Sorry, but a lot of members here will know that this is not me to moan. I've been in hospital with pneumonia, high heart rate and covid. It all started at the beginning of September when I awoke one morning with a soreness in my heart. I thought this is it I'm having a heart attack, dialled 999 and paramedics came quickly. They said my ECG didn't look like I was, but took me into hospital because of my high heart rate and the worry that I could have a blood clot. Had an xray when there and was offered morphine which I refused, then pain became so bad I had some. X-ray was clear but blood tests showed an infection. Was sent home with antibiotics.
I rang my lovely lady doctor and she asked to see me, so got a taxi there. She asked me if anyone had ever told me that my lungs were scarred, well no I'd never been told that. She did a blood test which still showed infection. A male doctor rang a few days later to change my antibiotics which weren't doing much.
On 17th September I went to bed and suddenly couldn't get my breath, I was gasping for air, Dialled 999 and lady on the phone kept talking to me while ambulance was on way. It was truly terrifying! Ambulance took me to hospital and gave me some oxygen on the way which helped my breathing after about 15 mins. When I arrived at hospital was sent for another x-ray of chest which showed infection and fluid in my lungs. Was given two lots of antibiotics and sent home.
Spoke to my lovely lady GP a few days later as I felt so dreadful and went to see her. She was fuming that I'd been sent home with a diagnosis of heart failure and no treatment plan. She rang a unit at my hospital and asked them what they thought and they agreed with her that I shouldn't have been sent home. I was admitted to that unit immediately, x-rayed which showed pneumonia and then later covid was also confirmed. Was moved to a covid ward, where 4 other ladies were. That's where I stayed coughing my guts up for another 4 days while they tried to lower my heart rate with Bisoprolol.
Here I am now a week after discharge, still coughing up gunge and feeling extremely tired all the time. Has anyone else had pneumonia with AF or Covid?
Jean
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Thank you Tyson. My youngest daughter came over Sunday and vacuumed through the house, changed my bed and hung out washing. She was such a help and is in contact several times a day.
Jean, I’m so sorry to read all this and to also see how the hospital let you down so badly too. I hope someone can come along soon, whose had pneumonia with AF or covid to help give advice. I really hope you feel better soon x
Oh Jean….it’s a real shame the hospital didn’t pick this up sooner and I expect your GP will have a lot more to say about that once you are over this. You always sound like a positive, strong lady and I’m sure that will help you get through this x
Sorry to hear of your health problems Jean. You’ve certainly been through the mill. Pneumonia takes quite a while to recover from but do contact your GP if you need to.
What a nasty thing to go through. Pneumonia will certainly raise your HR. I have had pneumonia, in 2002. I didn't have AF or Covid with it, but it was a really unpleasant illness and took weeks to recover from. Not 2 weeks, many weeks. I'd say 2.5 months to feel I was over it. So please, don't push it. Rest all the time and then rest some more. I was young and fit and remember going back to work around 3 weeks after and feeling totally spaced out and useless for ages.
I've just had a chest infection. That's bad enough. I have just finished my antibiotics this morning. I think the infection has gone, no more cracking and wheezing, but I'm totally knackered and lifeless. My HR stayed the same but my BP went up. Not rechecked yet, will give myself a week post the antibiotics first. My oxygen level isn't great at all. Viral chest illnesses are the pits.
Now is the time to read a LOT of books. I remember I read all the Harry Potter books that were released at the time. You will be alright again, don't worry about that. The heart will settle down. It will just take some convalescent time. Chin up and tea on.
I had covid last year with my AF. I took anti virals that did nothing.
I had it bad for 2 weeks. Hopefully yours is not going to be much longer.
I know you like a healthy diet but why not treat yourself to some proper tea. Or coffee if that’s your thing. I found that little bit of caffeine made me feel a lot lighter in my head. I figured it couldn’t hurt for a couple of weeks.
What telly do you like JJ? Music? I can recommend some fantastic music shows on tv.
My favourite musical is Les Miserable with Michael Bublé and Alfie Boe. I never tire of it, but have loads of films recorded to watch. Just going to watch a horror one, can only watch them in the day, too scary to go out of the room at night!
So sorry to hear you are not so well. Hopefully the likely collective response from us all will help a little.
Whenever a genuine person like you has to use the NHS currently the creaking system is not working the way it used to.
I won’t highjack your post but I have recently had a very difficult 24 hours with little sleep trying to get a CT scan so I know first hand how upsetting it can be.
Double whammy of AF and pneumonia which in itself can worsen AF symptoms or trigger it I have been seeing a number of patients whose AF was stable be unwell like yourself with an infection
Sounds like your Gp is doing the right thing. Rest and take each day as it comes, and I’m sure things will improve
Jean I'm so sorry you are going through this at the moment sounds all very frightening, since you been home a week are you getting slightly better? I just wanted to say you were amazing for me when I started my AF journey you were so helpful to me and I will always be eternally grateful to you, please Jean if there is anything I can do to help you please just let me know.
Gosh, JeanJeanie, sounds awful.I do not recall you having posted such an e mail before and i have been around on this site for a while. I wish you warm wishes for a good recovery.
You know it's odd because I had the three covid vaccines, flu and pneumonia jab last year, then this year I've had all three ailments. Knowing people who've died from pneumonia it's been my biggest fear. Thank you for your good wishes.
Oh Jeannie I’m so very sorry to hear your news 😢 What a dreadful month you’ve had - and how horribly scary some of those events must have been, let alone feeling so unwell. Feel for you so much. Sending a big hug and prayers and get well wishes ❤️
Thank you for your lovely words Jane. Yes, I think everything I went through was connected. Just got worse at each step. I need to ask my GP what the scarring on my lungs means and how much I have. If it's all over then I'm doomed, unfortunately I looked it up.
Oh no, I’m sorry I know that feeling… Once we’ve looked something up it can destroy any hope of peace until we speak to a medical professional we trust, can’t it? Be good if you could speak to your lovely GP asap. And I really hope she can reassure you the scarring is not bad. And (even if its a slow recovery, due to the cumulative blows of AF, Flu and pneumonia) that you will get back to good health ❤️
Dear Jean, you’ve reassured and advised us all with your kind wisdom for so many years, it’s rotten you’ve got this added worry now, when you’re already laid low from fighting off flu and pneumonia. Do let us know what the Dr says, won’t you? Xxx
Really sorry to hear you have been so ill Jean. No you are not doomed. The husband of a good friend ( my ex GP in Brum) got the Alpha variant of covid back in Jan 2021. He was months in hospital on a ventilator and we really did not think he would make it - he is diabetic. He then had to have an op to close a hole in his heart ( which might have been there undiagnosed for yonks nobody seems to know) . He had scarring on his lungs and has damage to his vocal cords but is making a good recovery - can now drive again and help my friend in the house. Just make sure you don't try to do too much too soon - remember walking up that hill after the cv! Wishing you a speedy recovery- try NAC for the chest ,it's really good at shifting gunge.
N acetyl cysteine. It was recommended to me in 2016 by our chemist when I last had a respiratory bug. I had an awful cough with hard to shift gunge. It worked really well. We take it as a supplement as it has immune supporting properties as well. It also has some bloodthinning effect but I don't know how much. I have been taking it regularly since 2016 with no ill effects. I get mine from a very reliable supplement company called Hellenia. I take one 600 capsule a day but there are people who take much higher doses . If I got covid I would triple the dose. There have been some trials of it for covid.
What a distressing experience, and not helped by being sent home when you really needed more care. Pneumonia and Covid together is quite worrying with a heart condition. I hope you’re on the mend now and that you feel better soon.
So sorry to hear how ill you have been, what a distressing time. Cant add any more than what all the lovely people have said, but sending my best wishes & hope you soon feel a lot better.
Im no medical expert but pretty sure that pneumonia is a secondary, usually due to negelcting another problem, for example a chest infection or some other respiratory problem, or even just letting yourself get run down.
Sounds to me, like you've had some pretty poor medical care from your hospital.
Rest up with plenty of fluids but make sure you keep a check on your chest and if in doubt get it checked again!.
Hi Jean, I am glad that you have at last been diagnosed and treated with antibiotics, what a horrendous time you have had over the past 5 weeks.
My son (51) had COVID and pneumonia and was in St George’s Tooting for a week last December and it was a scary time for him and me. He had oxygen and strong meds including pain relief. It took a while before his lungs recovered and hospital had him back after 3 months for X-ray to check his chest was clear He has asthma and was under the long covid clinic until May. It certainly took it out of him and he had to build his stamina up slowly and was off work for 3 months. Glad to say all well now but he will get flu and booster when available to him.
Take time to rest up and let your system recover before the winter bugs come round.
Thank you for letting me know about your son, Jackie. Poor man, how he must have suffered. I have to go back for a lung x-ray in about 5 weeks time. I just still feel so ill and have no appetite whatsoever. It sounds like it may be a long haul for me to feel better.
Hi Jean, it will take a while before your appetite returns. I was cooking small meals making sure that Phil got good balance of protein and vegs. He also had afternoon naps and we went for walks round the garden timing them, building up by a minute every 4/5 days. It was a big step when he managed a walk to the end of our road.
The feeling he would never feel fit again was the worst part BUT 6 months later he went to Italy for 5 days on his own and although he has inhalers he is happy, confident and going back on the tube to the office.
Take time to look after yourself and the NHS will keep an eye on you. The gp in London is brilliant.
So sorry to hear you’ve been hit so hard,,,I see you on this site always giving an assist or caring about others and now,,it’s your turn to receive the caring and good wishes,,,feel better,,,rest easy and hopefully,,you will be on the mend soon,,,somehow your double whammy slipped through the cracks but with a correct diagnosis,,,you got some help and started to heal,,,sending good wishes across the pond,,,
Good heavens Jean, what a cycle of events! I knew you were in hospital but thought you had recovered. So sorry all this has happened to you as you take such care of your health.
Sending all good wishes for a speedy complete recovery xx
Yes, I basically eat a healthy diet. No more bragging about that from now on! I went to hospital 3 times before I was admitted. I have no appetite whatsoever now. Good job I have some fat on my stomach to keep me going. It always pays to have a little bit spare for times like this.
oh Jeanjeannie, what a nightmare. Wishing you a speedy recovery. Thank goodness your GP is fighting your corner.
Your posts have always been a great help for us newbies, although I am myself becoming a seasoned traveller now after 2 yrs on this Afib merry-go-round.
Thank you for your kind words. Yes, my GP has been fantastic. Trouble is she only works part time as has young children. I always want to see her now and no-one else.
Gosh, I am so sorry to hear this!! You are a mentor and cheerleader to so many of us. Prayers sent from across the pond. May your healing be complete!! 🤗
I had Covid 2 times and both times I had breathing issues. I feel better now but I took me some times to recover. You are a real fighter and you’ll be better soon. X
So sorry you are having such a horrible time. I have had pneumonia more than once and it’s scary. The first time I was very young and had constant ectopics before I was treated and I thought I was dying 😰 It takes a while to get over so take it easy and I agree, never mind the healthy eating, have a few cheering treats as well 💞
Hi Buff, yes pneumonia is a hateful thing. I'd never had it before, but alongside covid too - well it was hell. I must admit that the thought did cross my mind that I may take a turn for the worse and die. Never had that thought before, but hopefully on the mend now. Poor BobD has covid now, it's rife here in Devon at the moment.
Just read your post and I totally feel for you. My husband got covid in April and then developed pneumonia..he became very I’ll and coughing up brown phlegm soitook him to a&e. Luckily he was admitted right away and put on intravenous antibiotics: Stayed in hospital for 4 days. During that time his heart rate was fluctuating widely! Slow then fast. Took him a couple of months to recover(was very tired and had to rest a lot). Ended up seeing the cardiologist and given a holster monitor(which showed some six to eight seconds heart pauses during the night. So now he has a pacemaker as a precaution—he always had a slight electrical abnormality. However I think the covid/pneumonia. Worsened this. As you say..pneumonia is an awful illness. I now worry about hi. Getting a chest infection in the future—hope you feel better soon..it will take time..rest. Lots of fluids and orange juice!
Oh 'ecky thump Jean, I'm so sorry you have had such a lot to cope with. No experiene of your issues but wanted to send good wishes and healing thoughts. You have helped so many people on here, you deserve a lot of support now. xx
I've had amazing support here. Thank you for your kind words, they mean so much.
🌹🌹🌹🙏🌹🌹🌹
Oh dear, gosh ! .... Jean, I had a brief break from my bus driving duties this afternoon when I read your post. What can I say - gutted for you. You of all people .... a real star and you get knocked over like this. I am so sorry. Get well soon ... May the force be with you.
Thank you for your kind words John. I've been put on Bisoprolol 7.5mg which I thought was a hefty whack. Once covid died down I've reduced the dose a lot. I woke one morning with a pulse in the 30's, made it difficult for me to get fully awake. My GP is going to prescribe me some 2.5mg. Not easy to split the 7.5mg ones because of the pattern on the top. I can't move around much and have no appetite whatsoever. Just need to give it time I guess.
The 7.5mg were the ones that gave me trouble and until I got the 5 mg, I cut the 7.5's in half. I use a Safe & Sound pill cutter ( from Amazon I think) IT manages to wedge the pill in a groove and you then press the lid which has the blade and then ............ bingo 2 x 3.75 mg pills. No sweat.
Would you like me to photograph it and put it on here. Can do when I get home later. 😀
I was shocked to read all this as you sounded so well when you told me off for criticising Dr Gupta! I am so sorry that you've been ill. Our friend's wife is older than you and she contracted covid in hospital after a fall, but had it lightly until, bam, pneumonia overnight and, well, much like you from then on. She's been home for a month now but had no appetite for weeks on end and lost a lot of weight (mind she's been wanting to do that for years!). She still, has a catarrhal cough but is over it, largely, and feeling her old self at last.
I've been through so many pill cutters over the years, including pricey ones. In the end, this is the only one that will accurately cut pills into four, even small bisoprolol pills:
Hiya Jean, here is the link to the one I have ........ amazon.co.uk/Safe-Sound-Pla... ........ The cutter is in the lid which is hinged. The tray has a Vee shape which suits any sixe pill. so in the case of the 7.5 mg Bisop, being tiny you just place it at the pointy end of the Vee where it will stay. Then just bring the lid and cutter down .... and voila, two halves. 🙂 Underneath the tray is a clear plastic area , thats just for storage of any pills you may want to store. The base is the crusher, but i've never used it. Hope this helps.
Well it certainly did for me when I was on 7.5mg Bisoprolol, no problem so long as you get the little demon right up in the pointy end so it doesn't move. Did it daily for about a month until the Pharmacist got my 5 mgs sorted. Mrs Carn Euny cuts her Simvastatin in it too. She can't swallow large pills like Simva...
so sorry to hear of your terrible time . You have helped so many of us on here and we need you to get better . Sincerely I send love and hugs to you and pray you will soon recover from your ordeal .
have you tried vic vapour rub on your feet at bedtime sounds crazy I know but it works for me when nothing else stops me coughing. Put a liberal amount all over your feet put thin cotton socks on over it. Don’t know how or why it works but does, and my theory is can’t do any harm, unless your like my daft friend who forgot the socks and went flying when she got up in the night to use the loo. X
Actually I felt a lot safer at home - the hospitals are so overcrowded and understaffed that they can only focus on the most critical patients. We have very little health service left.
I'll second that. I feel safer at home too. I'm sure I caught covid on a previous visit to hospital as I hadn't been out anywhere else. The windows in the ward I was in were filthy and had cobwebs in the corners on the inside. I pointed that and the cobweb hanging over my bed to the cleaner. She didn't seem to mind. The floor was swept and mopped every day. So fussy over that, but not other things.
Wishing you all the very best Jeanie, I always look for yours and Bobs advice. You two are like the Mother & Father of the health forum 😊. Rest up and concentrate on getting better, much love, Stoney xx
I was so sorry to read your message jeanjeanie. I hope you get well very quickly. Your replies to people’s queries are always so helpful. . Your post has made me very grateful I had the pneumonia jab last week even though I had horrible side effects.
I had the pneumonia jab last year I'm in two minds now, did it cause it or prevent a worse attack. Had three covid jabs and still got it. Had my first flu jab and then about 6 months later had flu. I never had so much as a cold when I worked.
Trouble is the vac is for bacterial pneumonia - not viral. Please do have the jabs as this year could be a really bad year and remember that although the vaccines may not stop the disease, your immune system will be much better armed. Love and blessings.
So sorry you've been so unwell, Jean. You are so wise and have been such a rock to many, many people on this forum. I too have had 3 jabs, and I'm a member of the ONS/Oxford Uni ongoing covid study, have been getting tested every month for the duration. You get told on your results every month your current antibody status, and mine has always been "high". Even so, on holiday in September we stayed away from people as much as possible, wore masks in enclosed spaces, airports, planes etc, yet both of us still got covid. This is me going into my 4th week of being unwell, still coughing, lethargic, sort of down, too. It appears that one of the latest variants has the ability to sneak past vax and/or previous infection antibodies, I believe this is what we caught, as a friend says our symptoms and degree of illness is exactly like her covid experience before she was eligible for the vax in 2021. I hope the 4th (booster) will be effective, and I believe they're working on another one entirely to fight the recent developments. I do hope you feel much better soon, wishing you a speedy recovery. Best, Diane
Flu jabs wear off. If you get jabbed early Oct the protection has nearly all gone by Feb/ March and in some years is negative by then ie you are more likely to get the flu if vaccinated. Some years if the choice of strains is not very accurate for what is actually circulating in your region of the world the protection is minimal even for young people who respond better and nil for us oldies. The WHO chooses the strains every year but it's a lottery- some parts of the world are better served than others. The advice from FDA website and here in France is to wait 3 months after having covid before getting jabbed. I don't know what they advise in UK.
No, Jean. My first Covid in March 2020 was accompanied by a terrible migraine with huge pain above the eye, and loss of sense of taste and smell for some 8-9 months. Second Covid (post vaccination) was like a mild cold with a low temperature for a couple of days.
Have they given you something to reduce the inflammation (cortico-steroid) and the symptoms? Even a small amount makes a difference.
Wishing you a speedy recovery and return to you chirpy caring self.
Thank you for your kind reply Saul. Goodness you lost your sense of taste and smell for a long time with covid. I think all it gave me alongside my pneumonia was a sore throat.
Wishing you a speedy recovery, Jean, and return to good health. Many of us are very fond of you. I will have some news to share with you in a couple of months. Saul
Good grief Jean! I am so sorry to hear what you’ve been through and the, quite frankly, incompetent treatment you received in hospital. Thank goodness for your lady doctor! I do hope things start to improve for you now.
Sending good wishes for your speedy recovery, TC xx
Yes, I'm so grateful to my doc. I never knew that there was a unit at my hospital that ran separate to A&E. Docs and the NHS 111 can refer you straight to it. Was called MRU at my hospital.
I have really appreciated your commitment to this forum— you could always be counted on for a kind and thoughtful response. Hope you gradually get your strength back. 🌿🌿
I really feel for you.Sending lots of virtual hugs ..I know it can be soo scary We realize how fragile we are and dependent on help.I was in the covid ward a couple of times when covid started and I felt so alone.But got through it.Im glad your Dr has been keeping an eye on you.Bless her.Unfortunately I think a number of medical staff are overworked and getting a bit blase' but I believe God and our Angels are watching over us.
Its amazing how help turns up.I hope you continue to recover .Take it easy.God bless,xx
Oh Jean I am so very sorry to read your post. How awful and scary for you. How the hospital though you were fit to go home is beyond me. Thank heavens you have a wonderful doctor and is no wonder you only want to see her. Wish there was something I could do to help but there isn’t, except to send love, prayers and a hug and hope you begin to feel better very soon. ❤️🌷xxx
wow Jean no wonder you are feeling low, that is one h@ll of a lot to deal with all at once. You must be floored not just by the infections but also the stress of what has happened 😘 no words of advice just of love 💕 I do hope you start to regain your strength quickly x
Jean, ive just realised you have been and still are going through all this and yet you still answered people on here, giving help, advice and comfort where you could when you were suffering so much yourself. Gosh you are one hell of a trooper Jean and thank you so much for all you give to others. Now please just look after yourself and as BobD says about ablation recovery, rest, rest, rest and lift nothing more than a TV remote. xxx
So sorry to read what you've been through and are still going going through. It sounds horrendous and so frightening. Especially so when you've had all the vaccines. Thank goodness for your wonderful GP. You've been so helpful and comforting to me - and I'm sure lots of others - in the past . Sending you love and gentle hugs and hoping you make a quick recovery now. X
So sorry to hear what an awful time you’ve been having JeanJeannie, sounds like you’ve had a really rough time of it. Sending wishes that you get well very soon. xx
Very sorry to hear you have had all this after you have been doing the right things with jabs as well! I hope you get better soon, it does sound like you are over the worst of it. Best wishes.
Morning Jean. I don't use the forum these days, but still see occasional messages. When I read yours I had to rejoin the forum to respond. You've always been really supportive and caring and lovely towards anyone who is struggling, and you deserve all the support you are getting.
Please take care and try to stay positive. I know you believe in the power of positivity. It may be a bit of a journey, but it sounds like you're heading in the right direction. There's a lot of love for you urging you on.
I have had AF with Pneumonia I honestly thought that was my lot I couldn’t breathe I felt that my lungs had about 10 per cent room for air I didn’t sleep for 4 nights I just couldn’t get air into me like you I was sent home soon as my pulse dropped only to require a full treatment of amoxicillin . The hospital sent me home with hayfever when they miss diagnosed me
Oh Jean so sorry to hear this, you are such a strong positive kind person, hopefully that will speed your recovery. Best wishes and virtual hug on its way to you xxx
Just to say I am horrified to hear you have had such a rough time and been negligently treated by your health system. I hope and pray you will feel better very soon and be able to get home and continue your recovery. Thanks for sharing your news with us all, and be assured we are all thinking about you and wishing you well.
Oh jeanjeannie what a traumatic journey. You are always there for everyone else and always so encouraging and positive. You can actually feel the love jump off the page with all these replies. You have helped so many people. Really really hope you continue to improve quickly and all your worries are answered positively. Will keep everything crossed for you 😘
jean this sounds awful! I have had years of coughing up with asthma and chest infections and to have this on top of everything else! I'm not surprised you are feeling down. Rest up, do all your favourite things and get better x
I’m so sorry, Jean I think of you often when I am feeling rough you are a bit of a rock to me. Always very knowledgeable and I sometimes visualize where you live, you are always very positive and always help me. Please take care, we all try to look after ourselves. Do you live on your own, is there someone who,pops into see you. Hope you are getting better. Lots of Love. 💐🌺🌸
I don’t have anything to say to answer your question. I do want to say how I always appreciate your input and I am so sorry you are having such a wretched time. Sending healing vibes and prayers that you will soon feel better. xxx
so sorry you’re feeling down but it’s totally understandable. Sounds like you’ll be on the mend very soon 🤞 and back to your usual positive self. keep your chin up ❤️
Just read your post Jean as been very preoccupied recently with conveyancing & new house problems to deal with.
Yes and Yes. Last October. Had Pneumonia x 3 now. Long recovery - about 4-5 months before I started feeling anything like my normal again but as you know I have the Mg as well and on immune suppressants so several lots before it works.
Ensure you have a follow up X-ray in about 6 weeks - they called me back automatically. Which hospital? RD&E discharged me same day into GP care but put me into ‘Virtual Ward’ so had to monitor and report through app my O2 sats every 3-4 hours. There was a rapid response team alert if things went downhill which thankfully didn’t happen and all scarring showing on the first X-ray had cleared when the second was taken.
Hope you feel better soon.
PS - the AF stopped when the Pneumonia & COVID cleared.
oh Jean so sorry to hear you’re not well, no wonder you’re feeling down. What on earth is Torbay hospital thinking of sending you home. Sounds as if you have a good GP though Jean.
Do take care of yourself with plenty of rest and keep us informed, xx
Dear Jean, I am sorry to hear you have been so unwell. You are always so kind and positive and supportive of others, I really appreciate reading your posts. Sending you love and hugs and hope you soon feel better, xx🌻🌻
Bloody hell Jean..so sorry to read that you have had such a wretched time with it all and feeling so rotten..sending you much love and hugs thinking of you and hopefully feeling just a little better very soon..Best Wishes Jean..xx
Sending love Jean. Like many others I'm so appreciative of your input into the forum - always ready with kind words and practical advice. I know it's old stuff but chicken broth is so good if you don’t feel like eating. I find it very healing. Needs to be the proper stuff - ask your daughter to make some in her slow cooker and to bash the bones a bit to release the colllagen. You can also buy good quality organic beef broth in tins, or chicken. A cup of organic miso soup with an egg dropped in it is also nutritious. And there's Complan if all else fails! I had it after my bout of Astrovirus - the vanilla with some chocolate stirred in is bearable.
Oh Jeanie, poor you ! What a nightmare. What a good thing your GP was ‘on it’ and got the attention you needed. It seems that you dealt with this all on your own - it would have been bad enough trying to get all that sorted on someone else’s behalf, let alone coping with all the to-ing and fro-ing whilst feeling so awful. All that, and you are always so caring on this forum; full of encouragement and ideas - life is not fair ! I’m sure you can feel confident now that you have been ‘properly’ processed, and I hope sincerely that with each day you feel an improvement. I look forward to hearing you are ‘yourself’ again very soon, offering wise words to others on this forum, as is the norm. Big virtual hugs !
Just to add my love & hugs(told I am a good hugger).You were one of the first to support a newby a few years ago and always one of the first to reply to my many ongoing posts.
My heart is racing fast every time I move. Has been like that since pneumonia and covid. Makes me want to just sit. Having x-ray on lungs Wednesday and echocardiogram Thursday, so hopefully all will be revealed after then.
hi Jeannie, that’s what I have been like all week with my AF. I either want to lie in bed or just sit in the chair. My legs feel like lead and feel like I am dragging my body around. With everything that you have been through I’m not surprised. It’s going to take a while. I am moving house in January so I am surrounded with boxes. My daughter will be five minutes away from me. Where I live now I have no family by me and all the neighbours are leaving the site. I really cried this morning but that doesn’t help still we carry on. Hope you get a good nights sleep I have been watching Sixth Sense. Brilliant film. Xxxx
Dear Jean. I want to add my get well wishes to all the others. You have been such a positive influence on this forum i just wish i could give you what you give others. You know our love goes out to you.
Covid got me a few months ago and for ten days i was in bed feeling poorly but nothing like you have experienced. I have to say i was shocked at how the hospital treated you at times. Thank goodness you have a wonderful lady GP.
Oh bless you. Have had covid couple times now but not pneumonia, but I understand it can take a little while to recover fully from. Covid did impact breathing and heart rate first time around for me but that was pre jabs. Much better second time.
Hope it all settles down for you now youve had appropriate treatment and hope they investigate further re heart failure.
Aw Jeanie so sorry to hear this but you are such a positive girl you will get through this with love and determination! I also was diagnosed with scarring on my lungs about 30 years ago I am 61 today so you see I am still here! I was told by my GP then, it was due to having an infection which I had not been given antibiotics for, not sure if this was the case, try breathing exercises or a salt pipe but check with your GP or nurse before to be safe, hope you feel better soon, love your posts Jean
dear Jeanie, you have been so supportive of everyone here for so long. It is your turn now for us all to give you a big virtual hug and send good wishes. I am so sorry you are going through this. Good luck Xxx
So sorry to read your story as others have said you are always such a pillar of strength and so helpful to people on this forum. You were so lucky to have such a competent GP if it were my Practice I’d probably still be on hold! And as far seeing the same doctor more than once that is a distant memory for me. I dread to think what would have happened to many of us with less efficient GP practices. You definitely need to follow Bob’s advice of only exercising with the TV remote perhaps accompanied by a few edible treats! Wishing you a speedy recovery.
Sorry to hear of your experience and glad you are on your way to recovering. I had pneumonia many years ago and was in hospital for it. Very frightening at the time, and something i hope to never go through again. I was told AFTER my pneumonia cleared that my lungs would be 'scarred' for life, so maybe the scarring your doctor detected was from a previous occurance.
So sorry you've been so poorly Jean. It sounded very frightening. I hope you feel very much better very soon. Your post has resulted in a tremendous outpouring of love and support for you. I do hope that helps, knowing howmuch and how many people care. Rest well.... allow your body to do its miraculous healing process. Big hugs Xx
Sorry to hear you are having such a rough time. An old Italian girlfriend had Covid and pneumonia. She is now fully recovered. The main symptom which she complained of was tiredness and this lasted for a couple of months afterwards. There are different types of pneumonia: if you have what is called "walking pneumonia" then that is usually not so serious according to my GP. He told me that often they just give patients a weeks supply of penicillin and tell them they've got a chest infection without mentioning pneumonia so as not to cause unnecessary alarm. Hope you feel better soon.
So sorry that you have been dealt such an awful double whammy. Be gentle with yourself and take each day at a time - every day is one step nearer to feeling like your old self again.
Get well soon ….
🐜🐜🐜🐜 meanwhile, here are some ‘anty bodies’ for you!!
oh gosh Jean poor you, it sounded endless. I can sympathize with the coughing to the point of gasping no air, as I am that person right now. My heart rate goes wild with these coughing fits and I gag for air, which like you said is terrifying, never had this ever, I’ve antibiotics and an inhaler although my first go today the stuff landed in my tongue so not ideal.
Pneumonia Jean knocks u fir six I had that ages back and it does knock down energy levels which I guess is the dear ol body goung woah slow up.
As I sit here endless coughing , no energy, I send you all good wishes, you are always the first person to help others on this page, indeed you were one of the first to respond to me four years back when I felt like a frightened rabbit in the headlights with this diagnosis.
Thank you for your kind words, Sue. I'm sorry to hear that you're suffering too. What does an inhaler do that's meant to help? Let me know when you have success with it.
I presume it’s supposed to loosen my chest but I’m coughing more. Will let you know after a few days but I’m a tad concerned as the notes say could cause arythmia so am going to ring my doc in morning as I saw the intern yesterday…
Is it Ventoline or a steroid inhaler like Symbicort? Ventoline can cause arrythmia if you really overuse it. The steroid inhalers usually you take a set number of puffs twice a day. You could ask for some NAC n aceyl cysteine-at the pharmacy. Our chemist recommended this to me last time I had a terrible cough. It worked really well to loosen the gunge. Hope you get better soon Sue.
oh hi auriculaire nice to hear from you, it’s a steroid inhaler two puffs morning and night. Thanks fir that tip I will ask pharmacy.
I hope u r keeping well. How are you?
The years tick by eh! Nit looking forward to snow this winter here in mountains I’d love to move south but all my family live here and that’s important.
I hate snow! Luckily here in the Limousin we haven't had much in recent years . The last time it snowed really heavily I was still working at a cultural centre in Limoges . The snow came down so fast and heavy it took my husband 2 hours to drive from his squash court to the cultural centre( normally a trip of 15 min) to pick me up and we had to spend the night there sleeping on the floor! I have a steroid inhaler but I only take 1 puff . At that dose it should have no effect on your afib. Keeping well apart from a pile of tick bites this summer so had to have antibiotics for Lyme disease.
Well I hadn't been in any long grass - we keep our grass mowed. Nor do I ever go walking in woods . I picked them up working in the garden. I think it is losing our cat - he got the tickbites and I have never been bitten before. But this summer has been very bad for ticks apparently.
oh no, a double whammy! Pneumonia is just awful, I speak from experience and it has left me with what they call ‘nodules’ on my lungs. But to have covid at the same time is beyond belief.
I’m so sorry to read what you’ve been through and are going through. You must feel so awful - I just hope you will start to feel better soon. You’ve always been so supportive and a source of such good advice on this forum - I hope maybe we can all support you now in some way
Oh Jean, I had no idea you were going through this; is this the same hospital that discharged you when you were really ill before?
I have scarring on the lungs from previous bouts of pneumonia but the consultant wasn't concerned, she just mentioned it in passing. I didn't even know until she mentioned it and it certainly hasn't affect my life.
Pneumonia is truly awful; when I was hospitalised I kept the ward up coughing all night; if you can sleep propped up as upright as you can with lots of pillows, the fits of coughing do lessen, lying down had me gasping for breath. I visited my GP some time after my first bout of pneumonia because I still felt so ill and he told me recovery can take a considerable time. But I am sure you know all this!
But to get Covid on top of pneumonia, no wonder you are so unwell and you obviously had it much more intensely because of the pneumonia. I do hope you have turned the corner and start to feel better soon. Sending lots of good wishes your way x
Yes, it's the same hospital. My GP begged me to go back to hospital as I had a high infection rate, said she would get me straight on to a ward, but my pride made me say no. I felt so humiliated at being discharged from A&E when I felt so ill. That was early last year. I have to say I felt worse then, than this time and I lost a stone in weight.
Hope you feel better soon, sending you best wishes for a speedy recovery. What an absolutely terrible time you've had - really hope things improve soon.
You are a bright light of encouragement on this forum and to hear you struggling is sad.
Love and prayers are coming your way with a hope that all the encouragement and hope you’ve given to others will be returned to you many times over❤️🙏❤️🙏
Jean, I am so sorry that you have had so much to put up with. Just because you are a naturally upbeat person does not mean you can’t have down times also. This is a massive blip for you and would be for anyone. Thank goodness you have an old fashioned GP who actually believes in fighting your corner. I really hope she continues to help you.
Meanwhile, I really hope that seeing the replies from so many people, will lift your spirits a little. You have been a rock for so many of us on here and now it is our turn to support you.
Rest up, try to eat a little, take whatever meds are offered and hopefully you will slowly begin to Feel a bit better.
I feel so badly for you and all that you've been through. I've read that Covid could make you prone to pneumonia, and of course any chest issues make a-fib more likely (it recently happened -- is happening -- to me). I hope you're taking care of yourself, drinking lots of water and especially resting. This too will pass!
I hope you feel a lot better soon❤️ please keep hounding the doctors if you don’t feel yourself I’ve learnt that persistent complaining is the only thing that can push you into getting a proper diagnosis these days.
There was bravery in your reaching out with such honesty—another gift to the forum. I am so sorry you are having to deal with this trial and those stakes. I am so glad you have such a stellar doctor you trust and who is taking such wonderful care of you.
Not that you need advice, but I second Singwell on chicken broth or other bone broth. Also you might want to have a physio guide you in the little exercises that can be done in bed to preserve strength. I know you aren’t bed resting, but a large decrease in activity can result in quick muscle loss and you don’t want that. In particular I am thinking of TVA exercises that are simple but have big payoff. Of course if you are moving around then please disregard this!
Thank you for all the lovely support you have given so many here, and best wishes that this part of the journey head to a sunnier place soon.
How absolutely awful for you, you must have been terrified. Thank goodness for your GP. I do hope you start to feel better very soon. Sending you lots of love Gloria
Had similar reaction around the same timescale (but without the covid). Same breathing problems & after consulting NHS111 rang for an ambulance & taken to A&E at my local hospital. Loads of tests, x rays etc. & plenty of anti-biotics then admitted to a ward for a few days. All my existing medication reviewed as I also had a strange allergic rash. A number of changes made & reported to my GP. Given the opportunity to go home a few days later with the result of one complex blood test outstanding. Hospital said I would remain under their supervision if anything showed up, but my GP advised about a week later that it proved negative so back under his control. Gradually improved at home & feel better than I have done for a long time with no AF incidents. Guess I was lucky with my local NHS care.
The other day my daughter (who works at our hospital) told me that about 20 ambulances were queued waiting to take patients into A&E. I think the government were wrong to close all the small local hospitals minor injuries departments. It's only since they closed that this problem has materialised.
Wow! You’ve had a double or triple whammy. Tough times for sure, but on the positive side, it seems you’ve now had tests and they have confirmed its Covid and pneumonia and not a direct heart issue. Be careful! My limited knowledge of Covid suggests that there may be longer term risks associated with it after symptoms disappear and if you’re doing any exercise, it may be best to keep it very low intensity.
Sorry to hear you've been so ill Jeannie. You can sure tell how much care and concern we all have for literally by all the replies. Wishing you a quick recovery. And glad you have your girls for support. ❣️ Sarah from San Diego
More hugs and well wishes from across the pond 🙂 If anyone can beat these miserable diseases it's you! Thanks for the help you always give to all the rest of us ❤️
sorry to hear you have been having a bad time Jean. I don’t post on here very often but I do read the posts and know how popular you are with everyone and how much advice you give. I sincerely hope you feel better soon.
I thought I was feeling a bit better until I walked out to bring the recycling bins in. Something in my chest is really sore, guess it's my lungs. Was meant to have a blood test tomorrow but have cancelled until next week.
Well i know its mu h eadier tk say than to do but you really must rest up, especially refrain from pushing, pulling ,lifting and give your lungs time to heal.
Oh My God Jean I am so so sorry you have been so ill. You are such a strong woman you will get through this crappy covid. Sending you healing hugs.🥰🙏🙏🙏
Aww Jean - that's a nightmare! Take care and rest well. I had gastric COVID - horrific and I won't go into the description. I've got adult croup just now and that is awful - feel like I'm suffocating
So sorry to hear of your health problems. We have a saying that after you've been through so much bad luck with your health , you are now in for some good luck coming your way!!
You are so right Jean when you said that you aren't one to complain. You are always so upbeat and helpful. You have been through so much, you must have been so scared. It is unbelievable that you were sent home without the proper care you needed. I do hope you are feeling better & wish you a VERY speedy recovery
It’s so awful you’ve had to go through all that, it’s so unnecessary. You really do have to push and manage your way through the NHS at times. You do get the feeling there are some real nasty infections out there at the moment.. I hope you get better soon xx.
I hope you feel better soon. Im sorry to hear you are suffering. I tried to comment yesterday but kept getting a message about auto fill, so apologies for the late comment. 🥰
I said to you earlier I’d been given an inhaler, well it turned out to be not helpful at all and I’ve been diagnosed same as you pneumonia. My left lung. It’s two weeks now since this started and I’ve got new antibiotics since Saturday and finally I’m coughing up gunge, like you it’s endless, and I feel so bodily weak. Tablets upset tummy too. I can’t see much improvement just minuscule with the coughing it’s just got looser. I haven’t had Covid on top like you. My heart has been racing around a hundred up and down . I’d have thought the nights sweats would go by now. I do hope you are improving, I see October drifting by from my window. I dread winter and the grandkids next door and their constant school germs now , as this has made me think.
Wishing you well, just wanted to say I know how you are feeling,
You have my sympathy Sue and I know the weakness well, mine had an effect on my heart rate too, still does! I counted up from the day I was diagnosed this morning and it's only been three weeks. When I think about it though I'd had an odd dry cough for a few weeks before, bit like those when you just breathe in and it's suddenly there and you can't stop coughing. It was embarrassing.
Yes, I found the antibiotics upset my stomach too. I've read a lot about pneumonia on the web this morning and it can take a long time to go. I would advise you to have a look and then you will know the symptoms are perfectly normal. I looked mostly at the NHS one. I'd been thinking I'd call my GP this morning, but now realise I just have to put up with it for a while longer. The tiredness I've read can take up to 3 months to go!
Take a lot of naps. I had one each morning and afternoon and felt better for doing that.
I'd got myself worried that I was sitting around too much, but you really can't help but do much else.
I also did my first online shop, which was a great help.
Keep in touch and let me know how you get on please.
Contact me on Chat if you would like to and we can support each other and have a good old moan.
Make sure you drink loads of fluids. I still have no appetite whatsoever, how about you?
Hi Jean, so sorry to hear this, you are such a great support to so many. My husband had Covid in the days when none of us knew what it was or what to do. I took him to hospital with a gym bra strapped across my face because it was all I could find/think of! He got Pneumonia as a result of it, but made a full recovery and is fine now. They trialled some drugs on him which I think really helped, sadly i can't remember what they were. Do you use an oxymeter? That's what gave the indication there was a real issue and we keep an eye on it all the time. Sorry if you laready know all this - I know you are as bright as a button!
Take care, I'm sure you'll be feeling back to normal and doing those lovely walks very soon x
Thank you for your kind response. I did have to smile at picturing you with your sports bra over your face. What a good idea though. Yes, I have an oximeter but it has been the bane of my life. Kept telling me my pulse was down in the 30s and 40s. Was ages before I realised it couldn't record AF. My SP0 has at times been high 80's. Just hate when the alarm keeps going off on it. I bought that particular one as it had a sign on the box saying as used by St Johns. Sadly it has brought me nothing but stress and misery.
Glad to hear you husband came through it all well.
I saw the posting now. I'm so sorry and sure you were really scared. Yes, I also had Covid for 3 weeks, I felt very bad and had a bad episode with AF. It was the horror and I had to cough continuously. Now I'm healthy again so far and hopefully you'll be back on the track soon. All the best from Berlin...
Yes I have had both together I thought I was dead I felt I was only surviving on about 10-15 per cent of the oxygen I would normally have . That with my flutter I thought it was my heart I told at A and E I had hayfever I thought how can they say that . 2 days later pneumonia was diagnosed and on amoxicillin
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I know that feeling… Once we’ve looked something up it can destroy any hope of peace until we speak to a medical professional we trust, can’t it? Be good if you could speak to your lovely GP asap. And I really hope she can reassure you the scarring is not bad. And (even if its a slow recovery, due to the cumulative blows of AF, Flu and pneumonia) that you will get back to good health ❤️ 
I am so sorry that you've been ill. Our friend's wife is older than you and she contracted covid in hospital after a fall, but had it lightly until, bam, pneumonia overnight and, well, much like you from then on. She's been home for a month now but had no appetite for weeks on end and lost a lot of weight (mind she's been wanting to do that for years!). She still, has a catarrhal cough but is over it, largely, and feeling her old self at last.
blue and white feeling very down
