I had pneumonia - which is a rather catch-all term. I may have had it for some time as I had not been well for a couple of weeks.
It all got worse - I breathed in part of a calcium tablet on Sunday (20th Nov). I did eventually ring 999 on Monday morning (21st - about 4-00 am) because I could not breath.
I was treated for aspiration pneumonia - which is an inflammation of lungs and airways due to breathing in foreign material. I was treated with high flow oxygen support, antibiotcs and steriods. I felt out of it and my memory of the first week is hazy, even if I spoke and wrote letters! Treatment was gentle and I very slowly improved. I think I came very close to death - it felt so and several people hinted as much - - - .
Eventually I went into a normal ward and gradually got weaned off the oxygen support and each day got a small bit better. But I was in hospital for nearly five weeks. I think I left on the right day as I could just function OK at home.
I am now at home. I am reducing the dose of steriod very gradually. I think the recovery period is going to be long - months even. The worse you get with pneumonia - the longer it takes - apparently. Until now I have sat around, had a lot of sleep and managed to eat nice food. Getting netbook back on line is an improvement - I am watching for the onset of boredom.
About Me
- Lorna Scammell
- Woodbridge, East Anglia - formerly North East England, United Kingdom
- My web log has four strands. It started as a simple sailing log of my voyage from the North east of England in my Southerly 95, LA Girl. As I came further south, the weather and my health deteriorated, so the second strand started, which is a commentary on various beaches and places that I visited. The third strand is about lung cancer. I was diagnosed with advanced lung cancer in August 2009, having been taken to hospital in Ipswich by ambulance - unable to breath. I eventually returned to my boat in Woodbridge and then came ashore to a nice flat by the station. The fourth strand is about life in Woodbridge. I am now sailing a Jaguar 21 called lookfar. I am also sailing dinghies again and now have a Streaker. Note that sailing in the river is harder than sailing at sea. Lorna died in 2013. This blog remains as a reminder of her wonderful character and life.
1 comment:
So glad to hear you're on the mend. Take it easy, don't try to do stuff before you should (but I know you will)! I wrote a Xmas card to you then realised I don't have your address, or rather have lost it, along with your email address. So although Xmas no longer seems important, I can say all the best for 2012, it's going to be a hard year for you, but once you are well enough, full I hope of nice things! X
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