It's been a week in a half and this cold gets better than it gets worse! it's going up and down with a persistent congested cough & chest pain?!

Infection: A good rule of thumb is that if an upper or lower respiratory infection persists beyond approximately 10 days, it likely has become a bacterial infection. You likely have a lower respiratory infection and need to see your doctor. Antibiotics probably would be helpful. Get seen soon and other supportive therapy will be given to make you feel better.