Recovering From Pneumonia

By Jackie English

1 min read

Getting pneumonia can be scary for anyone, especially for somebody living with COPD. Jackie discusses a recent bout with the infection and her recovery.

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Ahmad Member
It's good that you are getting through this. As with others here who also have COPD, your experience with pneumonia here has relevance to us all. In my case, it was due to the pneumonia I suffered almost exactly 3 years ago that it was confirmed I had COPD. Actually I knew something was wrong from since 2016 at least when I faced shortness of breath when walking up stairs and doing physical work. Not too surprising, having smoked from since I was a teenager (now 62). But there was the denial; that "it will go away", while doing absolutely nothing. Of course it didn't. Long story short, thank God my family sent me to the nearest hospital just in time. It was also fortunate that it was bacterial, and not viral, pneumonia. Easier for the doctors to treat. I was discharged after just 3 days. 
1. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 Hi <inline-mention username="Ahmad" user-id="4125445"/>! I have since full recovered and doubt great. I hear you about thinking that the symptoms will go away on their own. I waited 10 or more year's to finally go to the Dr. and to quit smoking. If I only knew then why I do now. Since being diagnosed and starting new meds, I'm sure has that helped a little, has it? I know after I started meds that my lung function went up about 5-8% more. Thank you, for sharing with us. Best, Jackie (Author/Moderator)
katek Member
In March I was diagnosed with covid-pneumonia. I was very lucky, never got to a point where I had to go to the ER. But about a month ago I was diagnosed with pseudomonas. My O2 level seems to be staying above 90 at this point, but the cough has returned. From what I was told the cough can take a long time to go away. And now to add insult to injury, my sinuses are acting up and draining down the back of my throat, causing...you guessed it, a cough.
1. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 I'm so sorry to hear! I had pseudomonas last year. It seemed to take forever to calm down. My Dr won't treat it unless it was colonized. I'm happy to hear that you are staying above 90. Hopefully, your drainage won't last too long. NAC was something that helped me with that and my mucousy lungs. Of course, like always, please talk to your Dr before starting any supplement. Keep us updated. Best, Jackie (Author/Moderator)
anirat Member
I had bacterial pneumonia long before I got COPD. I'd felt I'll for a few days, eventually couldn't get out of bed. My body was shutting down the non essential actions to keep my vital organs functioning. I called a GP out in the middle of the night, something I wouldn't dream of doing. He was a locum, shrugged, said " is flu, drink water, take paracetamol". Next morning, I could barely walk, hear and had tunnel vision. Husband took me to see my proper GP, he took one look, my pulse (200bpm), blood pressure, picked up the phone, made a call, told my husband to take me straight to Glenfield hospital, not go home for anything, they were waiting for me. They were. I was wheeled into ICU immediately and several doctors and nurses worked on me. My husband was frantic. The consultant told him, go home, wait for us to ring. I was given a 70/30 survival rate. I survived thanks to the superb care and treatment I was given. The locum wasn't fit for purpose. 
1. Leon Lebowitz, RRT Member
 <inline-mention username="anirat" user-id="2475302"/> Hi anirat - wow - what a story! I am so sorry to hear what you had to endure - but so pleased that you are still here with us! Shame on that doctor who 'couldn't be bothered!' You survived with the help of your husband, your regular general practitioner, the hospital staff and of course, your own internal strength and fortitude! I know you've been a member here within the community since 2018 - it's good to see you engaging with the community. I hope, if you are so inclined, that you will continue to converse with all of us moving forward. How are you feeling nowadays? Wishing you well, Leon (site moderator <a href='https://copd.net' target='_blank'>COPD.net</a>)
2. Jackie English Moderator & Contributor
 Oh my goodness, <inline-mention username="anirat" user-id="2475302"/>! I can't imagine going thru what you did. Shame in that Dr. This just shows us that we need to continue to be advocates ourselves. I'm so glad that you went to see your GP. Thank you for sharing your story with us. Best, Jackie (Author/Moderator)