I had a chest infection over Christmas and New Year. Closely followed by another in February and another in April.
I have never experienced this before.
I am used to chest infections but 3 in a row and so closely together.....
2 lots of antibiotics per chest infection. It just doesn't clear up with 1 lot. And 2 lots of steroids.
Steroids wreak my appetite (can't eat) and my sleep pattern is severely disrupted. Awake all night and cat naps throughout the day. So I would rather not take them but my Sats stay up as long as I am on them.
The last infection was the worst I have ever had. I woke up with a headful of phlegm and a very bubbly chest and a rotten cough. I haven't had a cough like that for 4 years since I gave up smoking.... I have severe COPD but stragely don't have any phegm or a cough. Just extreme breathlessness and a total lack of energy.
3 lots of antibiotics this time and the only thing that finally worked was a change to Doxycyclin
which are 1 a day and my chest is now clear and I am glad that my chest is now back to 'normal'.
So 7 lots of antis.7 lots of steroids and my body feels completely knackered. My chest is ok,but my energy levels are zilch and I don't seem to be able to get myself back on track.
Does anyone have any tips on getting my strength back ( that does NOT involve exercise)
I have read a bit about Prebiotics. Is there a link ??
Thought I'd ask here first before I start Googling....
hi zola I was same I had chest infection and was on anti biotics and steroids from late November till February. I found out in December I had very severe copd and emphysema. my doctor stopped steroids in February as she told me then my consultant was looking to put me on a long term anti biotic, I started them in april take one on a mon, wed, and thurs. so hopefully they will help cut down with infections in future.
as for your energy level, I know you said you don't want exercise, but I think that would be the best thing for you. I have just finished doing pulmonary rehab and I feel that has helped me a lot. when I started doing it I missed a couple sessions because I felt I didn't have the energy to do it.but the physio told me even if I felt I had no energy just still to go and just try do what I could. so I did that there was a couiple days when I felt drained and breathless but still went and believe it or not I walked out there feeling better that I did when I went. so as I said im now finished with pulmonary rehab but we have maintainance classes here so I will be going to them once a week.
so if I was you I would give pulmonary rehab a go and see how you get on your not pushed to do anything you cant do. just do what you can manage.
tam
Hi I emphasise as I had 3 very close together too last year. I felt very ill with them even though I am only mild/moderate. It took ages to get any strength back.
I think you have to give your body time to recover then just build up your strength again bit by bit. Gentle exercise would help ie just going for a short walk and trying to do longer every day. Rehab does sound like a good idea but maybe too much for you at the moment. I hope you are feeling better soon. Take care xx
So sorry you having had such an awful time Zolabud. I do hope hope things improve for you very soon.
When you are taking antibiotics they also destroy a lot of the good bacteria in our bodies. Taking probiotics helps replace this so it is a very good idea to take them. My doctor always advises me to have yogurt every day when on antibiotics.
Zolabud You're a fighter! recently a lot has been said for juicing, it's a great way to get energy giving foods into you, you can mix in Chia seeds ( for energy ) and whatever tastes good to you. I agree with Tam, PR is a great way of increasing your energy and strength and no-one will make you do anything you don't feel you can do.
Steroids are best tapered down slowly then your body can go back to producing its own natural 'steroid' it's all a slow process but you will get there in the end! hugs huff xxx
Zolabud my recent history is similar to yours. I've had a series of chest infections since end of January and have been on many courses of antibiotics that work well but when I finish taking them the infection returns. I also have severe COPD.
I'm seeing a Resp. Physician on 3rd June and hopefully he can come up with a solution to the problem.
I did Pulmonary rehab 3 years ago and the wonderful team had the money pulled by the Government. As soon as it was done I rang and asked for another go and they said they were all looking for jobs....
Juicing would be great but it doesn't suit my diabetes. I am type 2 and don't take any medication-yet,And I want to keep it like that for as long as I can.
Juicing would make my blood sugars rocket as by its very nature it is juiced and therefore 'predigested'. I have done a lot of Googling on this. I saw a programme called 'Fat,Sick and nearly Dead' that really piqued my interest but it wouldn't suit me apparently.....
I have had Emphasmya since Jan 2011. But 12 years before I had a lung scan and was told that I had the beginnings of COPD. Which meant nothing to me. Had they said Emphasyma I may have taken more notice as at the time my sister was battling it as was my long term partner. Both died in 2003.
Along with my Dad and his brother. All died at 52 apart from my partner who died at 49. All smoked til the end. I have given up but since I did I am steadily getting worse infections....
I know I need more exercise but there are lots of reasons (as there usually are) why I can't, mainly that I get so breathless on any exertion.
I live alone now and couldn't be happier. But my health has declined which I find hard to handle as I grew up so fit and full of energy....
I agree with Butterfly. Antibiotics kill good bacteria as well as bad, so leaving you with a weaker immune system and vulnerable to more infections. I'd recommend plain Greek yoghurt (you can add fruit if you want). Also I take Raw Greens which contains 25 billion probiotics.
Dear Zolabud. Re steroids and lack of sleep. I have been taking steroids for some time. When I took them in the morning I was sometimes still away at 3am the next night. I slowly took them later each day until I now take them near bedtime and I get to sleep easily. I hope that helps you and other people. Christine
Really ?? That works ?? I am amazed but thoughtful. I always take mine in the morning and I am up til 5.00 and up at 7.00. It completely disrupts my sleep. And my appetite completely disappears. You would think I would lose some weight but unfortunately I don't.
I would love to know in a week or so if it is easier for you to get to sleep if you take your steroids at nighttime. I do so hope it helps you. Also, my Consultant prescribes Lanzaprazole 30mg a day (evening) while taking steroids, to protect my stomach.
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hugs huff xxx
Crackling popping lungs when breathing 
Newbie to site. Diagnosed borderline COPD 5 years ago, stopped smoking 3.5 years ago after smoking up to 60 a day. Champix did the trick..
At my wit’s end - Mum is ill AGAIN
Fed up 
