Would you take the antibiotics?

[prprincess]

I've been sick for 16 days...yes, I've been counting. I had what I thought was a head cold, but then my symptoms turned into what I felt was a sinus infection.

Last Wednesday, I called my doctor for an appointment. When I told the receptionist what was wrong, she didn't want to make an appointment for me, but instead told me that a nurse would call me back. When the nurse called back she simply told me to rest, drink plenty of fluids, and take something OTC for the sinus pressure, but that they weren't going to see me because whatever I have needed to take it's course, but to call early this week if I was still in pain.

I call them back today and tell them that I'm still in pain. Even though it has subsided, I still have sinus pressure and I was really worried it was something more serious, so I wanted to see someone.

I go in, the doctor examines me, and sure enough, I have a sinus infection.

The doctor gave me a prescription for an antibiotic, but said that she didn't want me to take it. I asked why she was giving it to me, and she said that she was just giving me the option, but that the antibiotic would not speed up my healing process, and that I should just really let the infection take it's course. She then started to tell me about how many physicians are starting to shy away from antibiotics due to resistance, which I am totally aware of, and that I may not like the side effects.

Now I honestly don't know what to do. Only because I haven't taken an antibiotic in years, so really, I don't know what to expect. Also, I've been sick for so long, I really want to kick this thing once and for all.

What would you do?

[Cinderelley]

For me, I guess it would really depend on what antibiotic it was.

I would definitely be looking for another doctor though. Nurses aren't supposed to be doing any diagnosing, and how can you diagnose whether it's a sinus infection or not over the phone.

[Tinkerfreak]

Well if it were me I would take it. I know how terribly painful a sinus infection can be and if you have not taken an antibiotic for years it isn't like you take them so often they won't work on you. I just can't see suffering when the antibiotic can make you feel better.
Not sure if this is true but my MIL's doctor told her that if you let a sinus infection go it could turn in to menengitus. Don't quote me on that because I'm hearing that second hand from her. She gets sinus infections often and the doctor told her not to let it go too long before seeing him.

[Flower]

I think that since you have been taking OTC meds and they have not been working, Take the antibiotics.

You say you have not taken an antibiotic in years, you definitely do not abuse it so your system should not become immune to it (Not that I am a doctor or anything!)

[kakn7294]

I'd be really tempted to get the antibiotic filled after being sick for 16 days. Perhaps you could wait until Friday and see if you are still feeling so poorly and if you are, you could start the antibiotic then. Generally, a sinus infection will likekly eventually go away on it's own but that could be a looooong wait and being miserable for that long would be tough.

[thrillme]

I'd go ahead and take the antibiotic but possibly consider another doctor. Seems weird that the doctor would perscribe something and then tell you that it's up to you if you want to take it because it's not going to make any difference.

I'm a little surprised your doctor didn't recommend OTHER methods to perhaps help. Such as nasal spray, saline/ocean mist spray or a neti pot. You might look into an ENT. I know they have a nifty little method where they tilt you down and flush your nasal cavity. It sounds awful but relief is immediate.

I think the problem with antibiotics is that they were soooo over prescribed several years ago that many people developed immunities to them and they don't work effectively for many infections now. NOW you're faced with the issue that one antibiotic may not work so you try another or another...by the time you find the "right one" it's pretty well working out of your system naturally.

[LibertyTreeGal]

Since you rarely take them, I say go ahead. You aren't one of the people who has to worry so much about having zero immunity. I am, however, glad that doctors are at least trying to tone down on the misuse that has occurred over the past 20 years. (mostly done to avoid the lawsuits of the 80's and 90's)

[Bethis26fan]

I would take them as well since its not something you take offten. Also I had a sinus inf. last month and he told me to take lots of hot showers and drink fizzy soda that it helped.
The showers did make me feel a little better for a short time, the soda I have no clue if it did or not my throat was so sore I couldn't really drink it.

[Ian]

I just went through exactly what you're going through. I was sick with the same thing for 10 days before finally deciding to go to the doctor's.

He examined me, said unequivocally that I had a sinus infection, and he prescribed antibiotics for me.

Two days later I was back to normal. I'd say take the antibiotics.

[murphy1]

Nani, you poor girl, it's tough being sick with kids! I get quite a few of those from allergies and they give me a Zpac, you will feel a lot better if you take it, like everyone said. I've had dr.s who felt comfortable enough with me (I am seen for thyroid disease frequently) and they have done that over the phone. I hope you feel better soon! I might have to get allergy shots soon if my meds don't start working better!

[MsMin]

I say take them for what is obviously an infection (according to your dr.) and just take them responsibly by taking the entire course and not just enough to make you feel better. A lot of problems have occurred from the "bugs" mutating during partial courses of antibiotics. :pixie: and don't let the pixie dust go up your nose and make things worse :D Hope you feel better soon.

[SBETigg]

I would take the antibiotics. You've suffered enough. Get well soon.

[BelleLovesTheBeast]

Find a new doctor. I wouldn't see this one again.

Take the antibiotic...infections can get worse. My father let one go a few months ago and it spread. He had 5 infections because of it. Nose, throat, ears and 2 kinds in his lungs. They had to give him a very strong antibiotic and he was still sick 2 weeks after starting it.

[kakn7294]

I already posted but I thought about it more and you've been sick long enough! You obviously don't abuse antibiotics so go ahead and take it. Just be sure to follow the dosing instructions and take the entire prescription.

[floridamom]

I would take it as well. Having your immune system compromised for over two weeks will certainly make you more susceptible to other infections, so at the very least the antibiotic could help ward off any additional illness.

Like many others have said, I would also look to change physicians. I don't think it should be up to anyone to gauge your symptoms over the phone and tell you that they won't make an appointment. You could also consider going to an urgent care clinic in situations such as this--at least they won't turn you away.

Good luck, and I hope you fell better soon!

[ljv1975]

I would take the antibiotics. Since you don't take them often, I don't think you should worry about developing an immunity.

One of the biggest problems with antibiotics other than being overprescribed, is that a lot of people would stop taking them after they felt better. You have to take all of the pills as prescribed until they are gone even if you feel better. Otherwise they may not be as effective in treating you in the future!

I hope that you feel better soon!! Being sick for more than 2 weeks has to be terrible. Oh, I also agree that you should find a new doctor. Good luck!!

[princessgirls]

Hope you feel better soon.

Take the medicine, you've invested enough time in fighting the infection off.

Good Luck and pixie dust coming your way.


Julie:mickey:

[conorsmom2000]

I have to agree with everyone else - take the antibiotics. Having suffered through many sinus infections, I know how miserable they are. You've obviously suffered long enough, and while some Dr.'s may over prescribe antibiotics, you have an infection and they will help.

I hope you are feeling better very soon!

[Dakota Rose]

I totally understand what you're going through. Sinus infections really stink! I would take the antibiotic as well. Especially since it's been so long since you were on an antibiotic. I would also buy a neti pot to wash out my sinuses. It's a little awkward feeling but after wards you feel great. You should be able to find one at a health store.

[DisneyDudet]

I'm a nurse and if it were me, I'd be all over those antibiotics. 16 days is long enough to be sick. Sure, it may have started out as a cold, but developed into a sinus infection.

I would imagine that the nurse was probably attempting to keep the patients out of the office. This time of year, there are more people in offices and hospitals with the flu and colds and such. I'm not saying what they were doing is right, but I'm just making an assumption to why this was such a strange thing. She probably assumed what you had was viral, which has to run its course, but that is not a nurse's job. Diagnosing illnesses is beyond our scope of practice. I know my ex had an office that would have the nurse routinely try to screen ALL calls and attempt other things or whatever. I totally disagreed with this.

Anywho, I would take them. Obviously, you are like me, and it takes quite a bit for you to go to a Dr, so if you go, you are truly sick. Resistance is out there, mostly due to people taking antibiotics until they feel better, then it gets back, and the bug is resistant to the medicine, because it developed a "sense" for it, therefore, can resist it.

I hope you start feeling better. Drink fluids and get some rest. The first few days, you might feel worse, but that is usually because the meds are working, killing off that bacteria.

[Aurora]

Just so you know, it was unethical for your doctor to prescribe you antibiotics if she believed in her professional opinion that they would not be effective. A physician who gives a patient a prescription and tells them not to take the medicine is not a good physician. Find another doctor.

BUT take the antibiotics. If your infection was caused by a virus, the antibiotics won't do anything. If it was caused by bacteria, depending on the strength of the bacteria, the antibiotics might work. Take the whole course whether or not they seem to work, because if it is bacterial you don't want to create a resistant strain by stopping before the course is completed.

If after completing all the antibiotic you still don't feel better, go to an ear, nose and throat specialist. If you're on an HMO and you have to go to a primary care doctor, ask for a referral to an ENT.

[Sean Riley Taylor's Mom]

I hope you are taking those antibiotics by now. ;)

Unfortunatlely, I am quite the pro when it comes to sinus infections. I had them so frequently and so severe that I had sinus surgery two years ago. Something I plan on NEVER repeating again!!

I was never a fan of nasal sprays or irrigating but, they are both great for sinus infections.

Warm compresses on my face and forehead always makes me feel better.

I was always given a prescription for a decongestant right away and an antibiotic if my sinus infections did not go away after 7 days or so. It was always a strong one..usually Avelox or similar. Z packs did nothing for me.

My ENT is wonderful. I trust him 100%. If sinus infections are something you get often and that linger, I would see one if you can.

I hope you are feeling much better soon!! I know they stink!

[PAYROLL PRINCESS]

I've had sinus infecions a lot and I would definitely take the antibiotics. I've sometimes had to take 2 doses to get rid of it. And use a saline spray and a cool mist humidifier if necessary. And a warm shower helps loosen everything up too. And a warm cloth or gel pack too. I hope you feel better quickly.