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Difficult news

(14 Posts)
FairyNuff Sat 04-Jan-20 10:59:32

I’ve been in hospital since Boxing Day with acute breathlessness. At first it was asthma, then an X-ray showed Pneumonia which was treated with antibiotics. When those didn’t work another X-ray showed it had spread to both lungs, so stronger antibiotics. Nope! A CT scan with dye checked for embolisms......Nope! Moved to different ward, and monitored by ICU because my oxygen levels were so low.

Diagnosis eventually seems to be advanced Pneumonitis with fibrosis on both lungs. Irreversible damage.

This has all happened so quickly and has knocked me for 6. I can’t even turn in bed without losing my breath and I’m on permanent oxygen in here. I’m also on steroids and even stronger antibiotics so perhaps that will improve, but I’m finding all this so difficult to come to terms with and how this is going to change my life and that of my DH.

clementine Sat 04-Jan-20 11:28:42

Oh Fairynuff, I am so sorry to read this and what a shock for you . Funnily enough I had a sense of almost deja vu when I read your first few lines as that is exactly what happened to me in September. Currently waiting for CT scan.

I don't want to be trite by saying try not to worry, of course you are worried, and lying in hospital with minimum distraction only makes your anxiety worse. I just hope and pray that the steroids and stronger antibiotics will kick in and ease your discomfort. I can empathise with the shock. Had you ever any lung issues before??? I never as much as had a cough until I took Pneumonia.

Please be assured of my thoughts and I hope you find the 0xygen helps your breathing and keeps you more comfortable .

lavenderzen Sat 04-Jan-20 11:44:44

Fairynuff I am so sorry to read your post. I do hope things improve for you soon flowers

SueDonim Sat 04-Jan-20 13:53:45

I don’t know anything about that condition but I couldn’t pass by without sending you some flowers.

Scribbles Sat 04-Jan-20 13:57:06

Can only wish you great improvement, as soon as possible. ((Hugs))

Sparklefizz Sat 04-Jan-20 14:35:30

Fairynuff I'm so sorry to read your post. I have not had anything as bad as you but I understand a little of what you're going through as I do suffer with asthma and last Easter I had a series of bad asthma attacks and then suspected Pneumonia with a terrible cough. I use inhalers anyway, but then had steroids followed by 2 different lots of antibiotics. I eventually recovered. I have since had a spirometry test and am waiting for the results.

You are in the right place to be monitored closely and looked after. I know how terrifying it is when we can't draw a proper breath. I couldn't speak. I'm sure it has knocked you completely sideways.

I do hope the meds kick in quickly and you start to feel some relief. flowers for you, and gentle hugs. x

ninathenana Sat 04-Jan-20 14:43:11

FairyNuff thanks

Teetime Sat 04-Jan-20 14:51:26

Fairynuff I am sorry you are unwell- 2 friends of mine have recently been discharged from hospital having similar experiences. seems like its a bad winter for chests even though its quite mild. Get well soon. flowers

nanaK54 Sat 04-Jan-20 14:51:49

and some more flowers and kind thoughts from me

Harris27 Sat 04-Jan-20 14:59:11

I have asthmas and take daily breathing tablets and inhalers I work but dread the winters as I know how serious a bad chest infection can be. You have had a serious diagnosis in such a short time but I do hope the steroids help and antibiotics I’ve been in some states with this but the steroids and antibiotics can really help,you. I am thinking about you take care and keep us informed of your progress. Sending you virtual hugs.

Nandalot Sat 04-Jan-20 15:42:08

So sorry to hear this, * FairyNuff*. Best wishes for a speedy recovery.

Bathsheba Sat 04-Jan-20 16:28:10

FairyNuff, so sorry to read this scary news. I do hope there is a big improvement soon, and you can begin to live a more normal life at home once again asap. Sending virtual hugs and flowers

sodapop Sat 04-Jan-20 16:34:16

Sorry you are so unwell FairyNuff I have asthma too so know how scary it can be. I hope you get things on a more even keel soon so you can have a better life at home.

Nortsat46 Sat 04-Jan-20 19:58:27

So sorry to hear this Fairynuff you poor thing.
I sympathise, I was in hospital with pneumonia last year and have ‘complex asthma’.

You are in a safe place and a treatment plan is being established. Things will improve.
Such conditions as you describe are exhausting and a side effect can be depression. Being so low and tired, unexpectedly is a huge strain and add worry to that and you are facing considerable challenge.

I would like to offer some reassurance that treatment plans do work, steroids are like wonder drugs (eventually) and chronic conditions are manageable. Of course there will be adjustments to make, but your life will be good again.

Dig deep, remember that people love you, so let them show it. Take things a day at a time and try to be easy on yourself.
Sending you all good wishes ??