totally different thing. Friday evening I came down w/ a full on sinus infection and by Sat AM had a fever and couldn't breathe - I know the UK isn't big on antibiotics for these sorts of 'minor' infections but they have helped me in the past so I was hoping. After we determined there was no surgery or consulting Dr available, the staff at Dolphin Square (Much improved and updated since the last time I stayed there many years ago BTW- highly recommended) . . . called an NHS consultation line of some sort and after 20 minutes giving history etc -- she told me to go to St Thomas' Urgent care. Specifically to NOT go to A&E but directly to the Urgent care clinic. So that is what I did. Only problem is -- one <i>cannot</i> go to Urgent care w/o first clearing triage in A&E. So I walked all the way around the hospital campus to A&E and waited and waited and waited -- only to be told there were no openings in Urgent care today or the next day. She made me a Sunday 8AM appointment at the Stockwell clinic - wrote down all sorts of official looking referral notes and sent me on my way.
So I make my way down to Vauxhall/Stockwell early Sunday AM - got there just before they opened at 0800 and was first in line . . . and they had never heard of me and there was no appointment recorded
But they weren't that busy and got me in pretty quickly. The doctor was terrific (and if central casting wants someone to play a dishy young doctor with a great bedside manner in some steamy soap opera -- he'd be your guy.
) He wouldn't budge on the antibiotic (I figured as much) but did give me two prescriptions that worked a miracle. These things typically last me 7-10 days and by Monday morning I was feeling MUCH better.
So now I'll have to have a talk w/ my own GP next time I snag one of these . . .
I'm still congested but I can breathe and the cough and scratchy voice and fever are all gone.
Wasn't looking forward to the long flights home but at least I was alive
Until . . . I left the lounge at DFW to board the final leg to SMF . . . And over the next 5 hours boarded and deplaned not 1, not 2, but THREE different planes before they found one that could actually take off! Got home just after midnight.
I left out a couple of other things I did fit in - A window table for dinner at the Portrait before walking over to the ENO Pirates, and touring Spencer House followed by a lovely lunch just up the road at the Wolseley.
Missed out on Red House and lunch w/ a friend on Saturday.
No -- not the ankle, and not related to what Patrick mentioned. A totally different thing. Friday evening I came down w/ a full on sinus infection and by Sat AM had a fever and couldn't breathe - I know the UK isn't big on antibiotics for these sorts of 'minor' infections but they have helped me in the past so I was hoping. After we determined there was no surgery or consulting Dr available, the staff at Dolphin Square (Much improved and updated since the last time I stayed there many years ago BTW- highly recommended) . . . called an NHS consultation line of some sort and after 20 minutes giving history etc -- she told me to go to St Thomas' Urgent care. Specifically to NOT go to A&E but directly to the Urgent care clinic. So that is what I did. Only problem is -- one <i>cannot</i> go to Urgent care w/o first clearing triage in A&E. So I walked all the way around the hospital campus to A&E and waited and waited and waited -- only to be told there were no openings in Urgent care today or the next day. She made me a Sunday 8AM appointment at the Stockwell clinic - wrote down all sorts of official looking referral notes and sent me on my way.
So I make my way down to Vauxhall/Stockwell early Sunday AM - got there just before they opened at 0800 and was first in line . . . and they had never heard of me and there was no appointment recorded
But they weren't that busy and got me in pretty quickly. The doctor was terrific (and if central casting wants someone to play a dishy young doctor with a great bedside manner in some steamy soap opera -- he'd be your guy.
) He wouldn't budge on the antibiotic (I figured as much) but did give me two prescriptions that worked a miracle. These things typically last me 7-10 days and by Monday morning I was feeling MUCH better. So now I'll have to have a talk w/ my own GP next time I snag one of these . . .
I'm still congested but I can breathe and the cough and scratchy voice and fever are all gone.
Wasn't looking forward to the long flights home but at least I was alive
Until . . . I left the lounge at DFW to board the final leg to SMF . . . And over the next 5 hours boarded and deplaned not 1, not 2, but THREE different planes before they found one that could actually take off! Got home just after midnight.
Mar 21st, 2017, 01:02 PM
#22
Thanks for the details. Sorry about the three planes! Nothing worse than flying with sinus problems. Last time I had to do that I was deaf for the rest of the day.
Can you share the names of the prescriptions? I'm all for avoiding antibiotics when possible.
Can you share the names of the prescriptions? I'm all for avoiding antibiotics when possible.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 12:06 AM
#29
For those who think this is crazy British thinkin, antibiotics rules are there because they only work on stuff caused by bacteria, funghi and some parasites.
Overuse of inappropriate antibiotics is making some of these nasty things impervious to anitbiotics.
I'd hope the USA is doing the same, but maybe they think this is false-news?
Overuse of inappropriate antibiotics is making some of these nasty things impervious to anitbiotics.
I'd hope the USA is doing the same, but maybe they think this is false-news?
Mar 22nd, 2017, 12:28 AM
#30
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 754
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm agree with you about the antibiotics, bilbo. Antibiotic overuse is just like guns overuse in the US: it aggravates the bad bacteria and kill some innocent bacteria. Doctors in France also give antibiotic very rarely.
Janis, your flight home sounds tiresome. Rest well ^^
Janis, your flight home sounds tiresome. Rest well ^^
Mar 22nd, 2017, 03:19 AM
#32
Join Date: Feb 2007
Posts: 6,144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Well said Bilbo and Furryfluffy. Resistance to antibiotics is a global problem and the misprescribing of antibiotics is one of the major factors in the development of antibiotic resistance (so called superbugs). By definition antibiotics treat bacterial infection and are unsuitable for little else. They also need, as far as possible, to be specific to that bacterial infection - not broad spectrum. The wrong type of antibiotic or even the correct type taken for an inappropriate length of time - actually enhances the survival of superbugs as it helpfully ensures they are the only bacteria left from a mixed colony. Even if you can survive this, other people with compromised immune systems or colonisation by long standing deep seated infection often can't. When I see people advocating taking prophylactic antibiotics overseas as part of their travel first aid kit 'just in case' it really does infuriate me.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 04:23 AM
#34
Join Date: Sep 2016
Posts: 2,302
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Add France and Belgium (at least) to the list of crazy cuntries which try to limti antibiotic use.
Here a very nice video about misconceptions on antibiotics (in French) :
http://www.ina.fr/video/PUB2393615081
Janis cats and wine and whisky are the best healers.
Hope you recover full ysoon.
Here a very nice video about misconceptions on antibiotics (in French) :
http://www.ina.fr/video/PUB2393615081
Janis cats and wine and whisky are the best healers.
Hope you recover full ysoon.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 09:34 AM
#36
Join Date: Jun 2013
Posts: 1,118
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Janisj happy to hear you squeezed in some fun between being sick and visits to the ER. Thanks for clarifying A&E- to me that's arts and entertainment.
On our last flight coming home, the guy next to me put ear plugs in during take-off and landing. I wonder if that helps alleviate the problem with ears when one has a cold? He wasn't too friendly, so I didn't ask.
On our last flight coming home, the guy next to me put ear plugs in during take-off and landing. I wonder if that helps alleviate the problem with ears when one has a cold? He wasn't too friendly, so I didn't ask.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 09:45 AM
#37
Join Date: Oct 2013
Posts: 7,964
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I've read that using earplugs reduces ear problems. I tried it once, and didn't have ear problems, but I also haven't had ear problems most of the times I haven't used them. Those other times, though! It's one of the worst pains I've ever had.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 10:39 AM
#38
Join Date: Jul 2007
Posts: 637
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Janisj:
Glad you're on the mend from the infection and recovering from jet lag. Sorry your travel plans were curtailed - been there and done that.
I, too, have similar sinus infections that are difficult to bring under control and would like very much to know what you were prescribed as treatment as opposed to antibiotics so I can try that method next time I'm struck down.
Aside: watching the tv news accounts unfold of yet another insane act of violence in London. Appalling, sad, sick making.
Glad you're on the mend from the infection and recovering from jet lag. Sorry your travel plans were curtailed - been there and done that.
I, too, have similar sinus infections that are difficult to bring under control and would like very much to know what you were prescribed as treatment as opposed to antibiotics so I can try that method next time I'm struck down.
Aside: watching the tv news accounts unfold of yet another insane act of violence in London. Appalling, sad, sick making.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 02:21 PM
#39
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 18,035
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I am glad you are feeling better now Janis.
I agree with Bilbo on antibiotics. The Netherlands restricts them too.
They used to be handed out like sweets in the UK, including for viral infection like colds.
It's good that they are now restricted but it may be too late.
Just out of interest did the NHS charge you, as it is supposed to, or did they decide it was too much bother?
It sounds like you had a good trip sinus infection aside.
Re earplugs you can get special ones which help balance the pressure at takeoff and landing. I don't know that ordinary ones are much help.
I agree with Bilbo on antibiotics. The Netherlands restricts them too.
They used to be handed out like sweets in the UK, including for viral infection like colds.
It's good that they are now restricted but it may be too late.
Just out of interest did the NHS charge you, as it is supposed to, or did they decide it was too much bother?
It sounds like you had a good trip sinus infection aside.
Re earplugs you can get special ones which help balance the pressure at takeoff and landing. I don't know that ordinary ones are much help.
Mar 22nd, 2017, 03:02 PM
#40
Join Date: Dec 2009
Posts: 1,907
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Always somewhat fearful of such happening to me overseas but it hasn't yet (it's just a matter if time, though).
I've had 2 sinus infections already this year (the first brought on because of overloaded & stressful international travel day with the DFW immigration/customs madhouse about 3/4 of the way through the day) and I am not that prone. The first infection I only received antibiotics for because I had finished my third week of the sinus infection and yes antibiotics worked immediately. Got another infection a few weeks later and fought it off with Neti pot-style nasal irrigation 4 times day + Nasonex which is over the counter now.
I've had 2 sinus infections already this year (the first brought on because of overloaded & stressful international travel day with the DFW immigration/customs madhouse about 3/4 of the way through the day) and I am not that prone. The first infection I only received antibiotics for because I had finished my third week of the sinus infection and yes antibiotics worked immediately. Got another infection a few weeks later and fought it off with Neti pot-style nasal irrigation 4 times day + Nasonex which is over the counter now.
