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It seems that since I developed heart problems, any other illness kicks my butt. Does seem about normal? I had a cold which ended up as bronchitis and I feel like I've been hit with a truck. Never used to be that way.
Asthma Pneumonia Heart disease Pain Bronchitis Heart attack Allergies Fever
My son's asthma has flared up more times since his heart diagnosis. Seems like if anyone we know has a cold he is sure to get bronchitis and end up on breathing treatments now. Flu and Pneumonia shots are a must. I cringed in the fall when he returned to school. Such a germ factory! I try to keep him away from crowds and all the little kiddies in the neighborhood as well.
Well, it seems that not only did my granddaughter give me a pine cone, she got me sick. She didn't seem sick when I saw her, but my daughter is now sick as well. This is the second time in 2 months I've had bronchitis. I work in a call center and we don't get much sick time, so people come in sick. I now clean my desk religiously with those wipes. And I don't do much shopping. Never liked shopping and HATE crowds already. Like you said...more of the new "Normal". Just wondered if it was me.
I got the flu about 6 weeks after my heart attack, which was a little over 8 weeks post bypass. I didn't know I was sick - at first. I went into my GP for my 6 week post MI check up and had a fever so they did a flu screen. I thought it was odd that she seemed so concerned. Then a few days later it hit me. I got bronchitis which quickly turned into walking pneumonia. I have never been so sick in my life. Since then, even allergies knock me down. I avoid my 22 month old grandson if he sneezes and if he has a cold, I ask my daughter to keep him home until he is well. He is like a germ sponge - he soaks them up and spews them all over Nana.
I accept this as one of the many annoyances of heart disease. Sorry you are so sick but I really feel your pain.
Take care -
Dianna
Hi lynn,
Yes. This has been the norm for me since mid-30s. Winter cold (temps 50 and below) make my chest tighten up and ache, I feel fluey nonstop and can tell my lungs are gaining fluid when the ache worsens, low grade fever shows up and throat gets sore. It is just the pits. I want to live somewhere moderate year round...I dread this chronic suffering so much knowing its coming back.
Being around young children will also put you in harms way I'm afraid. If you have kids and grandkids or work around kids or crowds.....good luck!
Wish I had encouraging news on this front but it is actually one of the few areas in which women may have some control.....if you are willing to avoid crowds (including church during cold & flu seasons) and begin thinking about how to be social and get shopping done without subjecting yourself unnecessarily to germs. This is not hypochodria...this is self-preservation. After heart attack a woman is much more susceptible to contracting pneumonia and dying.
Pneumoniacoccal vaccines should be on the top of everyone's list. Doctor's offices and health departments offer them. Kids now get them as vaccine. Older generations need to ask for them.
I haven't had a cold or flu in 3 years....Once I thought to avoid crowded closed in places. I'm not interested in ending up in the hospital because people insist on dragging their sick, exhausted little kids to the mall.
Hang in there. My 'new normal' recovery time for colds and flu is 12-16 weeks. Can't take any meds either because they create more arrhythmias.
Jaynie
Hi there Lynnedz56
Yup, It seems to be the normal for me as well. Yes I usually end up with broncitis instead of a cold or the flu and with the usual results. Heavy coughing. One of the main things I must stay away from is any type of infection that will cause said coughing. I am finally over the one from May.
My chest wall and rib cage are unstable and in that last bout I ended up refracturing an already healing fracture on the right and cracked one on the left. One is settling down and the other is still being nasty to me. I do my best to guard against infections but they do occur. My orders are basicly get into my doctor as soon as the first symptoms begin. You know how it is "Do not pass Drs office, pay out $200.00 for more meds and keep your puffer with you in case of sudden coughing spell".
By the way, for me sneezing is just as bad.
Be Blest --- Gloria ---
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