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Anyone experienced infections due to lowered resistance from chemo?
I have had terrific pain on one side of my head for a couple of months. I also lost most of the hearing on that side. I kept mentioning it to my doctors, but they were more concerned about my lymphoma. When I had to start cleaning puss out of my ear, I was able to get an appointment with a nurse practitioner. She said the inside of my ear was a horrible mess, and immediately started me on a regimen of antibiotics and cortisone. We focus on infections like covid, shingles, etc. but reduced immunity makes us susceptible to all sorts of infections. I probably endured a lot of pain that could have been avoided if I had persisted in drawing attention to it.
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I had E.coli for 5 months, after having my cancer surgery, & subsequent chemotherapy, & radiation. Everyone was sure it was a side effect from treatment. That no one thought to do a stool sample. I didn’t sleep for 5 months because I was running to the bathroom day & night. Sometimes it’s hard to get people to listen, because they have tunnel vision on cancer causes. I think if I had gone to my G.P. Instead of continuing to bring it up with my oncologist, it may have been discovered sooner. Even the gastroenterologist didn’t do a stool sample for 2 months.
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1 Reaction@puddknocker @amyb5. I think both of your postings emphasize the need for self advocacy. I can be really difficult to get doctors to listen to you, especially when it’s not their specialty! And good doctors are exhausted today. Many are leaving their practice and others don’t seem to care. I remember when i was having symptoms that seemed stroke like. I asked my PCP for a referral to get an MRI, but she didn’t think it was necessary. So I went to one of her practice partners, who gave me a referral. Thank heavens! The MRI showed lesions on my brain for which I’ll be treated forever.
https://apple.news/A6pyj52UIR7KJd5UCb19zEw
This long article explains it all.
I hope that you two will continue to advocate for yourselves and others!
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4 ReactionsYes, we do have to advocate for ourselves. I worked in healthcare for 28yrs, so I understand how busy, human, & stressed our medical professionals can be. When we’re sick, it can be overwhelming to keep track, & advocate for ourselves, although it’s even more necessary.
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3 ReactionsPuddknocker, I wasn't clear if you were talking about lower resistance due to COVID or just in general, so I hope this isn't out of line. I never had pneumonia in my life until Covid last August. Presently I am battling asthmatic bronchitis & pneumonia again for the past 2 weeks. I do believe Covid knocked my immune system for a loop. Since I already battled asthma pre-Covid, I believe I am now more prone to asthma. I have had asthmatic bronchitis 4 times since last August as well. I go to long Covid Recovery clinic next week. I do believe I have a lowered resistance to a lot of things now. I am so sorry you are battling this. It sounds so painful. Praying you get better soon.
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1 ReactionI have not had Covid. I was referring to lowered immunity caused by chemotherapy. I have been practicing social distancing, handwashing, etc the same as I did during the Covid crisis. Somehow I still managed to get the ear infection. The antibiotics I am taking are helping, hope to be well soon. This is allergy season where I live, so I sometimes take Benadryl or some other antihistamine.
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1 ReactionI am so sorry that I misunderstood you and that you are battling so much. God Bless You!
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