Any ideas for getting your breath back after chest infection

[Ginaapple]

Getting over a crap winter had a few chest infections this last one was terrible could hardly walk but didnt need hospitalisation or oxygen but a few days later and am still really out of breath. been trying walking up and down the front room as much as i can but going up stairs is crippling me. Any ideas from anyone how to move forward with this would be very much appreciated. I stopped smoking 14 months ago thought things would be better than this lol

[huggs]

Hi Ginaapple, Maybe you need further antibiotics or steroids to get rid of it completely. I am assuming you have had those but sometimes we need extra. I see that you have asthma, and as I don't know what inhalers you are on it might be an idea to see your GP again and explain your symptoms. He/she can examine you and maybe review your medication and give you a stronger inhaler for a while. I would definitely make an appointment for Monday to get this seen to. If you get worse before then you may have to go to an out of hours service- or whatever it is called where you live. Hope you feel better soon, and remember do not let this go on too long. Take care. hugs xx

[Ginaapple]

I called my doctpr out last tuesday and he took blood tests and they came back that no infection was there. I have copd and asthma have not been on steroids just antibiotics this time but was on antibiotics and steroids previous. They didnt want to give me steroids again cause they said they were not a good idea to be on them too much its going to be difficult to get to the doctors when i can hardly walk but i suppose i will have to get there somehow. He listened to my chest on tuesday and said there was air getting in my oxygen levels r ok its just when i move about they go down a bit. Am fed up

[huggs in reply to Ginaapple]

Hi Ginaapple, If you can hardly walk then it would be better for you to ask for a home visit. If you are no better tomorrow and need to see your GP, and you decide to make your own way there and are having difficulties, you are just eating into your reserves of energy and it will take longer to recover. I know a lot of doctors don't seem to want to make home visits these days, but if you are too ill then he or she will just have to visit you at home. I know they also don't want to dish out steroids too many times, but if you need them, then you need them. Hopefully you will be feeling a lot better and not need to see the doc again, but don't hesitate in getting the doc if you need to. hugs xx It can sometimes take a while before recovering after an infection, but only you know how you feel and if you need further help. Take care and good luck. hugs xx

[Ginaapple in reply to huggs]

Sorry havent got back have had a bit of a week. Went to doctors on Monday and got steroids, Doctor finally had to came out on Friday and gave me antibiotics and steroids just couldnt walk by friday but oxygen on resting was 97 which went down to 90 when i walked up and down the room for him. He came back following morning to check on me and said my chest sounded clearer well its sunday now and its still hard to walk but i think im getting there but he noticed i had been taking nurophen for my bad back so ive stopped them and am now wondering if they have been part of the problem. But my right lung hurts when i take a deep breath so wonder if ive had an infection there i dont know just doing nebuliser every 4 hours and taking meds and crossing fingers xx

[huggs in reply to Ginaapple]

Hi Ginaapple, Nice to hear from you and I am pleased that you got medical attention and treatment. Your doctor must have been concerned about you to return the following day. I have no idea if you are on inhalers or any other medication. I had a quick look at your profile and see that you have copd, so I am assuming you are on inhalers and possibly something like mucodyne which thins down and breaks up the mucous making it easier to cough up. Neurophen is definitely a drug that you should not be taking as it is an anti-inflammatory and anyone with asthma, copd etc should not take them. Is your doctor coming back to see you? I am concerned about the pain in your lung when you take a breath in. If I was you I would be asking for an immediate chest x-ray to eliminate other chest complaints such as pleurisy or fluid on your lungs. Its good that you have made some progress and if it wasn't for the pain you have when breathing in I would just advise you to take things very slowly, plenty of rest and a good healthy diet. It can take ages to recover from a chest infection but I think you need to see the doctor again and emphasise to him about your pain when breathing in. If he doesn't suggest an x-ray then you could mention it to him. Also, being in pain drags you down and you need something for that if he hasn't already given you something else. If I ever take medicine that you can buy over the counter( which I haven't done for ages), I always double check with the pharmacist that it does not interact with anything else I am on. The pharmacists and assistants are usually very good at making sure but like anyone else mistakes can be made. Hope you can get this resolved very soon. The longer you leave it, the longer it will take to recover and it could even develop into something worse. I don't think it will because you are coming along very slowly, I am just erring on the side of caution and telling you what could happen if it is not checked out soon. I am sure you will be fine but need to see your doctor again (home visit) just to make sure and to tell him about the pain when you breathe in. All the best, and my apologies for going on, but all the time I am typing my alleged brain goes into overdrive. Let us know how you are getting on and take care. Hope you feel much better soon. hugs xxx

[Ginaapple in reply to huggs]

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply. The doctor called this morning and said that my chest is now clearing and the pain in my right lung is not as bad and is going now. But I found some azithromicine in my medicines and started that on sunday because i was getting so fed up didnt think that the antibiotics he gave me were working. Dont think he was very pleased tho. He said that all the tests he had done did not show an infection but i definitely had one i can always tell. They like proof like a raised temperature and high white blood cell count they really dont like dishing out antibiotics. He left saying that i needed to increase my walking gently around the house over the next few days and see him on Friday. i asked about the antibiotics and he said he needed to think about what to do with those cause ive non left of the azythromicine now. Ive got some mucadine how long do they take to work im not good at taking them cause it two three times a day and i dont feel that i have a lot of mucus but i may have and its so thick maybee laying down in the bottom of my lungs? i dont know but ill try taking them again.xxx

[huggs in reply to Ginaapple]

Hi Ginapple, I am glad you are continuing to get medical attention and improving slowly. I know exactly what you mean when you say you know and feel yourself that you do have an infection, but blood tests don't show it. I have been through all that. By the time you see the DR on Friday you may not need antibiotics. See how you feel at the time, an bring it up with him again if necessary. They don't like giving out too many antibiotics for very good reasons, but my new motto is, if you need them, you need them. End of story. As far as the mucodyne is concerned, they definitely have helped me, as I know they have worked for many, many others on this site. With me they took a couple of weeks to reach the maximum help that they were giving me. Everybody is different though, and I think a lot depends on how much mucous you are producing and where about it is. You say you don't think you have a lot of mucous, but you could be right, that it is at the base of your lungs and just sitting there causing a bit of havoc. My advice to you would be to keep taking the Mucodyne in the correct dosage 3 times a day as prescribed. I am pretty sure they don't work after taking just one dose! You have to keep taking them every single day as prescribed. I know I am repeating myself, but I feel I need to emphasise that point to you. It is important! Take care, do what the doc says and I am sure you will continue to improve. If not then ask for a second opinion, as that is your right. However, I am sure that won't be necessary. Good luck. hugs xx

[Ginaapple in reply to huggs]

Thanks ill let u know how i get on with the mucadyne anything is worth a go my dad always said i suffered from catarrh so maybe its the answer xx

[Hidden]

Good evening! Just to say that when my husband has has infections it can take him a couple of weeks to get back to,his normal (he suffers with severe Copd) - so it maybe just be that though if you don't feel any better by Monday I would call the doctors and tell them you need a visit. Also the helpline is open on Monday the nurses could help you. Take care lots of love TAD xx

[grannybell]

Don't worry too much. After an severe chest infection it can take me 8-12 weeks to fully recover. I also walk up and down the hallway butt don't overdo it. Be patient. I know how frustrating it can be but just remember it takes different people different lengths of time to recover. Try not to let it get you down too much and I hope you'll recover soon. Take care.

Margaret x

[Ginaapple in reply to grannybell]

Thanks very much glad im not the only one to be so slow with recoveryx

[Hidden]

I had a really bad chest infection a couple of months ago. I did take steroids and ab's but the dr said no going outside in the cold air, no dog walking for a while and just take it easy. I normally recover very quickly but it took me around 3 weeks to feel 100% again. Just take it slowly and easily and work up to exercise very gently. You might have to have steriods again whether or not the dr wants to give them you. But give it time please first. As grannybell says people recover at different rates and don't forget a lot depends on how severe you are. I am just into the moderate stage from mild so not too bad and otherwise very healthy. I am lucky my recuperative powers are brilliant but everyone is different. x

[Ginaapple in reply to Hidden]

i think mine is quite severe although i dont need oxygen at rest its 97 which is good and i dont smoke x

[Hidden]

If it makes you feel any better,we have had beaut weather here,but the flu is in an almost epidemic! I am now one of them,although have been so careful etc!

Be patient,takes a while to recover,but if in doubt,certainly see your Doctor.Take care,love Wendells xx

[Ginaapple in reply to Hidden]

Yes I think I need to be more patient but get sick of sitting on the settee just walking into the kitchen has been hard lol x

[Eve3066]

Hey don't worry I am on week three of antibiotics and steroids with another three weeks of reducing dose. I feel terrible although the nurses who come each day tell me I am getting better and my numbers are improving. At this rate I might be well enough to enjoy a couple of weeks of summer before winter weather comes again. It seems to take forever and I am really sob, unsteady with wobbly eyesight(steroids) and raging hunger (steroids). I suppose I know that at least I can make a cup of tea now, I couldn't last week !!!

[Ginaapple in reply to Eve3066]

I know how u feel really could murder a good cuppa lol x

[FarmerD]

Who decides on our quality of life?My consultant is happy for me to be on steroids,my G.P. Is not.I don,t like taking them but know now that they are what keep me going.We are all different and it is YOU who should decide on your quality of life.Tell your G.P. what you feel you should be able to achieve and insist on the medication that will enable you to do so.Good luck,hope you feel better soon.D.

[Ginaapple in reply to FarmerD]

Thank you x

[skinnylizzy59]

HI Ginapple, I had a flare up and self medicated with Ciprofloxacin I then saw the Consultant, after an x-ray, and she said I still had an infection in my right middle lobe and to go back on the antibiotics and have another x-ray in 4 weeks. Try not to stoop when you walk so that air can get into your lungs and try a little gentle exercise to open up your chest. Be assertive with your doctor and ask to see a Consultant and get an x-ray and the treatment you need. Remember we are all here for you Ginapple. Take care Lizzy.

[Ginaapple in reply to skinnylizzy59]

Thank you x

[olgamarie]

Ginaapple, I kinda went through the same thing. After a month and a half, two pulmonologists, I am going to start some water aroebics until the new doctor establishes his therapy program. From what everyone on this sight has said,rtehab is a must, Goodluck, I know you will get a lot of helpful suggestions. People on this sight are phenomenal,

[helingmic]

Ah Ginaapple. First, see how it goes tomorrow Monday and ask dr to visit you if no improvement. If the doctor says that you need time for recovery learn one thing, how to recover from acute shortness of breath from this You Tube video: youtube.com/watch?v=wUr0YVZ...(Not working as expected?)

Second, would you consider Pulmonary Rehabilitation where the pulmonary nurses would assess your capabilities, and put you - with others who are ill as well - on a set of exercises, monitoring your progress and advising what to do, speaking about drugs and lung problems as they can arise.

Exercise is the way to take charge of yourself. It doesn't mean you have to put yourself out of breath, no! You can just do whatever is within your limit, but you ought to do something of that sort.

I know this because I've been where you are many times! I hope you get better soon.

[Ginaapple in reply to helingmic]

You r absolutely right. I live in huddersfield and the nearest breath easy place is halifax for me so i want to set something up here. i stopped smoking 15 months ago and realise now i need to loose more weight and start exercising in readiness for next winter so i am in a better position just stopping smoking although i didnt smoke much, is not enough on its own. I just cant wait to get over this eppisode which has gone on and off since blinking xmas lol. Well if u didnt laugh youd cry and im determined to get a handle on this, I will look at the video on u tube thanks a lot xx

[Zeldafurbush]

BEST BEST ADVICE. SLEEPING SITTING UP SAVES ME SUCH GRIEF CAUSE IT WORKS JUST LIKE YOU SAID. I ALSO HAVE SEASONAL ALLERGIES WHICH HELPS TO AGGRAVATE THE COPD, BUT THE DR'S DON'T EVEN LISTEN TO THAT WORD, JUST BLAME IT ON COPD. I STOCK UP IN THE SPRING AND FALL ON MUCINEX AND DRUGSTORE BRAND MUCOUS RELIEF. TOGETHER THEY REALLY WORK AND WORK UP THAT STUFF. GOOD LUCK.. GO BACK IF YOU DONT GET BETTER, PLEASE. ZELDA

[Zeldafurbush]

SQUADY: HELLO, NICE TO MEET YOU. THANKS FOR YOUR ADVICE. I WILL CONSIDER IT THIS WEEK. I HAVE A MYLOGRAM SCHEDULED FOR TOMORROW, AND A COLONOSCOPY FOR WEDNESDAY. ABSOLUTELY CRAPPY WEEK. SAW MY PULMONOLOLGIST WED. LAST WEEK, CLEARED FOR THESE PROCEDURES. DONT KNOW IF HE WILL GIVE ME OVER THE PHONE AND/OR I DONT WANT TO TRAVEL IN AGAIN TO SEE HIM, OXY TANKS AND ALL. WHAT KI ND OF LUNG OP? I SMOKED FOR 40 YEARS--HARD TO GIVE UP-STILL SNEAK ONE OR TWO-FEEL I DESERVE IT FOR ALL I GO THRU. GONNA LOOK UP THAT YOUTUBE SIGHT. THANKS. ZELDA

[Zeldafurbush]

SQUADDY- WHAT IS BROCHIECTOSIS? ZELDA

[Hidden in reply to Zeldafurbush]

medicinenet.com/bronchiecta...

[Hidden in reply to Hidden]

here Zelda, click on the link,xxx

[Zeldafurbush in reply to Hidden]

THANKS-I CAN TAKE A HINT. ZELDA

[Hidden in reply to Zeldafurbush]

Zelda its a link of what is bronch love,xxx

[Zeldafurbush in reply to Hidden]

YES, IT IS, AFTER I SLOWED DOWN ABIT I WENT ON IT AND READ THE WHOLE THING JUST NOW. THANK YOU. I THOUGHT YOU WERE BEING SARCASTIC AND TELLING ME IN A NICE WAY TO LOOK IT UP. WHICH I NEVER THINK OF DOING. POOR COMPUTER SAVY. THANKS AGAIN. ZELDA

[Hidden in reply to Zeldafurbush]

no Zelda im not like that,i did the link so ya could see it yourself and understand it more, we help each other on hear all members do,we all were not computer savvy at 1st but im getting there,hope yer ok, love twicexxx

[Zeldafurbush in reply to Hidden]

THANK YOU. I AM DISABLED, MANY, MANY PROBLEMS. HAVE BEEN BURNED BY ALOT OF MY FRIENDS, SO I AM GUNSHY AS TO TRUSTING OR BELIEVING IN ALOT. BUT IT IS TRUE, SINCE I CAME ON HERE EVERYONE HAS BEEN REALLY NICE AND HELPFUL.. I HAVE A VERY NASTY WEEK COMING UP AGAIN, AND I AM TIRED. HAD TO QUIT WORK AT 62, AM 64, OVER AND OVER AND OVER WE GO. ON 18 MEDICATIONS..OK, ENOUGH, THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT. I WILL BE AROUND. ZELDA

[Hidden in reply to Zeldafurbush]

for many years yet Zelda, we no you have problems same as a lot of members do, Zelda were all in the same boat,so moan away to yer hearts content,good luck on yer coming week, yer not on yer own as most so called friends disappear,so let them as thay wasn't yer friends anyway,if thay was thay would have stayed by you, it happens but the ones you have now are friends ,and come on hear anytime,and chat,wishing you all the best,love twice xxx

[Zeldafurbush in reply to Hidden]

THANKS. HAVE A GOOD NIGHT. TALK AGAIN SOON.

[Hidden in reply to Zeldafurbush]

and the same Zelda night night sleep well, speak again soon,xxx

[Hidden]

I know it mite sound stupid but get a pair of walking sticks or crunchers and use them to help you walk as you can take smaller steps and you can rest. On them when you need to that way you are giving lungs and the upper parts of your bodie a work out and all at a speed you can manage try it and hope you get your breath back soon