out of hospital after pneumonia

[Pommygranny]

hello. I was on reducing plan of preds for PMR until 2 weeks ago 5.5 mg daily. I was taken into hospital two weeks ago with suspected adrenal crisis was given shot of hydrocortisol in the ambulance “to be on safe side” they said. Have been receiving antibiotics and 30-40 mg of pred daily during my stay. Was released on Monday stating I’ve had nasty case of pneumonia. Instructions on discharge to go back immediately to 5.5 mg of pred which I’ve done. No mention of adrenal crisis in discharge letter. Second day home and feeling pretty lousy. Tired and aching. Is this because of the after effects of pneumonia or the level of pred now taking. I am due to have flu jab on Saturday. Is it safe to have? Spoke to nurse who administers jab and she reckons its ok. Should I increase my steroids again under sick day rules when having flu jab? Sorry for long post but very confused with how to progress. Not sure respiratory ward or nurse giving jab completely understands the situation. Any advice from you experienced people would help.

[PMRpro Ambassador]

Being well enough to discharge home and feeling well are two very different things!!! In hospital you do nothing - fed and watered by minions in some shape or form. At home, even having a cup of tea almost inevitably involves effort on your part, and you do a lot more than you think you do. Pneumonia really takes it out of you - it can take a few weeks to recover.

The risk of adrenal crisis was almost certainly allied to the pneumonia and the continued high dose pred was to manage the pneumonia better.

It is probably safe to have the flu jab - whether it is advisable just yet is another matter. I would wait a week or so. And no - don't increase the pred for the jab, it reduces the response to the jab which is hardly the idea! Taking some paracetamol before and after seems to help most people.

[Pommygranny in reply to PMRpro]

Thank you so much. I really do appreciate the common sense advice I get on this site

[Sharitone]

Wishing you well in your recovery from pneumonia. I had it less badly than you in the Spring and it took a long time to recover - some people I know have said it🙂 took them 6 months! So look after yourself