legionnaires disease

Posted , 3 users are following.

My son is fighting for his life in ITU, he's been confirmed as having legionella. Likely caught on a recent holiday to turkey. I am desperated for information on how the desease will leave him if he recovers, what quality of life he will have. He is only 19years old and I have been told it is rare almost unknown for someone of his age to sufffer with this illness is he the youngest to ever be diagnoses with legionnairs? Any replies of experiences would be helpful.

0 likes, 6 replies

6 Replies

  • Posted

    Hi I know how scared you must be feeling right now as my husband got legionella whilst we were in Corfu and is still recovering!!!He became critically ill on 18th of June this year so although he is now back at home he is still recuperating his main problems have been mobility-his muscle tone had gone whilst he was in Itu and kidney function is slow in getting back to normal.We also have had problems this week with his trachae site which is weeping slightly. If there is anything I can help with question wise don't hesitate to e-mail and if I can answer with our recent experience I will.
  • Posted

    Thanks my son is now home and he too has mobility problems we have borrowed a wheel chair and his friends have taken him out in it which has helped keep his spirits up. He has a sick note from the doctor for three month but I have a feeling it going to take longer for a full recovery and I now wonder if a full recovery is a realistic option. I don't think he will be the same again, I wish their was more info around I would feel better if I knew what to expect and had some idea of what sort of recovery is a realistic expectation.
  • Posted

    Hi I don't know if i will help any but I had Legionaires disease11 years ago. Unfortunately my kidneys never recovered and I have since had a transplant My kidneys were never looking like they were going to improve so if your sons have improved then there is alot of hope. As far as mobility is concerned I have had no problems returning to fitness, it just took some time.

    I was very ill with the legionaires, I had pneumonia, kidney failure and pancreatitis and yet appart from my kidneys I made a full recovery.

    Good luck

    p.s your son has age on his side which is always a good thing.

  • Posted

    :D

    Thanks for info on long term effects -I'm glad its all positive for the future. My husbands creatanin levels have risen again ,the doctor has put him on medication as his ankles and calves are really swollen so they monitor him all the time. We feel we're in a catch 22 situation at the moment on one hand he can't do much exercise as his feet and ankles are so painful and on the other his weight is creeping up because of the limitations!!!BUT good news is he is being refered to our local gym by the doctor to help build up his strength and hopefully lose some weight with regular gentle exercises by a professional.We are in good spirits though and feel he has been very lucky though he is chomping at the bit to get back to work!!! which according to the Doc probably WON'T be this side of Xmas ,difficult to comprehend to a man who has NEVER been off sick since he started work when he was 15. The next hurdle is the flu and pneumo jab next Thursday-you'd think he'd be used to needles ha- ha!!!!

  • Posted

    Hi thanks for postings it is encouraging knowing that Katht has made a good recovery despite kidney problems. My son is much more mobile since I last posted and getting stronger all the time I feel much more opptomistic now. I can see that he is putting weight on fast and furious too though with lack of mobility and he has given up smoking too (thank god). I hope things work out for your hubby sounds like your doctor being supportive, we have found that many medical profesionals have never delt with legionairs its still so relatively rare all the staff at our GPs are very curious about him. I wish they could erradicate it I can't beleive what a dreadful desease it is when we hear the news and new cases are reported my heart sinks now knowing what lies ahead for them. Take care and I hope you and hubby keep your spirits up.
  • Posted

    Thanks for that glad your son is on mend have they said when he can get back to work yet or is he another wait and see like my husband? keep us updated and let us know if it could be traced to his hols in Turkey. :D

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