Pneumonia blues

[zia]

Bleh. After 16 days of fever, I was diagnosed with pneumonia a few days ago. The MD told me to do what I felt up to....

I have never even had a chest cold before, so this is all new to me. I haven't exercised in over 3 weeks, and can already see where I've lost lots of muscle tone.

Just wondering what others' recovery has been like from this, and what I can do to stay in shape without overdoing it. (I swim/bike/run.)

Very depressed, as I was in great shape before this. Had just run a half marathon and was making great swim progress. **Sigh.**

[OakLeaf]

Ugh. (((((((zia))))))) Pneumonia is a b*tch. Never had it myself [touch wood], but known some people who've been through it. Feel better soon.

[zoom-zoom]

I'm asthmatic and seem to manage a case of pneumonia about every 3-5 years. It can be very ugly. As a result I was pretty rabid about getting the H1N1 and seasonal flu shots this past year. Last time I got the flu I ended up with pneumonia and was pretty much out-of-commission for 2-3 weeks, with at least another week before my lungs started to feel anywhere near back to healthy.

My best advice...don't overdo it on the cardio. It won't help you recovery and could actually cause more lung strain. Maybe now is a good time to consider some strength training.

Swimming might be OK, as some people's lungs do well in that humid environment. I'm not one of them, as I find the chlorine fumes set things off.

[kermit]

I'm in the same boat. Was training well for a century and upcoming sprint tris, then a bladder dilemma (still not sure what happened, maybe nerve pull) and now super flu. I could not even got out of bed yesterday, today meh... went to doctor and was given tamiflu and antibiotics. I am hoping that when I feel normal my base will still kinda exist. Mines in my sinuses so breathing just hurts. I have been doing squats and core exercises in the house, just basically pliometrics. Your base sounds great so I bet you'll bounce back quick, just don't stress your lungs. I wish you well and feel better soon.

[Crankin]

I had pneumonia about 6 years ago and also as a teen. The last time it happened after I got a sinus infection, went on a tour in Vermont for a weekend in coldish weather (October) when I knew I should have stayed home (we had already paid). I felt better in just a couple of days, but when I tried riding after 2 weeks I turned back after 5 miles. I was weak and couldn't breathe. I remember going on a ride on Veteran's Day, maybe a month later and I still was tired out and weaker than usual. The cycling season ended a little after that, so I moved indoors and was fine. No problem nordic skiing in December, etc.
About 15 years ago I had the flu in March. It took me until May to recover aerobically. I was coughing like crazy for almost 8 weeks after the fever broke. I was teaching aerobics at the time and I couldn't go back to that until the cough was gone. I did swim, slowly, though and it didn't seem to bother me.
So, really listen to your body.

[bmccasland]

((((((Zia))))))
Hope you get to feeling better soon!

[makbike]

I've had several bouts of pneumonia and the best advise I can give you is listen very closely to your body. Take care of yourself to the max so that you don't open yourself up to secondary infections. Get lots of rest, eat well and don't push yourself. I hope you feel a bit stronger and better with each passing day. Focus on healing and the rest will take care of itself. Heal quickly!!!!!!!