Home after having Pneumonia

[lifeboatann58]

I got home from hospital last Thursday evening, after my unexpected stint in hospital, been taking things easy for a few days. The hospital has put me on Steroids for now, to help with the inflammation in my Lungs, I'm starting to feel the benefit with my breathing. Hopefully they can sort out new meds soon for me, as I'm not on any rheumatoid arthritis Meds. They have put me on a tablet to help my bones, but I've read that I should have any problems with my teeth sorted first, that's where my problem is, I've not been able to get a NHS dentist since I moved here, I've got a broken tooth and a filing that's came out plus a loose tooth, not doing well at all. So do you think I should continue with this new tablet or wait until I can get some advice from the rheumy team? X

[Lizard28]

I was in hospital with pneumonia a few years ago, they couldn’t understand why antibiotics weren’t working, my breathing was awful. The decided to do a high resolution scan and they said it was pneumonitis, they started doing all kinds of blood tests as they said it is usually caused by an allergen. We didn’t find out what it was that caused the inflammation in my lungs but that’s why the antibiotics weren’t working, they took me off them and I was put on the dreaded steroids. In that time my rheumatoid factor was extremely high, the steroids did work thank goodness. Don’t know what caused it, I still reckon it was an auto immune problem.

[lifeboatann58 in reply to Lizard28]

Hi Lizard28 they reckon it was either the rheumatoid arthritis or the Methoraxate, so they took me off that for now. Hopefully get things sorted soon. Xx

[helixhelix]

If the tablet is to help your bones then you need to discuss with your rheumy team. And ask around about how to get an emergency dental appointment in your area. Here’s the NHS advice

nhs.uk/common-health-questi...

[lifeboatann58 in reply to helixhelix]

helixhelix Hopefully I will be speaking to my rheumy in the next few days. Really need these teeth sorted asp. Even though I am terrified of dentists. X

[springcross]

Hi lifeboatann58. The tablets to help your bones are probably bisphosphonates and you should have dental work done first and as helix has said, you need to discuss this with your rheumy team. Good luck. x

[Green230461]

Good news that you are at home now. My dentist told me off too for a hole in an old crown even though they were closed apparently with RA you are classed as a priority patient!

Tooth decay can lead to heart issues she said so get to a dentist my friend also seek rheummy advice about additional meds. 😷

[lifeboatann58 in reply to Green230461]

Green230461 . I've been trying for nearly two years now, they keep saying phone back in a few months. But I will mention that to my rheumatologist. Thanks for the information. 🙂🙂

[Summerrain14]

So sorry you have been in hospital. Really hoping you can get seen by a dentist as soon as possible. Take good care.

[nomoreheels]

I’d not heard your news Ann, sorry. I hope you're now feeling well enough to be home & you’re being well cared for.Is the tablet something like alendronate or risedronate? If so I’d want to talk with either the prescriber or your Rheumy. If it is this class of med I had to stop taking them so my calcium/vitamin D (Adcal-D3) was increased to twice a day instead.

I hope you feel well enough to enjoy your Christmas & an spend it with those closest. x

[lifeboatann58 in reply to nomoreheels]

nomoreheels . Thanks, yes I'm home now and taking it easy. It's Alendronic acid I'm on. They gave me one in hospital but never mentioned the dentist. I've been trying to find a dentist since I moved here about 2 years ago. And desperately need dental treatment. I'm hoping my rheumatologist is phoning me on Friday. Can't even go out as we're shielding until next week. I'll phone my Dr tomorrow and if he can't help I'll have to phone 111 and see what they say. I don't want to take any more of the Alendronic acid until I get things verified. Hope you are well. XX

[nomoreheels in reply to lifeboatann58]

Good, I’m pleased. It was alendronic acid I tried first, then risedronic. I'd definitely talk to your Rheumy about it. Being nosey, why did they start you on it in hospital, I don't see the connection with your lungs. Unless it's the steroids, do they intend for you to be on those long term? Take good care & stay safe. x

[lifeboatann58 in reply to nomoreheels]

Yes, I've to taper down from 40 to 20 then stay on that for a while. Maybe until they get my rheumy meds sorted. That can take awhile. Hopefully not though. 😟