Dot, I'm no medical professional, but I do know taking antibiotics without a prescription for the bug you have, and without the proper dosage for the proper length of time, may lead to a more serious illness not only for your husband, but potentially one for you as well.
If he is fighting something bacterial and he does not have enough medication to kill it off, the bacteria can mutate and become resistant to the type of antibiotic he is taking. That is very bad for him and anyone he might potentially pass a resistant bacterial strain onto.
So, as a non-medical professional, I strongly urge you to insist upon taking him to ER or an after hours clinic tonight.
I emphaatically second Abi and Sushi! Some antiobiotics gain strength over time and who knows how long that one's been around. He who treats himself has a fool for a patient.
I'm sorry if he doesn't want to go there, but he really needs an ER or an after hours clinic. Please don't let him fool around with this.
I have treated many with spider bites over here in the Middle East...some developed fever, some without...nevertheless, without going to the doctor & having proper lab work done...it is almost impossible to have any definitive diagnosis.
Incidentally, if it is viral in nature, antibiotics won't do a thing
Dot, there's another reason it's not a good idea to take an antibiotic that you took previously for something else. In the first place, when you're prescribed an antibiotic you're supposed to take all of the Rx until it's gone. That's a moot point, but resuming an antibiotic after it's been stopped can cause an allergic reaction. This might be an oversimplification, but the first time you take it, you become sensitized to it, then the second time, you have a reaction.
This happened to me, so I know it's true. I ended up in the ER with a very bad reaction and had to get a shot of some kind of steroid.
If your husband refuses to go to the urgent care place, all I know to do for him is pray that this bug passes quickly on its own.
The first spider bite was about 2 months ago. The second one was about 6 weeks ago and he had to be epi-penned as he was swelling and having a hard time.
Then the second seizure about 2 weeks after that, which now has been about 4 weeks ago. It was a BAD seizure
Then, they gave him Lamictal, but he got a rash after about 12 days and he stopped the meds. Which was now about two weeks ago, he got the flu about 9 days after he stopped. Which was Sunday.
No, I called the neurologist and he was on vacation. (The one I took a day off of work and drove him to as he cannot drive with seizures) I called today (like 6 days later) and left a MEAN message, that they left him with NO meds.
They could call and speak with him and get him on something.
I told ya'll I am having a rough time when I wrote about being STRESSED.
BTW, thanks Oil and Linda.
Oil...medic, I saw pictures of the spiders OVER there so I cannot even believe how awful those bites might be.
Hi, listen if the fever persists is that a sign it is viral?
I got on the net and they said fevers can last for up to 7 days. I dunno if that is right.
I have him on juice and soup. He is really sick. The headache is light sensitive and sound sensitive like a migrane, but I am unsure if that is due to the fever.
The pharmacist said nothing OTC (over the counter) will help a person after the fever gets past 102. But he doesn't lsten.
Have you considered the family leave act, or what ever they call it? I think it is up to 12 weeks off, which can be consecutive or part days at a time and your employer has to give you this time off. Being middle management, a man that works directly under me misses a lot of work because his wife is dying off a rare cancer. Going to HR we found out there is a form which can be filled out once a note from a Dr is presented.
Any medical condition that may cause large amounts of time off each year qualifies. It is unpaid leave, but your job is secured.
I'm glad your hubs is better. I'm not a health care professional, but I play one on TV...err, I mean I am married to one so that makes me very nearly qualified :) . My wife would like to second or third what everyone else has said about the antibiotics.
The bigger issue or potentially bigger issue IMO, is getting past a stubborn sick spouce. My step-dad used to be that way. He came back from a TWI function across state sick with a tooth infection/ fever. By the time they got home he could barely walk. He didn't want to go to the hospital and no one in our house was making him, although my mother was extremely concerned and upset about it. It took a good friend and fellow twigger to come over and more or less force him to go...with us helping him walk to the car. Long story short, we found out his blood sugar was through the roof and the docs said they didn't understand why he wasn't in a coma. He is now diabetic, but who knows what would have happened if he would have just stayed in bed and went to sleep.
I know I am late to the game here, but I talked to my wife about his symptoms because I was curious. Of course it is hard to diagnose things like this not knowing the whole case but the rash and numbness with the other symptoms make her think of West Nile Virus (WNV). About half the cases have rashes and it can affect the nervous system which can cause the numbness. This year all but a few states have cases (ME, WA., and LA). That is not to say they don't have infected mosquitoes though, just no cases this year.
This gets me back to the stubborn sick spouce thing and I don't mean to scare you or anyone else but WNV can be serious, fatal even in younger and older people or immune-suppressed people. It can also cause varying degrees of paralysis, loose the ability to speak, and any number of other neurologically related problems. OR it could just produce flu like symptoms, but the it can go down hill fast. Here where we are in CO the positive mosquito pool is rather large. We don't mess around when it comes to mosquito protection.
Lastly, I know work is hard and I know spouses can be hard nosed, but four days with flu like symptoms and no doctor visit is not a good way to go espcially if you are about as old as my parents or older. Rashes are also never could in combination with flu like symptoms, that should always be a serious red flag.
I'm very happy he is better, but next time get his butt to the doctor. :)
Everyone please put on your mosquito repellant this time of year especially around dusk and evening hours.
People get several of these other co-infections with Lyme (I had one called babesiosis), and makes their illness that much harder to treat.
The moral of the story is: flu is NOT typical in the summer! If you or one of yours has flu-like symptoms in the summer time, get it checked out. It may be bacterial, and requiring treatment.
Glad your guy is better -- if he doesn't completely recover, drag his sorry tushy in to be examined!
Recommended Posts
Sushi
POSTED BY ABIGAIL AND SUSHI
Dot, I'm no medical professional, but I do know taking antibiotics without a prescription for the bug you have, and without the proper dosage for the proper length of time, may lead to a more serious illness not only for your husband, but potentially one for you as well.
If he is fighting something bacterial and he does not have enough medication to kill it off, the bacteria can mutate and become resistant to the type of antibiotic he is taking. That is very bad for him and anyone he might potentially pass a resistant bacterial strain onto.
So, as a non-medical professional, I strongly urge you to insist upon taking him to ER or an after hours clinic tonight.
Edited by SushiLink to comment
Share on other sites
krys
I emphaatically second Abi and Sushi! Some antiobiotics gain strength over time and who knows how long that one's been around. He who treats himself has a fool for a patient.
I'm sorry if he doesn't want to go there, but he really needs an ER or an after hours clinic. Please don't let him fool around with this.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
SafariVista
I'm w/ Sushi & Abi on this!
Never heard of a flu w/ numbness...
Sounds serious...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Thanks
I did call an urgent care and went in and told him he was going. He argued fought with me and refused to go.
So, I give up.
Who's pig is it and who is walkin' it? Ya know.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
oilfieldmedic
Dot...
How long ago were the 2 spider bites?
I have treated many with spider bites over here in the Middle East...some developed fever, some without...nevertheless, without going to the doctor & having proper lab work done...it is almost impossible to have any definitive diagnosis.
Incidentally, if it is viral in nature, antibiotics won't do a thing
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Linda Z
Dot, there's another reason it's not a good idea to take an antibiotic that you took previously for something else. In the first place, when you're prescribed an antibiotic you're supposed to take all of the Rx until it's gone. That's a moot point, but resuming an antibiotic after it's been stopped can cause an allergic reaction. This might be an oversimplification, but the first time you take it, you become sensitized to it, then the second time, you have a reaction.
This happened to me, so I know it's true. I ended up in the ER with a very bad reaction and had to get a shot of some kind of steroid.
If your husband refuses to go to the urgent care place, all I know to do for him is pray that this bug passes quickly on its own.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Thank you
The first spider bite was about 2 months ago. The second one was about 6 weeks ago and he had to be epi-penned as he was swelling and having a hard time.
Then the second seizure about 2 weeks after that, which now has been about 4 weeks ago. It was a BAD seizure
Then, they gave him Lamictal, but he got a rash after about 12 days and he stopped the meds. Which was now about two weeks ago, he got the flu about 9 days after he stopped. Which was Sunday.
Edited by Dot MatrixLink to comment
Share on other sites
excathedra
so now no meds for the other condition ?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
No, I called the neurologist and he was on vacation. (The one I took a day off of work and drove him to as he cannot drive with seizures) I called today (like 6 days later) and left a MEAN message, that they left him with NO meds.
They could call and speak with him and get him on something.
I told ya'll I am having a rough time when I wrote about being STRESSED.
BTW, thanks Oil and Linda.
Oil...medic, I saw pictures of the spiders OVER there so I cannot even believe how awful those bites might be.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Oilfieldmedic
Hi, listen if the fever persists is that a sign it is viral?
I got on the net and they said fevers can last for up to 7 days. I dunno if that is right.
I have him on juice and soup. He is really sick. The headache is light sensitive and sound sensitive like a migrane, but I am unsure if that is due to the fever.
The pharmacist said nothing OTC (over the counter) will help a person after the fever gets past 102. But he doesn't lsten.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Kit Sober
Praying with everyone else that these things work out for you.
Both health wise and job wise.
So glad you have each other. Some day we will laugh about these things.
Hopefully, it's soon. Very soon.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Thanks Kit.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
oilfieldmedic
Dot...can you call me or I'll call you?
713-445-5787 from 10pm to 10am CST this would cover the time difference between us
oilfieldmedic@hotmail.com
Edited by oilfieldmedicLink to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Thank you so very much
I was gone from here a few days, Hubs temp came down the next morning. IT is still around 99 ish.
HE looks pale to me and is very worn out, but I think he is okay.
I may call you about his seizures as we went to an MD/holistic person and I think she brought up some interesting things.
You are so very wonderful to try and help me and I appreciate it and you very very much, thank you for your concern and sweetness for people in need.
Thank you so very very much, I will email you as soon as I get my facts straight and see if you can render an opinion.
Man, thanks so much for caring.
To everyone -- thank you so much for your love.
Edited by Dot MatrixLink to comment
Share on other sites
likeaneagle
Dot-
So glad to hear he is doing good..how scary...
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Psalm 71 one
Dot, I've been wondering about your absense and was getting concerned--
thanks for posting back.
I was prayin'!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ductape
Have you considered the family leave act, or what ever they call it? I think it is up to 12 weeks off, which can be consecutive or part days at a time and your employer has to give you this time off. Being middle management, a man that works directly under me misses a lot of work because his wife is dying off a rare cancer. Going to HR we found out there is a form which can be filled out once a note from a Dr is presented.
Any medical condition that may cause large amounts of time off each year qualifies. It is unpaid leave, but your job is secured.
Link to comment
Share on other sites
lindyhopper
Hi Dot,
I'm glad your hubs is better. I'm not a health care professional, but I play one on TV...err, I mean I am married to one so that makes me very nearly qualified :) . My wife would like to second or third what everyone else has said about the antibiotics.
The bigger issue or potentially bigger issue IMO, is getting past a stubborn sick spouce. My step-dad used to be that way. He came back from a TWI function across state sick with a tooth infection/ fever. By the time they got home he could barely walk. He didn't want to go to the hospital and no one in our house was making him, although my mother was extremely concerned and upset about it. It took a good friend and fellow twigger to come over and more or less force him to go...with us helping him walk to the car. Long story short, we found out his blood sugar was through the roof and the docs said they didn't understand why he wasn't in a coma. He is now diabetic, but who knows what would have happened if he would have just stayed in bed and went to sleep.
I know I am late to the game here, but I talked to my wife about his symptoms because I was curious. Of course it is hard to diagnose things like this not knowing the whole case but the rash and numbness with the other symptoms make her think of West Nile Virus (WNV). About half the cases have rashes and it can affect the nervous system which can cause the numbness. This year all but a few states have cases (ME, WA., and LA). That is not to say they don't have infected mosquitoes though, just no cases this year.
This gets me back to the stubborn sick spouce thing and I don't mean to scare you or anyone else but WNV can be serious, fatal even in younger and older people or immune-suppressed people. It can also cause varying degrees of paralysis, loose the ability to speak, and any number of other neurologically related problems. OR it could just produce flu like symptoms, but the it can go down hill fast. Here where we are in CO the positive mosquito pool is rather large. We don't mess around when it comes to mosquito protection.
Lastly, I know work is hard and I know spouses can be hard nosed, but four days with flu like symptoms and no doctor visit is not a good way to go espcially if you are about as old as my parents or older. Rashes are also never could in combination with flu like symptoms, that should always be a serious red flag.
I'm very happy he is better, but next time get his butt to the doctor. :)
Everyone please put on your mosquito repellant this time of year especially around dusk and evening hours.
Edited by lindyhopperLink to comment
Share on other sites
Ductape
What times is dust where you live?
Link to comment
Share on other sites
lindyhopper
It is always dust time around here.
I've edited my post so now no one knows what you're talking about, so there, ha.
Now don't go and point out the 42 other mistakes in my post. :)
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Ductape
Link to comment
Share on other sites
oilfieldmedic
Happy to hear he's better!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Dot Matrix
Oh my
We think it was West Nile after reading of it!
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm
HE was bitten by something on his arm which we THOUGHT was a spider, it very well may have been a mosquito.
Turned to a large lumb, his lymph glands swelled terribly and they thought it was allergies and had to give him an epi-pen.
Then, seizure, then illness that last a long time and he still feels poorly but better.
This site really covers it.
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm
Thanks to all!
And thanks about the tip on the West Nile!
Lindy
Like WOW!
Link to comment
Share on other sites
shazdancer
I came late to the discussion, but reading your thread made me think of ehrlichiosis, tick-borne co-infection to Lyme disease:
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvrd/ehrlichia/Signs/Signs.htm
People get several of these other co-infections with Lyme (I had one called babesiosis), and makes their illness that much harder to treat.
The moral of the story is: flu is NOT typical in the summer! If you or one of yours has flu-like symptoms in the summer time, get it checked out. It may be bacterial, and requiring treatment.
Glad your guy is better -- if he doesn't completely recover, drag his sorry tushy in to be examined!
Take care,
Shaz
Link to comment
Share on other sites
Join the conversation
You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.