In late January, I was diagnosed with the flu and pneumonia. Yes I had the current vaccines for this, but got it anyway. The flu is gone but I'm still coughing and my energy level is really low.
I'm still using the duo neb that was prescribed for me. I was taking antibiotics, but I finished those. Seems like this should be gone (pneumonia). Does anyone have any advice or answers, I am trying very hard to keep a positive attitude...some days are harder than others Thanks.
How are you doing Sharon?
when I was MUCH younger, in my mid thirties, I had pneumonia to the extent that doc put me in hospital. At that time I did not have COPD. Many people told me that I would not feel truly strong for approximately a year, which was true.
For those of us with COPD, I would expect we would feel even weaker and possibly for quite some time. Rest is of the utmost importance for our healing process following any major illness, along with nutrition, but rest does NOT mean that you refrain from moving about as much as possible. Need to keep the lymph circulating.
Ask about an "Acapella" or some other kind of flutter device. It causes back pressure forcing you to cough deep and brings up that junk.
Also, I haven't had any contact with people except my husband. I'm just trying to eliminate any outside germs!!!
For what it's worth; being so weak, it's hard to cough up the mucous from your lungs, I take Mucinex expectorant which loosens up the mucous allowing you to cough it up and get rid of it. Be sure to use only the expectorant; the DM dries up the mucous and you can't cough it up.
When you check back with your doctor, ask about that.
No I only coughed in the beginning. I just was very weak and not well for a couple of months afterwards. Maybe you need another round of antibiotics. Check back with your doctor he may need to test for a different antibiotic.
It could take a few months to recover from pneumonia. It took me that long to recover. You might want to let your doctor know. Maybe a change in medicine would be helpful.