On Monday suddenly felt really unwell, you know the feeling ,high temperature and aches and pains. By wednesday there was no improvement so my daughter called the Haematology dayward for advice as I was deep sleeping pretty much around the clock and finding it hard to focus. They said go and see the GP luckily I was able to get a same day appointment. By the time I got to the GP I was disorientated and unsteady on my feet. Which was no wonder as my SPO2 was down to 89 and my blood pressure was very low. After tests and a chest xray I was diagnosed with Pneumonia. That came as a surprise as I haven’t had symptoms of a cold or do not have a cough. I am on two sets of strong antibiotics. Luckily no temp since yesterday evening and SPO2 {blood oxygen levels} has settled. I am back in a few weeks to get a repeat xray , to see if the shadow on my lung is gone. Still sleeping a fair bit but its not that deep sleep thats very hard to wake up from and you feel not yourself. My girls and my son have been taking good care of me. It’s hard as I am only sixty and feel guilty even though I know I shouldn’t. I am going to miss my granddaughters birthday tomorrow which is upsetting. I know recovery will be slow I just have to be patient. I am under pressure from my siblings and friends about returning to work. When I am up to it I will go to the GP and discuss whether they think its a good idea or not. I was told yesterday at the hospital that Jakavi is an immunosuppressant. I work in a school with four to six year olds who are little germ factories. I miss my job but also have to be sensible. I do not wish to frighten my kids and worry them again. Sorry for the long essay, well done if you made it to the end.
Hi @Liz59.
It’s sounds like you’ve had a very busy and eventful week. You must be exhausted!
Im sorry you have to miss the birthday celebrations but it’s so important that you look after yourself and let your body recover.
Only you can decide whether you are ready to go back to work. Definitely talk to your GP. Have you, or are you able to ask work for a referral to occupational health? I hope work are not pressuring you.
Rest up and let those antibiotics do there job.
Sending lots of love your way X
Oh @Liz59 you really have had a bad time of it.
I am glad that you have been well looked after by family and medical people.
Oh, I am so sorry that you are going to miss your granddaughters birthday tomorrow, perhaps get everyone to take lots of pictures, any chance of a phone call, zoom, or equivalent, call and don’t forget you might want a piece of cake.
As for going back to work perhaps as @Nichola75 says have a talk to your GP, specialist nurse or haematologist as they know you the best.
Be very kind to yourself, I have found it is quicker to get run down and unwell than it is to build back up. Please do keep posting how you are
Nichola 75 and Erica. Thank you for your replies and kindness. My daughter wanted to cancel my granddaughters birthday but I told her not too. She will be five and has been very excited about it. It is just a small family celebration. I will do something with my grand daughter when I am better. Lots of photos will be sent and I am sure some cake and goodies will be sent home for me. I am very lucky in the care I am recieving from my children. But it is scary that they had to take over my care and get me medical help as I was unable to do so myself. I want them to be able to live their life, travel etc and not be stopped by the fear of what if Mum gets sick.
With regard to work I had hoped to return and have been seen by occupational health. The first time was the day after I was prescribed Jakavi and the doctor wanted to see if I had bad side effects, like I had with Hydrea. The second time I was assessed I had a possible TIA approx two weeks before and the doctor wanted to see me after I had been to the TIA clinic, for which I am waiting an appointment . There is no pressure from work, I am told I am missed and they would love to have me back. I really enjoy my Job working with the children and miss it. I have been off work since december getting a weekly social welfare payment. If I cannot return then I would have to apply for a more permanent allowance such as disability.
I have just read that many infections can happen including pneumonia while on Jakavi. I will definitely have a straight talk with my GP , as have been with them for 27 years and they know my medical history.
Thanks again for the kindness and understanding. Best wishes Liz59
It sounds like you are getting all the support that you need. You can only wait and see how you feel day by day.
I hope you get lots of wonderful birthday pictures tomorrow. Feet up tomorrow, a good film and some treats?