Dear Smile E.,

Why do I feel worse after a few days or weeks of antibiotics for a lung infection? Could I just be not getting the right antibiotic for my particular infection?

Signed,

Still Sick

Dear Still Sick,

I’m sorry that you are still feeling ill. Have you spoken to your healthcare provider about still feeling ill? Did your doctor run cultures with antibiotic sensitivities testing? The antibiotic sensitivity testing will help determine what your particular bacteria is sensitive to. Now keep in mind the bacteria may be sensitive in testing to a particular antibiotic, but when the antibiotic is used to treat the bacteria it may not be as effective as the initial testing showed. Sometimes adjusting your antibiotics may help, but sometimes staying on the antibiotic that you are already on for a longer period of time will help too. Figuring out which is the best approach is something that your doctor should decide. But remember your doctor also needs your feedback on how things are going, so don’t be afraid to speak up.

Given the above; I should also mention that it isn’t uncommon for mucoclearence patients like those with CF and PCD to feel worse before they feel better even on antibiotics. Why is this? If you think about it, as the infection in your lungs, sinuses, or ears breaks down that infection has to be gotten out of the body somehow. That can mean increased ear drainage, increased sinus drainage, increased coughing, and increased mucus. As your body works to breakdown and move out the infection it isn’t uncommon to have fever, chills, exhaustion, nausea, and the list goes on. It’s basically a process that your body must go through to clear out the broken down infection. Unfortunately that process can make one feel awful too. I do encourage you to reach out to you doctor to let them know how you feel, and then your doctor can decide the best way forward for your particular case.

Yours Truly,

Smile E. Turtle

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Dear Smile E.,

Can you tell me how to go about getting one of those little vests that I’ve seen people get for dolls and bears? I’d like to get one for my child’s Easter basket, for their American Girl doll.

Signed,

Seeking Doll Vest

Dear Seeking Doll Vest,

Both Hill-rom and Respiratech supply bears wearing vests to their current Airway Vest clients. All you need to do is call the customer service number for either Hill-rom or Respiratech and inquire about their bear/vest program. It’s my understanding (at the time of publication of this response) that both companies provide these bears free of charge to their current vest clients; though I may be mistaken about Respiratech. These small bear vests can be taken off the bears and placed on dolls as well; though the fit may be an issue. Both companies allow you to chose a vest color to match your child’s actual airway clearance vest. Please keep in mind that both companies only offer these bears/vests to their current clients. Neither company will supply or sell these bears/vests to non-clients of their company.

Yours Truly,

Smile E. Turtle

Do you have a question for Smile E.?

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Dear Smile E.,

I’m thinking about putting a humidifier in my toddler’s room. It seems to help, but I don’t want to cause more issues with their PCD. What do you think?

Signed,

A Concerned Parent

Dear A Concerned Parent,

While I can’t give medical advice; I can suggest that you speak to your child’s doctor regarding humidifier usage in your child’s care plan. While humidifiers are not normally suggested for use by a person with PCD, because of the potential to aerosolize water dwelling bacteria and organisms into the air where they can be inhaled by the person with PCD. There are however, some instances where humidifiers might be used depending on the person with PCD’s unique overall health picture and care plan.

If your child’s care team agrees to humidifier usage for your toddler’s room, be sure to throughly clean and throughly dry the humidifier daily. This will help to minimize the chances of aerosolizing water dwelling bacteria and organisms into the air.

Yours Truly,

Smile E. Turtle

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Thank you for your consideration!

Dear Smile E.,

I don’t like my current pulmonologist, we just do not get along! How can I fire my doctor and find someone who truly understands PCD?

Signed,

Dr. Problems

Dear Dr. Problems,

First; I recommend checking out the PCD Foundation’s website, under their “Clinical Centers” link located at the top middle of their website. There should be a “Find a Center” link on the drop down bar that pops up; click it. Once you’re on the “Find a Center” page you can scroll down and find the PCD Center nearest you. If the PCD Center near you doesn’t strike your fancy, there are others to chose from.

Second, are you a part of any of the PCD community groups on Facebook? That’s a great place to ask for recommendations from actual PCD families and adults; depending on your age. The community members may also be able to give you some insight on issues they’ve run into with their care teams, and ways to resolve them. I highly recommend joining one or more of these groups.

Third and lastly; never be afraid to shop around to find the right fit for your care team members. However always keep in mind, even though the doctor’s personality may not be a fit for you, they may still be the best choice in your area. Might I suggest, if you haven’t already done so, take time to sit down with your doctor and discuss your concerns. There may just be miscommunications that can be resolved. Ultimately changing doctors is totally up to you end. I wish you the best in your search!

Yours Truly,

Smile E. Turtle

Do you have a question for Smile E.?

Please EMAIL your questions to; This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

And tune in next Sunday to read the latest Ask Smile E.

Join our Facebook group Turtle Talk Café today, click here.

We have several ways that you can donate to PCD Smiles;

- Visit Smile E. Turtle's Amazon Wishlist

- For more information on how you can donate, please visit our "Donation" page to check out our "Do & Don't policies.

- Or sponsor a PCD Smiles cheer package today!

- To shop for your “Official” turtle care ribbon gear today, visit PCD Style or Smile E. Cove

Thank you for your consideration!