I had a virus at the beginning of January, my asthma flared up & I was prescribed prednisone for a couple of weeks. Luckily it didn’t develop into a chest infection. For the last six weeks I’ve had exhaustion and my breathing is at an ok but not good level. I’ve been pretty much housebound & I’m only able to do very limited activities during the day (eg shower, get dressed).
Has this happened to anyone else? Do you have any advice on how to improve health wise? Any help or thoughts would really be appreciated...
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Snowdrop2020
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Hi Snowdrop I'd suggest that you pace yourself to allow your body to heal. We live in a world which likes instant and quick, but unfortunately when Ill health happens it goes at its own pace. Eat healthy, rest lots, keep warm, and very gently improve you activities until you are well enough to do more.
I have ME / CFS which developed after a virus infection and before I had asthma, but that is not the norm. The majority of people recover from virus infections although some can take quite a long time.
Viruses can take quite a while to recover from and there seem to be a few nasty ones around this winter. If it continues I suggest you see your doctor who can check that there is nothing that needs treating. Otherwise patience and pacing are the best ways to enable your body to get better. That a positive outlook that you will in time, it just might take longer than you thought.
Hi snowdrop, I actually feel the complete opposite when I take Pred. I very hyper and have problems sleeping, sleep more over the day. But when I stop then I am very tired all the time no energy.
Well also without medication my energy runs out quickly, that I am tired. Special now in winter time when it's still cold, I don't do much over the day and still getting tired. When i am a bit more active in summer my energy is better because I do a bit more, walking and horse riding to keep at least a bit fit. But I believe when I am not as active I getting often tired because no action but if you can build up more action you train your body to release your energy slowly. So take your time sometimes it takes longer to recover as well speak to your doctor maybe he is able to help you.
Keep warm and maybe do some relaxing yoga.
I do it once a day to help loosen your muscles and joints, I know it maybe sounds silly but I do like to dance, I know I getting quick out of breath, but in time I can do it a bit longer 😉😋
My partner is always helpful for a slow dance and I have fun, it boosts my confidence.
I have exactly the same thing as you. I got a chest infection just before Christmas and it has been downhill since then. I have asthma (very well controlled in the summer but uncontrollable in the winter) and had two quite bad attacks in January.
I’ve had antibiotics and 2 lots of prednisone as well as 3 puffs twice a day of my Symbicort 400/12 and up to ten puffs every four hours of my Salbutamol. The chest infection finally cleared up about the second week in January but I was left with extreme breathlessness (hence the 2 lots of pred) and fatigue and just a general feeling of weakness. My doctor has advised she thinks I am now suffering with post viral fatigue.
I really haven’t seen much of the outside, so 2019 hasn’t really started for me yet.
All I can suggest is plenty of rest and fluids. And if you are feeling any better don’t overdo it because believe me it will set you back.
It has been the worst thing that I have ever had.
On a separate note I am also battling with really bad pain in my shoulder which goes down my arm and makes my hand weak but I have an appointment at the IMSK clinic next week to hopefully sort that.
Keep positive, it’s been over two months for me but I am finally starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel.
Thank you so much for your message. I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been poorly for so long - I can really empathise.
I know it sounds silly but it really helps to hear that you have been experiencing this too. I seem to be at the stage of feeling frustrated after being very patient about it all...must just go with it I guess.
My doctor thinks it is post viral fatigue too. I think I’m wondering whether it will end so thank you, it is very encouraging to know that if I rest & drink lots it should hopefully resolve itself. I tried going out a couple of times last week and it was too much for me /has set me back so understand exactly what you mean.
Like you I haven’t seen much of the outside this year yet. I suppose at least it’s not the best time of year to be out & about.
I’m so delighted that you feel that you’re seeing the light at the end of the tunnel now. I do hope you are starting to feel much better soon. I’d be interested to know how you’re getting on.
I hope that you’re able to get some help with your shoulder pain, not nice to have that as well. That’s great that you’ve got an appointment to have this looked at.
Yes you’re so right, I will focus on keeping positive as this is key to it all. Thank you so much for reminding me.
Wishing you many contented moments on the road to recovery.
It has definitely been a long road for me and I’m sure it has for you too, but I have woken up today feeling the strongest I’ve felt in months. I will keep you posted on my recovery in the hope that it spares you on.
If you have any questions or just need some reassurance just drop me a message. Xx
Thank you I will. So glad you’re feeling a bit better. I’ve improved a bit since the beginning of the week so trying to pace myself. You’re v welcome to message me too. Xx
Yes, I have had an infection. It gies away, it comes back! Now I’m having sone tests. T is very tiring I agree. And disappointing when you get well and a couoke of weeks later t cones back again! 😟
So sorry to hear you’ve got a similar issue. Yes it is frustrating isn’t it... I feel a bit better compared to the beginning of the week however reminding myself to do little steps as really don’t want to relapse. I’ve booked in for blood tests just to check all ok but not for a few weeks yet. Hope you’ve got a good balance of doing things & resting & still improving.
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