Feeling really bad with a very heavy cold

I know it’s petty asking about colds but do people with polymyositis get prone to heavy colds.Im really struggling at the moment and thinking about the last time I had a cold like this which ended with pneumonia. Trying hard not to let it happen again.but feel really unwell.

[Jo-Goode Administrator]

Sorry your feeling poorly.

If your on immune suppressant treatment a cold can be more severe and take longer for you to recover. Also if you've had previous lung infections this can make you prone to further infections. If you feel you have a chest infection see your GP for antibiotics ASAP as you want to avoid pneumonia or if your having breathing difficulties contact the out of hours GP.

I have antibiotics on standby at home because I've had pneumonia, so you could discuss this option with your consultant or GP.

Hope you feel better soon. Jo

[Hidden in reply to Jo-Goode]

Thank you very much for the advice. I will follow your suggestions. Slight improvement today. Thank goodness so fingers crossed

[bon-bon]

I wasn't feeling well and developed a cough last month. Since I had pneumonia before, I should have clued in. I didn't. I then went for a CT scan of kidneys, bladder, etc. It showed up on the CT scan that I had bronchiectasis. Not what they were looking for, but it was great it showed up. My doctor called me and said for me to come in. I needed to go on antibiotics right away. I'm fine now and cough is gone. By the way, there was nothing wrong with my kidneys, but a small cyst showed up on the liver. Seven years ago when I got pneumonia I had a doctor that let me get sick and didn't give me antibiotics. I ended up going to emergency and they kept me for pneumonia. I never went back to that doctor. I missed my daughter's wedding. That's another story. Look after yourself!

[Hidden in reply to bon-bon]

Thank you for replying.I am not a fully fledged member yet.I have been told by a second opinion consultant that I have polymyositis and I see her again in 3weeks.probably the last time before referring me back to my GP .I had pneumonia 7months ago and as I was feeling really poorly was wondering if it is something to expect. This time I followed earlier advice to drink 7pints of liquid each day.2 morning,2afternoon 2evening and 1overnight.Takes some doing but things seem to be improving .missing your daughters wedding must have been devastating for you. Thankyou again for taking trouble to reply.