Pneumonia recovery time?

bigme3505

The doctor has told me that the shortness of breath and fatigue can hang on for a long time. I'm about a month in, and it's improving, but quite slowly. Anyone have any experience with trying to get back into exercise after pneumonia or something similar?

queenofpuppies

I had pneumonia many times when I was a smoker. To me cardio helped clear some of the nasty junk out of my lungs and I always felt like a short run helped me recover. Short is the key word here, I mean running a mile or less to start and see how you feel, or even a nice walk. The trouble is that your lungs may have scaring that can leave you open to infection. You really need to pay attention and go see your doctor if you get any sort of sore throat/ cough type illness this winter.

BarbieAS

I had walking pneumonia about 10 years ago. I had a terrible terrible cough for about 5 months - like bad enough that I would have to pause for 20-30 seconds after coming in from the cold, I coughed enough to puke a couple times, etc. Of course I was a smoker then, too (though not very heavy, just maybe 3-4 or less per day since I couldn't make myself quit entirely but I was trying to keep it at the minimum I could stand because of the illness), so I'm certain that that made things much worse than they could/should have been. But I can't imagine even attempting something that would make me even a little out of breath for at least 3-4 of those months. Your body needs to heal. Listen to your doctor and your lungs. Nothing wrong with giving a workout a go once your doctor gives the ok, but start VERY slow (walking, for example), and if you feel too uncomfortable, back off. Pushing yourself too hard isn't going to do anything but prolong your recovery time.

bigme3505

Thanks ladies. I felt well enough to go for a short run last week, but then the weather turned (I'm in SC where all the flooding happened) so I haven't been able to get back out. The doc has given me the go-ahead but told me to take it easy. I hope to try a bike ride tomorrow. My allergies aren't helping matters, but I'm determined to do something. It pay be purely mental, but I feel like giving my lungs a workout might help clear out some of the junk from my lungs. But I won't push it. Wish me luck.