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Main Forums => Pre-HAART Long-Term Survivors => Topic started by: OakMax1 on January 26, 2008, 10:40:32 pm

Title: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OakMax1 on January 26, 2008, 10:40:32 pm
I recently got sick with the flu/cold which turn into pneumonia in my lower right lung.  I have not  being feeling well since getting over the cold/flu.  I am still suffering with lower back pain and lack of energy.  I am scared and have visited my doctor and he said it going to take some time to get better.  I am worried and hope that this doesn't go any further.  My weight has dropped and everyone making comments about it.   Any suggestions on what I should do beside just resting....  Can anyone tell me something I can do to get to back feeling back normal.   I haven't posted in a while and was wondering has anyone experience something like this.....

Anybody!
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: Assurbanipal on January 27, 2008, 09:35:04 am
Everyone I've talked to that had pneumonia, positive or negative, has touched on how long it took to get better and how much more sleep they had to have.  Just recently one of my negative friends from work, a human dynamo whose energy level has always been pretty astonishing, took three weeks off to get over a case of it. 

I had two relapses and, when I got out of the hospital, would go to bed at 8PM, get up at 6:30 and have a two hour nap in the morning and a two hour nap in the afternoon.  And that was on good days.  It took 3 weeks to do without the morning nap.

Please be patient and take care of yourself!

Assurbanipal

 
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: redhotmuslbear on January 27, 2008, 12:48:11 pm
Oak,
There are some nasty respiratory bugs going around this winter.  My ex, who was dx + with PCP four years ago, has been coughing and wheezing for four weeks now.  X-rays showed clear lungs, but breathing was still labored.  Humiidfying his condo, douching his sinuses twice daily, and even adding a small humidifier under his desk at work gave him a lot of relief, though.  Hell, I started humidifying the house after adopting a couple orchids [is that too Gay or what?], and my sinuses are much happier than they had been!  The role of water in all of our systems should not be underestimated.

Rest.  Stay hydrated with warm drinks and without caffeine, and keep your environment moist.  It'll do your body good, even if you're not a mushroom!

Namaste,
David
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: BT65 on January 27, 2008, 06:13:44 pm
I agree with David about keeping moisture in the environment and staying hydrated.  Even if you don't feel like eating, please make sure you're drinking tons of fluids to get the buggers out of your body.  Just rest, and rest and more rest.  It takes awhile to get over this.  Be as patient as you can be. Oh, and rest. ;)
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OakMax1 on January 27, 2008, 11:20:08 pm
I thought I better come back and check and I am so grateful to all your answers.  I see that it takes a lot of rest and I've been home all weekend leaving the house once yesterday dressing warm and tonight to get a bit to eat.  I still not feeling back to normal self and I hope and pray that whenever it goes away soon.  I tired and worried but have faith that soon it will be over if I take care of myself.

I am student three times a week in the evening and work during the day, so I do have a very busy schedule. I have tried to slow down, way down but it seems a little impossible.   I am scared and a little nervous that what I am going through is not going to let up right now.  I just want to say thank you all for your replies and I do have a humidifier that I will be using tonight.  My nose is always stop up when I wake in the morning, which takes me a minute to get clear after waking. 

Rest is the key and that what I am trying to do... rest as much as I can even taking 30 minutes nap at work.  This has taken a toll on me and I have never been sick like this in three year and the first time I've gotten pneumonia before, so you can only imagine what I am ex perincing.   

Cross your fingers and toes that I get better and soon... thanks All.. Oakmax
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: J.R.E. on January 28, 2008, 07:54:40 am
Hello,

Only had pneumonia once. It knocked the hell out of me. It was also situated in the bottom right lung.

I was coughing so much, I think it almost was causing to give myself a hernia !! Extreme chest pain and ache. Also had the lower back pain, and my energy levels completely zapped. ( once again from coughing so much. About the only thing I can remember was plenty of bed rest, and still making sure to eat and stay hydrated.

What medications does the doctor currently have you on? I would be staying in contact with my doctor, and finding out what other measures can be taken, to help you get over this.


Take care----Ray
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: J.R.E. on January 28, 2008, 08:02:54 am


I am student three times a week in the evening and work during the day, so I do have a very busy schedule. I have tried to slow down, way down but it seems a little impossible.   I am scared and a little nervous that what I am going through is not going to let up right now.  I just want to say thank you all for your replies and I do have a humidifier that I will be using tonight.  My nose is always stop up when I wake in the morning, which takes me a minute to get clear after waking. 



I only just read your second reply. It does sound like you have a busy schedule, and as much as you don't want to hear it, the fact is, sometimes we just got to slow down a little bit. I hope you get feeling better soon, but do try to make arrangements, where you can take some time off. It's much better to try to arrange time off, than having forced time off by being hospitalised. So be careful. I know how rough it is.


Take care---Ray
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: ubotts on January 28, 2008, 09:48:23 am
I had pneumonia last winter, and I thought this is it...

Its hard as hell to muster up any energy...since its all zapped by the pneumonia..
But thats normal, even for peeps without hiv..

You will come though this and It may take awhile, like it did for me,
so stay hydrated, eat what you can , and just listen to your doctors..

You will be fine...it just takes awhile...so dont rush it.. ;) ok my friend...
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OakMax1 on January 28, 2008, 09:48:06 pm
Wow, I can believe all the support I've gotten from you all, THANK YOU!!! makes me feel better.   It hard doing this on my own... most of my friends could care less, especially the ones I call friends. When you got friends like mine who need them, make me angry and mad!  I haven't told my family about my status, which I should consider doing.  But it's hard not knowing how they will act being African American and coming from a church going family, first thing they would say, it God raft on Gays and I told you so!  Sometime I just want to break down and bawl!!!  but I am not ready to do that yet!!!!!!!

I am trying to slow down by coming straight home and laying down and resting when not going to class.... Hey J.R.E my doctor gave me a strong antibiotic zamathromax.....something like that for five days and it last for 8-10 days in your system... and now he has me on doxycycline for 10 days- 2 a day....

Thank you all for you kind support and trust me, I need it right now.    I am drinking lots of water and eating everything in site... my weight dropped by 9-10lbs and when I lose weight, it shows in my face.... people are getting on my nerves by keep saying "you lost weight".... bummer!  I am so sick of hearing that I could scream and all I want to tell them is get F--k away from me. It hard when all you can do is, say I know. 

It's cold and raining a lot in Northern Calif/SF which is not helping and I try to keep warm...   I will keep you all abreast of what going on with me..... as try to beat this and return to my normal self again.... Again, thanks for being here for me, trust me you all just don't know how much I really appreciate it . ....... I can always depend on this site for support.....

THANKS A BUNCH YOU ALL!!!!

Oakmax
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OneTampa on January 29, 2008, 12:30:55 am
Dear OakMax,

I am so sorry to hear that you are not feeling well.  I agree with the others who have posted here that you should follow your doctor's orders, take your medicine, drink lots of fluids, eat, and get plenty of rest. 

I understand the cultural thing with family.  I hope at least one of your friends takes note and checks on you.  Believe me, it only takes one good friend.

You WILL pull through and get back to your regular self.

HUGS!!
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: J.R.E. on January 29, 2008, 07:50:33 am

Hey J.R.E my doctor gave me a strong antibiotic zamathromax.....something like that for five days and it last for 8-10 days in your system... and now he has me on doxycycline for 10 days- 2 a day....


It was most likely  Zithromax. I was on that drug for quite a while back in 2003-2004

http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/zithromaxsusp_ids.htm



Take care of yourself-----Ray
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: achim-martin on January 30, 2008, 08:59:05 am
The fact your face reflects your weight loss shows that your body is taking proteins from your muscles and other sources within your body in order to build up an army against those pneumonia bacterias and/or the virusloads.  So in order to stop that I would recommend protein drinks at least once or twice a day for three to four weeks, than reduced a few months more to build up again.
Also, take zinc (50mg a day) This helps the cd4 counts measurably. Besides some natural vitamins like C of course.

Regarding the moisture in room air, yes that is certainly a fine idea. Studies though have shown, that most air-moisturizeres in rooms are full of germs. You need to clean them thoroughly every other day to make sure you don't get ill by them.

And last but not least, sleep and maybe some sun. (for example those light lamps that immitate natural sun light, in case you live in an area, where there is winter right now)

These "rules" are simple and easy to follow.  Good luck to you!
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OakMax1 on January 30, 2008, 08:16:09 pm
Hello Achim-Martin,

Thanks for the sound advise.... how you know it I started taking the protein drink about two days ago and it appear that the face is returning.  Everyone I am feeling much better but I know I am not out of the woods.  I have slow down a lot and come home and get in the bed no LATE nights and plenty of rest is a must.  I will start cleaning my humidifier every day before turning it own... I surely don't want to go back.  I am taking more Vitamin C and more b6 and b12 along with my normal vitamins and meds.  It was sunny here today and I had lunch with a friend but wrapped up... it was still somewhat cold.   Wrapping up and heading to class... and coming right home... I don't stay the entire time for the last two weeks... two hours max.... home in bed by 9pm.   REST REST REST!!!!

I am getting there, but I am not as nervous and trouble as I a few weeks ago....  It a slow process and I working to get back!   Thanks everyone for your support ...will keep you all posted!!!

Oakmax1
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: BT65 on January 30, 2008, 11:16:13 pm
Hey Oak, glad to hear you're on the mend.
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: achim-martin on January 31, 2008, 07:22:03 am
Thats great news... and don't forget the zinc - another proven supplement for infections and hiv.
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: sharkdiver on February 01, 2008, 09:56:02 am
I was hospitalized with pneumonia for about month days back 98'  and after that I was diagnosed with BOOP.   I was used to doing a lot of intense physical activity, plus I was teaching K-3rd graders. What helped me regain some of my strength was taking a gentle yoga class that really focused on breathing (pranayama).  It also helped me be more mindful of my energy. It helped me recognize the signs before I started getting fatigued so that I didn't push myself to exhaustion.

peace,
Sharkie
(scuba diving also helps, but that's a different story)
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: J.R.E. on February 01, 2008, 03:12:55 pm
 Wrapping up and heading to class... and coming right home... I don't stay the entire time for the last two weeks... two hours max.... home in bed by 9pm.   REST REST REST!!!!

I am getting there, but I am not as nervous and trouble as I a few weeks ago....  It a slow process and I working to get back!   Thanks everyone for your support ...will keep you all posted!!!

Oakmax1

There you go !!... Just continue to get better...


Take care----Ray
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: DAF on February 03, 2008, 01:41:47 pm
Sorry to hear you aren't felling well. I fortunately I haven't got pemonia. If you are  not feeling well the thing that made the difference for me was that I got rehydrated by drinking diet soda and juice. Since I am type I diabetic on top of all of this. It goes without saying to get a good nights sleep and extra if your body seems to need it. try to get in some exercise even if it is only going up and down stairs in your house.

I hope that this helps you and I will be keeping you in my thoughts.

DAF
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: 1 RWR 1 on February 04, 2008, 11:15:02 am
I do not get chest things but went to a Christmas play at a friends school and got fever congestion for 6 weeks. Doctors had me on copd meds- antibiotic.  got better came to my Moms and got it again.  I am trying to stay out of the cold weather.   This site helps with the loneliness since my Mom is at Her boyfriends.
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: achim-martin on February 04, 2008, 11:31:27 am
For people who get infected easily:  to prevent continious infections there are some products out there, that not only desinfect your hands from bacteria, but also kill most viruses as well. A runny nose doesn't come from bacteria... So you ought to look for products that are not just based on alcohol but the "real" stuff.

My infected lover and I, we use that for several years now each time we left a supermarket or when we reach home. it's amazing what one can do in order to have almost no infections...
Touching plastic handles or shaking hands are risky, but of course we cannot and we don't want to avoid social interactions. Having one of those liquids mentioned above to get rid of that helps...
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: 1 RWR 1 on February 04, 2008, 03:33:57 pm
Yes Thanks i carry a Purcell in my pocket and one between the seats of the autos.  I even hold my breath when someone sneezes at the store until i can get out of the area
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: OakMax1 on February 06, 2008, 01:46:22 am
Hey Everyone,

Thought I let you all know I am doing much better.  Strength is coming but I still know that I was sick, it still lingering....  Still a little raspy in my throat like I trying clear something stuck in the back.... but the fever gone and I am back at work and school...but taking it real easy...for sure.....

I took someone advice about the protein shake and that help a lot to put the weight back on.... thank you!!!!
I am not back up to full ROCK and READY to ROLL...still a little tired. but I am doing much better. My doctor said that it going to take a few weeks before I start feeling better. Also check this out the strangest thing happen...  I did my usual test and my last CD4 was at 492 two months ago, went last week and would you believe my CD4 just 33% to 733... I could not believe it...that made me FEEL real good....not sure why... I was wonder since I stop smoking grass,if that had something to do with.... but I was SHOCKED!!!!!

Just want everyone to know that without you all and this site.... I would have been in the dump!  I Love this site for all that it has to offer and it's a lot!!!  Thanks you all so much..... If anyone can shed some light on the sudden raise in my CD4...explain.    Oakmax1
Title: Re: Flu/cold and now pneumonia
Post by: achim-martin on February 07, 2008, 04:50:12 pm
That sounds wonderful!  In order to find out what triggered the increase you ought to know the CD8 figures and/or the ratio between those two figures as well though.
Little infects can activate bodies immunefunctions sometime. For example have more people cancer, that never have any colds or flues over the years...

Protein is necessary to build up a virus but also cd4 cells. Zinc is a vital factor that can increase cd4 cells quite a bit, too.