ongoing pneumonia

[rach203]

I had pneumonia for 3 months then it seemed 2 clear for 2 weeks after 4 courses of anti-biotics that didnt help now it seems its coming back and my doctors given me more anti-biotics which i am reluctant to take coz they never seem 2 work.my dr said my white bloodcells are very low.i had a punctured lung about 3 years ago and wandered if it cud be connected? have u any suggestions what i shud do or anything that my dr shud be doing different?

[rach203]

thanks for all your help. i will do everything you mentioned to get to the bottom of this and let you know the outcome.you have been of great help and im very greatful.

[Jennifer375]

btw,, I just looked at that list of side effects again, and realized two of the three meds you mentioned can cause cardiovascular changes and 'chest congestion' which would indicate to a non-medical professional like myself that this means it can cause a bit of back flow issue between the heart and lungs (congestive heart issues).. which would explain possibly why 'congestion' and other lung side effects could occur,, mabey (mind you this is only a wild guess by a non-professional) this is why youve had the stuff going on in your chest,, Id definatly bring it up to the pharmacist and later the doctor just to rule that out as a possiblity!

Jenn

[Jennifer375]

well I didnt find anything obviouse because immune system is not specifically mentioned however Venlafaxines listed possible side effects do mention pnemonia was one of the reported outcomes during the clinical trials..

Respiratory system - Frequent: cough increased, dyspnea; Infrequent: asthma, chest congestion, epistaxis, hyperventilation, laryngismus, laryngitis, pneumonia, voice alteration;
http://www.rxlist.com/cgi/generic/venlafax_ad.htm

Its hard to guess, but one thing I would suggest is calling your pharmacy and asking for one of their trained professionals to look at your medicine records and make sure there isnt the possibliity that the medicines your now taking couldnt singularly or in combination, cause your immune system to be supressed. I think it could prove a worth while practice, because everyone reacts differently to medicine, and since your white count is low but you have an infection,, Id say theres a real possiblity. If that turns out not to reveal anything, you really press your doctor for a refferal to a specialist or further bloodwork. Im a little suprised he hasnt taken it upon himself to begin a battery of tests to figure out whats going on... but mabey its going to take you pushing the matter. You didnt mention it but I will,, depending on what sort of insurance you have, you may need to consider getting anouther doctor if this one wont pursue the problem.

My cousin had an HMO and was told for years that nothing was wrong with her,, she had joint pain, muscle aches, severe abdominal pain that sometimes lasted for weeks ect,,, her husband took a new job that offered a PPO,,, when the symptoms recently returned again she went to see the new doctor and what do you know, shes been suffering from Lupus for years. (she was never even tested before as far as she knows even though her symptoms are fairly typical) Unfortunatly this is the reality we live in nowdays with insurance and such. I do wish you well and I hope you consider updating this when you get to the bottom of the issue.

*Bows with respect and apprication* Jennifer

[rach203]

thank u for ur thoughts. i am on medication but am unsure if any of these suppress my immune system. i am on 450mg quetiapine,150mg venlafaxine and 20ml of chloralhydrate if this is any use 2 u please let me know.many thanks.

[Jennifer375]

I wonder after reading your post if you arent immune supressed or on immune system supressing medication like heavy antihistamines, medicines for other health issues that suppress the immune system, or steroids like predisone for inflammation? The only thing you dont mention that I wonder about is , what is your doctor doing to figure out why your immune system isnt reacting to the pnemonia with a bigger reaction. The above medicines as well as many others can keep the immune system from reacting to infection,,,

*Bows with apprication*        Jenn