Posted on 03/06/2011 7:06:34 AM PST by big black dog
How can this happen in 2011? I was just talking with him 3 weeks ago about possibly going bass fishing with him in Mexico this Spring.
Seems he checked into the hospital about a week ago complaining of respiratory troubles after contracting the flu. They released him shortly after. He posted on his Facebook page at that time about how it sucks being sick, and how good it would be just to walk 20 feet without gasping for breath.
2 days later, hie son and ex-wife found him dead in bed.
I am stunned. He was in good health. No one that age is supposed to die of the flu.
Pneumonia nearly killed me a week ago and I was dead for 30 minutes, but they brought me back and sorry for your loss, but I understand.
Sincerest condolences. Prayers.
Influenza is a killer. In the "modern" era, we've been conditioned to believe that "modern" medicine can take care of almost any ailment. The truth is, however, that it cannot.
Several decades ago, there was a television "doctor drama" called Marcus Welby, M.D. In that program, the kind, all-knowing, wise Dr. Welby worked long hours, knew the answer to all medical problems, spent long periods with his patients and was the perfect doctor and human being.
We, of the era were conditioned to believe that that's how it was in real life. Unfortunately, it ain't so. Just about two weeks ago, my wife almost died of double pneumonia. Despite two courses of strong antibiotics, she still has the illness. The doctor told her that she should recover in six to eight weeks with bed rest.
How can this be? Well, first, she caught the pneumonia from me. I caught it in a hospital where I was visiting. I was hospitalized for my double pneumonia and had to have an IV antibiotic, oral antibiotics and oxygen to survive. The illness came on virtually overnight. One day I was fine and the next, I was so sick I couldn't get out of bed. (There's some bad germs going around out there!)
Why am I telling you this story? Well, to make the point that there indications that new and particularly virulent "super bugs" are out there. They can't all readily be controlled with the antibiotics we have become accustomed to rely upon. While influenza is a virus and cannot be treated with antibiotics, sometimes bacterial infections take hold while the body is struggling to overcome what is supposed to be "just a case of the flu.
Doctors make mistakes. These mistakes can result in misdiagnosis, complications and even death. We, our body's owner, must not rely solely on the treatment (if any) of a physician. We must take all the precautions possible to protect ourselves.
Yes, there is something in the air that is making people sick. they have colds they can’t get over. My daughter has been coughing since December 3rd. Wakes her up at night.
I never have an allergy problem, yet now I sneeze constantly and my eyes are red and itchy. A mild complaint, but an unusual one for me.
Pneumonia can be a killer in spite of the modern meds. All the docs now just hit you with a Z-pac or whatever letter and it’s kind of lost it’s effectiveness. By the time you realize it isn’t working, you’re really sick.
I’m so sorry about the untimely death of the brother. That really hurts.
A young man we knew (in his twenties) died of pneumonia. He knew he wasn’t well, but he continued to go to work. They used to call it walking pneumonia. And then one day, he died.
I am so sorry to hear this! Tragic news! RIP dear brother.
Sincere condolences on the loss of your dear brother. May God help you cope with the loss.
The drug isn’t dangerous, but misdiagnosing yourself is. Taking antibiotics for the flu is setting yourself up for a major infection later.
This is just a very small add to the medical conversation. I have a history of colds becoming upper respiratory infections. Usually need antibiotics which for me usually work.
However, I also have acid reflux and have discovered when I get the cold and coughing, the increased acid irritates my throat and really makes symptoms worse. I mention that because your daughter may have the additional complication.
Now, I hesitate to mention this last one but here goes. Sold in many drug stores and at Whole Foods, in the cold remedy aisle, is an herbal remedy called Umcka. It is supposed to be both antiviral and antibacterial, and specifically aimed at upper respiratory and lung infection.
They claim the Umcka is clinically shown to be effective. I only know my last two colds progressed through everything including congestion BUT not the debilitating infection that almost always occurred before. They say it is highly used in Europe.
Of course, my doctor’s reaction is, the key words are it is “supposed to” do something. Then again, he never heard of Umcka.
Sincerely regret your loss.
As to etiology of the illness? I wonder if doctors had checked for BOOP? A very, very insidious form of pneumonia. Difficult to diagnose. Difficult to treat. Can be fatal. Very debilitating.
Mayo Clinic has done wonders with this illness. In fact, they wrote the book on it, literally.
Oft times patient on Prednisone for months after wards. Antibiotics. Stunning doses of both.
It’s in medically incorrect thinking like this that can result in the death of a seemingly healthy 49 year old from a disease that’s probability is reduced by 80+ percent from a simple vaccine.
The CDC advises all persons greater than 6 months of age to get an influenza vaccine yearly. Only medical reason not to is either egg allergy and possibly a history of Guillian-Barre’ Syndrome (which has never been proven to have been caused by the vaccine).
Vaccines from the 70’s were considerably different than current medical technology - so you might want to reconsider. If not, get seen within the first 48 hours of a fever causing illness in flu season to get meds to shorten the course and reduce your chance of a life-threatening complication. Good Luck...
My condolences on your loss. May he rest in peace.
I’m so sorry.
God bless.
The pneumonia shot is something of a misnomer. It protects against Streptococcal Pneumonia (85% of pneumonias obtained in the general population) but does nothing for viral pneumonias like influenza. People should receive influenza vaccines yearly in Sept - Nov. optimally - and a pneumonia vaccine at or about age 60 or sooner if they have chronic illness such as lung disease or immune diseases or prior spleen removal.
Of course Amoxacillin or any other antibiotic does nothing for influenza - unless it’s complicated by a bacterial process. Viral pneumonia from Influenza are not responsive to antibiotics.
I am so sorry for your loss. May the Lord give you peace during this time.
I pray you get the answers you need to help you cope with this sudden and tragic loss. God bless you.
Am so sorry. I know it is no comfort, but: the “great flus” can kill even the strong and (otherwise) healthy. In the late teens, the flu epidemic killed millions, including many like your brother. :(
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