I got viral pneumonia (dunno what you call it there - the one which recurrs for years and trashes your immunity) in Nov 2000. Having wrecked my London Management career and trashed my immunity, here I sit today with another attack in full (and seriously painful) flow.

Here's the problem. It takes about 4-6 weeks to recover and then all someone has to do is "sniff" near me or talk with a "sore throat" and the next day I will be flat on my back in agony again.

Doctor says it's just the way it is and has upped his diagnosis to Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (nice! no cure! half the world just thinks it is a skivers disease and I'm left feeling pretty useless)

I need to work for a living (and for my sanity - I had a seriously great career until I got made redundant in Nov 2001).

Have any of you got any tips of how you avoid catching all the colds and flu and infections that fly around the public arena.

I can't have any vaccinations cos my immunity is too low to cope with even small doses of a "lurgy".

Obviously this is all affecting my breathing and ability to sing (not that I'm anything on that front to begin with).

I even tried swimming - but guess what? getting cold and wet puts me out too.

You just don't realise how many things there are to make you ill until you ain't got no immunity.

Help! I could really do with some sympathy and suggestions right now.

Lisa

Sympathy I have PLENTY for ya Lisa. Advice for someone that's got no immunity (or an extremely low one)??? WOW! THAT's a tall order.

'Fraid I can't do anything for you, other than what we all do. Amp up on the vitamens, eat healthy and drink TONS of fluids, & get lots of sleep!! SWEAT that crappola outta there!

Otherwise, it's up to the doctors. They're the ones with the degrees in how the body works! Not me!

Matt

Okay I've just bawled my eyes out for an hour or so - always helps numb the senses and get the brain back in gear I find.....

Echinacea - supposed to be good - tried it but did not get a difference. Anyone out there use it? If so, how long before it has an effect and when do you use it.

Vit B12 - I think that is the one that is supposed to up your energy levels - again anyone tried.

My Doc (bless him) just does not know what to do with this except crack jokes, treat the pneumonia/chest infections and tell me to get used to a slower pace of life. I gotta do something or I am gonna go mad (if I don't drive Greg mad enough to "bump me off" first).

I'm trapped between loved ones who are sick with worry/frustration that the old Lisa is gone and "friends" who think it must be great to have an illness that you could claim long term social security for (I have NOT - still just about living off my redundancy money).

I really did not want to put this one out there and bother you guys cos it is just not Karaoke is it? But hey.........amazing what you can tell the world when you're desperate.

Working in the public arena with that kind of thing going down is going to be really really tough.

Two thoughts - get a work at home career - freelance web dev or something...

I'm not big on alternative medicine (in terms of knowing anything about it) - but I have friends that treat multiple sclorosis with aromatherapy, etc. Not sure if you've checked the herbalists out, but desparate times call for desparate measures...

I have an ironclad immune system, generally, but I also notice that I tend to get sick when my spirits fade and that positive frame of mind evaporates.

Chicken and egg problem, though... but I'd suggest you try to find hope and optimism where you can, and keep the 'can do' people around you as much as possible.

I don't know much about viral pneumonia or Epstien-Barr (chronic fatigue) syndrome, but if you ask anyone who knows me, I absolutely HATE being sick, and I do anything and everything possible to avoid common colds and illnesses.

I take a daily multi-vitamin (or two, if I know I'm going to be near people who are sick).

I take about 1000mg. of vitamin C daily. That's (2) 500mg tablets, one in the morning and one at night. Like Billy Dakid, I was once taking massive doses of vitamin C and it really seemed to help. But beware- I came down with ureic acid kidney stones, and I think the vitamin C was to blame. I was taking more than 10 500mg tablets daily when I felt sick. I believe 1000mg. daily is fine for maintainence (and I heard that any more will be passed through the system with no benefit). If I catch a cold, it seems to be less severe and long lasting when on a steady vitamin regimin.

Vitamin E is supposed to be good for you as well, but I stopped taking it as it is very expensive.

As for garlic and other herbal suppliments that are supposed to help, I really can't comment because I never use them. The vitamins do fine for me.

Wash your hands often. Actually, more than often, all the time. Avoid touching body cavities (eyes, nose, mouth) unless your hands are completely clean.

Wipe doorknobs, telephones, refrigerator doors, and computer keyboards and mouse with alcohol before touching if there are sick people using them. Don't share your microphone with anyone. In public restrooms, kick the door open or use your elbow or a paper towel to open the door. Use your foot to press the handle to flush. I'm serious- people think I'm nuts for doing these things but I'm almost never sick. And if I do catch something, it only lasts a few days, not weeks.

Dress warm and bundle up your head and neck with a woll cap and scarf when going outside in cold weather.

Also, Dog & Pony's website has a good section on staying healthy and performing when you are sick.

I hope that helps. I can't stand being sick either, and "I feel your pain." try and get some rest.

Mark

Start by taking the regular Echinacea without golden seal for four days, every four hours, then stop for four days. Do this all winter long or when there is a lot of viruses going around. If you still get sick, switch to the combination of both remedies.

If you are not going anywhere, eat raw garlic. You can wrap a clove up in a piece of bread so that it isn't so strong. Sure, you'll smell funny, but garlic is very good for the immune system and it can totally knock out an on-coming cold. Vitamin C works good too. Just don't over do it because it can be hard on the stomach.

I used to get 15 colds a year when I was in my 20's and 30's. I was sick all the time until I found herbal and homeopathy remedies.

I hope you feel better soon, Lisa.

Lisa, check your e-mail...I've sent you a link to a site with lot's of info. It's the site I use when a patient presents with symptoms that are new to me. There is a lot of info to wade through, take your time.

Good luck

you're feeling

Hope You're feeling soon!

Get plenty of & , treat yourself , and remember...

is good for the soul

& ..no wait... (that's better!)