Chest infection cleared but still wheezy

[Leesea]

I have had a lung infection . Had 3 lots anti biotics, also 3 lots of steroids. Am clear of infection but still wheezy and need an inhaler. I seem to have developed an allergy to pollen too.

The breathlessness frightens me. I have never had anything like this before. I had a chest X-ray, clear.

I have a spirometer test in a week, but unsure if this is too soon. I have been ill for 6 weeks now. I am recovering but it seems very slow. Deep crackling in lungs finally gone.

Just had 15 days of steroids.

Went in the sea yesterday and realised I still cannot seem to breathe deeply.

I expect I have copd, but will it get better?

I've always been an active walker and swimmer

[Hidden]

Hi nice to meet you. You don't necessarily have copd and it may be you are just recovering from a very nasty chest infection. I hope so anyway.

Copd is a progressive disease but having said that you can improve the rate at which your tissues use oxygen by exercising so it's good you are doing this. Leading a healthy lifestyle can hold it at bay for a long time and it might not progress much at all if you are diagnosed at the early stages.

Fingers crossed though that's it's not copd.

[Leesea in reply to Hidden]

Thankyou. I have just had a couple of nightmare days, cough is back with a vengeance, lungs very musical again too. No sleep last night.

Steaming helps, I am getting very scared that this will never clear up and something has been missed!

Will have to phone doctor again today as I don't think that I can cope as it's getting worse.

I feel like a nuisance, can't walk far now as I have no breath!

Thanks for all comments

[Hidden in reply to Leesea]

Hi I agree with Graham. Your lungs have taken quite a battering so it will take time to recover fully. Give yourself that time and take it as easy as possible.

You could also be suffering from steroid side effects. I know when I have just finished a course I feel very tired and low for a few days.

Now please take this in the nicest possible way but I hope you don't have copd and that we never have to see you again on here. We don't need any new members of this club. I wish you all the best.

[Hidden]

Thank you Graham. Your reply was great as well.

[Leesea]

Today has been dreadful. I collapsed in the gp surgery from coughing. I saw a lovely who told me that my lungs are full of fluid. How can this be when they were clear on Friday?

She sent me for another chest X-ray and blood tests at the hospital. I now have to see an emergency doctor tomorrow for results.

As you can see, breathing so bad at night I dare not sleep, cannot anyway.

Gp wonders if I have heart failure now.

She did think I wd be diagnosed with copd as well

Perhaps I'm writing on the wrong forum?

It is comforting to get replies.

I am very scared now having always been so robust and active.

[winter2013]

Good luck Leesea. Let us know how you get on with emergency doctor. Hug and xx

[Leesea]

Last week I was so poorly it went in a blur. Chest X-ray was normal!! How can that be?

Blood tests showed raised white cell count so infection.

I had doxycycline for 6 days and steroids again. This week I have improved again. Am reducing steroids and am now down to 2 per day. Also had a steroid powder inhaler . I'm not sure which has helped but for the first time in weeks I feel my lungs are breathing. Walked 5 miles today including hilly coast path.

Still fatigued and not doing much else.

I have a spirometer test Friday and an appointment with the respiratory team On Monday.Gp thinks I must have underlying lung disease to have been so bad.

I'm not ready to return to work . My biggest aim is to get off steroids as I think they are affecting my mood.

Any advice about this would be welcome. This is my 5 th lot.

3 lots of 5 days and 2 lots of 15 days?

Is this usual!

[Leesea]

Oh dear I am awake and breathless. Usual thing happening, as steroids stop I cannot breathe again. This is very upsetting, having felt much better and no coughingnfor a few days. I really have no idea what to do next!

Saw GP this morning and my chest was clear. Can now feel it deteriorating rapidly again.

Very depressing!

[Leesea]

I had a spirometer test today and the nurse says that I have mild copd. She was very surprised, as I have no history of lung issues.

I could breathe in above average but hard breath out was not good enough.

Not sure what next. They say I have had bad viral bronchitus with a bacterial infection on top. I'm very fatigued althoughcough and wheeze is better. Still a bit breathless. How do you excercisewhen so tired.

I'm a bit upset at the diagnosis .

Not sure what's next. I walked up the coast path yesterday and had to keep stoppingas I'm still out of breath. I am hoping this will improve.Thankyou all for your support. Afraid I have joined the group!

Don't know why my lettering is a bit nonsensical!!!

[Leesea]

I have replied but it maybe in the wrong place. Thanks for all your support.

[Leesea]

Hello Graham

I am a bit wheezy and struggling to excercise. I just feel exhausted! I'm also a bit scared as cough has started again!

I have a consultant appointment late July.

I have still not returnedto work as I'm simply not right yet. This is the eleventh week! It has to be better soon.

[Leesea]

Thankyou. I am desperately tired all the time. Still breathless but not to the extent I was. I have little energy for gardening or walking which is not like me. Just feel I've lost my mo jo. Doc appointment next week, but I don't think they know how to help. I can believe this is me forever now!!

Thanks for listening!