If you have COPD, you may be at greater risk for pneumonia. Many members of MyCOPDTeam have bouts with a respiratory infection, which can result in hospitalization and a long recovery. “I spent four days in intensive care and close to six months recovering,” said one member, echoing the experiences of others. “Pneumonia made my lungs worse and I have chest infections every month now,” wrote another.

Members report that the road to recovery can take detours. “Every time they let me go home, I’d end up back in the hospital after a few days,” one member shared. Pneumonia vaccines, medications, and other preventive measures have helped several prevent relapse. “Steroids and antibiotics are my friends now,” a member reported.

Another MyCOPDTeam member wrote that supervised exercise has been “an important factor in recovering my strength.” "Gentle exercise twice a week makes me feel stronger after a bout of pneumonia,” agreed another member. Being part of a supportive community like MyCOPDTeam can't prevent pneumonia, but it can help you, in the community’s lingo, “breathe easier, my friend.”

On MyCOPDTeam, the social network and online support group for those living with COPD, members talk about a range of personal experiences and struggles. Pneumonia is one of the most-discussed subjects.

Here are some question-and-answer threads about pneumonia:

• I had the flu, bronchitis, and pneumonia and am still weak. Is it possible to regain my strength?

• I've survived multiple bouts of pneumonia and have emphysema. We are considering moving back to our home in Nebraska. What challenges will I face in the change in altitude, pressure, air quality, dryness, etc.?

Here are some conversations about pneumonia:

• I am told this bout of pneumonia seems worse only because I had never recovered completely. I don’t know....how does everyone deal with recurring pneumonia? Do you have tips for dealing with the rib and back pain from the violent coughing?

• I have been and out of the Hospital 2 or 3 times for pneumonia, etc. The day before, the Doctor sat down and told me that I have Stage 4 emphysema.

• It is 3 am and I can't sleep but I'm feeling good. I spent the last couple of weeks in the hospital with pneumonia hopefully it is cleared completely.

• I was hospitalized about 5 weeks ago with pneumonia and influenza A... since then I've had a hard time breathing, getting winded with the slightest exertion.

Can you relate?

Have another topic you'd like to discuss or explore? Go to MyCOPDTeam today and start the conversation. You'll be surprised just how many others may share similar stories.

Feel free to ask a question here.