Anyone had double pneumonia?

[NorthernNell]

I am fairly fit and normally healthy 41 year old, out of the blue I ended up in hospital with double pneumonia a fortnight ago, they finally let me home after 5 day on huge doses of antibiotics (which I finished on Saturday). Everyone keeps telling me it will take ages to get back to normal but how long is ages?? I am still a little breathless and quite tired, I know when I.ve overdone it as I fall asleep! However with 4 kids,a husband, and christmas next week I'm probebly not getting the amount of rest I should be!

Other than letting everything turn into a bomb site (3 of the children are 'grunty' teenagers!) has anyone any suggestions? Please no more tablets, I'll rattle!

My DH had severe pneumonia (although only on one side) last New Year, and like yourself was hospitalised for IV antibiotics. He was off work for about 6 weeks in total, and was very weak for at least the first 3 weeks. If you are still breathless, you need to get checked out to make sure that the infections has fully gone. DH went down hill again about a week after he finished his antibiotics, and GP discovered that the pneumonia had returned, although thankfully wasn't re-admitted.

You just need to take it really easy, and make sure that you eat. Yes, I know I sound like your mother, but DH completely lost his appetite (very unusual for him!), and I'm sure that made his recovery time all the longer.

No real suggestions as to what you can do other than get DH and teenagers to help as much as possible and take the time that you need to get strong again.

TattyCatty gives good advice.
You really are going to have to rest for a good 6 weeks, and then build up again gradually.
Poor you - glad you are on the mend though.

I think I went back to work part time after two or three weeks, but still needed a lot of sleep. I didn't have children to deal with at the time neither.
It does leave you weak for a while, and I'd let the house go to a bomb site if nobody else will do it - you need plenty of tiem to recover.

Tattycat,

Am back at docs next week for another sicknote, although will go back earlier if chestiness gets any worse!

i am also struggling to eat,which is wierd as am battling to lose some weight anyway!but it makes me quite tired to eat so give up half way through most things.

Thanks nicky - am feeling a bit sorry for myself at the mo' but think that will pass

Chops,

I am going to have to go back to work in 2 weeks - I am part time - as after that I go down to half pay and we can't afford it at the moment, but think I might be able to swing light duties!

At least the christmeas decorations hide some of the mess!

Two years later I am still on puffers all Christmas with adult onset asthma post pneumonia. Cant dive anymore due to decreased lung capacity. Cough all winter too. It sucks. I felt like crap for about 3 months after my 'recovery'.

My friend was told she had to take it easy for three months. She made quite a good recovery and was allowed to take gentle exercise after six-eight weeks.