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Exhausted when trying to do small jobs around the house

Jojotango profile image
36 Replies

Hi, I'm New Here - I got a nasty chest virus which started 11 May, I was on antibiotics and steroids. Got worse and was put on more antibiotics and steroids. Saw GP who told me I had had pneumonia. My chest cleared and then two weeks ago I got very chesty again. Saw GP and was put on a three week course of steroids (Prednisolone) 8 tablets a day for 5 days then cut down by one every other day, which means I will be on them three weeks in all.

My chest has cleared but I am so exhausted all the time. I try to do small jobs but I come over so weird and my back and chest hurt so I have to rest. Is this usual? Anyone out there has had or are having the same?

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Jojotango profile image
Jojotango
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36 Replies
corriena profile image
corriena

I think you may be rushing things. It takes a long while to recover from so many serious infections. You need to give your body time to recover. If you feel that things are not right go back to your gp i hope you are back to full strength soon

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply tocorriena

Thanks corriena. I will try to take it easy and will go back to gp again if I need to. Thanks for replying and putting my mind at rest.

frodo33a profile image
frodo33a

Hi jojotango, you sound just like me! I got sick about a month ago with some kind of lung infection so was put on augmentan and prednisone for 5 days when still sob tried another 5 days. Took 4 days off, now back on for 10 days. I am so tired all the time, can't walk across the room without stopping. I'm scared this is the new me and am i ever going to get "back to normal"?

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply tofrodo33a

That's just how I feel Frodo. Thanks for replying

Caspiana profile image
Caspiana

Hello Jojotango . 👋

A couple of years ago, I had an infection that truly knocked me for six. I think it literally took months before I felt semi human again. Just take everything slowly. I know the urge to get back to normal is strong, but he kind to yourself. 😊

Warm wishes,

Cas xx 🌸

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply toCaspiana

Thank you Caspiana 🌹

Linnie13 profile image
Linnie13

I had pnuemonia at Christmas and I have ILD , so it has taken me a long time to get back feeling ok although do still tire easily , so give it time

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango

Thank you Linnie. 🥀

It takes a while but you should go back to your GP for a xray I think, so you can be reassured there is nothing nasty. Take care

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply to

Thank you but I’ve had an X-ray and it’s all clear. It’s just the exhaustion every day. I thought I was alone with this feeling but going on this site and the replies I’ve had really made me feel better and that I should just go with it and do what I can each day within limits. Enjoy the sunshine today Happylondon 🌷

in reply toJojotango

Useful links:

brit-thoracic.org.uk/standa...

in reply to

nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia...

in reply to

blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

in reply toJojotango

Thank you 😊 if you click on those links there is all you need to know about pneumonia recovery.

Take good care.

Fran xx

chip1 profile image
chip1 in reply toJojotango

the steroids give you a false seance of feeling better than you really are as you realise when you come off them. do what you can and don't regret what you can't just be as kind to yourself as you would be to someone else in the same position

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply tochip1

Thank you chip1. I have taken your advice and all the others who have kindly replied. Now I’m just going with the flow and taking it very easy and stopped worrying. Jojotango 🌷

panda22 profile image
panda22

I know how you feel. I have had to get a cleaner in to do most jobs in the house.

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply topanda22

Thank you. I’m now taking things easy and stopped worrying. It’s been wonderful all the advice on this site and also know I’m not alone. 🌷

Welcome to the group jojotango and yes give it time but if you're unsure back to GP I would suggest..regards Ger

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply to

Thank you. I’m now taking things easy and stopped worrying. It’s been wonderful all the advice on this site and also know I’m not alone. 🌷

Boyden1964 profile image
Boyden1964

I also have had pneumonia recently. I had a sputum sample cultured it came back positive for straph aureus was put on fluxosilin 1000mg four times a day for 3 weeks on the 8th of May I had to be admitted to hospital because I had decreased breath sounds on both sides doctor thought I might have blood clot on lungs but luckly that came back clear. Thoracic consultant said I probably have been over doing it? And said it could be at least another 6-8 weeks before I will feel myself and was given a diagnosis of post infection airways. Hope this is of any help?

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply toBoyden1964

Thank you. I’m now taking things easy and stopped worrying. It’s been wonderful all the advice on this site and also know I’m not alone. 🌷

Balloo profile image
Balloo

Hia it is very frustrating not being able do stuff . I have been moved to social housing Tooo big still living boxes . Even though have I hr carer . Dis. Regarding went got plants for gdn . I must not be fussy .so it's bit messy . Have oriental cat .. chill Hun love your self first .

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply toBalloo

Thank you. I’m now taking things easy and stopped worrying. It’s been wonderful all the advice on this site and also know I’m not alone. 🌷

Balloo profile image
Balloo in reply toJojotango

Hia I go a. Breath easy group some exercise ok not easy but no pain no gain ! And body work acupuncture just nice massage . Should not say this nice glass wine .& new frock charity shop .i cum from Africa back england frozen !

13southview profile image
13southview

I had pneumonia when I was in my late forties and I'm an asthmatic. I was in hospital for a few days but off work for 3 months ( Very weak and tired ). Don't underestimate chest problems

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply to13southview

Thank you.

Balloo profile image
Balloo in reply to13southview

Lots to be leant this foundation knows lots . But other checks in . 0k you cause me but phneumomia oft times about a sadness .exept viril from Africa where I have lived and worked . Wishing u well . Imune system . Takes while .

lKeith profile image
lKeith

jojotango

Hi, chest infections are nasty things that can last for many weeks, the tiredness you feel many of us have to live with day after day due to COPD, Emphysema and the like. Hopefully yours will tail off as you delete the steroids. If not get back to the GP ASAP, the chest infection may be something that requires a stronger antibiotic. I had a problem at Christmas that was not cleared up until mid February, all due to a bad chest infection.

Get well.

IKeith

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply tolKeith

Thank you. I’m now taking things easy and stopped worrying. It’s been wonderful all the advice on this site and also know I’m not alone. 🌷

olgamarie profile image
olgamarie

Good morning jojotango,

Thank you for sharing your question. I also am going through exactly what you are. Taken antibiotics and it seems like the infection is gone, but I am tired and weak. Some Drs. are telling me 2-3 months before my lungs are clear. All the advice given here has been beneficial. I have struggled and been upset because I have not healed faster. I guess for you and I it will be a slow process. Have a great day, catch a sunbeam and smile.

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply toolgamarie

Thank you Olgamarie. Yes, all the replies on here are so supporting and you and I are to take it easy. I’ve been told up to six months before I’m really up and running again. I was so upset not to be able to do much with the weakness and tiredness. Now I’m just going with the flow. All good wishes to you too. 🌷

jac401 profile image
jac401

Yes, I had a viral pneumonia in March, and I was totally exhausted just walking a few steps. This lasted a good 6/7 weeks. I'm only just getting to anything like normal, but my breathing is still a lot worse than before I was ill. I have lost all my muscle tone and what little strength I had, but stints down the allotment are helping a bit. I found this site while looking for answers to the exact same questions you are asking, because I've had pneumonia quite a few times when younger (67 now) but never took so long to get over, Just do what you can, leave the rest and the world won't end if you do. Take care and remember that it will take time to recover.

levina profile image
levina

Hallo Jojotango [What a nice name] I must say I have the same problems I am trying very hard to go back to normal I wonder if it is the prednisone that makes you so tired and not being able to breath

Jojotango profile image
Jojotango in reply tolevina

Hi Levine, I stopped Prednisone a week ago but no difference. Mind you, since I first wrote, I have improved very slightly but still having to rest as I come over weird, so tired and have to rest to revive. I wish you well and to say, hang in there, take it easy and don’t be too hard on yourself as we will get there in the end. Take care, Jo

levina profile image
levina

Thank you Jojotango All the best to you too i f I take prednisone I get so sick

Do you know of anything else I could take all the best

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