I Have Pneumonia!!
@DeborahDiane (40066)
Laguna Woods, California
April 10, 2018 8:54pm CST
Since early March, when I was diagnosed with the flu, I have not been able to fully recover. I have had a terrible cough, periodic fever, and very low energy compared to the way I normally feel.
It has been a struggle to force myself to keep up my normal activities, go to yoga, walk, keep up my blog and do MyLot. Every day I kept telling myself that "tomorrow I'll feel better."
I'm sure many of my friends, both in real life and online, have noticed that I have not been as responsive as normal. To be honest, I've been a bit of a slug.
This afternoon, my husband finally insisted I go to Urgent Care and see what is going on.
I was shocked to learn that I have pneumonia!
No wonder I have felt so awful. Now, I am on antibiotics, prescription cough medicine and an inhaler. Hopefully, I will begin to recover in the next few days and be back to normal.
That will be a relief!
32 people like this
38 responses
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@DianneN - I have never had pneumonia before and I didn't realize I was just making things worse by trying to "soldier on." Now, I am getting rest. I am so bone-weary tired, I can't believe it. It is 3:00 in the afternoon and I'm just getting on the computer ... after two naps. I hope this passes quickly!
4 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@DianneN - Thanks for the warning, because I am exactly the type of person who would try to get active too soon. I'll try to force myself to take it easy.
3 people like this
@DianneN (247219)
• United States
11 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane I feel for you. Please make sure you are fully recovered before you get back into the swing of things. I had a relapse after my first pneumonia. Giant hugs to you!
3 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@Shavkat - I sure hope you are right. I have been so sick and tired, I'm looking forward to feeling better soon!
2 people like this
@Shavkat (137238)
• Philippines
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane You will, my dear friend. We just need to religiously take the medicines.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@Shavkat - Thanks. I've been very good about taking my medications.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@jstory07 - I think you are right. I have been exhausted lately, so I'm glad to figure out what has been going on.
1 person likes this
@marlina (154165)
• Canada
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane And I am so glad that you did go to the ER.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@marlina - Yes, I have thanked my husband. I am 68 and I know that in my age group pneumonia can be very dangerous. I'm glad I didn't postpone getting it checked out any longer than I did.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@marlina - Me, too. I think I waited longer than I should have, but I'm glad I finally went.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@JudyEv - I agree. It helps just knowing why I have been so tired. I hope I regain my energy soon!
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (74822)
• East Tawas, Michigan
11 Apr 18
OH no, this is an awful sickness to get over. I've had pneumonia twice and it's impossible to kick it, without antibiotics. I'm glad you're finally on the mends:)
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Apr 18
@kobesbuddy - I've been on the antibiotics two days and I feel much better, although I still have a very raspy cough. Awful.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@kobesbuddy - I'm glad I am on antibiotics now. I can tell I'm starting to feel a bit better now.
2 people like this
@kobesbuddy (74822)
• East Tawas, Michigan
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane Once on antibiotics, I always started improving, the first couple days.
2 people like this
@scarlet_woman (23465)
• United States
11 Apr 18
i had that late last year..lost almost 2 weeks of work..it sucked.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@scarlet_woman - I hope I recover quickly. Like most people, I hate being sick. It does suck.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
12 Apr 18
Oh dear that is awful for you.
Really hope that you feel so much better very soon.
Rest all you can as its something that can make you feel very tired.
All best wishes.
1 person likes this
@lovinangelsinstead21 (36850)
• Pamplona, Spain
13 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane
I would take it easy and try and get outside in the early morning sun if there is any and be there just a while it supposed to be very good for recovery.
Have a great weekend ahead.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Apr 18
Yes, I have felt very tired this week. The antibiotics are starting to make me feel better, though.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Apr 18
@lovinangelsinstead21 - That is a good tip. I'll try getting a little more sun. I can understand why that would be good for me!
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (459435)
• Switzerland
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane It's because we try our best to look normal hoping to feel better, but those close to us notice the difference.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@LadyDuck - You are exactly right. I kept trying to keep everything normal, but after a while it was obviously not working, and my husband could tell. Thank goodness.
2 people like this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@LadyDuck - Thank you. Yes, I'm glad now that my husband insisted. I don't think I realized how sick and exhausted I was, but he could see it.
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118587)
• Gainesville, Florida
12 Apr 18
I'm so glad you listened to your husband and went and got examined! Now you can start your healing process! I hope you are able to beat this thing quickly and get back to your old self!
2 people like this
@moffittjc (118587)
• Gainesville, Florida
14 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane It's a slow process, but you'll get back to full health soon enough! Just keep focusing on improving and keep a positive attitude!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Apr 18
@moffittjc - Thank you! I've been taking care of myself, but tomorrow I hope to go out to dinner or something. I'm feeling much better.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@moffittjc - Me, too. Mostly, I'm just really tired and coughing all the time. However, the antibiotics seem to be helping and I'm feeling a tiny bit better every day.
1 person likes this
@sallypup (58166)
• Centralia, Washington
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane That one year I had pneumonia it was winter, the roads were flooded, I needed the doc bad. A friend came over and drove me the block to the boat to get me to town. I got to the doc and the nurses followed me around, making sure I got to the chair. They gave me a nasty infusion that made me cough up what was plaguing my lungs. Shudder.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@sallypup - Oh, that sounds like a scary situation and the infusion sounds awful. The inhaler I use makes me cough, which isn't pleasant, but seems to be helping my lungs.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@sallypup - My husband said something similar. He said he knew something was wrong, but I have such a high pain threshold that I just kept trying to stay active, even though I didn't feel good. I'm glad I am getting rest now.
1 person likes this
@Deepizzaguy (94949)
• Lake Charles, Louisiana
4 May 18
Rest and taking care of yourself will assist you to beat your latest illness.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
4 May 18
@Deepizzaguy - Thank you. I got lots of rest, took my medicine, and I feel much better now!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
5 May 18
@Deepizzaguy - Oh, no! I did not realize how dangerous pneumonia could be until I had it. I felt awful and I heard many stories about people dying from it.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
6 May 18
@Deepizzaguy - I'm sorry to hear that. Age 77 is not that old.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129572)
• Israel
23 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane
I just saw this now that you have pneumonia. I am so so sorry. Please take care of yourself. I will be thinking of you.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
24 Apr 18
@Hannihar - I have recovered from the pneumonia. My husband will never recover from his illnesses, but life is better when at least I am feeling well. It is awful when we are both sick! 
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
24 Apr 18
@Hannihar - It seems that my husband and I have had a lot of health issues lately, although generally I am extremely healthy. In fact, I am already over my pneumonia and feel great. After three days on antibiotics, I recovered quickly.
1 person likes this
@Hannihar (129572)
• Israel
24 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane
Deborah-Diane, that is amazing. I am sorry that both you and your husband have had health issues.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@Daelii - Bronchitis must have been awful if you also have asthma. I hope they can restore your breathing!
@rakski (112925)
• Philippines
12 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane Yes, I hope you fell better soon.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
12 Apr 18
@rakski - Thank you so much!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 Apr 18
@rakski - Thanks. Yes, I'm glad I have a diagnosis and now I am getting rest and taking the right meds. Hopefully, I'll feel better soon.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29293)
• Eugene, Oregon
21 Apr 18
Just read this and and was so ill last weekend that I went to emergency room Sunday and Monday. The second time the doc did a CT scan and discovered pneumonia. He gave me an IV of a powerful antibiotic and a seven day (1 pill) prescription and I was feeling so much better in two days. Now Anne is quite ill with similar symptoms. I took to her doc yesterday and today.
1 person likes this
@JamesHxstatic (29293)
• Eugene, Oregon
22 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane So am I ! We are both on the mend now, though food does not interest Anne much yet.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
21 Apr 18
@JamesHxstatic - I am so sorry to hear that you and Anne are going through the same thing. I think a lot of people are getting pneumonia this spring. I have other friends who have come down with it. The ironic thing is that my husband, who has multiple health problems and a compromised immune system, did NOT get pneumonia from me. Weird, but I'm glad he is OK.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
23 Apr 18
@JamesHxstatic - I understand. It took me a while to regain my appetite. Actually, I would have been happy to have a permanently reduced diet, but that is not what happened. LOL
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
26 Apr 18
I am glad you found out what it is. I went to visit my kids for Christmas in New Jersey. We drove up from Florida and we stayed over night in North Carolina. By the time we got to NC I was so weak and went to bed immediately without going to eat. We continued the next day to the kids place and I didn't want them to know how bad I was. We were there for over 2 weeks and they had the blizzard and the temperatures never were above zero of over a week.
We left NJ to go back home but I was still sick. It took me 2 months to get over it and I even got meds to get rid of it but nothing helped. I had no energy and didn't do a thing. Went from the bed to the couch and back again. It is really only a month ago that I have felt myself but not enough to get into my gardening and enjoying the nice weather.
Since I got rid of all that and feeling better, my allergies kicked in worse than I have had in years. My doctor was telling me all about the different plants and trees that we have in Florida. I just went back to my weekly horticulture class last week.
Feel better and get plenty of rest. I drank pots of tea continuously for months.
1 person likes this
@ramapo17 (30441)
• Melbourne, Florida
27 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane I am glad you are feeling better but remember your body still needs to rest. Everything you have to do will be there when you are up and running again.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
26 Apr 18
@ramapo17 - Oh, no! That sounds like a nightmare experience!! I'm glad you have recovered. I still have a touch of it. A friend told me today that she could still hear a "squeak" in my voice. However, I feel much better than I did. I'm glad the doctor caught it early, or things could have been much worse for me.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
26 Apr 18
@ramapo17 - Ha ha! I understand. I was taking Tylenol Cold Medicine before my husband took me to the doctor. It was helping, but not as fast as the antibiotics, inhaler and codeine cough medicine which the doctor gave me. That improved things much faster!
1 person likes this
@just4him (307318)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
13 Apr 18
I'm glad you went to urgent care and found out. I'm also glad they didn't stick you in the hospital like they did me a couple years ago when I went to the ER for my 'cold' to find it was double pneumonia. I hope you feel better soon.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
13 Apr 18
@just4him - I was worried I would end up in the hospital, too. I'm glad I didn't wait any longer to go in, because I was getting sicker and sicker each day I waited. I'm definitely improving now.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Apr 18
@just4him - Yes, I feel vastly better already. Antibiotics have made a significant difference.
1 person likes this
@just4him (307318)
• Green Bay, Wisconsin
14 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane That's good. You'll be back to your normal self soon.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Apr 18
@nela13 - Thank you. The antibiotics are making a difference. I feel better already!
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
14 Apr 18
@nela13 - Thank you for your advice. I have been getting lots of rest and I've been good with my meds. I do hope to start getting out a little bit, though, because I am getting bored!
1 person likes this
@nela13 (55734)
• Portugal
14 Apr 18
@DeborahDiane I understand but pneumonia is a very serious thing. Take care and hope you get well soon.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
11 May 18
@porwest - Oh, yes. I feel much better now. Just a little twinge of a cough now and then. Thanks for asking.
1 person likes this
@DeborahDiane (40066)
• Laguna Woods, California
16 May 18
@porwest - Yes, the pneumonia knocked me down pretty hard. I am glad to have recovered!
1 person likes this
@porwest (78759)
• United States
16 May 18
@DeborahDiane Well, that's good to hear. Pneumonia can be a real doozy.
1 person likes this
