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Recovering from double pnuemonia, collapsed lung and fluid around the heart.

Astral11 profile image
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I am now home from hospital after 7 weeks stay with the above. Twice in the intensive care unit and then high dependency, family were sent for twice and to say I've had the biggest scare of my life would be an understatement. Respiratory consultant has said I will not be back to work before the "New Year". I still find little tasks an effort, even having a bath is an ordeal at times. I am still on steroids and doing everything the doctor says. I have a small infection to the area where I had a chest drain in twice and still find this very tender. Has anyone got anything they might advise me with to help my long road to recovery. I feel very emotional at times and this time has made me reflect that life is so precious for things that never really mattered.

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Puffthemagicdragon profile image
Puffthemagicdragon

I can't offer any advice but I do learn, from people like you who have had bad episodes, about things that matter most in life and I thank you for that.

Hi Astral - First may I say welcome to the site :) That really is quite an ordeal that you have been through so for now it probably feels more than enough just to perform the minimum of daily tasks. One thing you may realise is that quite apart from what has happened with your lungs, your stay in hospital will have had a serious muscle wasting effect too. You need to talk to your GP or consultant about the appropriateness of attending a Pulmonary Rehabilitation course so that you can rebuild your strength with gentle exercise. This will help your return to fitness. IYou may also want to look into having the flu and pneumonia jabs if you haven't already been given them, before the winter bugs start doing their rounds. You could ring the BLF helpline for advice and info from qualified nurses - they will take your number and call you back if you wish. Their number is ; 03000 030 555. Take care. Auntymary xx

Hi astral

Sorry you are having a rough time at the moment, I had pneumonia two months ago,, but not as serious as yours,, I know I felt extremely tired, (I can only use a shower with a seat in it) my only tip there would be don't use up lots of energy drying yourself, put lots of towels around yourself, I also put my hair dryer on cool and dry all over,

There will be others coming along that may help you more,, just remember to pace yourself.

Wishing you better soon.

B.

kimmy59 profile image
kimmy59

Hello Astral

I have recently returned to work after three months off with Double Pnuemonia. I understand the depression your feeling, I did'nt think I would ever feel well again and I was not as ill as you, finding this site has been a god send everyone is so nice. Hope you find some help on here.

Kim

cofdrop-UK profile image
cofdrop-UK

So sorry you have had such a tough time. Difficult situation at the moment - you need lots of r and r, but you also need to move about so your lungs don't become congested. I hope your infection clears up quickly and you start to feel some improvement each day.

Love C XXX

lavender1 profile image
lavender1

Hi Astral. You've had a terrible time and your post will already have reminded lots of people how much it matters for us to look after ourselves and try really hard to avoid becoming ill and this can become like a full time job This is the second time recently I have been made aware that fluid in the heart can stem from COPD. That alone is frightening, a collapsed lung worse still they both seem to be things that we can't avoid and not even be aware of until we get to the hospital stage. I think that the prevention of pneumonia is a hit or miss also - am I right in saying that pneumonia develops from a cold, chest infection or a passed on virus? I'm almost sure I had pneumonia at the start of the year which I left untreated but don't know - just don't want to experience the feeling ever again.

What a bad fright you and your family have had but you must be very strong to have come through all that and it's no wonder you feel emotional.

All we can do is blunder on and try to help each other and that's the wonder of this site.

coors profile image
coors

On the way back counting your blessings after a rough spell it is back onto the exercise trail that picks us up quicker than anything known.

keep on fighting for the things that pulled you through

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