Recovering from Pneumonia

[Winnie00]

Hi Everyone

I am new to this site and finding it very interesting already.

I just thought I would share my story.

I suffer with Asthma and just before Christmas I was rushed into Critical Care in hospital as I could hardly breath, I suffer with Asthma and just thought it was an asthma attack. I spent all of Christmas in Critical Care and then ICU and was told I had severe Pneumonia. I have never been in hospital before I found it very scary. I had loads of drip medication in my arms and the highest amount of oxygen and in bed and unable to move for a week. Lucky 2 days before I was told by the consultants if things didn't improve in the next day they would have to let the machines breath for me as I had the highest oxygen I could have. Lucky I had improvement that evening and was able to get out of bed and breath a bit better. On the day I was released 2 days later I had loads of medication and had been told to take things slow.

I really had no idea what pneumonia was or how it effects your body and being in ICU or how poorly I was. I had another chest infection a month later, coughing, no energy at all. I have had great care from the hospital and chest xrays and breathing tests and a lung scan (no results yet). I am slowly improving daily, still coughing up what I can, no energy, tired alot of the time and if I'm tired I have to sleep. It has made me see things differently to just take one day at a time and don't rush. It is not easy for me as I like to keep busy. At one point I thought am I ever going to feel any better but I am slowly and doctors orders taking life slow until I recover.

[sassy59]

Welcome to you Winnie. You’ve certainly been through a lot and I’m pleased you’re recovering albeit slowly. Pneumonia is awful and takes a long time to recover from so no rush.

Wishing you better days ahead xxx❤️

[Alberta56]

Welcome to the forum, Winnie. I'm glad you're recovering after that horrible sounding experience. Well done for having the discipline to take things easily. Not easy if you've always been a busy person. xxx

[peege]

Wow what an awful experience for you. You've reminded me of myself 14 years ago the first time I got pneumonia on the top of pleurisy. I was unconscious, came to with 3 or 4 paramedics in my bedbedroom alerted by my lodger because the dog wouldn't stop crying. I was bluelighted to Kingston Hospital . Long story short I wouldn't stay once I'd been rehydrated and was already on antibiotics for the pneumonia . It was the beginning of of for more bouts of pneumonia, a couple of pleurisy and back to back infections over less than two years. That long before respiratory nurse asked me why the gp hadn't arranged a pneumonia vaccination!

If I can help you with not having the same experience as I did I'll be very happy. It took two years to rebuild my immune system with tonics, loads of vitamins & supplements plus the highest strength Manuka honey @ £45 per jar.

Please demand the pneumonia jab, get at the very least a good quality tonic & vitamin/ mineral. I now highly rate effervescent vitamin c 1000mg for fighting infection and rebuilding immunity. Drink loads of good fluids, avoid cold air in lungs, avoid picking up any bugs - go back to the pandemic hand hygiene, wear a mask on public transport & crowded places.

It does take about 3 months to fully recover from pneumonia, take great care of yourself and please don't overdo it. Good luck, P

[Fleur29 in reply to peege]

What sort of supplements do you take, besides vitamin C?

[peege in reply to Fleur29]

I sent a private message with my list 😂

[Winnie00 in reply to peege]

Thank you very much for the good advice , I am going to request a jab from my GP.

[B0xermad]

Hi winnie00,welcome to the forum, I know how pneumonia can knock you sideways and the recovery is long but you are doing well considering what you have been through. Get well soon 🌻

[Winnie00 in reply to B0xermad]

Thank you for your kind words and the welcome😀

[Izb1]

Hi Winnie00 and welcome to the site. It sounds like you have been through the mill but have come through the other side. As everybody says it takes a long time to get over pneumonia so take things easy and look after yourself x

[Winnie00 in reply to Izb1]

Thank you, it is a bit hard taking things easy when you are used to rushing around but now my body wont let me Im learning.

[watergazer]

Hello Winnie. It can take months to recover from pneumonia. I had intravenous antibioctics and saline pumped into me and on coming home was armed with antibiotics and painkillers ( for the pleurisy). I think I had a few doses of antibiotics in the months I was recovering. Take time to recover. Carry on taking things easy. And welcome. Xx

[Winnie00 in reply to watergazer]

I had the same I have never took so much medication in all my life. I am still having regular xrays and had a blood test and have result from the blood test that I have very low vitamin D and am going to have medication for that for 6 months which will help with my asthma attacks too,

[JJ_7]

Hi Winnie. What a terrible experience for you. I have had pneumonia and hospitalised on 3 (maybe 4) occassions. It takes a long time to recover. Keep up gentle excercise . So glad you have joined. There is great advice here and support. Hope you recover soon xxx

[Winnie00 in reply to JJ_7]

Thank you, lots of good advice and welcomes.

[Patk1]

Hi Winnie.welcome to the forum.itll take a while to recover yr strength.hope yr asthma is under control now.youve had great advice already.u can read up on" lung clearance techniques" which do help - I use salbutamol beforehand to dilate airways;its vital to get it up, as ir can get reinfected.wishing u well xxx

[Winnie00 in reply to Patk1]

Thank you, asthma is getting there but still quite wheeze morning and night I will read up on lung clearance techniques" .

[Karenanne61]

Hello and welcome to this friendly, funny and informative forum. My first introduction to my very severe copd was being woken from a coma after several days of mechanical ventilation etc! It did take ages to recover, I even had to learn to walk again! We had a holiday booked with our grandson and I refused to use a wheelchair. I think we just have to learn to pace ourselves but accept we do need to rest, sometimes we are too hard on ourselves. Please treat yourself as you would a best friend, gently.

Learn to rest.

[Winnie00 in reply to Karenanne61]

So sorry to hear you have had a rough time too, we just never know what is around the corner. Take care

[Currygirl]

Welcome Winnie, glad you're on the way to recovery it can be scary but e veryone here is very supportive I'm fairly new on here as well x

[Winnie00 in reply to Currygirl]

Thank you everyone is very welcoming and giving good advice and I dont feel alone.

[Thepainterswife]

Hi and welcome Winnie , sorry to hear you’ve had such a rough time but so pleased you’re on the mend Just remember the body uses the energy we have to allow us to be active , if we ‘re not active the body turns to healing and most healing occurs during sleep , so get that rest ! 😊 x

[Winnie00 in reply to Thepainterswife]

Thank you. I am not working at the moment and my sleep pattern is all over the place, but the afternoon I am so tired so am just going to sleep when I need it whatever the time of the day.

[Karenanne61]

My daughter recommended Yorkshire Tea Bedtime tea to try and help me sleep. I've tried it and it is helping a little. It's decaff (I only drink decaff as advised by speech therapist) and is flavoured with nutmeg and vanilla. Might be worth a try even if it gives you an hour or two of sleep.