Inadequate Service from GP's office, WWYD?

[stsomewhere]

My cousin's son had viral pneumonia. He passed it onto his mom, dad, stepmom, and stepdad. While the child was not hospitalized, the four adults were. One was so bad that she had to be put on a ventilator.

I know you are worried about your son. But, PLEASE TAKE CARE OF YOURSELF.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

It sounds like you got a good response. This says a lot about the doctor and the practice, IMO. I hope it made you feel better. Your son should be feeling better pretty soon.

I do not like the sound of him not liking your color. Please keep a low threshold for going back yourself. Your body chemistries can change if your cells aren't getting enough oxygen, etc, and that will need medical attention. Keep us updated if you will so we know you're ok.

Thank you for your concern. I do feel better with seeing the doctor. He is a great man. Not his time, but last time my pulse ox was in a good range and my blood pressure was okay. I have had to increase my pain meds so maybe that is the reason for the color change?? So I guess it's back to bed rest for me. This is sure making it hard for me to lose the weight I want!!. The good news is that we have bowed out of Thanksgiving this year and it will just be DH, me and the two kids. I plan to only make a small dinner. And if you saw my other lovely post (wonder if this is a menopausal side effect?? ) and we will not be exchanging gifts either. So the majority of stress is being released this year and maybe I will learn something from all this. God I hope I learn something from all this.

 

[C.Ann]

God I hope I learn something from all this.

You already did.. You were able to handle something that you didn't think you could..

 

[LoriABil]

I have just read all of this and first of all, I hope your son gets better soon! I dont hsve anything new to add, but well wishes. And please remember to take care of yourself! You can not care for him unless you are well!

As for other posts, well, there are good and bad PAs just as there are good and bad Dr.s. And it sounds like your GP is a good one, but I don't know about the PA, who you saw at first. I might also request a different PA or to see only the physician, as I wouldn't be able to trust that PA anymore. Trust is very important!

As to office staff, they can make or break a practice. Your feedback to the physician was probably the best thing, so he could address the problems in his office! If patients don't speak up, they most likely never know there is a problem. You are doing great for your son and your family, but you also did the Dr a huge favor!

Hugs and well wishes to you and your son!

 

[akelly]

Levaquin is in a class of antibiotics called Quinolones. They aren't approved for use in anyone under 18 due to problems with spontaneous tendon ruptures & problems with bone growth.

Just had to pop in to say, PLEASE watch your son for any anxiety while on Levaquin. The other Quinolones are Avelox and Cipro. All are known to sometimes cause severe anxiety, panic attacks, etc.

I know this from having a panic attack (severe with a trip to the ER-I truly thought I was dying) followed by months of severe anxiety and depression. I had been taking Avelox for pneumonia. The docs in the ER were concerned that I was on Avelox. They did not want me to continue on it after having a panic attack and moved me to Zithromax. After doing some research I found thousands upon thousands of reports of anxiety and depression side effects from the Quinolones. (And, thousands of reports of ruptured tendons.)

I also learned that Avelox, at least, is a drug of last resort in the UK. I was prescribed it because the dr. thought I might have pneumonia.

I cannot take antibiotics for more than a couple days anymore or the severe anxiety starts to come back. I am on an anti-anxiety drug. It was the only thing that could even begin to pull me out of the deep pit I felt I was in.

Just please watch your son for any personality changes, hallucinations, anxiety.

 

[lovetoscrap]

DH is very protective of me and has been doing everything for me. It's going to be a soup/sandwich week and he said he will pick up anything else we need. He has been bringing me my meds and actually just handed me a glass of water and said "drink", you are not getting enough fluids. He brought me some PJ's over and said for me to take a nap, it was a long day. He is my best friend. He also told his boss that he may have to leave this week if anything happens at home. And he brought me a piece of Pumpkin bread, my favorite. The best part is he can overlook any mess in the house and does dishes without asking. God was good to me! Kevin is resting also and the school has called 3 times today alone. They are also concerned and told me to tell him to not worry about his school work. (I kept this to myself since if he is feeling a bit better, no reason he can't do a little math or science for a little bit).

I am resting (actually a bit tired right now) and am forever grateful for the laptop that has found a home on my couch with me.

Aww, this made me cry. Your husband sounds so sweet. That is so wonderful of him to take care of you like that. And that the school is being so helpful.

Glad that Kevin is feeling a little better but you both need to make sure to not push it. Rest and fluids and enjoy some mom and son bonding time this week! I think that means you alternate between the action movies and the chick flicks!

to your whole family!

 

[heatherwillmom]

I'm so glad that your son is doing better. As far as antibiotics go, I rarely prescribe Amoxicillin much. It seems as though it has been over-used so much, it doesn't work very well anymore. The exception is with some children or anyone who has not taken a lot of antibiotics. With my own kids, it never seemed to work on my daughter who used to have a lot of ear & respiratory infections. If I prescribe Amoxicillin, I tell the pt that if they don't show any improvement or get worse, to let me know & I precribe a stronger antibiotic. For pneumonia, Zithromax or Omnicef work great. There is also the option of Rocephin which is probably the best but must be given IM or IV. For an adult, I use a lot of Levaquin. I really don't use much Avelox because I've had a lot of patients not respond to it well.

 

[Disney Doll]

So Kevin is mending slowly and Mama needs to take care of herself now! Sounds like DH is a peach! It sounds as if your MD and the office manager both responded with the appropriate amount of concern. My guess is that their "system" will change as a result of your experience and being willing to share it calmly. Meanwhile, you can bet that it won't ever happen to you again.

 

[C.Ann]

How are you and Kevin feeling today? Much better, I hope..

Update us when you have the energy..

 

[sbell111]

... Tried to tell them that I never am wrong

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Originally Posted by Tinker'n'Fun
... Tried to tell them that I never am wrong

Wow, that is a selective quote, here's the whole sentence, and it is still a bit out of context since the post was long and worked up to this:

"Thursday: 4 doses of antibiotic, and fever is now higher. Contacted Dr.s office, they said I was jumping the gun. Tried to tell them that I never am wrong and this was not normal. They would only call in Cough syrup with Codeine, would not see him."

And I will repeat it again, when I have dealt with my chidren's illnesses, it is true, I have never been wrong if they had a higher or lower fever. I guess that is because I use a thermometer to register it. Yes, it came across funny in the sentence, but if you took the time to read it, at least I think it makes more sense. But thanks for taking the time to dissect my posts.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

How are you and Kevin feeling today? Much better, I hope..

Update us when you have the energy..

Kevin is feeling better today. I think that the steriods and the inhaler are doing the most to make him feel better. He gets up and does stuff for around an hour or so before laying back down. I on the other hand, have to work on my resting skills. But I will. After reading back through the thread, I don't want to feel the way he was. It was scary and probably the worse I have gone through with illnesses with my kids.

And YES I truly believe I have been overly blessed with healthy children. I know that. It doesn't stop me from breaking down though when they do get sick. I truly know where we need to do some extra volunteer work now though.

 

[C.Ann]

Kevin is feeling better today. I think that the steriods and the inhaler are doing the most to make him feel better. He gets up and does stuff for around an hour or so before laying back down. I on the other hand, have to work on my resting skills. But I will. After reading back through the thread, I don't want to feel the way he was. It was scary and probably the worse I have gone through with illnesses with my kids.

And YES I truly believe I have been overly blessed with healthy children. I know that. It doesn't stop me from breaking down though when they do get sick. I truly know where we need to do some extra volunteer work now though.

I'm so glad to hear that Kevin is feeling better...

Now you said that you need to work on getting more rest.. That would include not picking up any bait - because I assume you're not interested in any fishing expeditions - right?

And I forgot to mention before - your DH sounds like one heck of a guy! You are definitely blessed - all the way around..

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I'm so glad to hear that Kevin is feeling better...

Now you said that you need to work on getting more rest.. That would include not picking up any bait - because I assume you're not interested in any fishing expeditions - right?

And I forgot to mention before - your DH sounds like one heck of a guy! You are definitely blessed - all the way around..

You made me smile, for the first time in a many days. Yep, all the fishing gear has been put away!! I will keep it packed up. Who wants the extra work anyway!

Thanks for the for DH. He really is a great man. I woke up this morning and the wash was 90% done. Gotta learn not to complain about all those football/hockey games that find their way to our TV!

 

[Hannathy]

He gets up and does stuff for around an hour or so before laying back down.

A

Just to let you know that will continue for a long time. Pneumonia does that, you get tired very quickly for a while. You feel good I can do this and then after a little bit you feel completely wrung out. So remind him to space things out and to do what has to be done first till he gets his strength back.

you know kill those aliens first then do your Math

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

Just to let you know that will continue for a long time. Pneumonia does that, you get tired very quickly for a while. You feel good I can do this and then after a little bit you feel completely wrung out. So remind him to space things out and to do what has to be done first till he gets his strength back.

you know kill those aliens first then do your Math

That is the order he is in right now, Alien kill = a little Latin homework, a Double Alien kill = math, and for the grand finale a triple Alien kill = Reading for English!

Honestly though, from being a very active child to one who only lasts a little time, it is hard to adjust to. I am hoping that by the weekend we can push aside the games and try to get some of the homework caught up. I would assume that when he goes back to school, he will be sleeping a bit when he gets home, cutting into homework time. So the more we get him caught up, the better.


And this had nothing to do with this post, but every single time the boy wheezes I jump off my couch. I can't even imagine parent/friends/providers who do this daily. It really scares me.

 

[2girlsmom]

I just saw this thread today and read the entire thing, so glad that the dr's response was so good, and glad that Kevin is improving and you are now taking it easy, as it is very true that we moms tend to let ourselves get run down taking care of everyone else. I will say, at least around here, there is a VERY virulent cold virus that moves into terrible bronchitis in almost everyone I know of that has had it (and I know more than 30 people in the last month), and in those who have a higher susceptibility to chest ailments (asthmatics, etc), it seems to go to pneumonia very easily as well. This is what happened to me, and when they initially diagnosed me they put me on Zithromax and the cough syrup with codeine, these did not even touch it, when I went back and saw my actual dr (first visit was to an urgent care), he changed me to the Levaquin and added the steroid, and I started improving almost immediately, however, I am now 6 weeks into this, and still have some cough, which the dr says is that my asthma was aggravated by the pneumonia and it is taking its time calming back down to normal. Also, my sister, who ended up in the hospital with it, was told that taking the cough suppressant during the day would contibute to pushing the bronchitis into a pneumonia, as coughing helps keep it from settling in the lungs. They told her to take the cough syrup at night so she would sleep, but to avoid it during the day. I found that interesting as I had NOT been told the same, she became symptomatic 5 days after me with the fever and headache and cough, and is also asthmatic so is still having SOME issues as well. We are both still fatigued by it, as well, so I would expect Kevin will continue to have fatigue issues for awhile yet, even as he improves. But wanted to reassure you about the Levaquin, as in all but 1 of the many cases I know of, the only thing that even STARTED to work was Levaquin. I do believe that whatever this particular strain is, it is resistant to Amoxicillan and to Zithromax,etc. and is requiring the stronger Levaquin to get relief.

 

[Tinker'n'Fun]

I just saw this thread today and read the entire thing, so glad that the dr's response was so good, and glad that Kevin is improving and you are now taking it easy, as it is very true that we moms tend to let ourselves get run down taking care of everyone else. I will say, at least around here, there is a VERY virulent cold virus that moves into terrible bronchitis in almost everyone I know of that has had it (and I know more than 30 people in the last month), and in those who have a higher susceptibility to chest ailments (asthmatics, etc), it seems to go to pneumonia very easily as well. This is what happened to me, and when they initially diagnosed me they put me on Zithromax and the cough syrup with codeine, these did not even touch it, when I went back and saw my actual dr (first visit was to an urgent care), he changed me to the Levaquin and added the steroid, and I started improving almost immediately, however, I am now 6 weeks into this, and still have some cough, which the dr says is that my asthma was aggravated by the pneumonia and it is taking its time calming back down to normal. Also, my sister, who ended up in the hospital with it, was told that taking the cough suppressant during the day would contibute to pushing the bronchitis into a pneumonia, as coughing helps keep it from settling in the lungs. They told her to take the cough syrup at night so she would sleep, but to avoid it during the day. I found that interesting as I had NOT been told the same, she became symptomatic 5 days after me with the fever and headache and cough, and is also asthmatic so is still having SOME issues as well. We are both still fatigued by it, as well, so I would expect Kevin will continue to have fatigue issues for awhile yet, even as he improves. But wanted to reassure you about the Levaquin, as in all but 1 of the many cases I know of, the only thing that even STARTED to work was Levaquin. I do believe that whatever this particular strain is, it is resistant to Amoxicillan and to Zithromax,etc. and is requiring the stronger Levaquin to get relief.

So sorry that you have been so sick. It is a very scary one. DS is allergic to Zithromax so maybe that is why is was skipped in his treatment. I have calmed down with his use of the med as today is day 4 of the pill and I haven't noticed any side effects. I know that something can happen with tendons, but he really isn't moving much now, but I will look at that later on. As for his mood, at 15 I guess being home and playing your Xbox keeps your spirits up when you know your friends are in school.

So far, no one has any upper respritory problems in the house. I have been extremely tired, but I really think that is stress from everything. And today out of the blue I fell, I think I tripped on a cord, but couldn't see how?? Just a freak thing I hope. So I am back on the couch and I am going to take a nap now. Thanks again for replying, hope you get back to 100% soon. Take care of yourself also!

 

[ccgirl]

Well, I'm really split on this.
First, it is critical you trust your doctor.
But.......if it's viral, there really isn't anything your doctor can do. Sounds like he was proactive by giving an antibiotic just in case it was bacterial. Although some would point out that an antibiotic won't do a thing for a virus, and giving an antibiotic could also contribute to resistance to antibiotics.

This. I have a friend that insists on antibiotics when her children are sick. If it is caused by a virus; the antibiotics won't do anything. The medicines only lessen the symptoms. If anything, it could possible lead to her children being drug resistant. Surprise...surprise...her DD needs IV antibiotics when she is really sick because she had them so much when she was little (so the new dr's say).

 

[ccgirl]

I just saw this thread today and read the entire thing, so glad that the dr's response was so good, and glad that Kevin is improving and you are now taking it easy, as it is very true that we moms tend to let ourselves get run down taking care of everyone else. I will say, at least around here, there is a VERY virulent cold virus that moves into terrible bronchitis in almost everyone I know of that has had it (and I know more than 30 people in the last month), and in those who have a higher susceptibility to chest ailments (asthmatics, etc), it seems to go to pneumonia very easily as well. This is what happened to me, and when they initially diagnosed me they put me on Zithromax and the cough syrup with codeine, these did not even touch it, when I went back and saw my actual dr (first visit was to an urgent care), he changed me to the Levaquin and added the steroid, and I started improving almost immediately, however, I am now 6 weeks into this, and still have some cough, which the dr says is that my asthma was aggravated by the pneumonia and it is taking its time calming back down to normal. Also, my sister, who ended up in the hospital with it, was told that taking the cough suppressant during the day would contibute to pushing the bronchitis into a pneumonia, as coughing helps keep it from settling in the lungs. They told her to take the cough syrup at night so she would sleep, but to avoid it during the day. I found that interesting as I had NOT been told the same, she became symptomatic 5 days after me with the fever and headache and cough, and is also asthmatic so is still having SOME issues as well. We are both still fatigued by it, as well, so I would expect Kevin will continue to have fatigue issues for awhile yet, even as he improves. But wanted to reassure you about the Levaquin, as in all but 1 of the many cases I know of, the only thing that even STARTED to work was Levaquin. I do believe that whatever this particular strain is, it is resistant to Amoxicillan and to Zithromax,etc. and is requiring the stronger Levaquin to get relief.

I have asthma as well and was told by the pulmonologist to never take cough suppresents that a cough is your body trying to rid itself of the mucus and suppressing it could definitely lead to pneumonia; especially in asthmatics. I hope you feel better soon. I had that when I was pregnant with my DD and it was AWFUL.