How Long To Convalesce After Pneumonia ?

[yorkshirelass]

I have just been discharged home after a 10 day stay in hospital with bilateral community acquired pneumonia and exacerbation of COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary disease). .My husband is doing a great job of looking after me by cooking, doing the housework etc but I feel so useless that I can't do much for myself and I feel that he will make himself ill by doing so much(My husband is 73 and I am 69). Is it normal to feel so tired all the time and still have an aching chest & shortness of breath. I've managed the COPD for 10 years with inhalers etc and never needed a hospital admission until now.

[Sqad]

COPD must be an energy sapping disorder and on top of that a period of hospitalization for pneumonia plus at 69 years old you are not getting any younger.............a significant period of convalescence would be appropriate.........say 3 months.

On discharge, you would have had a chest X-Ray and blood analysis to exclude any other "energy sapping" disorder.

[yorkshirelass]

Many thanks for your prompt reply;As far as I know I have to see my GP next week and then have another X-Ray in 6 weeks to confirm that the pneumonia has cleared; My husband and I will have to learn to slow down a bit and take things easy. Thanks once again .