Chest Infection Aftermath. Any advice appreciated.

Hi, I was just wondering if anyone can give me some advice as to a problem I've been experiencing since coming down with a chest infection months' ago.

I had a chest infection which lasted three months, and after three lots of antibiotics I was told by my doctor it had cleared, however I'm still experiencing muscle aches and sensitivity in my shoulders, ribs and back. When I asked her about this she was very vague in answering my question and told me it's normal, however I've had ongoing aching for about four to five weeks now, and it's disrupting my sleep (she didn't mention approximately how long it can go on).

I struggle to fall asleep and am awake nearly all night, every other night. When I finally manage to fall asleep I wake up with a dry throat and a racing heart from sleeping on the inflamed parts of my body, such as my back and shoulders. I'm normally one to fall asleep pretty quick but since I had that chest infection my sleep hasn't quite been the same since.

I've also started using deep heat and changed my pillow to a support one, but the problem still persists. I can have one night of uninterrupted, deep sleep of around 8-9 hours, then I'm completely awake the following night without any urge to sleep. I think there's a connection between the inflammation going on in my shoulders, neck and back but I'd like reassurance that I'm not the only one to experience this after a nasty chest infection.

Also, any advice on how to have a consistent pattern of sleep while it heals would be much appreciated.

TIA

[B0xermad]

Hi J_Harris96 it's a long recovery from chest infections and pleurisy can take months leaving you with aches and pains,your body has to fight constantly with recovery from what infection has caused to you, try some raised pillows like a gerd to keep you slightly elevated during the night and pain relief. It took me nearly 6mths after a stay in hospital to fully recover and now I keep a rescue pack of prednisolone and antibiotics for flare ups also an adjustable bed with memory foam mattress to relax the muscles although quite expensive it has helped an awful lot.

[Hidden in reply to B0xermad]

I got myself a support pillow which I think has helped massively. Thanks for the advice.

[Julie14]

Like you after a long spell i was given help from community nurses who visited daily, they sent a physiotherapist to my home to assess me & got me some aids to help me this included a bed headrest it is great i can set it at what angle i wish so on a bad night i have it at almost a sitting angle which helps me to breath & relax my body. This may help you.

[Hidden in reply to Julie14]

Thanks Julie, I'll keep this in mind if I ever get it again. Hopefully I won't get it again for a very, very long time as it is a nightmare.

[Hidden]

Thanks your advice, both. It wasn't pleurisy but just a general chest infection which wouldn't shift. I have noticed a difference since writing this question, such as aching turning more subtle as time goes on.

It's been 11 years since my last chest infection, and I was just looking for clarity and reassurance that I wasn't the only person to experience this post infection.

[B0xermad]

That's a good length of time since you had a chest infection, I have them every 6mths it's a juggling act getting medication into your body before it takes a hold of you and turns nasty .I know my signs now and keep a rescue pack at home for flare ups. Glad you are on the upward path to recovery. Best wishes

[Hidden in reply to B0xermad]

Wow, I feel really grateful that I'm not in a situation where I'm ending up with it every six months. I had severe asthma as a child which disappeared years ago, so I think that's why I'm pretty resistant to frequent chest problems now. I'm thanking my lucky stars though.

Take care and I hope you get better soon.