Pneumonia Recovery

[AnotherDave]

Has anyone had really bad breathless still after 7 weeks of finishing antibiotics for pneumonia pleurisy. I have bronchiectasis but this is worrying me and no where near normal for me. I can’t do much. What I’ve read here regarding pneumonia recovery mentions fatigue but not breathlessness. Thanks for you experiences.

[Patsy164]

Hi AnotherDave the first time I got pneumonia it took me months to get over it and I was working at the time and it was very difficult. I have since had it another two times. Keep warm, eat well and rest is what I did and don’t beat yourself up for not feeling better quicker. So sorry you having such a rough time of it and feel better soon.

[AnotherDave in reply to Patsy164]

Thanks Patsy, I’m working at home still managing to keep that going, it’s such slow progress and sometimes I doubt I’m actually getting there.

[Bkin]

So sorry you are experiencing difficulty AD

Pneumonia recovery can take a very long time, my last experience lasted 7 months (that was before I could manage walking a short distance. I was breathless for a very long time constant, I do have emphysema as well as bronchiectasis.

Chat again with your doctor concerning your symptoms even after 7 weeks finishing your antibiotics, perhaps an inhaler may help you through this period if you are not already prescribed one.

You could also check with BLF helpline for further advice and suggestions blf.org.uk/support-for-you/...

and their pages on pneumonia here: blf.org.uk/search/site/pneu...

NHS page on both bacterial and viral pneumonia:

nhs.uk/conditions/pneumonia...

Hope you find as the days pass you will begin to feel gradually better.

Best wishes BK

[AnotherDave in reply to Bkin]

Thanks a lot for the links bkin. Good to know that the breathlessness can stick around but still get better eventually.

[pegbl]

Hi when I had pneumonia they told me it would take 6 weeks to get over it. I would say it took more like 4 months it affects breathing , energy, tiredness it a long slow process. The good thing is you do get over it , slowly but surely just give yourself time. Xxx

[AnotherDave in reply to pegbl]

Thanks pegbl. Reassuring to know. I was Just before the pneumonia, had almost recovered before it hit, so that has addded to it.

[madonbrew]

Like the others have said, I found it took a long time recovering from pneumonia.Breathing wise, I have severe asthma, so ended up in hospital with pneumonia and a severe asthma together. It was a while ago but I think the breathing did take a long while to improve! I was on a crazy amount of medication for my asthma back then to help!

Hope you start to feel better soon!

[AnotherDave in reply to madonbrew]

Thanks madonbrew for info. I’m not sure I’m getting better. I get incredibly breathless. I’m thinking I might still have infection going on.

[Biofreak]

Hi Dave, have you had a CT scan recently or an x-ray since you had the pneumonia diagnosis. Might be worth asking your GP to refer you for a lung x-ray to set your mind at rest.

[AnotherDave in reply to Biofreak]

Hi Bio, yep having an X-ray Monday and totally agree i need to know for sure as it’s really severe. I Decided today to start a rescue pack also. I put a sputum in this week but I heard a couple of of weeks back that they were taking four to six weeks to come back with results. Thanks for the reply.

[Biofreak in reply to AnotherDave]

Good. At least you will find out what your lungs look like and hopefully the rescue pack will deal with an infection if you have one. You can't afford to let things ride where your breathing is concerned and it's good that you keep pushing to get things sorted. Best wishes.

[B0xermad]

Hi AnotherDave ,it took me 3months to recover fully and I have the same health problems but I got there eventually then 2yrs later exactly the same thing happened, obviously some people need longer to recover than others but pleurisy and pneumonia together is a big one to recover quickly from. Best of luck to you and time is the best way to heal.

[Biker88]

I was hospitalised with pneumonia and told it will take a good 2 years to recover. That was 3 years ago unfortunately pneumonia causes scarring in the lungs, just another thing to add to my lung problems, so I have to adjust to life with reduced lung capacity.

[Aingeful]

I am the same as Biker88.I was in hospital just over a year ago with pneumonia. I am still suffering from the after effects and my walking is nowhere near what it used to be. I am waiting for the better weather to try and build my walking up again.

[watergazer]

I am echoing the fact it takes months to get over pneumonia and pleurisy. Took me at least 5 months. Stopped working in Early December and went back part time for a couple of weeks in April then went to full time. It’s a case of take it easy and rest. Try to walk a little way - for me it was the end of my street - then gradually go a little further. Take care x

[hallentine47]

Over he last 5 years I have suffered both Viral and bacterial Pneumonia and ended up in ICU for 19 days on one occasion. I have never fully recovered my previous health levels despite good diet and exercise and on going medications. Rather like a bouncing rubber ball that bounces back but never quite as high as the previous bounce. Take it easy and have patience my friend.

[AnotherDave]

Thanks all for these useful replies. I can see it can be quite a variable recovery time but always considerable. I think I have infection still because things were going downhill but the consultant didn’t seem concerned. Maybe my tendency to play things down. But the antibiotics have made quite a difference already. Fingers crossed. Tests booked to see where I am. All the best everyone.