Breathing

[Chalky2]

High all does anyone know how long after having pneumonia breathing becomes easier, I have been out of hospital nearly three weeks but my breathing seems as bad as before I went in.I will be grateful for any advice. Chalky 2 Pauline

[Patsy164]

My breathing was bad for months it slowly gets better but plenty of rest helps. I had to go straight back to work but the doctor insisted my company let me park nearer the office and they did but it was really difficult. Since I retired with bad health I now can take it easy. You know the saying “small steps”. I hope you get better soon and I know how you feel it is frustrating. X😊

[Chalky2 in reply to Patsy164]

Thank you Patsy I feel more positive now xxx Pauline

[peege]

I suppose it depends on how you were before the pneumonia chalky or whatever ailment you have or how much activity you're attempting. It may be that a trip to the GP is in order to ensure you haven't another infection brewing

[Chalky2 in reply to peege]

I was fine before I had pneumonia except my breathing got suddenly worse never had anytrouble with my breathing before pneumonia only the usual hills and steps. Had a blood test on Monday and the result was no infection so don’t know Chalky. Thanks for your help

[peege in reply to Chalky2]

Morning, similar to me then, I had asthma before which of course worsened with each bout of pneumonia culminating in bronchiectasis and CFS (chronic fatigue syndrome). If only I'd known then what I know now I might have been able to avoid the last two.

Three weeks is way too soon to expect much change badbessie is right in mentioning how it can affect your whole system, lyndenese is right saying its two steps back if you do too much - which is so easy to do when you feel you've improved & do something like the weekly shop!

Others are right that it can take months. I went back to work a couple of weeks after each of mine which was probably my biggest downfall.

All I can say is be patient, be good to yourself. If I were you right now this is what I'd do:

Take effervesant vitamin C 1000mg twice daily

Take a very high billions probiotic ie 50 billion reducing to 20 billion after 3/4 weeks

Both the above to rebuild your immune system which is wrecked

I'd be doing some breathing exercises - see YouTube

And very gentle exercise so as not to loose muscle tone - plenty you can do from sitting - the BLF free DVD is excellent.

All the best, Peege

[Chalky2 in reply to peege]

Thank you peerage I also am suffering with indigestion and have no appetite I have lost a lot of weight but doctor assured me it’s five courses of antibiotics that has upset my digestion although I finished the antibiotics nearly two weeks ago and still no improvement when I eat I get so bloated out can’t touch another thing for the rest of the day.

[peege in reply to Chalky2]

The probiotics help with that. There was a time when I'd get prescribed probiotics alongside antibiotics, now we have to buy them.

[Chalky2 in reply to peege]

Yes I am taking probiotics hope they help me thank you Peege chalky. Pauline

[James48]

Hi Chalky, It takes about 3 months to return to your 'normal self'. Seems a lifetime but you will slowly get better

[Badbessie]

I had bilateral pneumonia about three years ago. It took me about 6 months to get anywhere near normal. Please take plenty of rest and listen to your body. Do not rush back to work or force yourself to do more than you are very comfortable with. Pneumonia does not just affect your lungs it can weaken all of the body systems. It is far better to take extra time to recover than risk a relapse.

[Shirleyj]

I think it takes about 2 to 3 months to get back to normal. Hope your doctor is seeing you regularly to keep a check on you x

[Hidden]

It took me 6 months to get back to almost where I was before the pneumonia, however there did come a point after about 3-4 months where I noticed I crossed over from "this is so bad is it ever going to get better" to "I can feel its improving" and that in itself was promising and gave me relief and hope. Take it easy and be kind to yourself. You will notice if you try to rush it you take 2 steps back. Best wishes.

[tricia5 in reply to Hidden]

Hi , I am finding it is taking longer than expected . I worry that I am still having productive cough in the mornings , but blood tests show no infection. I am hoping it starts to get better soon

[Hidden in reply to tricia5]

It is a very slow process, it takes me a month to get over a minor cold these days. And pneumonia was a good six months before I knew I was going to be OK and be able to survive with what was left post pneumonia. I did research on here and other places to find natural remedies to help my lungs along and my immune system, I also struggled with my digestive system post pneumonia, which is where your immune system begins. So every morning I take a tablespoon of raw unpasteurised apple cider vinegar, with a teaspoon of raw unpasteurised honey, a few drops of eccinacea all in a cup of boiled water with a vitamin C with zinc tablet. (vinegar is for digestion, honey is natural anti biotic, eccinacea to ward of colds, and vit C and zinc for immune system) I don't know whether it works but I've not had pneumonia or near death experience since 2017 so I fear not taking it every morning now lol.

[Ranv56]

Hi.

I'm 62 and it took me a good 6 months to get over pneumonia. I'm pleased to say that now, my breathing is better than ever. Just keep up with deep breathing and rest. You'll get there.