It's not a cold, it's not the flu - I've got pneumonia!
By Gumball
@Gumball (793)
United States
May 7, 2009 12:23pm CST
I haven't figured out how this happened since I got a pneumonia shot last fall when I got my regular flu shot. Fat lot of good that did me. But I felt kinda crappy last week and figured I just had a cold. No big deal. No sore throat, no body aches, no stuffy nose. Just feeling tired, a nagging headache, and fever & chills. My temp was on a roller coaster for 3 days, making me feel like I was being either shoved into an oven or the freezer, depending on which direction it was heading at the time. When my temp went up to 102F I decided to go to the ER & get checked out. 3 1/2 hours & a chest x-ray later they came back to tell me I have pneumonia! At least the fever is finally gone now thanks to the meds they gave me but now I've got a monster of a cough driving me bonkers! 
Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. LOL Now I feel pretty good except for the *%@&(&$& cough. 
Some days it just doesn't pay to get out of bed. LOL Now I feel pretty good except for the *%@&(&$& cough. 2 people like this
5 responses
@mimibt (52)
• Philippines
7 May 09
Its a good thing you got that checked out, as for the #%!*^$ cough, I know what you mean. I have always been susceptible to cough and colds, when I have it I hate it! I can't sleep well and I feel like I can't breathe not to mention that the irritating barking sound we emit seems to act up when we are in public spaces. It is really embarrassing.
1 person likes this
@Gumball (793)
• United States
8 May 09
What makes it worse for me is that I can't take regular cough syrups, I'm allergic to Dextromethorphan. That's the main cough suppressant in most syrups. I can only take Guaifenesin syrup or ones without the DM in them. The bad part is they really taste AWFUL!!! 
@Qaeyious (2357)
• United States
7 May 09
I heard pneumonia is tricky that way, starting off like a little cold. The problem is if you just let it go - it's the kind of thing that doesn't go away on its own.
I only had it as an infant, according to my mother. She said she was not sure if I was going to survive the multiple bouts of pneumonia, but here I am (lucky, you all)
A few years back a co-worker contacted tuberculosis. Everyone in the building had to have a test to be sure she didn't pass it on.
A few years back a co-worker contacted tuberculosis. Everyone in the building had to have a test to be sure she didn't pass it on.1 person likes this
@Gumball (793)
• United States
8 May 09
That's why I went to the ER. The thing that drove me crazy was that none of the symptoms seemed to happen all at once, they were all one at a time but one after the other. First was tired, then the headaches, then the fever/chills. That's what got me confused. I kept thinking, if this was flu it was the weirdest flu I've ever had. I had the "London" flu back in the early 70's when I was a kid and I remember being so sick I couldn't move to even go to the bathroom without help. Couldn't talk either.
@KrauseHome (36448)
• United States
9 May 09
Sorry to hear that you are sick. I know this has not been a Fun year for a lot of people, and considering you got the Flu Shot and Pneumonia shot that is not fair at all. But from what I have seen, these shots do not prevent you from getting these as well unfortunately. All I can say is take care of yourself, and hope you start feeling better soon. My thoughts and Prayers are with you.
1 person likes this
@cher913 (25782)
• Canada
7 May 09
make sure you get lots of rest and drink lots. did they give you an inhalor to help you breathe? i have had some sort of bug/sinus infection and my temp has been much the same as yours and plus i have an ear infection...yuck too! feel better soonest!
1 person likes this
@agv0419 (3022)
• Philippines
8 May 09
I had a cough last week and up to now. I don't have fever I think it is because of the changing weather. Lucky that it is not a flu, we don't have a swine flu case here in the Philippines. Last week I had sore throat and headache. I'm feeling better now my cough is not that worst than last week. I think taking Vitamin C really helps to boost our immune system so we don't get sick easily.
1 person likes this
