Asthma and Pneumonia
About 10 years ago, I went to bed one night feeling perfectly well. I woke to a pneumonia infection and exacerbated asthma. There had been no warning, no symptoms, no body aches, no fever. In fact, no real discomfort or pain except for my inability to breathe and severe congestion and wheezing. I found it almost impossible to walk to the bathroom or the kitchen. Well, I phoned my lovely, patient doctor and he got me into his office in a few hours. Thus began my experience with a nebulizer, now one of my most precious possessions. Ten days of an oral antibiotic, some steroids, and lots of fluids and bedrest took care of the bug and it has never come back, with the exception of residual, minor asthma flare-ups that can occur by surprise at any time. I'm fortunate to have top tier medical care. I worry about the millions of folks who DON'T have access to medical care of ANY KIND. The many wonderful, powerful medicines and treatments out there MUST be made available to sick people all over the world, including, sadly, my country, the United States.
It's amazing how fast an infection can come on. There's nothing like waking up and realizing that you feel awful. I'm so glad you have a great doctor and benefits so that you can get what you need. I share your concerns about people everywhere who don't have access to the care they deserve. I can only hope that with time medications will be more accessible and affordable for everyone. Keep taking good care of yourself and thanks for sharing! -Melissa, team member
I used to get pneumonia every year with my asthma, but since they came out with the pneumonia shot, I haven't had that problem anymore. This past year, I followed my Dr.s instructions to get all the available vaccines, to prevent any further flu, pneumonia, all the new viruses and whatever boosters are recommended. Also got my Shingles vaccines. I was hardly sick at all in 2024.
Thanks for sharing that vaccines have been working well for you. The pneumonia vaccine works wonders for those that are 65+ or with chronic diseases. I'm so happy to hear that 2024 was a great year for you. Wishing you continued success. -Lauren (team member)
Thank you.
I have had bacterial pneumonia one time, asthma since I was a baby. From my asthma, I’ve developed emphysema. No, never a smoker. I now have developed a paralyzed right diaphragm. Like all of you, I work hard everyday to breathe and to live. Covid is rampant in my area, again. Wearing a mask is very difficult to almost impossible. Like others, I'm very intolerant to perfumes and strong smelling flowers. I no longer attend my religious services, as others have said. I urge all of you to support clinical research and trials. Research may not help me, but it might help my asthmatic children and their children who have developed long term coughs from RSV. If you can get flu, pneumonia, RSV vaccines, please do and urge others to do so. Stay safe. Stay healthy.
Thank you for your very heartfelt comment. I'm so sorry to learn that you are unable to attend events such as religious services. This must be so frustrating to deal with. How are you making out day to day? Wishing you all the best, Lauren (Team member)
