I have been sick for 4 weeks now and they keep telling me it is something else, each week.?

Question

I have been coughing for about 4 weeks and I am so congested, I have been so week, my ears ache like there is no tomorrow, my doctor has told me it is an upper resp infection, I am thinking it is something else. I think I have either broken my ribs from coughing or bruised them really bad, I have taken just about every antibiotic out there, please help me.

Answer 1

You say they tell you something different each week, Then I would see another Doctor, you know get a second opinion.
I bet they keep charging you to. If a labor does his job wrong then he is expected to come back and correct it for free. I think Doctors should be the same. I mean where's the accountability. I hope you find your anwser and get better soon!

Answer 2

Tell the doctor you are requesting from him to see a Respiratory Specialist ASAP. You have something going on that he isn't finding. I am prone to Bronchitis, whenever I am sick the Doctor puts me on Avelox. One of the strongest antibiotic made, and he told me it even kills Anthrax. The other one I like is Zithromax. One a day for a week, works great. Symptoms are better by day 3. If you are not getting this type of Antibiotic, REQUEST it and be FIRM. You are essentially paying him for your care and he is dragging his feet. When you are firm and let him know you feel he is not aggressivly dealing with your illness he will change his tune. If not request another Doctor and tell him why.
If you have a nasal drip this also will cause more coughing, especially when laying down, or trying to sleep. Ask the doctor about that too. Nasonex takes care of that and works very well.
As far as your ribs, I have done that before, twice, once when 8 1/2 months pregnant. I separated the cartiledge between the ribs from excessive coughing from a bad cold. And again about 2 years ago. YOU need to keep boiling water on the stove, and breath it in as deep as you can to loosen the phlem up. Also, a humidifyer should be running in your bedroom. Another, thing that will help, is Vicks Vapo Rub on your chest front and back, wear flannel jammies if possible and just stay warm. Vicks will also help the coughing. The expectorant liquid cough syrups will also help to loosen the chest, to cough up the phlem. Be sure to shower to remove the Vicks before going out or to work. Another helper is to drink Chicken bouillion, as hot as you can. And good ole homemade chicken soup if possible.
You could have a good case of Broncitis...and I am surprised you haven't been told that it takes weeks to clear up. Has he asked you about using inhalers,(asthma) or ?
The above things you can do to help ease the symptoms will help you greatly. Hope you feel better soon....I know you are miserable....