Breathing/lung complications after pneumonia

[LadyHorse12]

50 yr. old Female diagnosed with pneumonia in right lung when stuggled to breathe sitting in chair(Chest XRay, blood tests, physical exam at ER) on 03/05/05, put on Levaquin for 10 day course(caused sleeplessness) and prednisone 50mg. for 5 days and given albuterolinhaler to help breathing(nebulizer treatment in ER). Pulse Ox was 92-95(by blood gas and pulse oximeter). Low BP. Temperature went no higher than 100.5 for about 2 weeks but had almost constant shivering.  Excessive white/milky yellowish mucous throughout illness(4-6 weeks). Went to primary care 4 times...lost 25lbs.  on Advair and Clarinex(for PND) after 1st DR. visit(4 days after ER visit)  told to use albuterol in emergency. Advair caused swollen tongue, blurry vision, shaking, and very hoarse voice.(Went off Advair after 2.5 weeks...symptoms stopped). Not hungry, could not sleep layinging down.(would wake up gasping for air even with extensive pillows.  Repeat Xray 03/26/05...lungs clear. Out of work for 6 weeks...weak, continued to lose weight.  Had brief exposure to ammonia cleaning detergent spill on 04/16...got air into house..but still felt ill...slowly started feeling better(was afraid more damage to lungs?).  Then 04/25 felt dizzy, lightheaded(after a weekend of rain where it made lungs feel "heavy" and "burning" both sides) Had not used Proventil, but used it 3 times between 04/25 & 04/26).  Went back to PC doctor on 04/28 who ordered CT of lungs and PFT for lungs(to be done on 05/05).Can only sleep in recliner) & feel like I take short breaths with intermittent deep breath to get oxygen. Also on lorazepam to help sleep(.5-1.0mg at nite). Practicing breathing exercises but would just like to feel WELL AGAIN!2 months is too long! Not hungry, still tired, headache sometimes, etc. but Blood tests 04/28 indicate normal values except mild anemia(been taking a multivitamin). Any suggestions?

[Shazinoz]

A related discussion, ? Complications following pneumonia/ bronchitis/ URTI was started.

[jgale43]

A related discussion, Questions regarding recovery after pneumonia. was started.

[maxcamps]

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[National Jewish]

This, by description, is a very serious illness that may or may not be confined to your lungs.  It is surprising that your x-ray of 03/26/05 was clear, at a time when your symptoms were still severe.  Your doctor's decision to get a CT and PFTs is exactly what should be done.  You should also have a complete blood count (CBC) and be checked for heart problems that could cause shortness of breath.

If the answer is not immediately forthcoming, following the 05/05/2005 testing, you should ask your PC doctor if you could see a specialist, either in pulmonary or infectious disease.