Opinion

Antibiotics – Your Opinion

Topic – Antibiotics are powerful medicines, used to kill or control bacterial infections.

But are they good or bad, a miracle or a curse ?

Do you take them gladly or cautiously or not at all ?

Your opinions and experiences please.

Background – I have a trapped hair follicle. At first it was just a small harmless soft lump. My doctor thought it would clear up by itself. Unfortunately it didn’t and became infected after a few months. Doctors have had me on three different kinds of antibiotics, which do stop it worsening, it shrinks, stops being sore and appears that might have healed. But as soon as I stop taking them, it worsens again. I’m now looking at a minor surgery under local aesthetic. There’s a very slim chance that it will clear up with the current course of antibiotics and surgery wont be necessary.

Obviously when I’m prescribed antibiotics I want to know about the drug I’ve been issued, and any problems or side-effects. There’s a mixed bag out there as regards antibiotics. It seems that generally people are positive about these drugs, and lots of lives have been saved, millions certainly, so a miracle of modern science. However there is evidence that some bacteria are becoming antibiotic-resistant, causing super-bacteria that are killing people just like the pre-antibiotic days. This is especially a concern for those already weakened through illness or old-age.

Also, I think the old superstition of “If it looks to good to be true, then it probably is” applies here. Whether this is “true” of not I don’t know.

I’ve been advised to take a probiotic, which I have done, albeit half-dose (every two days). The one I was issued at the pharmacy is “Bioflor”. It’s a yeast with origins in lychee or mangosteen. I don’t know whether I think it’s useful or not, yet, I’ll see how I get on.

UPDATE – The Bioflor probiotic made me very ill indeed, diarrhoea, stomach cramps, nausea and eventually fever. I would NOT recommend them. I discontinued their use and started to feel better. I think it’s due to the fact that it’s a yeast, and I’m not a brewing vat.

My conclusion is that I DO think antibiotics are a positive thing. I do remain wary about taking them, but my health is important, so I would rather take the antibiotic for treatment or cure, than become very ill or die of something treatable. Being knowledgeable helps to improve my chances of remaining healthy, so I do my best to keep informed. Other’s opinions given when I’ve posted these questions before have been very enlightening, and very helpful, so please feel free to contribute. Also Google (in their own sweet time) may pick up these posts and therefore reach a larger audience, so more enquiring minds may also benefit 🙂

Obviously we don’t need to know the gory details. Your medical history is private and personal, so bear this in mind if you want to share something “medical”.

Thankyou in advance for contributing.

DonCharisma.org Opinion Graphic
DonCharisma.org Opinion Graphic

Please note: Good manners are a mark of a charismatic person – so please keep comments civil, constructive and related to the topic, or they will be moderated. Thank you for your co-operation on this. 

Sometimes I do not read comments straight away, and not always able to reply to every comment. I do read ALL comments, and will comment if I think there’s something that I can add to what you’ve said.

Warm regards, Don Charisma

121 thoughts on “Antibiotics – Your Opinion”

  2. Antibiotics are a last resort for me. I don’t get the flu shot either (more often then not they’ve guessed the wrong strain).
    By the way my stepson had the same health issue as you and in the end surgery was the only solution. He got it taken care of 3 years ago and it hasn’t had a problem since. Best of luck!

  3. I’ve read through all of the comments and would like to throw in a few of my own. I have off and on trouble with infected hair follicles. I’ve also spent a career as a registered nurse, during which time I’ve encountered infections of every kind imaginable from first-day symptoms to the infamous “flesh-eating” variety.

    >>Disclaimer: I am not a physician and this is only practical advice based on my personal and professional experience. No claims of successful treatment or cure are being made.<<

    The fast answer: I believe that antibiotics are a necessary part of treating infections, but they are one of many tools. Take a look back through history and compare death rates for infectious diseases before and after the advent of antibiotics and their value is clear. Yes, they are overused. But they are often truly the only answer. When prescribed and used responsibly there is nothing wrong with them at all. However, they are only one part of many treatment options.

    Please bear with me…this could get a bit long. And please excuse me if this is too elementary; I never assume that anything medical is common knowledge. (This comes from decades of patient teaching.)

    Staph and strep are bacteria and they are on everyone's skin…it is normal for them to be there. The problems start when they get inside the skin. Hair follicles are like a deep cup that "holds" the hair, so they are open to the skin surface. If that opening gets abraded or otherwise irritated it can swell to the point of closing around the hair shaft…trapping whatever surface bacteria happened to be there. And that sets it up for an infection to develop.

    Another common thing that can happen is instead of a hair growing straight up through the follicle opening to the skin, it somehow makes a turn and ends up growing into a coiled circle that never manages to get out of the follicle. So it grows, gets bigger, irritates the follicle and sets up a reaction as described next.

    At the first signs of infection (redness, swelling, warmth and/or tenderness) the best thing to do is apply moist heat (a hand cloth run through hot (not boiling!! don't burn yourself) water and wrung until it stops dripping). Apply for about 15 minutes, every 3-4 hours (every 2-3, if you can manage) If done at the start this alone will be enough to nip it in the bud. (It works 90-95% of the time for me.)

    If the infection continues to progress…it is getting redder, hotter, more swollen and/or more painful it's time to up the ante. Because the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotics are appropriate. My preference is to start as mild as possible and work up in strength as needed. Again, if it's early on this is the second best way to stop it cold.

    Probiotics can be useful because it has been determined that approximately 90% of our immune system is located in the gut. Our guts are loaded with bacteria that do a lot of very good things (as long as they say inside, that is). Stress, poor diets, illness and a number of other things can upset the bacterial balance and probiotics help a lot of people correct that. Yogurt is a great probiotic, as long as it contains active cultures, and is often enough for mild disturbances.

    This next part may be a little yucky, but it's a piece of the story. When you get an infection your body tries to stop it by sending masses of white blood cells to the area. That's why heat can be so helpful – it increases circulation to the area and so more white blood cells get there faster. As the white cells do their part they die, but they stay where they are. That's why there can be a lot of swelling. When a lot of dead white blood cells accumulate and turn into a goopy soup we call (here it comes) pus. That why physicians will want to "open it up and drain it." Those dead cells aren't helping anymore and they are getting in the way of the healthy cells.

    When it gets to the point that the infection is severe it's time to haul out the big guns. IV antibiotics. Local surgical intervention. If it's not treated there is the possibility the infection can get into the bloodstream and proceed to infect the blood. And the blood goes everywhere, carrying the infection along with it. Not good.

    If you ever see red streaks on your skin leading away from the center of infection RUN, DO NOT WALK to your doctor. If it's after hours, go to the emergency room. The read streaks mean it's starting to spread.

    Someone mentioned Bactroban(R). It's an antibiotic cream that targets strep bacteria and works quite well. Unless you have an allergy, of course.

    For many people zinc and/or vitamin C really boost their immune system. For me Vit C does nothing, but zinc (yuck) works a charm.

    I do not agree that antibiotics can "turn" on someone in the manner described. That doesn't mean that the writer's experience isn't valid. Allergic reactions are a funky thing. I know – my family lives in allergy nirvana. You can become allergic from repeated exposure to a specific antibiotic, just like you can suddenly become allergic after one too many bee stings. It is an individual response. My mother was allergic to all antibiotics except one. Lucky me, I am allergic to all of the heavy duty pain killers except one (codeine and morphine will literally kill me). They didn't "turn" on me, my physiology just isn't compatible – my body doesn't "like" them.

    Someone else mentioned the application of oils. A lot of plants have excellent, natural antibiotic properties and can be very useful when applied to problem-prone areas…but, as I understand it, not when an infection is already present. Oils can block the swollen follicle even more and make it harder to stop the infection. Personally, I'd recommend saving them for clear, uninfected skin only.

    Sorry this has turned into an essay, but I believe that forewarned is forearmed. I hope it helps explain how these nasty little things start, what to look for and how to jump on them quickly. Best wishes for a complete recovery. I'll be quiet now.

  4. Here’s my two cents worth. Like everything else, you can use an antibiotic for only so many times before your body says “enough” and turns on you or it. Then you develop an allergy to every drug in that category. Unfortunately, I am speaking from experiencing here. It’s the same deal as allergies to food and everything else in the world.

  5. I know from personal experience how doctors are so ready to prescribe anti-biotics. And My body has gotten so used to them that I have to cycle different forms. Eventually it came to the point where I no longer took them. I will refrain in the future from using anti-biotics unless it is ABSOLUTELY necessary. When I do take anti-biotics I will surely take a pro-biotic along with it. I take a daily pro-biotic at a low dose however I have reserves a super-high dosage pro-bio for the sole purpose of anti-biotic circumstances. In regards to sinus infections, I had two this year, one in Sept and one in Oct. I solved the problem by using a sinus flush and saline spray as well as Sinu Orgea natural nasal spray. I think the consensus will agree with me that anti-bio’s are a dream cure, but only when all other elements fail.

    1. Yes I think most would agree dream cure, as for a last resort I’m not sure I agree, certain infections could cause permanent damage if not treated early. So it’s the diagnosis that then becomes important.

      Warm regards

      DC

  6. I rarely get sick, usually when I’ve needed antibiotics in my adult years it has been for dental infections, but since I bit the bullet and got my teeth fixed up I don’t think I’ve needed any at all. . I occasionally get sinus infections, but my body always seems to be able to heal those itself, once the fever gets to a certain point I take anti inflammatories and the infection kinda drops out lol…
    I eat home cooked meals mostly with fresh as possible ingredients, but don’t go to a lot of effort to make sure my diet is “balanced” or low fat… I don’t take any supplements, I don’t make a fuss over hygeine… I have a positive attitude though and I think believing in your bodies ability to heal itself from minor ailments is one of the most important factors in health. I haven’t been to a Dr in a few years lol

    1. I’ve been the same, prefer to stay away from medics when I don’t need them. But if it’s painful or swollen, or other complications, then that’s time for a visit.

      Nothing’s perfect about my lifestyle, I just do my best to stay healthy and happy 🙂

      Warm regards

      DC

  7. I think antibiotics can be very helpful, but I also think they are often over prescribed. I have been prescribed antibiotics before test results came back and the results showed that is not what I needed. I’m lucky I have a doctor now who really listens, and who believes as I do, antibiotics are great when needed, but she isn’t going to just throw them at me to shut me up. : )

    BTW, I too have hair follicles that become clogged. Be glad you only have one. I have many, but it doesn’t seem as if I’m getting any more now. I’ve had to have 3 removed, it wasn’t a big deal. Really! The antibiotics I’ve been given for this issues haven’t helped. They may help for a tiny bit of time, but go off of them and it comes back, I’d rather not be on them that long. Right now the ones I have are not painful, so we are leaving them alone. But I recently got a Cochlear Implant (I’m deaf) and one of my hair follicle bumps is too close to the computer they put in my head, so it is annoying, I think it will be out soon.

    I do know growing up I was given antibiotics way too often, and now I have to have the super drugs to help me. That’s a bit scary. If the super bugs can’t be killed by the super antibiotics soon, then I’m up a creek. But, they used to prescribe them to treat the symptoms, not the real cause. Patients should be aware of this practice, and really question their doctor when being prescribed an antibiotic.

    good topic.

    1. 🙂 Thanks. Whilst unpleasant for you, it’s useful to know I’m not the only one ever to have had hair follicle problem.

      And yes I’ve been on antibiotics now for a lot longer than I would like, hopefully this will reach a conclusion soon 🙂

      Warm regards DC

  8. There’s no doubt that antibiotics have historically been over-used. In the 40’s and 50’s, osteopaths and some MD’s gave antibiotics for even colds, a very bad practice.

    So if you need ’em, take ’em, but don’t stop when you feel better–take all of the prescribed quantity. Keep records of every Rx. Be sure to record any meds that give an adverse reaction!!! Doctors and pharmacies rarely do this for you.

    1. Yup, that’s pretty much what I’ve done, for generics I always ask for name of drug to be written down if I don’t have it and take a photo of the pill packets if they are labeled. Reason, you never know when you might be required to tell a medic what meds you have/are taking.

  9. I haven’t read every single comment, just skimmed through, so excuse me if I repeat anything already said. I am a person who keeps my immune system in top shape. I seldom get colds, maybe one a year, and I can’t remember the last time I had a flu–it’s been at least a decade, with no flu shots.

    Ten years ago, I had an infected tooth and a dentist prescribed an antibiotic. I hadn’t had an antibiotic since maybe the 1980s. I had told my dentist that almost all medications make me sick and that I do things the natural way, but this time I needed an antibiotic. I was given a “new” strain, which was a mistake. It was so powerful that it made me very ill. I think if I had been given one that was similar to the earlier versions, it would have been fine.

    I am still dealing with the problems partially caused by these potentially harmful drugs.

    Every day I take acidophilus or probiotics, whatever, the names I am not always sure about. All I know is that there are certain bacteria, whose names start with L or with a B, and if you have those two, it will help your digestive system to function well, and this is a big part of immunity to attack by bad germs. The antibiotic I took, I assume, destroyed so much of my natural internal bacteria that I was horribly ill for many months. I lost 3 sizes but not in a good way, as there was only a short list of foods that I could eat without horrible nausea.

    Enough of that. For a good immune system, get enough rest, friendship, and laughter. In winter, I swallow one cut-up clove of garlic every night (not on an empty stomach) and if I feel germy, I swallow a bit more. Oil of oregano knocks out any kind of respiratory issue before it has a chance to get going. We, above all, need to realize we are not a machine or a robot, but even they need maintenance to run smoothly.

    So, my opinion is, we all need to balance our lives and quit thinking we are indispensable at work, or someone else is going to get our job. . . our doctors do not intimately know our bodies but we do, and responsibility lies with us. Increasingly our doctors don’t touch us or get to know us; it’s all about the pills, but often these medications do much harm, whereas natural methods keep us safe and happy.

    You visited my blog. Thank you.

    Julie (or the Brain)

    1. Thanks Julie, very useful, and yesterday I had a lesson in not doing my self-care, won’t be making that mistake today. The antibiotics I’m taking are quite powerful and need to be treated with a lot of respect. So anything I can do to make sure that I’m as healthy as possible is good and helpful 🙂

      Warm regards

      DC

  10. Recently, I had an infected cat scratch on my ankle. I treated it with Vitamins A and C, herbs, Epsom salts, and sunshine. I let it rest until it started to get better. Then I got stupid and stayed on my feet all day doing house and yard work. Guess what — it got worse and I had to resort to antibiotics. So, if we use common sense and give the body what it needs to heal itself, we may avoid antibiotics. But if we abuse the body, drastic measures can be required.

    1. I had a lesson in that yesterday myself, was out walking for hours, too much coffee, not eating regularly and ended stomach cramps and worse. So now I’m looking at better self-care and I know the factors that I need to cut out.

  11. My two cents- if you’ve taken antibiotics a few times now and the follicle issue is still there, the drugs aren’t doing much. If I have an internal bacterial issue I will take an antibiotic, but anything on my skin I most likely would not. I had an issue last year with my throat. It was very red, swollen, I had white patches yet no pain. The ENT doc was baffled. He put me on meds, and it did nothing. Turns out I have issues with tonsil stones. One of my tonsils are full of them! Didn’t see that until I had an MRI of my neck. Anyway, I think with issues that call for meds (infections that are not viral), take them. There have been times though that docs have prescribed meds when they don’t know what’s going on (like my throat) and use meds as a quick fix, to see if it will do something. Not a big fan of that, and my medicine cabinet is the proof. I hope that your follicle issue will resolve, and that you’ll be back to feeling better! 🙂

    1. Thanks, I hope so too. The antibiotics took their toll yesterday and I was quite ill. Partly due to lack of self-care on my part, and I know the factors that caused so will cut those out.

      And yes meds have a time and a place, for me once it starts getting painful or infected, or other serious complications, that’s the time.

      Warm regards

      DC

  12. I am a relatively healthy person, so have only taken antibiotics a handful of times in my life. Once for a chest infection that practically robbed me of my voice, and once which cleared a long-standing stomach complaint. However I think antibiotics should be taken in moderation. There are some people who on the slightest hint of a cold or ‘man flu’ immediately rush to the doctor and DEMAND antibiotics. Not only is that a blatant waste of the doctor’s time, but overuse of antibiotics for minor infections is leading to drug-resistant strains that modern medicine is struggling to overcome.

    There are always other remedies if you have a minor infection, and one thing that has got to be said…always complete the course!!

    Vijay

  14. Well they saved the life of my new born baby and myself when we both caught an infection during labour. I died on the operating table for a couple of minute after me heart rate shot through the roof and couldn’t take it any more and my daughter was almost behind me.

    Thankfully it wasn’t my time to ‘pop off’ and came back before the crash team arrived. But we were both a sorry state. We were both put on high doses of antibiotics to fight off the infection my daughter also had some other issues and was in the special baby unit for a week. But we are both here now to tell the tale, actually she is 6 and the rarest beauty you could ever hope to meet. They don’t dish out tablets willy nilly in the UK anymore. And when they do it’s for pretty serious infections. So I for one, am thankful to those clever people who invested so much energy in finding these cures. Xx

    1. Agreed, and there’s much evidence that antibiotics have saved countless lives, two right here, maybe even my own I don’t recall all the meds I’ve ever been given and nearly died myself when a baby, so quite possible antibiotics were involved in my healing.

      And yes willy nilly tablets not, more like Spanish inquisition LOL

      Warm regards DC

  16. I’m not a person who uses medications of any kind… unless it is absolutely necessary as I do believe there is a time and a place for them. The key is for the doctor to know when the right time is…
    FYI…
    I was a hair stylist for 14 years, trapped hair follicles or ingrown hairs was something I watched for daily…as you can see why! When I came across one I immediately removed it without any consequences…I wonder why the Doctor didn’t remove the hair follicle when you first went to him?

  17. I think people overuse antibiotics frequently. A normal, healthy individual runs to the doctor to get an antibiotic because they can’t miss an event or work or whatever. Doctors give them out all too frequently imho. However, they are necessary when used appropriately.

    1. Couldn’t say fairer than that Laura. In the UK the state controls the purse strings so less likely to get handed out, it’s an annoyance in a lot of my experiences, but the patient paying brings it’s own problems too, such as meds being prescribed just for doctor’s markup. So either way it’s not perfect.

      1. Agreed. There will never be such a thing as perfection with an entity tries to distribute “fairness” to a large population. It’s impossible. Now where is my amoxycillin? LOL

  18. Sticking my two-cents in here, but have you ever considered essential oils? My husband and I have been using CPTG Essential Oils from DoTerra since June, and all I can say is God gave us everything we need to heal physically, mentally and emotionally through plants. My husband is a diabetic with high cholesterol, and his doc has lowered his meds because the oils work to control his blood sugar and cholesterol. As for your hair follicle, I would suggest melaleuca from DoTerra – it’s certified pure therapeutic grade tea tree oil, and it does contain antibacterial properties. There are many essential oils with antibacterial properties that are better for you, work faster than meds, and have no side effects whatsoever. http://www.everythingessential.me is a great website that lists the oils and their healing properties, as well as health concerns and oil protocols to help. Also, organic Non GMO coconut oil is great for skin issues!

    Shalom!!

    1. Of course that’s why I asked for people’s opinions. I had some success with essential oils in the past, but more for relaxing and meditation, frankincense is very good for relaxing for instance. Tea tree I’ve used on my skin, but don’t currently have any.

      Ordering from US would cost a fortune where I am, so I’ll have a look at what’s available locally. Thanks for info 🙂

      Warm regards

      DC

      1. Frankincense is one of my favorites, when in doubt, use frankincense, LOL! I hope you are able to get some more tea tree soon, it’s great! Perhaps DoTerra will make it’s way to you locally, soon. If so, I do recommend it!

        Shalom!

  19. I think antibiotics are okay as long as they are used when needed but also in moderation and with common sense. Overuse, like any good thing, can blow up in your face. In North Cyprus you can just go into pharmacies and buy antibiotics as pharmacists are well-trained in basic care. I had to use antibiotics for a belly button infection which I didn’t take seriously (well, heck, a belly button, for god’s sake?), a huge rash spread over my belly, and it took a couple of courses of antibiotics to clear up. When I get bronchitis, which is very rare now, I use antibiotics straight away. I know some people say you shouldn’t, but my history is that, without antibiotics I get very sick, very fast and it gets worse over time not better. I try to take as few drugs as possible, because I’m not a great fan of conventional medicine although it’s useful on certain occasion. I use homeopathy and acupuncture where possible but sometimes conventional medicine is the best option. You just need to use your intelligence and listen to your body.

    1. Can’t add anything, all sounds very sensible, can I call you “The Sensible Crone” ? LOL

      Surprised me also in Greece what I could buy over the counter, much more open and “honest” than UK where one needs a prescription, which means a doctors appointment for anything apart from basic stuff. I see the rationale, but personally doesn’t impress me much.

      Best obviously as said earlier is not to get sick:)

      Warm regards DC

  20. I try to avoid them as much as possible because of bad side effects (nausea, dizziness, stomach problems). For the hair follicle I guess surgery would solve the problem.

  21. I hate being sick, ill, not 100% … so I gladly take antibiotics. Ingrown hair follicle can be quite complicated and cause all sorts of strife. Recently my daughter had a case of it and she plucked it out herself 🙂 used antiseptic rubs etc and within days infection spread as a rash all across her abdomen – hm 😦 the Doc prescribed antibiotics and all better within days. Best of luck with your situation Don

    1. Thanks, and who does like being sick, ill etc, it’s worrying because sometimes we don’t know if we’ll get better. I’m positive and I reckon that I’ll get the problem sorted out, so hopefully a storm in a teacup 🙂 warm regards DC

  22. Aaah – me and antibiotics have a long hard relationship, It is a bit like the internet really: Can’t live with them – can’t live without them ;)….sad but true story. I nearly lost my child due to my resistance to antibiotics – because I had had to have such extensive doses over years to control a recurring problem. Ended up on a drip with IV dosing when the microbiologist eventually found the resistant strain that made me so sick. They come with vast side effects too ofcourse – eats away at the calcium in your teeth..and one would imagine bones(but that is hearsay unless you end up with osteoporosis and no teeth…BUT ONLY longterm and high doses.) BUT – I am alive, and would NOT be without them…and neither would my little girl be as she was born with a lung infection that required treatment.

    I find here (UK) they seem to be pretty cautious with dosing them out. ( I am used going in to doctors with a kid and then having to go back two days later to be administered antibiotics – which frankly with experience I know will happen NO MATTER what I do for them)
    Rock and a hard place right.
    Use wisely – use as instructed!

    1. Sounds like my ex-wife and a couple of ex-girlfriends, still, like you, I lived to tell the story, something to tell the grandkids !

      So bottom line is they are necessary, but need to be treated with respect. Antibiotics that is not girlfriends ! Joking of course, my girlfriend is lovely, one in a million 🙂

      I have a bit of a love/hate relationship with the UK medical profession having lived their most of my life, and as explained a little speaking to carol earlier on. They messed up my surgery, cut me in the wrong place. Also I don’t particularly appreciate being babied/patronised by pharmacy/GPs which refuse to sell me analgesic tablets in bulk, due to possible addictive properties, which has never been an issue for me nor am I suicidal. I’m frequently overseas, so like to stock up and explaining this to pharmacist doesn’t make any difference. I have to had to visit many different branches in order to get six months supply, which is just a waste on my time and energy. Luckily I’ve found that 600mg ibuprofen are available over here, cheaper, so not an issue any more. I understand the rationale behind it, but inflexible rules can be just as bad as not having rules.

      Within all that they have put humpty don charisma back together more than a few times, and I’ve had some very very good doctors and completely outstanding nurses, that my hat goes off to fully, I have much respect. So I try to forget to bad experiences with morons, and concentrate on seeking out the not morons if that makes sense 🙂

      And yes the UK they need to fill in 13 forms, have a committee, a ballot, a fun run, dinner dance and an AGM before they’ll give you a codeine tablet, but if you’re seriously and life threateningly ill you’ll generally get five star treatment on the spot.

      Sorry to hear about your woes, life has a way of challenging us, what doesn’t kill you they say …

      Warm regards

      DC

      1. pfft to woes dude! All part of growing up hey – mentioned it as it was in context with the antibiotic saga –
        Yeah – the relationship with NHS is a bit like the relationship with antibiotics.
        I also get freaking erked when I get treated like an idiot (sorry – I had to slip that in there) when we are discussing things that I probably know more about then they do – as it has to do with MY body or my childrens whom I have been taking care of since well – since they first existed 😉
        I can understand it because SOME folk ARE ignorant on health issues – but geeeees – if I tell you I think I know what is wrong – I am NOT trying to tell you how to do your job – I am giving valuable input into making a CORRECT diagnoses – surely?
        Strange attitude.
        With a pretty good practice now though – they actually listened to what I had to say and did the tests on my kid I have asking for for EVER. So getting there.

      2. LOL, yup growing up, all part of it !

        I think the NHS overall is a positive thing, and I’ve had plenty of positive experiences. However I’m not convinced that taking the purse strings out of the hands of the patient is a good idea. However the alternative of being treated based on ability to afford treatment isn’t good either. Lots of these paradoxes in life 🙂

        And yes I’ve felt like I’m back in primary school asking the teacher for what I needed quite a few times in the UK.

        Best answer find a practice with good doctors, and dump the morons. However sometimes in UK people don’t have that luxury.

        Anyway, we’re drifting off the antibiotics subject, maybe we’ll put the NHS to rights a different day 🙂

        Warm regards

        DC

      3. – just a little drift 😉 but yeah – drift none the less!
        Just had one of those drigting conversations with the offspring – darned if we could figure out where it started?? The joys of blogging – one just has to scroll up to remember the context of the conversation hey 😉

        Cheers Don

      4. Does happen for sure, especially when there is time in between the reply … Some days I’m speaking to a lot of people, and I am so definitely not perfect !

        As for where it all started, I thought it was a glint in the father’s eye, but heck what do I know:)

        Cheers

        DC

      5. ..lets be PC about it at least – a glint in the MOTHERS eye> pffft 😉
        Ps – I have natural troll instincts – I prefer going off topic – but I will keep that for my site hey 😀

      6. Nope not PC, PC would be “glint in the PERSON’S eye”, so I won’t let you have that, even though you could easily be right;)

        Mine is a “troll-free” blog – I may seem as gentle as a puppy, which generally I am, but my bite is definitely worse than my bark. Sharpen your claws elsewhere, Facebook I hear is pretty good for that.

        More constructively put I believe in civility and good manners, as in the disclaimer at the end of my post.

        Warm regards

        DC

      10. No worries, apology accepted. It’s quite a negative word and I was a little surprised. From what I know of you it wouldn’t have been a word I would use to describe you. Also a troll or cyber-bully is unlikely to tell one what they are doing, so doubt there too.

        My personal choice is to nip any kind “bad behaviour” in the bud, which appropriate degrees of firmness. Often seems to come when I’m worst prepared for it, been quite ill the past couple of days, and that tends to make me firmer and shorter.

        So let’s stick to playful joking around with a positive intent, or constructive criticism, here on WordPress, and let the trolls, cyber-bullies and otherwise badly behaved people find other avenues to practice their dark arts. WordPress’ signature ethos is democratic publishing, and with solidarity on this, WordPress could continue to be a nice place to be. Everyone has the right to be treated with dignity, respect and to be allowed to have a voice, provided they treat their rights with respect.

        I think you are a friendly good hearted person, I like your work and your blog, and hope that we will continue to be friends here on WordPress.

        Warm regards

        DC

      11. I blame my teen and tween – they banter the word around in regard to anything 😉 Again – as I said – easy to misinterpret – I REALLY should be more careful and certainly not tie ‘trolling’ and ‘feminism’ together into a comment! lol! Idiot that I am – lesson learned!(ie – not everyone knows me as well as I think they might and my words should be chosen more wisely – thank you for that as I could have got myself into deep trouble getting TOO laid back – I forget I am not in my living room sometimes ya know?)
        Fortunately you are a decent fellow who gives the benefit of the doubt – and YOUR blog and lets face it REAL trolls …(not ones that live under a bridge as Suz so beautifully put) are not welcome ANYWHERE.

        Rest Easy
        IW 😀

      12. Hey Belinda, I reckon friends forgive and forget, especially in the presence of humility.

        I asked for opinions on “freedom of speech” recently, this helped me understand that yes we should have the right to free speech, but it carries with it responsibility. The responsibility is to speak and act generally virtuously most of the time, and isn’t any different than what I thought it was, just better able to express it now. Certain words do carry grave meanings, and troll has been extended to cover cyber-bullying. In the case of the trolls post I wrote ( https://doncharisma.org/2013/10/10/trollsrus-a-guide-to-blog-trolls-moose-mr-whisk-and-the-axe-murderer/ ), my inspiration was a young English girl who committed suicide as a reaction/response to having had some “evil” things said to her on last.fm . For me this is a grave reminder that discipline and self-discipline are required to operate as a responsible adult person.

        Also as I said to The Crazy Crone recently, I stay out of gender issues, it’s far too contentious and largely irrelevant as far as I’m concerned. All I will say is that people should be working towards more harmonious situations, accepting how things actually are, working with love and being friends, rather than all this petty fighting and competing. Make love not war I think is the old adage.

        As for the kids, they are learning their way and have less responsibility until they come of age. Part of our job as adults and parents is to steer them towards being virtuous adults, who go on to lead happy lives and treat others with dignity and respect.

        I’m certainly no saint or special snowflake, made my share of dumb decisions and said the most dumb things at times. So let’s close it with that, this thread is about antibiotics, perhaps I’ll ask for opinions on the other things later.

        Warm regards

        DC

      13. No worries. I honestly think the only way to interpret Belinda’s troll-like abilities is “I look and act like I live under a bridge sometimes”. 😛

      14. I acted and decided on the face-value, but kept an open mind … and yes I really don’t think Belinda’s a troll, however the message needed to be answered.

        How’s life in Roo-land ?

        Warm regards

        DC

      15. OI!!!! 😀 True though. Don is going to get sad if we keep commenting on this thread – I think we ALL need a strong does of Antibiotics to rid us of verbal diarrhoea! 😉

      17. You know my tongue was firmly in my cheek don’t you? Sorry you were sick – which was the whole point of my email. 😉 I was just checking up on you.

      18. I know you Suz, so don’t worry, not taken the wrong way … I just checked email and can’t see your email, which means I probably did check it yesterday, as I would have read an email from you 🙂 Yahoo email is shite, so may not be a problem at your end …

      19. I re-sent it a few minutes ago. Maybe it is in cyber space with the other emails I sent out yesterday about my Fellow Blogger thing. 😉

      23. I had a fever yesterday, could hardly get out of bed, horribly dehydrated and water just passing straight through me. Today I’m 100 comments behind on my blog, just got up to date. So yes I do check my inbox of which there are two that I have to switch between, currently it’s on my personal one, not DC … you sent me an email ?

  23. Hi DC. This may have already been said but it’s not a matter of good vs bad. All medicines have potential risks. The challenge is to prescribe them only when the benefits outweigh the risks. And the doctor usually has to decide this without having all the facts, eg exactly which bacteria are causing this, could the patient get better without treatment, is this person going to have side effects. As Stephen Hawking says, though not about antibiotics specifically, ‘you cannot predict the future.’

    1. Hey Carol, I totally agree and understand that. One’s paying the doctor for his opinion the same as a lawyer, and one hopes that he’s informed, intelligent, ethical and fit to do his job. And absolutely I’m not placing any blame for my still continuing to have an issue, that’s my responsibility. Just want to get it resolved and mainly interested in people’s opinions relating to antibiotics. The discussion I had on freedom of speech, right to silence and taking photos of people, were all very enlightening and enriching. Aside of course from an occasional moron that dropped in, but they were moderated successfully, so my trolls post was very useful and the feedback I had from people.

      Within all that I’ve had surgery in UK, where it was admitted to me that they cut me in the wrong place, three days in hospital and then I had to spend three months getting it packed and dressed daily, all with still not having had the original issue resolved. I didn’t return for the last op they offered me, still have the original issue, which plays up from time to time, but it doesn’t really bother me (my GP in UK is aware of it). A general anaesthetic and surgery as you know is a serious undertaking with serious risks, so I wasn’t best pleased for a variety of reasons. In almost anywhere apart from UK I could probably have sued, but then I probably wouldn’t have been admitted to that they made a mistake. This is unrelated to the antibiotics issue, sorry I’m breaking my own rules a little, but in order to answer you from my own experience.

      My point is that people form biases and opinions based on their experiences, the experiences of their peers and family and cultural influences. It’s obviously overly simplistic to describe this as good vs bad, but essentially people will make a decision based on what they believe. There are two opposing sides across the paradox, good vs bad, right vs wrong, good vs evil, tall vs short, ugly vs pretty, fat vs thin, dim vs intelligent etc etc ad infinitum. In my case I decided that the surgeon above wasn’t fit to do the job, I have no confidence in him, “bad” for want of a better word, so I didn’t entertain further surgery from him, why would I ? That’s my opinion, my belief, my decision, which I have the right to. It could be the one mistake he made in whole career or it could be that he does it all the time. And obviously not all surgeons are morons. Personally I wouldn’t take the risk again, with him or people connected with him and left it behind.

      Ultimately sometimes it’s necessary to make a decision on either side of paradox, AND sometimes keep an open mind, to not decide. That in itself is a paradox with one side and another, deciding to not decide is still a decision!

      So for me, listening to other people’s wisdom, their experiences, their tough times and easy times, their suggestions, helps me improve the decisions I make, to make more informed, better, “good” choices. That’s why I asked the question 🙂

      Agree that we can’t predict the future, and I would add to that that future and past do not actually exist, it’s only now that actually exists, well that is until it doesn’t any more, and I’ve passed on. The past can help to navigate the future, but it’s only a guide, like the doctor’s opinion that we started with !

      Well that’s my take, for what it’s worth 😎

      Thanks for contributing Carol, hope you are well.

      Warm regards

      Don Charisma

      PS I think that was probably longer than my original post !

  24. Maybe thinking that earlier treatment would have solved is just an opinion? Probably the case needs a thorough research on the antibiotic that really targets “that” bacterium.
    (I know nothing about medicine, and I used antibiotics only 3 times in my life and solved the problem).
    best whishes

    1. Yup, true enough, doctor may have taken his most wise choice in all cases. Bottom line for me is I need it fixed, so need to find a solution, which I think I have. Warm regards DC

  26. Antibiotics save lives there’s no doubt about it, without the use of them even a simple pneumonia could put our lives in danger. Side effects are real, but if a person is wholly in good health, not important. 🙂

  27. I try not to take any medication unless I really have to and that includes antibiotics. The last time I had them was when I was in hospital for surgery and I had heavy doses through IV. That was a couple of years ago now.
    I have tried the probiotic thing but it didn’t work for me too well for reasons that I would rather not go into (blech). You can get probiotics such as Yakult over here and take them each day. It is sort of like a yoghurt drink. With yoghurts you might be better eating natural or greek yoghurt rather than the sweetened fruit ones.
    When I am eating clean i.e. no breads, no white flours or rices, some dairy and lots of fresh stuff, my health is much better.
    As to treating your infection, have you tried Tea Tree gel (Thursday Plantation is a good one). And paw paw cream is great for helping heal things as well. 🙂
    Well that’s my two cents. I won’t be concerned if you give change 😉

    1. Thanks Suz, I bought some yogurt drink today, my girlfriend calls it a milk drink, but it’s very yakult’y …

      Challenging to live on the clean food, although I’m certainly going to have to make more of an effort I think !

      I’ll check out what’s available tea tree wise, we’ve got some decent pharmacies here. The hospital prescribed Bactroban, which has been also recommended by others, it makes a good barrier for minor cuts, and touch wood here I’ve not had anything become infected.

      Warm regards DC

      1. Bactroban is an antibiotic cream. I would hazard a guess that an antibiotic applied externally would be better than one internally.
        As far as Tea Tree , check out Thursday Plantation. They used to have an online store but not sure if they still do. A little tube goes a looooooong way 😉

      3. I was quite ill yesterday, lack of self-care and antibiotics, should have known better, doh !

        I looked in the chemist yesterday, couldn’t find any. At the moment it’s in “remission” and doctor I have to see today (missed apt yest). So for now, no, I think it’d be expensive and hassle, but kind offer.

        DC

  29. So hey Don,
    I think if you aren’t sure asking is the best thing, but I trust my body to know when somethings up. I’ve personally never been prescribed anything that either worked properly or worked exactly as the doctor ordered. My Family Doctor however has always had more time to explain and decipher solutions to problems.
    Excuse my straight forwardness, and honesty.
    It is my understanding that yeast is a microorganism from the fungi family. It’s basically a micro-combination of different species. Which on the bigger scale of a larvae found in seeds, the yeast comes from fruit. It’s sustenance for the organism to survive their harsher environment. Not saying it’s bad, but this yeast Idea is giving me the willies.

    All in all Take the advice of an appropriate observer to get appropriate diagnostics, and trust his word til your body whispers: STOP.

    1. Hey Chris, agree to a certain extent, and have an understanding of yeasts, which often do upset my stomach, alcoholic beverages for instance often do more than make me drunk, I can be quite ill the days afterwards. So I don’t tend to drink much, generally happy without it. I’m definitely no expert on the field, and do tend to trust my own feelings, along with the best advice that I can find.

      Straightforwardness and honesty always welcomed on my blog, the things that aren’t are lack of civility and respect, those people have been/will be warned and then banned if necessary. I don’t tolerate from anyone under any circumstances. You are not one of these from what I can tell 🙂

      Warm regards

      DC

  30. One idea, is not to get sick in the first place. Behave sensibly and avoid crowded places during flu season. Wash your hands when you come in from using handles and shopping carts, etc. Just common sense.

    Garlic helps to fortify the immune system, as does Aloe Vera taken internally. Get plenty of exercise, proper nutrition, (plenty of fruits and raw or steamed vegetables) and at least adequate sleep. Besides a regular vitamin, I also take, B 100’s, Co-Q10 (200 mgs.), C (1000mgs.), and Omega-3. It doesn’t hurt to fortify yourself, the way I see it. Over 8 million germs per cubic inch of air, and that’s a fact!

    Some say staying dirty and greasy helps keep germs out as well.

    1. It’s a good idea and I think most people practice that one. However I don’t choose to get a problem, sometimes they just come, that’s life !

      I’m a big fan of vit-c, also take multivits, and Zinc-magnesium good for men stimulates testosterone production which helps with our masculine charisma and assertiveness when needed.

      After living in London, and putting my hand on greasy yucky disgusting handrails on public transport, I’ve become used to washing my hands quite often, especially when I’m doing anything with food that will go into my mouth. It got so bad, that often I’d rather lean against something on the train or bus rather than hold but not always possible, even considered wearing gloves on public transport, surprised that some bright spark hasn’t invented flesh coloured gloves to act as a barrier for these circumstances. Still maybe that’s where my fortune lies LOL

      Within all that, people do get ill, and antibiotics I reckon are necessary and important for chronic/serious conditions. My background problem I didn’t seek attention or drugs until it was sore and obviously something that wasn’t clearing up of it’s own accord. And then I was worried that it might develop into something more serious left untreated.

      Warm regards

      DC

      1. Thanks so much for the synapses on that Don! This subject has always interested me, since I saw my advanced English teacher suffering from lupus!

        I’m just concerned for you because, as I’m sure you’re aware, the more you take antibiotics, the less their power to do the job for you.

        I wash all of my fruits and vegetables in one part hydrogen peroxide, and one part cider vinegar, and one part water, for five minutes… There’s just so much poison, insecticides, parasites, you never can be to careful in the war against our microbial attackers…

        I may take you up on the zink-magnesium thing! LOL! My libido is sadly lacking these days… And thanks for the chat! I enjoyed that!

        I just hope you get well Don! Lots of new innovations in Medical research are popping up every-day… Maybe your ‘day’ is coming soon. Eh? Hang in there! I’m rooting for you :O)

      2. Hopefully it’s nothing too serious. Yesterday I had a lesson in self-care, but have understood what I need not-to-do, so won’t be doing again today. The antibiotics I’m taking are quite powerful so I need to treat myself with care.

        My labido comes and goes, usually it comes at the most inopportune times and goes at the most inopportune times, natures little joke I guess. Keeps the ladies amused and bemused I guess, me, mostly bemused. Zinc-magnesium is a supplement used by people training to up the testosterone levels, and it helps me stay energetic. Zinc on it’s own it also beneficial. In Thailand the pharmacy sell testosterone supplements over the counter without prescription, which I’ve heard are helpful.

        I’ve also found for male body it’s a good idea to get a decent amount of protein, and physical activities will help not just with labido, but with having energy and vitality. All things in moderation though, time for rest and relaxation is just as important as active time in my experience.

        I am also concerned for me, hopefully this will reach a resolution soon, which I’m working towards.

        Warm regards

        DC

  31. I try to avoid antibiotics until they are very much needed. To many bacterias are resistent today. Unfortunately.
    I would also advice you to use natural medication, if possible. Try to build up your immunsystem instead, so your body will not be attacked so often by bacterias.
    I have used Urtepensil, possible to by online from Denmark, to build up to aviod attack, in the last 30 years. It is working very well, maybe double up dose in the first 5 days is nescessary and then normal dose again. I have used this both for my kids, my animals and myself.
    Another thing you will need, if you use antibiotics, could be yoghurt or something of same kind, natural, and avoid problems in your stomach, when you use antibiotics. They kill all bacterias, also the good and needed, for the body to function very well.
    I hope the best for you.
    Irene

    1. Hey Irene,

      Thanks for the info. I searched for the Urtepensil, and all the pages in Danish 🙂 Presumably some kind of probiotic ?

      I had a yoghurt yesterday, so that may help a little bit. And try to keep my lifestyle as healthy as I can, but it’s often challenging to be active all day, eating fresh fruit and veg, not drink coffee etc etc etc … So I just do my best 🙂

      And yes generally I want to avoid taking medicines I don’t need, and they can cause problems or complications. Generally I’ve been relatively healthy, been through periods of several years without a cold or flu, which is relatively rare. But none of us are immortal so do get the occasional problems.

      Thanks for sharing.

      Warm regards

      DC

      1. Yes the page is in danish, but if you right click at the page with your mouse, you can ask for translation to english, I suppose, that your computer is in english.
        It is a very good idea with yoghurt daily, when you get antibiotics.
        Irene

    1. Appreciate that, and obviously not expecting medical advice, it was opinion I asked for. I always complete the course unless there are complications, which I’ve never had.

      People should obviously consult a qualified person for medical advice, and that is not what this blog is for.

      Thanks for sharing.

      Warm regards

      DC

      1. I always feel the need to put the disclaimer in there! Thanks for your response. I thought just a minute ago of all the mothers who bring their kids in at least once a month for antibiotics. I remember being a kid and having to take an antibiotic like maybe seven times EVER. We played in the dirt, we ate and drank after each other and we NEVER used hand sanitizer.

      2. Makes sense, people should get the best advice and not decide based on what they read randomly from whoever. Neither of us offering medical advice. And you’re probably far more qualified in this area than I am.

        And yes that’s a theory that our immune systems build up from having been compromised. We have to operate in the world, and sometimes it’s a dirty place, like the greasy sticky disgusting hand rails on public transport in London as I said to another commenter.

        However there are infections that people can catch that do require intervention like STDs for instance. For a lot of common STDs the treatment is a dose of antibiotic and it’s cleared. Keeping “clean” and abstaining would probably mean that people wouldn’t get these infections, and they do say prevention is better than cure.

        Obviously I’m speaking hypothetically about generally the way it is for people. Reason, the opposing side of the same discussion is that being careful and avoidance can also be a good strategy for not getting ill.

        Warm regards

        DC

  33. I am not a pharmacist or a doctor (and am giving NO medical advice here), but I am a certified pharmacy technician with years of experience and I see TONS of people who over overly prescribed antibiotics. Now maybe these patients aren’t telling the doctor that maybe they saw another doctor a week before and have already taken an antibiotic recently, so they may be prescribed something different than the doctor may done if they had the entire history. I see this a lot. A lot of patients don’t take their full round of antibiotics and end up not clearing out infection completely. This can be bad; not taking a full prescribed course. There are a lot of patients who develop resistance to these drugs because of overuse or not taking the complete regimen.

    It’s just me, but sounds like they need to lance the sucker or do whatever they intend to do to drain the infection and be done with it; under a doctor’s care, of course. I assume this is the minor surgery you are referring to?

    1. Thanks, and I agree. I can see the problems that doctors face with patients feeling happier on some kind of pills. And as a patient it’s worrying to have some kind of medical problem, which one doesn’t know the seriousness (or not) of.

      I would only stop taking medication I was prescribed if I had complications or had lost faith in the doctor who prescribed, so religiously take the whole course as best I can at the right intervals.

      As for the proposed surgery it’s a removal I think. As far as I can make out it’s at a top skin layer level, and the body can do without a bit of that layer. I’ve a visit with the doctor on Sunday, so we’ll decide there. I’m reasonably confident the doctor knows what he’s doing, being a fairly good judge of character myself.

      Warm regards

      DC

  36. I think that antibiotics have their place and time for usage. If it is an obviously bacterial infection like staph or strep, then by all means go through a course of antibiotics. However, I do think they are overused in some cases. For example, the cold. it is caused by a virus. Antibiotics don’t work on viruses. Doctors know this, but some patients just are not happy unless they leave with a prescription for something. Now, if the cold has become a sinus infection, you won’t get any better until you have run a course of antibiotics.

    I guess I am on the fence. On the one hand, I think they are a wonder drug for infections that are bacterial in nature, but I think they have been over prescribed so we now have super bacteria that won’t respond to anything. So, not negative, not positive. I think they have their place.

    1. Bit of a conundrum and paradox really … I’ve had colds, flus and sinus infections … I’m not sure that antibiotics would have helped, and the sinus infection may have been brought on by the use of antibiotics … I have been ultra-sensitive to aircon at some points with horrid sinus pain, and it was suggested that it’s the aircon itself that causes this … Currently my sinuses are OK, thankfully, but I’m sparing now with aircon, and I am living in the tropics where sinus problems are commonplace.

      Certainly for chronic cases antibiotics are necessary. But for minor stuff like colds, people shouldn’t be taking them. Almost every cold I’ve had has cleared on it’s own with Vit C, analgesics for pain and rest and relaxation.

      1. Exactly. It is a bit of a conundrum, and something of a paradox. I think research & development teams are on their 5th and maybe even 6th generations of certain antibiotics. I typically won’t take them unless the infection I have is obviously a bacterial one. Like when you are about to have teeth worked on, they usually have you run a course just to make there is no infection. I imagine it is because teeth and sinuses are so intricately connected.

        For, colds, I just take lots of vitamin C and echinacea which may or may not work, but it can’t hurt, and then sleep a lot. Same thing for the flu, except then I do break down and go for the Tylenol 🙂

      2. With you on the vit C, I’ve seen colds and flu go away with a good dose. Tylenol doesn’t work great for me I tend to go for codeine&telenol or ibuprofen. But as explained earlier pharmacies in UK are worried I’m gonna get addicted or commit suicide, so hard to buy the stock I need for travelling for extended periods.

      3. Pharmacies here are the same way. They figure if you ask for more than three months of certain drugs you are clearly either a junkie, or suicidal. Makes little to no sense. If you are going to do yourself in, you can always just stop taking your meds, and hoard the pills.. They apparently do not think about that; quite annoying.

      4. Yes and no, I can see the pharmacy and medical profession duty of care, ethics etc, and these are admirable and things I’d prefer were in place. It does however make one’s life more complicated, in the end one needs to learn to work with the system.

        And yes there’s thousands of way to commit suicide, just that the medics don’t want to take responsibility for something they could have prevented, which makes sense to me.

      5. My cousin is a pharmacist and has to deal with all of those issues everyday. Customer’s loves ” their ” their prescriptions accidentally on purpose fall in the sink….. he’s heard it all.

        So, your comment is apropos. They don’t know. So they err of the side of caution.

      6. So two sides to the equation. I think what I’d like to have seen in the UK is an “exception form” at the pharmacy, supported by an official ID document eg passport, and an explanation for wanting 6 or 12 months supply, with a disclaimer assuming all risk on the patient. That way the pharmacy isn’t liable. Obviously the pharmacist would still have to approve.

        Anyway, my workaround is to visit several branches, which is inconvenient or time consuming, but works.

  37. I avoid antibiotics until they are my final resort. There are a lot of concerns these days with superbugs and resistant strains of bacteria so I choose to play it safe. Besides, there are tons of homeopathic remedies that work very well.

    1. I’m tending to agree with you, generally I don’t want to take tablets, visit a doctor or hospital unless I have to. However it’s been suggested that with antibiotics earlier my current issue may not have worsened and may have been cured early.

      Warm regards

      DC

Comments are closed.