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Chest infection cleared but still wheezy

Leesea profile image
12 Replies

I have had a lung infection . Had 3 lots anti biotics, also 3 lots of steroids. Am clear of infection but still wheezy and need an inhaler. I seem to have developed an allergy to pollen too.

The breathlessness frightens me. I have never had anything like this before. I had a chest X-ray, clear.

I have a spirometer test in a week, but unsure if this is too soon. I have been ill for 6 weeks now. I am recovering but it seems very slow. Deep crackling in lungs finally gone.

Just had 15 days of steroids.

Went in the sea yesterday and realised I still cannot seem to breathe deeply.

I expect I have copd, but will it get better?

I've always been an active walker and swimmer

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Leesea
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12 Replies

Hi nice to meet you. You don't necessarily have copd and it may be you are just recovering from a very nasty chest infection. I hope so anyway.

Copd is a progressive disease but having said that you can improve the rate at which your tissues use oxygen by exercising so it's good you are doing this. Leading a healthy lifestyle can hold it at bay for a long time and it might not progress much at all if you are diagnosed at the early stages.

Fingers crossed though that's it's not copd.

Leesea profile image
Leesea in reply to

Thankyou. I have just had a couple of nightmare days, cough is back with a vengeance, lungs very musical again too. No sleep last night.

Steaming helps, I am getting very scared that this will never clear up and something has been missed!

Will have to phone doctor again today as I don't think that I can cope as it's getting worse.

I feel like a nuisance, can't walk far now as I have no breath!

Thanks for all comments

in reply to Leesea

Hi I agree with Graham. Your lungs have taken quite a battering so it will take time to recover fully. Give yourself that time and take it as easy as possible.

You could also be suffering from steroid side effects. I know when I have just finished a course I feel very tired and low for a few days.

Now please take this in the nicest possible way but I hope you don't have copd and that we never have to see you again on here. We don't need any new members of this club. I wish you all the best.

Thank you Graham. Your reply was great as well.

Leesea profile image
Leesea

Today has been dreadful. I collapsed in the gp surgery from coughing. I saw a lovely who told me that my lungs are full of fluid. How can this be when they were clear on Friday?

She sent me for another chest X-ray and blood tests at the hospital. I now have to see an emergency doctor tomorrow for results.

As you can see, breathing so bad at night I dare not sleep, cannot anyway.

Gp wonders if I have heart failure now.

She did think I wd be diagnosed with copd as well

Perhaps I'm writing on the wrong forum?

It is comforting to get replies.

I am very scared now having always been so robust and active.

winter2013 profile image
winter2013

Good luck Leesea. Let us know how you get on with emergency doctor. Hug and xx

Leesea profile image
Leesea

Last week I was so poorly it went in a blur. Chest X-ray was normal!! How can that be?

Blood tests showed raised white cell count so infection.

I had doxycycline for 6 days and steroids again. This week I have improved again. Am reducing steroids and am now down to 2 per day. Also had a steroid powder inhaler . I'm not sure which has helped but for the first time in weeks I feel my lungs are breathing. Walked 5 miles today including hilly coast path.

Still fatigued and not doing much else.

I have a spirometer test Friday and an appointment with the respiratory team On Monday.Gp thinks I must have underlying lung disease to have been so bad.

I'm not ready to return to work . My biggest aim is to get off steroids as I think they are affecting my mood.

Any advice about this would be welcome. This is my 5 th lot.

3 lots of 5 days and 2 lots of 15 days?

Is this usual!

Leesea profile image
Leesea

Oh dear I am awake and breathless. Usual thing happening, as steroids stop I cannot breathe again. This is very upsetting, having felt much better and no coughingnfor a few days. I really have no idea what to do next!

Saw GP this morning and my chest was clear. Can now feel it deteriorating rapidly again.

Very depressing!

Leesea profile image
Leesea

I had a spirometer test today and the nurse says that I have mild copd. She was very surprised, as I have no history of lung issues.

I could breathe in above average but hard breath out was not good enough.

Not sure what next. They say I have had bad viral bronchitus with a bacterial infection on top. I'm very fatigued althoughcough and wheeze is better. Still a bit breathless. How do you excercisewhen so tired.

I'm a bit upset at the diagnosis .

Not sure what's next. I walked up the coast path yesterday and had to keep stoppingas I'm still out of breath. I am hoping this will improve.Thankyou all for your support. Afraid I have joined the group!

Don't know why my lettering is a bit nonsensical!!!

Leesea profile image
Leesea

I have replied but it maybe in the wrong place. Thanks for all your support.

Leesea profile image
Leesea

Hello Graham

I am a bit wheezy and struggling to excercise. I just feel exhausted! I'm also a bit scared as cough has started again!

I have a consultant appointment late July.

I have still not returnedto work as I'm simply not right yet. This is the eleventh week! It has to be better soon.

Leesea profile image
Leesea

Thankyou. I am desperately tired all the time. Still breathless but not to the extent I was. I have little energy for gardening or walking which is not like me. Just feel I've lost my mo jo. Doc appointment next week, but I don't think they know how to help. I can believe this is me forever now!!

Thanks for listening!

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