Update on pberggren

[firecracker]

Phil wanted me to let you all know that he is now in isolation at the hospital and will be for a week or so. They have diagnosed him with TB. He wont be able to post for awhile so if you have any messages, feel free to reply here or email me at [email protected] and I will let him know. He doesnt have access to a computer there so far. I dont get a lot of time to call him but I will do my best to pass any messages to him. You may want to also copy him on the emails in case he gets to it before I do.

[Sangye]

Oh Phil, how awful! Do they think that's what has been causing the bloody sputum and lung lesions all these months? Very scary, being immune-compromised. I hope you feel better quickly and gets to go home soon to continue his treatment.

Hugs to you, Phil. Hang in there.

(Thanks for posting this, Firecracker. I really appreciate it)

[firecracker]

Sangye, I believe Phil said the doctor said the lung issues are from the TB. He is on three different medicines for the TB and not having any problems taking them so far. They think 4 or 5 days and he should be able to get out of isolation. He sounded pretty good considering. I will pass on your message when I talk to him next time.

[Sangye]

Those are heavy-duty drugs. I think the treatment is 6 months long or sometimes longer. I hope he continues to do okay with it.

[elephant]

Thanks Firecracker for letting us know. Wow TB, so scarey. Get well Phil!

[DEE]

GIVE MY BEST WISHES TO PHIL GET WEKK SOON DEEx

[DEE]

oops sorry maybe should not post when you have just got up meant get well DEEx

[eileenv]

Sorry to hear of this Phil, i wish you well and hope the meds kick in and your back home soon.

[Brooke]

Sorry to hear the terrible news Phil. Prayers are being sent your way, take care and god bless.

[pberggren1]

Thank you all for your support and prayers.

We are still waiting for the lab results of the sputum culture. My new doc talked to the lab boss on Tuesday and asked to make a guess as to what would be the best antibiotic to use in the meantime. He said Bactrim. So my doc put me back on Bactrim 2 tabs twice a day. He said the lab should know what the bacteria is by July 21 so he can put me on a specific antibiotic to take care of it. The lab boss also said that it is in the class of TB and Leprosy so it will be rare and hard to treat.

I saw my new ENT on July 14. He seems very nice and knowledgable. He didn't want to do any type of surgery on me unless it was a last resort. He also said that the sinus wash out that he does is less invasive than what other ENTs do but still usually requires some cutting. He said the cutting or any surgery can trigger a Wegs flare. He put me on bactroban ointment to use in one of my nasal washes and also Pulmicort to use in my nose by using a syringe with a atomiser on the end of it.

I called and e-mailed my Rheumy but have not heard back from her.