Thanks for this.
I have it set up with my Doc that if I feel and exacerbation starting, I have a 6da pack of prednisone and antibiotics. I start the prednisone and put in a call. We then decide if the antibiotics are necessary. IF it happens when the Doc. is not aailable, I start them and continue the course while waiting for a call on his return.
It has worked well.

Good post!
I have much the same protocol as AZGram. I always have prednisone and an antibiotic on hand and talk to my doctor if I feel an exacerbation is possible.

It is good to have them on hand, but some doctors just will not allow it. Mine won't give me anything at all. Good that you keep up on this.

What a find in this post! I am new to COPD and found out that's what I just went through (I've been offline for almost 2 weeks--fighting my way back!) How do you know when an exacerbation is starting? Does it start with such terrible back and side pain? I understand the use of prednisone, but do you usually need an antibiotic too?
I am feeling so much better, yesterday I actually vaccumed! today, I do the tile floors. It has to be the pred!

Hi Lauried55
That is just why my doc says - try contacting me first - if you can.
The problem is we are suseptable to so much because our immunities are low. Having the anibiotic within reach on a Saturday night, could mean the difference between a hosp visit or a couple days at home resting...
Mine would rather risk me not needing it, opposed to needing it and not having it.
But I am at an age and point where I can risk not needing the antibiotics.

I really like the way your Dr. thinks. I am going to talk to my Dr. next week. I have an added problem that we live on a long skinny island off the North Carolina coast. We don't have a pharmacy open 24-7, The Urgent care is only open from 8AM-8PM, and the nearest hospital with a Pulmonologist is 70 miles away. We all prepare for Hurricans season out here, I think I need to prepare for my health. Thanks again Laurie

All the more reason to have a straight forward talk with your Doc!.....
Bet is beautiful there....

I have been fortunate not to be ill since becoming severe with emphysema, but might be coming down with something now. I am keeping it in check with colloidal silver for now.. will see my dr about that and other things next week.

I am curious why prednisone is used first instead of the antibiotic?

Thanks.

Pat

Prednisone is for the inflamation in the lung which leaves you susceptible to infection and the antibiotic is for that. The antibiotics are given for the symptoms produced that indicate a secondary infection.


This is how my doctor explained to me.

I, too, have a stock of prednisone and antibiotics on hand, like AZgram does. What my doctor has me do, is what is called a "prednisone burst". I take 30-40 mgs. when an excerbation is just starting, and if that does the trick, I don't do more. There is no need to do a taper down this way, nor do I have to stay on them. It's worked really well for me, but that doesn't say it would be the same for everyone.

My clinic gives us a supply of prednisone and full instructions on what to do if we start getting in trouble, it's just about the same as Jamsnjazzy, no antibodics. I usually take 15 to 20 mg and that does the trick.

They seem to want us to be pro-active. They want us to do everything they can to keep us out of their hospital. The med guy that I refuse to see anymore told me when I found myself in trouble once "If you had taken the prednisone like I told you to do you wouldn't be in this mess". That's when I realized a lot of this was up to me. Their advice has kept me working with no time loss and out of the hospital. They only gave me antibodics once. I like my doctor, he likes me to keep in touch with him via email, that makes it so easy and he gets right back to me.

What do you do for that horrendous aftertaste that Prednisone leaves in your mouth. Only thing I have found that works is a cinnamon graham cracker. Any other ideas?

.......Chocolate works for me!

Hi,

I think it is great you all have a plan worked out with your doctors. I have so seldom been sick, it has not occurred to me to do so but I realize now it is important not to ignore a pending illness.

I have actually gotten pretty paranoid about getting sick as I read about it happening so easily to those with lung issues, and as mine have gotten worse I admit it has become worrisome.

I am still on my own, with my little dog, doing pulmonary rehab..and so my paranoiah has grown as I have wondered what I would do here by myself with no one to take care of Sheba if I got sick.

Well.. I realized late Friday, I was coming down with something, and I was really scared for awhile.. Then I made myself stop my panic and think about what I have always advised others to do.. and I started on Colloidal Silver. By Sat. evening I was feeling some better, temp was close to normal but still coughing a lot. Sunday morning I coughed a great deal also, but my temp was completely normal for me, (which is low) Didn't feel 100% last night but pretty good. Today, I have hardly coughed at all, so I feel very relieved.

I do not like the idea of going on prednisone for these things and while I guess it is necessary, I would prefer not unless I have no choice.

Nice we can all choose what works for us.

Hugs to you all.

Pat