OK, update. I don't have pneumonia, probably never did. It's asthmatic bronchitis. At least the antibiotic prevented a fortuitous (medical term) germ warfare. It happens when you have a virus. The body's defenses become weakened and are not able to ward off bacterial disease, so antibiotics are sometimes given during viral diseases just for that reason.
So, I'm off the antibiotic. But I'm on 20 mg of prednisone twice a day. (That's a lot of prednisone, and my hair is coming out in bunches. I may end up with a wig when this is over.) Antihistamine continues. Robitussin to thin the phlegm so it's easier to get up. Still hooked up to the nebulizer every four hours. Rescue inhaler if needed (and it was this afternoon), plus regular use of Advair.
I actually do feel better tonight. I gave a stab at cleaning up the area around the puter, and really made some inroads. I get very tired very quickly, but what I accomplished this afternoon really shows, and that makes me feel good. Prednisone does have a side effect of depression, and I think that little bit of straightening helped to raise my spirits.
This all sounds so self-centered, but really, I have to talk about it. I'm a moody Cancer, and if I keep things inside, I get really difficult. So bear with me, friends.
And as long as I'm thinking with my fingers, I may as well tell you all that I have made a very unhappy decision. I'm going to have my cat, Miki, euthanized. She has a tumor in her chest, and the Vet advises against surgery. I've been treating her with medications, but now she's failing again. She has refused to eat for three days, and this evening she started a wheezy cough. It's time. I don't want to go through the forced feeding again. She's not in pain (but who can tell with a cat), but she's definitely not comfortable. She doesn't socialize with me anymore. She just sleeps and drinks water. She has been using the litterbox, and that's helpful. At least her elimation is still working.
I've had this cat since she was a baby, just weaned. In May, she will be 12 years old. That's past middle-age for a house cat, but not really old. But I can't bear the idea that she may be suffering. I know how hard it is to breathe sometimes, and when I hear her wheeze, I know exactly how she's feeling. I'll call the Vet in the morning and make arrangements. I've been several weeks coming to this decision, and I believe it's time now to follow through.
I will get another cat, but not right away. I really love cats, and I need a companion.
And now it's time for another nebulize. And then to bed. I'm weary.
Shalom