[dogtanian]

i had to see the doc today for "potential pneumonia" which i think sounds more dramatic than it is - i think it's just a catch all term they're using to denote some un-diagnosed chest ailment. basically i'm coughing like mad, sometimes coughing up stuff, otherwise with a horrible dry cough, and wheezing the worst i have in a while. they can't tell whether it's viral or infectious, so i've been given inhalers and antibiotics which i hope will work.

but i'm worried about this - my immune system has been awful recently - since mid way through last year (04), i've had almost constant illness. first i felt like i was coming down with flu for about 7 months, then i had 9 tonsilitises in 4 months as well as, in the same period, about 4 bronchitis and at least one bout of flu (actual flu, not just a cold). i've not had an infection since about august, give or take a cold and 2 tummy bugs (that i'm pretty sure were food poisoning or something). i have just started back at uni and i can't afford to miss too many lectures. last year i missed loads through this problem and it was really hard to catch up.

i'm also having frequent steroid injections in my hips and knees which are really painful, and my back is in constant pain too. i don't think i can cope with being that ill, that often, again....

[(JD)]

gee dog... I've never heard an actual dx of "potential pneumonia" but do know that if you don't take care of yourself and listen and do what the doctors say, you WILL have pneumonia! It's kind of like, take the time now, or take the time later...but later will take MORE time and you will be much sicker longer and maybe die????

Not anything to play around with... not that you are... IMO you need to take time NOW for yourself... and get well! ((((hugs))))

[dottie]

Hi!!

Being on steroids frequently.... can help to lower the immune system. The Centrum Silver Vitamins now have added Licopene. They r terrific vitamins.

Ask your Doctor if you can start on certain Herbal & natural supplements to boost up your immune system.

check out these remedies with your Doctor:
rose hips, goldenseal, Siberian Ginseng, coenzyme Q 10, lecithin, spirulina,
bee pollen, cat's claw, & Basil..to name just a few.

I am a firm believer in herbs & nat. supplements!

[(JD)]

( I take guarana to clear my airway... as I'm allergic to meds (antibiotics))

[jennie]

#1 . . . if you smoke, then you must quit ASAP.

inhalers and intaking fluids will help you cough that stuff out . . . very important to clear your lungs for a quicker recovery

try to keep your environment clean. wash hands frequently, especially at school and around others. carry antibacterial alcohol hand gels.

and most importantly, are you resting? stress isn't good for recurring colds.

[dogtanian]

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jennie said:
and most importantly, are you resting? stress isn't good for recurring colds.

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_Sky said: IMO you need to take time NOW for yourself... and get well! ((((hugs))))

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cheers guys - the problem is these recurring infections and colds and everything else you can think of have been going on soooo long! i've taken me time, i've been signed off work since january, although i have carried on with uni because i love it, it keeps my mind active which is soooo important, and it's probably the most important thing in my life. if i stop that i will go nuts! again...

i'm trying to rest but i hate being stuck indoors, in bed etc, i like to be out doing stuff (the weather here is stopping me, it's cold, wet and windy, so hardly ideal for being ill).

part of me wants to stop and let myself get back 100% but i'd go mad, i'd be bored out of my mind, i'd resent not being at uni, and that would make me depressed and irritable. i've told them tonight i'll not make the lecture but i'm hoping to feel better enough tomorrow - just get a taxi there and back and sit and listen. fingers crossed, because i bloody hate being ill.

and yeah, all these (a) steroids and (b) antibiotics can't be good - i already have an immunity and need strong anti-biotics. i'm just really fed up about this - it seems everytime i get better, another infection does this to me: