Bacterial Pneumonia/Severe Heart Stenosis

[Survivor72]

Hi Community

I was admitted to hospital with bacterial pneumonia on 1 December 2024 and discharged on 6/12/24. Apparently, my pneumonia was so severe I was one day away from ICU. On discharge my kidney and lung investigations revealed some anomalies which have since resolved.

However, the initial moderate to severe heart stenosis diagnosis is probably the latter, pending a coronary angiography on 2 April 2025, with a potential of a heart valve replacement imminently.

I need to pursue a constructive health management regime: diet, diaphragmatic breathing techniques and exercise routines without over exertion etc.

I am constantly tired and apprehensive about the immediate future.

Any concrete advice will be appreciated.

[Rhyl1 Partner Moderator ICUsteps]

Tai chi is a good exercise when you are struggling with your breathing. Qui gong is a part of tai chi and encourages slow deep breathing. I have severe asthma and I find qui gong very helpful. There are plenty of videos on YouTube but look out for those by Lee Holden, an American tai chi master. They’re free and very well done.

[BigH63]

Hi I was in ICU With bilateral pneumonia collapsed left lung and heart attacks and sepsis shock multiple times organ failure etc etc see my story.

As for breathing I started this course and now do day ten all the time. Might help you ?

youtube.com/playlist?list=P...

[FamilyHistorian]

I found that when I had my first aortic valve replacement I immediately felt the benefit of it and in particular my breathing returned to normal. I didn’t go on any special regime . Without knowing more information about you it is difficult to advise about you should do and so suggest you speak to some one at your surgery.

I had a planned one day stay in icu following my op without any issues.

Presumably you have been asked to consider whether you have a tissue or artificial valve. There differences and consequences.

My long stay in ice was unplanned following pneumonia & sepsis and the unexpected failure of my valve