Increased infections?

Hi again, ladies. Here I am again since I can't get a straight answer from the medical profession.
I'm just past 5 months since TAH/BSO. Not doing as well with the hyst and the HRT as I'd like, but feeling better most every day.
That said, here's my question:
Since the hyst, I've had 5 infections requiring antibiotics. Four bronchitis/pneumonia type episodes, one bear of an ear infection. Before the hyst, I had one regular bout of bronchitis every winter - that's all.
My dr says "The first year is hard." An anesthesiologist friend says that it's because they had me under for 7 hours, and it's hard for the lungs to recover. A nurse friend blames the HRT - I can't find anything to support that hypothesis, thank God!
Any new ideas about the increased infections?
HRT is 1.25, usually Cenestin, plus progesterone, DHEA, & testosterone cream. I'm a vegan, but VERY careful about protein & calcium & vitamins. Weight is fine, losing some every day, got about 10 pounds to go. Yes, taking echinechea and hoping that I spelled it right.
Anybody but me notice this very happy banana?
Any insight would be appreciated - thanks!

Not fun!!! I had pnuemonia this year and missed about 2.5 months of work... and a couple of weeks off and on before that...

Seven hours? Wow- that is the longest one I have heard of this far... that could take a while to recover though...

Have you considered going to a nateopath to see what else you can take? Sounds like you are doing everything right... some of us just take longer to heal I guess... I am looking at getting a hernia repaired hopefully soon... I am hoping that that will really take care of a lot of my digestion problems...

Hugs!

Shauna

Hi oompahloompah

Sorry you have had such a rough time. As you have been on so many antibiotics, you may have wiped out the good flora in your system (thereby making you more prone to infections). Have you tried adding a Probiotic to the supplements you are taking. Getting some good bacteria (like acidophilus) back into your system should help. You can also try eating unsweetented plain yogurt that has live cultures. And maybe you could get some advice on how to build your immune system (possibly from a nutritionist, or holistically minded doctor).

A supplement I like to take when I feel like I'm coming down with something is Sambucol. It's a syrup made from elderberries, and it's supposed to keep viruses from mutiplying. So, you may still get something, but it shortens the duration. Both my husband and I used it last winter to fend off some really nasty colds.

I'm not sure about a possible hormone connection, but maybe some other ladies who have more experience with that will comment.

I hope you start to feel better soon! And, yes I love the dancing banana too!

Thanks, you guys.
Lonicera, good thought about the acidophilous. I take Melaleuca's Florify, which takes care of it.
Techbunnyo, I will consult a naturopath. Maybe they have some tricks up their sleeve. The 7 hours was because the surgeon started a laparoscopic hyst, got most of the way done, then decided that he needed to open me up because of scar tissue sticking an ovary to my bowel. Lucky me - 2 hysterectomies in one!
Thank you so much for your concern and good advice!