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Still breathless and swollen hands and feet after pneumonia

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carol35239
carol35239

My mum had double pneumonia back in September 2015. She had the usual treatments of antibiotics and then prednisolone. She's currently tapered Dow to 5 mg a day. However, she is still breathless after mild activity and also her hands, feet and knees are now swollen. Her hands are also sore, but we think this is due to the prednisolone thinning the skin. Has anyone else had anything like this, it's really getting her down and I desperately want to help her. Thanks.

0 likes, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • ptolemy
    ptolemy carol35239

    Posted

    I get fluid retention from the pred in my feet and legs, but luckily my hands are OK at the moment. The side effects should start to reduce at 5mg but they really are a pain, literally! 
    • carol35239
      carol35239 ptolemy

      Posted

      Thank you so much for your reply, it's nice to know someone else has the same thing. It's such a shame for my mum, she has also got pins and needles in her hands which I don't know if it's related to the prednisolone. Did you find any meds that helped with the water retention, my mums had some water tablets, but there hasn't been a vast difference. Thanks again.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy carol35239

      Posted

      I do have leg and foot massage for the water retention which is nice. I did try manual lymphatic drainage which did not work but I suspect the person who did it hadn't a clue. My GP refused to give me water tablets as they have a contra indication with pred.
    • carol35239
      carol35239 ptolemy

      Posted

      That's interesting, our gp wasn't keen, but gave them to her anyway. I might look up how to massage her feet and see if it helps. Thanks again.
    • ptolemy
      ptolemy carol35239

      Posted

      Massaging her feet would be good as it help the lymphatic system. Get some nice oils for it.
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