I have bronchitis!

Well, I went to the doctor today and found out I have bronchitis! I have to be off work for at least a week. I go back to the doctor next tuesday and he is supposed to release me to go back then.

I am on an antibiotic, cough medicine and an inhaler.

Is it normal for the doctor is order an EKG for bronchitis? I had a chest x-ray but I expected that but an EKG? I wonder if he heard something when he listened to my heart.

But I am cleared to work our Harvest Festival at church this saturday if I feel up to it. I have been looking forward to it!

But I am upset that I will not be able to wear my costume for work on Friday. Oh well, maybe next year!

Lots and lots of Hope the antibiotics work quickly!
What was the costume you were going to wear?

Originally Posted by lil maggie

Lots and lots of Hope the antibiotics work quickly!
What was the costume you were going to wear?

Click to expand...

Everyone on my team is dressing as hippies. I have a tie dyed t-shirt, rose colored glasses, peace sign necklace, long black wig to cover my short hair and a peace headband. But getting better is more important to me right now.

Yes, it's normal. The very first thing I thought when I saw your post earlier was "heart attack presents in women that way...", but figured you were just sick and didn't want to comment saying that. I'm surprised that no one would explain why they gave you an EKG, though. Did you ask?

I hope the meds help and you get to feeling better soon. If you have chest congestion and it won't interact with anything you're on you could try mucinex.

Just got over bron myself. Had to try two antibiotics tho. The second one worked. Are you using a nebulizer? With albuterol? I used it 3 times a day and it really helped. Hope you are better soon!

Sending healthy vibes for you!

how you feel today my friend?....
I hope at least better....

Originally Posted by Catkiki

But I am upset that I will not be able to wear my costume for work on Friday.

Oh well, maybe next year!

Click to expand...

I know how you feel! I was looking forward to wearing a costume too.... My nose got stuffy last saturday so I thought it was just allergies. Tuesday I had to go home early because I got really sick. Too sick to even work from home. I'm going to try to work from home tomorrow. What kind of illness hits you mildly and then full force 3 days later? Very strange...

It is common place for your doctor to order an EKG in that situation. Be glad you have a thorough doctor . They're checking for signs of heart distress. My primary care doctor and my cardiologist do one even at my routine appointments since I have a heart condition and family history. (If you have eithor, it's common for them to do that and to err on the side of caution.)

I typically get bronchitis 2-3 times a year. (had it twice so far this year ....my immune system/asthma stinks!)

My doctor typically puts me on a nebulizer with xopanex (I can't use Albuterol because it raises my heart rate too high). She also gives me a Z-pac, nasal inhaler, and benzonate/tessalon pearls as well for my cough (allergic to codine cough syrups). Between the meds and a little rest, I'm usually much better in a few days...hopefully you will be too!

(Another thing that really seems to help me is my humidifier, a vick's vapor inhaler, and the sudacare shower soothers!)

Sending lots of vibes your way that you feel better soon!

Originally Posted by StarryEyedTiGeR

It is common place for your doctor to order an EKG in that situation. Be glad you have a thorough doctor

. They're checking for signs of heart distress. My primary care doctor and my cardiologist do one even at my routine appointments since I have a heart condition and family history. (If you have eithor, it's common for them to do that and to err on the side of caution.)

Click to expand...

That is good to know. My doctor changed offices so he could practice internal medicine. He is a pulmanary specialist. He was the doctor that was assigned to me when I had my stroke almost 5 yrs ago. My doctor at the time did not have hospital priveledges (which I didn't know) and didn't even call to see how I was doing. Dr. H is very thorough. The office he changed to is actually a clinic that deals with the poor, so that tells you something about him. It was a culture shock though for me as his former office was very quiet and that office was very noisy! Not a good thing when you are not feeling well in the first place.

When I had bronchitis two years ago he just listened to my lungs gave me antibiotics and tessalon (cough suppressant) and sent me on my way. No EKG or chest x-ray.

Originally Posted by LovesMyCats

When I had bronchitis two years ago he just listened to my lungs gave me antibiotics and tessalon (cough suppressant) and sent me on my way. No EKG or chest x-ray.

Click to expand...

I just get a regular exam and meds when I go in for respiratory issues, too. All I have is tachycardia, some PVC arrhythmias, and the typical left ventricle filling/strain issues that go along with the tach and hypotension. All of that can look very weird on a EKG but it's not dangerous since there is nothing wrong with my heart, so I only get EKGs when they're sticking me in the hospital - which has was too often last year.


Feeling any better today, Catkiki?

I just got over bronchitis also. I asked my doctor about going to work (I work at a daycare) and he said that I had probably already exposed everyone anyway so there was no reason to miss any work. I took one day off just b/c I felt so terrible and was coughing so bad, but otherwise I toughed it out. Found out two days later at a follow up appt with my primary doctor that I have Mono on top of it. No wonder I've felt so crappy for the past couple months.

Originally Posted by Catkiki

That is good to know. My doctor changed offices so he could practice internal medicine. He is a pulmanary specialist. He was the doctor that was assigned to me when I had my stroke almost 5 yrs ago. My doctor at the time did not have hospital priveledges (which I didn't know) and didn't even call to see how I was doing. Dr. H is very thorough. The office he changed to is actually a clinic that deals with the poor, so that tells you something about him. It was a culture shock though for me as his former office was very quiet and that office was very noisy! Not a good thing when you are not feeling well in the first place.

Click to expand...

I thought that might put your mind at ease a bit! In case you might have been wondering, the chest x-ray is normal as well (just ruling out pneumonia in most cases!). It sounds like your doctor is on top of his game! Hopefully with his care and a little rest, you'll be back to normal in no time!

Are you feeling any better today?