Tuberculosis

[lac]

Two years ago, a pulmonologist thought I might have TB. He put me on the meds, had me do the sputum test, etc. I didn't get great care or communication from him, so I went to the public health dept. - where the care was actually better than my private physician. Had a sputum test there also, because I told them that I received no instructions for the first one. I never had a cough at all, so trying to cough up something was pretty impossible. Both tests came back negative, so I stopped the meds and never went back to either doctor. I would like to see another pulmonologist to see if whatever was in my lungs is still there, etc. But I'm concerned that the next doctor will see the xray and say: TB! Then, I have months of more horrible meds again. What should I do?

[Davy9]

The Public Health Dept should have followed you and not doing so would be a breech of policy if in the USA.

Yes, you should do a follow up to determine the status of the infection. Even though you are not having active symptoms you could have a latent TB infection. In that instance you have no symptoms and are not contagious. But the TB could become active under to right circumstances.

Anyone being treated for any bacterial infection really should complete the full course of antibiotic medications prescribed to kill the infection. By NOT completing the antibiotics you promote the evolution of resistant strains of bacteria.

[lac]

I think that the tests determined that I did not have tb. The skin test was negative and both sputum tests were negative also. I also took the meds for 3-4 months, while waiting for the test results.

[Davy9]

At least contact the public health dep't and inquire about your tests,etc.... Do as they instruct. TB is a disease that really needs to be contained and the publics participation in that is absolutely required. You need to be certain. Guessing is not good enough.