Help with breathing

[Dianemc01234]

Hi. I'm Diane and I was admitted to hospital on 17 Aug with sudden exacerbation that turned out to be pseudomonas and pneumonia. Worst ever. Up there with TB which I had I. 2004. I have had pseudomonas before. However it was nothing like this. Thought I had had it. I'm now home with iv meds as just couldn't recover in hospital. No sleep etc. No peace to expirate. However the problem now is that I'm really weak. They gave me fluids twice as dehydrated but feet are swelled up. I can't relax and switch off to breathe normally. One because of the sputum and two the anxiety. Just can't get comfortable. I can't heave myself round bed (even tho I'm only 57 kg) as just too weak. Does anyone have any suggestions to make relaxed breathing easier? Also bed is a bit too soft so breathing techniques can be difficult.

[Hidden]

Hi sorry to hear about pneumonea GUESS its good as restless as help clear stuff of chest.

I was told to use warm hot water bottle on guts to help relax stomach muscles.

Not sure about hot water bottle tho AS can be tad dangerious.

The do microwave hot water botle things full of gel you heat up in microwave.

Just make sure its stood for a bit befoure use.

[judg69 in reply to Hidden]

Hi Diane, suggest you get nestled in a chair or recliner , watch tv, read , in general get comfy , and you just may nod off into sleep. Sometimes the act of getting ready for bed and laying in bed can just up the anxiety level to where you can't sleep. Secondly, with your upper torso and head somewhat raised or elevated, you will probably breathe easier. Please just try it. By the way , I have not slept prone in a bed or on a sofa in over 5 years. Kindest Wishes, judg69

[Dianemc01234 in reply to judg69]

Thanks. I'm so sorry it took me ages to get back to you. Just was not well. I have tried being propped up and it does help to some extent. I really need to drain my lungs so I'm trying to sleep on my side as much as I can. However, when I just can't sleep I do as you suggested and sit up.

[Dianemc01234 in reply to Hidden]

That's a really good idea. Thank you. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I've just been so ill. I have to do iv meds for another month. The infection was very serious. However, I'm getting there. Really feel this will help as my stomach and ribs get really rigid and sore. Thank you.

[Roessner541]

I would get anti anxiety meds from gp maybe some Mucinex for mucus and if u have a nebulizer use that a few times a day. I take NAC N-ACETYL that helps with exasperations. I also take over the counter melatonin to help me sleep, works great for me. Hope u feel better.

[Dianemc01234 in reply to Roessner541]

Thank you. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to reply. I couldn't remember the password and just too stressed to follow simple instructions. A lot better now tho. I could read your message and now have mycodyne which has helped a bit. I have zopiclone too in case I can't sleep still but trying to do without. Still difficult at night and lung clearing is hard. But things are improving.

[janice01]

I had that same bug for a number of years but for some reason it cleared up but can't say why.

I'm a Brompton patient and the care is 2nd to none.

also been in the exhausted weak condition you speak about.... lack of sleep makes touchscreen worse.

I'm wondering if you do postural drainage therapy? If not, it should help clear the muck from your lungs and stop reinvention allowing you time to regain some strength.

You would need training in his do so it effectively. Its similar to treatment for Cystic Fibrosis. I have bronchiectasis, asthma and small airways disease.

All under the umbrella of COPD.

As someone else suggested, propping self up in chair good idea too.

You will gradually get there....but it takes time.

when up and about ask about pulmonary rehab, it's been my lifeline....

Good luck...!

[Dianemc01234 in reply to janice01]

Thank you. I'm so sorry it took me ages to get back to you. I was in such a state that I couldn't remember my password. I do postural drainage but was finding it hard to relax my neck muscles to do the normal breathing at the beginning. A week and a half later, it has become easier and I'm sleeping a bit better. I thought I would finish iv antibiotics this Friday. Well kind of knew I wouldn't. Another month. I have had pseudomonas before but it was spotted in a sample before it developed. Took ages to go but it did. Like you. This tend it imploded with pneumonia. I'll do anything to not get this again lol. As bad as TB which I had in 2004!