Pneumonia

[Guest guest]

Thanks Carolyn,

Much appreciated, I have been mostly sleeping for the last two days. Sometimes

we have no choice, especially if you can't stay awake...lol..

K.

-------------- Original message --------------

From: Carolyn Swift <swift_carolyn@...>

My pulmonologist has put me on daily Bactrim in hopes

that it will prevent pneumonia. It has cleared up my

cough. I am thinking of you,m Kurt, with deep

fondness; we have been correspondents a long time!

Carolyn

__________________________________________________

[Guest guest]

Kurt,

Sleep is an excellent medicine and as far as I know it's free a side

effects.

Get well soon, many of us are thinking about you.

Andy

Re: pneumonia

> Thanks Carolyn,

>

> Much appreciated, I have been mostly sleeping for the last two days.

> Sometimes we have no choice, especially if you can't stay awake...lol..

> K.

>

> -------------- Original message --------------

> From: Carolyn Swift <swift_carolyn@...>

> My pulmonologist has put me on daily Bactrim in hopes

> that it will prevent pneumonia. It has cleared up my

> cough. I am thinking of you,m Kurt, with deep

> fondness; we have been correspondents a long time!

> Carolyn

>

>

>

> __________________________________________________

>

[Guest guest]

Chonette,

I agree, also I don't think I have ever really paid attention to the reality of

pneumonia, nor truly listened when I heard so often that it was the cause of

most death with CLL patients. I think I got the message this time. I will

never let even a sniffle go by unnoticed now or without going to the doc.

I truly think that the pneumonia is such a more common danger for all of us

simply because of our compromised immue system. So, it truly is a constant

danger and I remember Terry Hamblin saying that the best prevention for

Pneumonia was in CLL patients taking the same innoculation they give babies

against pneumonia. I saved it somewhere........ I just found it:

Dr. Hamblin said on his blog:

" Pneumovax is a polysaccharide vaccine and these are very poor at producing

an immune response in CLL. " Prvenar " conjugates the polysaccharide to a protein

which makes it more immunogenic for CLL patients " .

Something everyone might want to do. I'm going to have it as soon as I am well

enough. Should have taken it when I first read what he said about it.!

Thanks Chonette, much appreciated.

From: " Chonette " <ch@...>

Kurt,

I hope you are feeling better, your experience is a good example for all of

us, how something can get so bad in just a few hours, I guess only when we

have lived the experience ourselves or in our household we know the

consequences and we do not allow a next time.

with fondness affection and a big hug, I hope you get better soon.

Chonette

> Message: 7

> Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:06:24 +0000

> From: thel.g@...

> Subject: Re: pneumonia

>

> Chonette,

>

> Like you said, it happened so quickly,

[Guest guest]

Speaking of innoculations, has anyone seen anything on how immune

deficient people should protect themselves from the Avian flu? If I

understand correctly, it's not a matter of if, but when, it hits the

U.S.

>

> Chonette,

>

> I agree, also I don't think I have ever really paid attention to

the reality of pneumonia, nor truly listened when I heard so often

that it was the cause of most death with CLL patients. I think I

got the message this time. I will never let even a sniffle go by

unnoticed now or without going to the doc.

>

> I truly think that the pneumonia is such a more common danger for

all of us simply because of our compromised immue system. So, it

truly is a constant danger and I remember Terry Hamblin saying that

the best prevention for Pneumonia was in CLL patients taking the

same innoculation they give babies against pneumonia. I saved it

somewhere........ I just found it:

>

> Dr. Hamblin said on his blog:

> " Pneumovax is a polysaccharide vaccine and these are very poor at

producing

> an immune response in CLL. " Prvenar " conjugates the

polysaccharide to a protein

> which makes it more immunogenic for CLL patients " .

>

> Something everyone might want to do. I'm going to have it as soon

as I am well enough. Should have taken it when I first read what he

said about it.!

>

> Thanks Chonette, much appreciated.

>

>

> From: " Chonette " <ch@...>

> Kurt,

> I hope you are feeling better, your experience is a good example

for all of

> us, how something can get so bad in just a few hours, I guess only

when we

> have lived the experience ourselves or in our household we know the

> consequences and we do not allow a next time.

> with fondness affection and a big hug, I hope you get better soon.

> Chonette

>

> > Message: 7

> > Date: Wed, 15 Mar 2006 12:06:24 +0000

> > From: thel.g@...

> > Subject: Re: pneumonia

> >

> > Chonette,

> >

> > Like you said, it happened so quickly,

>

>

[Guest guest]

Hi (Wayne?) UGGGHH... Sounds like hell. I think most of us would be dead by now if it weren't for antibiotics and, in my case, a greater spirit than I. Upon the coughing up blood stage a couple of times, it was decided I had pneumonia. I've had peri-orbital cellulitis twice. This is what finally prompted my 3rd and last surgery with one of the best sinus surgeons on earth (Winston Vaughan California Sinus Institute (925) 807-1131). You and I had a very similar profile before my last surgery-now five years ago. In spite of loads of antibiotics and steroids, I remained very sick until surgery with Dr. Vaughan and then aspirin desens. I still get sick (mostly bronchitic asthma) but the disease doesn't own me anymore (thank God!). I don't know if you have the ability financially

or otherwise to get an assessment outside the Canadian system but it could be the investment of a lifetime. I wish you the best. Liz 925 250-2504 wayden72 <wayner-d@...> wrote: Recently I have had the flu on 2 occassions and after each sinus infections . I had a 2 week course of Aveolox after the first flu and sinus infection. After the second flu and sinus infection I went to my M.D. and told him my breathing was more

labored.He took chest and cephalometric radiographs and suspected pneumonia and is giving me a 5 week course of Biaxin.Also my Maxillary and sphenoid sinuses appeared almost completely calcified.I have been irrigating twice daily with NeilRinse in a waterpik.Has anyone else developed pneumonia as this is my first occurence. I am also interested in knowing what problems other members have had before being diagnosed with Samters. As a child I had tonsillis that reoccured so often that I missed most of kindergarten.At age 5 tonsills and adenoids were removed.After that I seemed to get more than my fair share of flulike and childhood infections.In high school I was treated by an allergist for hives and did a bit better until my mid twenties when asthma, sensitivity to asa ,nasal polyps developed over a 4to5 year period in that order. Wanting sinus surgery but ent spcialists at Mt. Sinai and ST. s took a CT

scan early this year and advised against surgery as the sinus did still appear to be open and were concerned about scar tissue and mucosal ciliary function afterwards.Trying to see a local ent and see what he thinks.Seen him earlier for orbital cellulitis twice when my frontals were not draining as they blocked by bone.Trying to get Zyflo here in CANADA even if must go to Buffalo or Niagara falls N.Y..Possibly OHIP does not want to pay for another surgery as of yet(last one was four years ago).Also not sure if FESS or an open surgical approach is required.I am 53 and am certain I would be dead if I lived in the pre antibiotic era.Also sinuses can calcify from repeated chronic infections which seems to be my case.(versus fungal calcification). HAVE BEEN ON ANTIBIOTICS 4 TO 6 TIMES EVERY YEAR.Won't take prednisone as last it didn't work well and it caused Central Serous Retinopathy from which my eyesight is

gradually improving. I take Nasonex Accolate and Singular regularly, Wondering if I might have another problem affecting my immunity as well as Samter's????

Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call rates.

[Guest guest]

> Recently I have had the flu on 2 occassions and after

each sinus

> infections . I had a 2 week course of Aveolox after the first flu

> and sinus infection. After the second flu and sinus infection I

went

> to my M.D. and told him my breathing was more labored.He took

chest

> and cephalometric radiographs and suspected pneumonia and is

giving

> me a 5 week course of Biaxin.Also my Maxillary and sphenoid

sinuses

> appeared almost completely calcified.I have been irrigating twice

> daily with NeilRinse in a waterpik.Has anyone else developed

> pneumonia as this is my first occurence. I am also interested in

> knowing what problems other members have had before being

diagnosed

> with Samters. As a child I had tonsillis that reoccured so often

> that I missed most of kindergarten.At age 5 tonsills and adenoids

> were removed.After that I seemed to get more than my fair share of

> flulike and childhood infections.In high school I was treated by

an

> allergist for hives and did a bit better until my mid twenties

when

> asthma, sensitivity to asa ,nasal polyps developed over a 4to5

year

> period in that order. Wanting sinus surgery but ent spcialists at

> Mt. Sinai and ST. s took a CT scan early this year and

> advised against surgery as the sinus did still appear to be open

and

> were concerned about scar tissue and mucosal ciliary function

> afterwards.Trying to see a local ent and see what he thinks.Seen

him

> earlier for orbital cellulitis twice when my frontals were not

> draining as they blocked by bone.Trying to get Zyflo here in

CANADA

> even if must go to Buffalo or Niagara falls N.Y..Possibly OHIP

does

> not want to pay for another surgery as of yet(last one was four

> years ago).Also not sure if FESS or an open surgical approach is

> required.I am 53 and am certain I would be dead if I lived in the

> pre antibiotic era.Also sinuses can calcify from repeated chronic

> infections which seems to be my case.(versus fungal

calcification).

> HAVE BEEN ON ANTIBIOTICS 4 TO 6 TIMES EVERY YEAR.Won't take

> prednisone as last it didn't work well and it caused Central

Serous

> Retinopathy from which my eyesight is gradually improving. I take

> Nasonex Accolate and Singular regularly, Wondering if I might have

> another problem affecting my immunity as well as Samter's????

>

> I thank you so much for your reply.I intend to follow my options

here first.You have more options than i have.I feel pathetic even

thought academically i earned 2 degrees.This disease kills whatever

determination i have.I enjoy hearing from you it lifts my spirit

thank you so much.Yes my first name is wayne.

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call

rates.

>

[Guest guest]

> Recently I have had the flu on 2 occassions and after

each sinus

> infections . I had a 2 week course of Aveolox after the first flu

> and sinus infection. After the second flu and sinus infection I

went

> to my M.D. and told him my breathing was more labored.He took

chest

> and cephalometric radiographs and suspected pneumonia and is

giving

> me a 5 week course of Biaxin.Also my Maxillary and sphenoid

sinuses

> appeared almost completely calcified.I have been irrigating twice

> daily with NeilRinse in a waterpik.Has anyone else developed

> pneumonia as this is my first occurence. I am also interested in

> knowing what problems other members have had before being

diagnosed

> with Samters. As a child I had tonsillis that reoccured so often

> that I missed most of kindergarten.At age 5 tonsills and adenoids

> were removed.After that I seemed to get more than my fair share of

> flulike and childhood infections.In high school I was treated by

an

> allergist for hives and did a bit better until my mid twenties

when

> asthma, sensitivity to asa ,nasal polyps developed over a 4to5

year

> period in that order. Wanting sinus surgery but ent spcialists at

> Mt. Sinai and ST. s took a CT scan early this year and

> advised against surgery as the sinus did still appear to be open

and

> were concerned about scar tissue and mucosal ciliary function

> afterwards.Trying to see a local ent and see what he thinks.Seen

him

> earlier for orbital cellulitis twice when my frontals were not

> draining as they blocked by bone.Trying to get Zyflo here in

CANADA

> even if must go to Buffalo or Niagara falls N.Y..Possibly OHIP

does

> not want to pay for another surgery as of yet(last one was four

> years ago).Also not sure if FESS or an open surgical approach is

> required.I am 53 and am certain I would be dead if I lived in the

> pre antibiotic era.Also sinuses can calcify from repeated chronic

> infections which seems to be my case.(versus fungal

calcification).

> HAVE BEEN ON ANTIBIOTICS 4 TO 6 TIMES EVERY YEAR.Won't take

> prednisone as last it didn't work well and it caused Central

Serous

> Retinopathy from which my eyesight is gradually improving. I take

> Nasonex Accolate and Singular regularly, Wondering if I might have

> another problem affecting my immunity as well as Samter's????

>

>

>

>

>

>

> ---------------------------------

> Cheap Talk? Check out Messenger's low PC-to-Phone call

rates.

>Robin thank you.Think my reply is in my nessage.

[Guest guest]

>From: Robin Deleuze <triadinfo06@...>

>Reply-samters

>samters

>Subject: Re: pneumonia

>Date: Fri, 10 Nov 2006 15:56:52 -0800 (PST)

>

>Hi (Wayne?)

> UGGGHH... Sounds like hell. I think most of us would be dead by now if

>it weren't for antibiotics and, in my case, a greater spirit than I. Upon

>the coughing up blood stage a couple of times, it was decided I had

>pneumonia. I've had peri-orbital cellulitis twice. This is what finally

>prompted my 3rd and last surgery with one of the best sinus surgeons on

>earth (Winston Vaughan California Sinus Institute (925) 807-1131). You and

>I had a very similar profile before my last surgery-now five years ago. In

>spite of loads of antibiotics and steroids, I remained very sick until

>surgery with Dr. Vaughan and then aspirin desens. I still get sick (mostly

>bronchitic asthma) but the disease doesn't own me anymore (thank God!). I

>don't know if you have the ability financially or otherwise to get an

>assessment outside the Canadian system but it could be the investment of a

>lifetime.

> I wish you the best.

> Liz

> 925 250-2504

>

>

>

>wayden72 <wayner-d@...> wrote:

> Recently I have had the flu on 2 occassions and after each sinus

>infections . I had a 2 week course of Aveolox after the first flu

>and sinus infection. After the second flu and sinus infection I went

>to my M.D. and told him my breathing was more labored.He took chest

>and cephalometric radiographs and suspected pneumonia and is giving

>me a 5 week course of Biaxin.Also my Maxillary and sphenoid sinuses

>appeared almost completely calcified.I have been irrigating twice

>daily with NeilRinse in a waterpik.Has anyone else developed

>pneumonia as this is my first occurence. I am also interested in

>knowing what problems other members have had before being diagnosed

>with Samters. As a child I had tonsillis that reoccured so often

>that I missed most of kindergarten.At age 5 tonsills and adenoids

>were removed.After that I seemed to get more than my fair share of

>flulike and childhood infections.In high school I was treated by an

>allergist for hives and did a bit better until my mid twenties when

>asthma, sensitivity to asa ,nasal polyps developed over a 4to5 year

>period in that order. Wanting sinus surgery but ent spcialists at

>Mt. Sinai and ST. s took a CT scan early this year and

>advised against surgery as the sinus did still appear to be open and

>were concerned about scar tissue and mucosal ciliary function

>afterwards.Trying to see a local ent and see what he thinks.Seen him

>earlier for orbital cellulitis twice when my frontals were not

>draining as they blocked by bone.Trying to get Zyflo here in CANADA

>even if must go to Buffalo or Niagara falls N.Y..Possibly OHIP does

>not want to pay for another surgery as of yet(last one was four

>years ago).Also not sure if FESS or an open surgical approach is

>required.I am 53 and am certain I would be dead if I lived in the

>pre antibiotic era.Also sinuses can calcify from repeated chronic

>infections which seems to be my case.(versus fungal calcification).

>HAVE BEEN ON ANTIBIOTICS 4 TO 6 TIMES EVERY YEAR.Won't take

>prednisone as last it didn't work well and it caused Central Serous

>Retinopathy from which my eyesight is gradually improving. I take

>Nasonex Accolate and Singular regularly, Wondering if I might have

>another problem affecting my immunity as well as Samter's????

>

>Most of us get flu shots and pneumococcal vacinne.Polyps for me seem to be

>controlled by nasonex.Ossification of my frontals, maxillary and sphenoid

>sinuses seem to be unique to me. What is the outcome of total calcification

>of the sinuses? How many people here have had any open procedures? How many

>people have had complications of chronic sinus infection.Orbital

>cellulitis,brain abscess for example.Any body here diabetic or immune

>compromised on top of samter's?People here say can't exercise because

>breathing is difficult.Consider metabolic syndrome.>I believe with all the

>poor drainage and excess mucous production we are predisposed to

>respiratory tract infections either viral or bacterial.How many people have

>had so many antibiotics that they believe most are ineffective?How many

>people have had multiple sinus surguries and can we expect a normal

>lifespan?How many people have had fungal complications?Mortality and

>morbitity information>seems sparse.Assuming this disease is genetic how

>many people can relate to ancestors who might have had-Samter' s---?This

>disease is progressive .How long is expected between surguries---and as we

>age what can we expect?How many people have possibly damaged cilia from

>exposure to chlorine gas I e.hydrochloric acid mixed with bleach - cleaning

>say algae off a boat--?How many people cannot tolerate alcoholic

>drinks?---How--about sulfites ,salicylates ,moulds? -Could irrigation

>replace ciliary function to some degree?-----------------

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[Guest guest]

I've had pneuomia twice. Just give it a little more time. Stay in bed & rest.

Levaquin keeps working after you've fininshed the dose.

h_heuring <hlwilli@...> wrote: I was diagnosed with AIH in Dec.

'06 and am currently taking 150 mg. of

6MP and 5 mg. of prednisone. Got my first cold in years about 2 weeks

ago and it's developed into pneumonia. How serious is this for

AIH'ers? I have two more antibotic pills left (Levaquin) to take and I

still feel awful. Very fatigued and can't stand up very long without

feeling so weak that I need to lie down. I went to see a GP for this

and they didn't ask me to make a follow up appointment. Shouldn't I

feel better by now? It's been a week since I was diagnosed. Should I

go back to the GP with my complaints or have I not given myself enough

time to recover. I'm a little concerned about how bad I feel. If

anyone out there has had this can you share your experience with me?

[Guest guest]

If you are not feeling ANY better after a few days on antibiotics, certainly

call your dr and let him/her know. I had pneumonia twice last year, the second

time it took almost 12 weeks for my lungs to clear. It was not too long after

that when I was dx with COPD. I have to wonder if the pneumonia contributed to

that. Do not let anything go too long if you are not comfortable with your

progress.

Just my humble opinion!

Patsy

El Mirage, AZ

DX 2005 Stage 1 PBC

AIH/SLE/RA/COPD

Just a woman of letters....

[Guest guest]

You MUST keep your doctor informed of your condition. Make sure she or he

is aware that you are immune-suppressed. Making an " unnecessary " call does no

real harm. Skipping a call, especially when pneumonia is concerned, could

be disastrous.

Harper

[Guest guest]

For God's sake if you have pneumonia, have your doctor stay on top of your

physical condition; take it from me, I have PBC - Grade 4 , Stage 2 - and

Autioimmune Hepatitis (OVERLAP). I have had pneumonia 4 times since 1999, and

have been in intensive care each time, Take care & keep us all posted. Prayers

are going up on your behalf now. God Bless You.

NATALIE

[ ] Pneumonia

Yes, indeed! Call your doctor NOW if you haven't already. He will need to

switch you to a different antibiotic.or at the least refill your prescription to

have you continue for another 7 to 10 days. When our systems are so compromised

by being ill to start it can be harder to get well.and is much easier to get

sick when on immune suppressants. Please take care and keep us up to date.

Joanne Pneumonia

Posted by: " h_heuring " hlwilli@... h_heuring

Wed Dec 27, 2006 12:29 am (PST)

Jj Cathcart

jjcathcart@...

[Guest guest]

H. heuring wrote about having Pneumonia and was concerned as to lack of energy

after one or two weeks I have Pneumonia at least twice a year. While I am not

AIH I do have Bronchiectasis which makes me prone to develop Pneumonia. It

normally takes me about three weeks after the infection has been cleared to

regain my strength and start feeling normal. Should the infection not be

totally cleared then it will flare up again but you should be aware of it by

experiencing the same symptoms i.e. fever, chills, chest/back pains, shortness

of breath. This would require another round of a different anti-biotic. But do

not expect to feel yourself for AT LEAST three weeks minimum after all infection

is eradicated by your anti-biotic.

Gwen dx 2006 Cda unstaged.

[Guest guest]

I know everyone is saying the same thing but I hope you are listening.

I also am prone to pneumonia and have been hospitalized several times.

It has always taken me at least 2 rounds of antibiotics to get over it

and I was very weak for awhile after.

Please take care

the WV hillbilly

[Guest guest]

>

> Hello again: Have just been diagnosed with r.lower lobe pneumonia

and put on antibiotics. The last time I tried to beat this without

> medications I almost died and ended up in hospital as an emergency

> anyway, so am hesitant to go without some help this time. The name

of the antibiotic is Levaquin 500mg daily for 10 days. Anyone

familiar with it?

==>It will increase your candida and it is extremely toxic so it will

cause more damage than it is worth.

> Also, I am having trouble finding a probiotic in the area I am

living without something in it to which I am sensitive. A real

quandry, isn't it?! What do you think of goat yogurt right now? I

am still at the beginning stages of your protocol, Bee, and have had

to go slow.

==>Marjorie, I cured my pneumonia many years ago with 4-5 cups of

garlic tea, after taking 2 different kinds of antibiotics. Garlic,

oil of oregano and others are much more effective in curing pneumonia

than any antibiotics, along with a good diet of course, i.e. bone

broths, chicken soup, Bee's egg drink, as well as supplements. Also

take megadoses of vitamin C, 2,000 mg or more every hour. Also ensure

you have plenty of moisture in the air.

==>If you are going to take antibiotics the goat yogurt won't do any

further harm.

Bee

[Guest guest]

Do try Bee's garlic tea, and try adding chicken broth

(instead of water), a splash of lemon and some sea

salt. Very nourishing and yummy!

Luv,

Debby

San , CA

--- Bee <beeisbuzzing2003@...> wrote:

> ==>Marjorie, I cured my pneumonia many years ago

> with 4-5 cups of

> garlic tea, after taking 2 different kinds of

> antibiotics. Garlic,

> oil of oregano and others are much more effective in

-------------

" The process of changing a lifestyle is more important than reaching a

goal or measuring a performance. " -- Theodore Isaac Rubin

My son Hunter Hudson (10/11/04) http://debbypadilla.0catch.com/hunter/

[Guest guest]

Hi,

Ya know I have to agree with you. Before I changed the way I ate.I was sick

and in the hospital every year due to pneunomia. I have not been sick one

time since my diet change which includes VCO, ACV, and all bad carbs

caffeine, sugar. I know what it feels like to be sick and so I will trade

those foods for health. Heres to health,

Suzzi

-- Pneumonia

Hi,

I just wanted to share. I have three teenagers and my 65 year old

mother who lives with me . Over the weekend they all had fevers of 101

to 103 ( Extremely sick ). Two of the childeren had to be taken to the

Emergency Room and was diagnosed with Pneumonia , while the third child

was on the verg of Pneumonia .My mother has also been diagnosed with

it . Me on the other hand have been using virgin Coconut oil, organic

apple cider vinegar and Raw Honey for the last 6 weeks and I am just

perfectly fine, no symptoms of any illniss at all, even thou I have

been taking care of all the sickys.

O and I forgot to add, I do a total Organic diet. I feel the reason I

haven't gotten sick is due to my diet change .

[Guest guest]

>

> Hi,

>

> my husband had a cold for about a week. It put him down for the

past 3 days. He broke down and went to the md who did a lung xray and

said he has a pneumonia. He has a 103 fever and sleeps once he gets

home from work till morning. Doc wants him on antibiotics. He wants

to take them what can he do to support his health while taking the

anitbiotics?

==>Garlic tea made with lemon juice and ginger is a much better

antibiotic than drugs. I cured my pneumonia by drinking 4-5 cups per

day several years ago after being on two different kinds of

antibiotics. If he takes the antibiotics he should also take

probiotics, but take them 2 hours before or 2 hours after taking the

antibiotics. He should take 10 billion units per day divided into 3-

4 doses.

Bee

[Guest guest]

I do not wish to alarm you but one of the ailments that can be exacerbated by

Humira is T.B. which can have the same symptoms as Pneumonia. Get to your Doctor

and mention this. Good Luck

Walt

[Guest guest]

Are you still taking the humeira? I have no experience with this kind of thing,

yet, but when I was considering Enbrel I talked to my internist who told me she

had one (out of 12) patient who faced a life-threatening infection. They took

her off it - she was fine and then went back on.

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

Hello!

PLEASE GET A Chest Xray right away!!!!.....I had the same symptoms...same

diagnosis, lots of antibiotics and finally because it was the first of the year

and changed doctors, he knew the dangers and side effects of biologics ordered a

chest xray nd found a mass in my chest...I thought it was still bronchitis or

pnuemonia and I was diagnosed with Lymphoma and went thru 5 months of

chemo,...so please not trying to scare you but if you are on Humira which I was

and than Enbrel...and the anti biotics arent working..get a chest xray and be

safe than sorry...you can call me if you want.

949 429 5000

illina

[Guest guest]

Just remember that Humira carries a risk of TB with it so be careful

Walt

[Guest guest]

But how prevalent is TB in the general population, now? (I know it's increasing

in some areas but still not very widespread.) I assume everyone going on a TNF

blocker had to have a TB test first and a chest x-ray, as I did. Mine x-ray

showed some areas of concern which I had to see an infectious medicine

specialist about and turned out to be latent histoplasmosis which 90% of the

people who grew up where I did have in their lungs (in and around central

Illlinois.)

Joanna Hoelscher

630-833-7361

[Guest guest]

joannahoelscher@...> wrote: But how prevalent is TB in the general

population, now? (I know it's increasing in some areas but still not

very widespread.)

Here's the information from the CDC TB site:

Changing Epidemiology of TB

Tuberculosis (TB), a disease caused by bacteria called mycobacterium

tuberculosis, causes nearly 2 million deaths worldwide each year.

1. In 2004, there were an estimated 8.9 million new TB cases

worldwide.

2. Between 1985 and 1992, cases of TB in the United States increased

by 20 percent. This period of resurgence of TB disease was fueled by:

-The onset of the HIV epidemic

-Increases in TB cases among foreign-born persons

-Outbreaks in congregate settings (correctional facilities and

homeless shelters)

-Deterioration of the infrastructure for TB services

-Development of difficult-to-treat cases of Multiple Drug Resistant

(MDR) TB 3

Today the trend has been reversed. TB cases reported to CDC for 2005

represented a 2.9% decrease from 2004 and a 47% decrease from 1992,4

when the number of cases and the case rate peaked during a resurgence

in the United States. In 2005, the thirteenth consecutive year of

decline, the TB case rate was 4.8 per 100,000.5 This reduction is

attributed to more effective TB-control programs that emphasize

prompt identification of persons with TB, prompt initiation of

appropriate therapy, and efforts to ensure that therapy will be

completed.

The recent success in TB control in the United States is tempered by

the burden of TB among foreign-born persons residing in this country.

The case rate among foreign-born persons is now at least eight times

higher than among U.S.-born persons. 6

In 1991, 73 percent of reported TB cases were among U.S.-born persons

(8.2 cases per 100,000) while 27 percent were in foreign-born persons

(33.9 per 100,000). In comparison, 55 percent of TB cases in 2005

occurred in the foreign born. 7 From 2001 through 2005, the top five

countries of origin of foreign-born persons with TB were Mexico, the

Philippines, Vietnam, India, and China. 8

In 2005 in the United States, non-Hispanic Asians had the highest TB

rate, 25.8 per 100,000, which was down from 29.6 in 2003; non-

Hispanic native Hawaiians and other Pacific Islanders had the second-

highest TB case rate (13.8), down from 16.4 in 2003. TB rates

declined at least 50% from 1993 through 2005 in the other

racial/ethnic groups: among non-Hispanic whites from 3.6 to 1.3,

among non-Hispanic blacks from 28.5 to 10.9, among Hispanics from

19.9 to 9.5, and among non-Hispanic American Indians and Alaska

Natives from 13.9 to 6.9. 9

Challenges to TB Elimination

The decrease in TB incidence to historic low levels creates

challenges for public health officials who are working to sustain

programs and systems. TB elimination is threatened, however, by

several converging factors, including the:

-Retreat of TB into high-risk populations at the margins of society

where it can resist detection

-Persistence and growth of the global TB epidemic

-Limitations of current control measures and recognition of the need

for new tests and treatments, plus an improved vaccine

-Changes in the health care system that make the current context for

TB elimination very different from that of a decade ago

Distinctive challenges to TB control have arisen in regions where

cases occur infrequently. Tuberculosis outbreaks have occurred in

such areas and have produced severe and long-term effects. Low-

incidence states or local jurisdictions with minimal TB control

programs sometimes are unprepared to detect and contain these

outbreaks. Likewise, shifting migration patterns are rapidly altering

the TB epidemiology in communities and states that previously had not

had large immigrant populations who are at risk for TB. In this

scenario, existing TB control programs that are equipped only for

infrequent cases are confronted with an abrupt increase of cases and

unfamiliar cultural issues. In addition, because of the rarity of TB,

some healthcare providers in these settings lack either proficiency

in TB diagnosis or familiarity with the latest treatment guidelines.

[Guest guest]

Dear Carolyn,

I wish you comfort while you practice higher doses of R & R.

Sherry

writes:

>

>I just returned from four days in the hospital with my

>first pneumonia, in spite of vaccination this fall and

>normal blood levels. Fortunately it was caused by

>strep pneumococcus which responds to antibiotics, so

>I got a four day round of intravenous Levaquin plus

>septasamine, and now I am taking Levaquin orally at

>home. The doctors say it takes weeks for full recovery

>and that my job now is r & r. Wish me luck in my

>struggle to stay less active than usual. Carolyn

>

>__________________________________________________________

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