Covid for 4 weeks & still bed ridden. Anyone else had prolonged severe illness without hospitalization

Oh Lisa

Firstly, I'm so glad you found us. This has been a lifeline to so many of us.

You sound like you are really ill, which I'm so sorry to hear. Glad you are on antibiotics. Do you feel that you have the support available for all your physical needs, e. g. food and hygiene/general care? Also, is your GP following you up regularly?

Can your kids help you?

Sorry for all the questions, but with pneumonia, whatever the cause, you must get the rest, food, adequate hydration you will need.

Don't worry about your spelling by the way; no-one cares about that🙂

Do let us know how you are or ask anything.

Very best wishes

Mary x

Hi Lisa,

Welcome to our ''club'' and I'm glad that you found us, so you know that you are not alone.

I'm really sorry to hear about your condition and that you are unwell. Most of us here had to ''fight'' with GPs about our conditions and even after weeks of being sick some of us did not get any help or directions. All we have is each other. Some of us were in really bad shape weeks ago, but slowly, very, very slowly we are recovering and I'm sure so will you.

I hope that your children are helping you as much as they can. You just have to be strong and focus on fighting with this illness.

Don't forget to check your blood oxygen using (oximeter, you can get them cheaply online) and if there is anything wrong with the levels or you are feeling worse, have blue lips do not hesitate to call for ambulance ASAP. Many of us did, few times. They will check your vitals and will give take you to hospital if you need to. Meanwhile you can call 111 and most of the time they are very helpful and will advice you regarding your health better than us here. They have doctors there as well.

Don't be afraid, there is a help available and your health is the most important thing, even if you'd have to go to hospital, your kids will manage.

All you have to do is to be patient as recovery from pneumonia always takes time.

Stay strong and wish you all the best.

Maciek

Hi Lisa

Really really sorry to hear how unwell you are - so do they think you have Covid? Did they test you for it? It sounds like you need more medical support and help at home whilst you are ill. If you are not happy with anything they have told you phone your GP back and ask for another consultation even if it is over the phone and tell them how bad things are for you.

We are always here to listen and try and reassure but you must do what is best for you and your health if at any time you are worried get help.

Sorry can't help you more, it is sad to know people are suffering so badly with little support.

All the best,

Lx

Hi Lisa sorry to hear your so poorly I had shingles and its bloody painful and makes you feel ill. Phenmonia is going to make you poorly glad your on antibiotics you need your sons to keep eye on you and your breathing, if worried ring 999 for paramedics to check you we've all done it, you need to rest, drink fluids and let your children look after you and family. We're all here for support we've all been at your stage and it's nasty ❤️

Mine is also a little bit better today, compare to two days ago, but there was a little bit of drizzle yesterday. It looks like our lungs do not like flowers very much 😃

Actually also feel it is a little easier today...interesting...

Hi Lulu, thanks for sharing your feedback yesterday and lovely news about visiting your mum today. My breathings not great atm. Used my inhaler for the 1st time earlier and not feeling better for it. My breathings feeling worse, so don't know what's happening there. Hope everyone's having a good day xx

Sorry to hear that Steph was hoping everyone would say they had improved and we could blame the weather! It is just so hard to understand this illness - what makes things better, what makes things worse - am exhausted analysing it!

Really hoping you feel better soon.

Lx

I had two days of minimal chest pain. I felt it a little more this morning, but not as much in the afternoon. It is still scary every time it comes, but it is not as bad as before, and I am slowly getting used to it. Very slowly.

Something is weird though... It really comes on hard when I drive. Anyone else feel that?

What sort of chest pain is it? Ache, sharp pain or indigestion type pain? Wonder if it is muscular if worse driving and is the position you are holding yourself in. It is funny how you do become used to the "regular" pains and symptoms and get used to them and don't panic as much. I think it is when you get a "new" pain or symptoms the anxiety starts again.

Lx

There you are lulu I'm answering you on one page and you jumped to another one shame about the leaf blower nice to see your mum and that they are looking after her and was talking about blowing on the other page well I'm OK in the mornings but went to the shops a little while ago and puffing like a good one was wondering do others feel better at certain times of the day your still on this page 😂 Gary

The world is FINALLY talking about us! See this video on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=29MdWYicxzg

As for me, after 12 weeks of continual relapses I am finally seeing them further and further apart (about 10 days between them now) and when they come they are far less intense and debilitating... It has been a slooooow process, however today I find myself beginning to actually 'believe' in my recovery. Really, it's going away slowly, this is obvious to me now, and I am so so grateful and tremendously relieved.

Remember that my case was a lite one. Others on here have had it much much worse than me so 12 weeks may be a conservative estimate for some. But I am seeing that recovery WILL\IS happening which in itself is a great relief.

Hi steph I've started to get some tightness now and again I find it eases with the ibuprofen I take one of the 400 mg only when it gets tight Gary

The pain is substernal, on the left side, where the heart would be. It was mostly a constant, dull pain. Almost like the left side of my chest was full of something. Occasionally it got sharp for a moment, then went back to being dull. It is not as constant or sharp anymore when I feel it, but some days are worse than others.

I know I am all over the place!! Ok let's stay on this page - but my answer is on the other page!! Yep definitely things change during the day late morning best for me and early evening sometimes deteriorate but a glass of wine with dinner definitely helps me relax in the evening and obviously as you feel better things start to improve! I have just ran downstairs and I had a flashback to all those AWFUL evenings and how ill I felt and how scared I felt - I think (or really hope) most of us who have been on here a while are seeing improvements now - please correct me if I am wrong but think back a few weeks ....would you agree?

Lx

Oh yes definitely agree with you on that I find in the morning I'm fine usually most of day but it does have its moments night time is up and down like a yoyo just trying to get in front of it I'm sure some of the others have different opinions I suppose its tricky trying to keep ahead of it because you just don't know what's coming next Gary your on another page 😂

I have definitely had something that sounds similar in my right side/back and I think mine was definitely build up of mucous as seemed easier when I managed to cough it up and now the guy has looked at CT scan he could see scar tissue and healing in that area which he said would cause me dull pain - same as if a cut on finger was healing. I had terrible pain in my right side/lung a few weeks back when I felt really ill but has gradually lessened but can still come back at times.

Can you get it checked out further - another chest x-ray, ECG or CT scan?

Lx

It sounds like the indigestion( I think) pain I'm getting at the moment. I've also got lots of stomach churning especially at night, and now after a few minutes of walking. I've started taking some tablets, and I shouldn't say this but last night was slightly better, and I got some sleep.

Do you think your pain could be similar? I'm hoping that mine is just trapped wind/heartburn

or maybe it's the mucous, I'm not sure

I have had the stomach churning mine was going crazy never heard anything like it I used bio kult on it worked fine for me gary

Hi Gary, I'll give it a go as before I've been too scared to try like Lulu. I'm having an episode tonight, It's been a while since I've felt rough.

Rintz , this forum has been a comfort for many of us using it as we're suffering similar things.

Thanks Gary, I'll have a look for some. Did you get it when you were walking? And did you have fast heartbeat when stomach was churning?

I've not had a good late afternoon so I'm in bed resting now

That's what happened to me steph I have had a few good days but it still reminds me not to push it hopefully we will get a few more good ones starting again now would be nice Gary

Hi Lulu and everyone,

Just got back from A&E all seems ok👍.

Last night I couldn't lay on my left side I had a sharp pain and heaviness in my chest that wouldn't let up but disappeared when I moved onto my back or right side.

Checked again this morning and it was still there.

Wasn't too worried but because of pending Echo and thinking on the lines of blood clot I called my doctors surgery this morning, got a call back this afternoon and she advised me to go and get checked out.

Had bloods ,chest Xray and another ECG plus vitals.

ECG came back abnormal again but because bloods were fine he wasn't overly worried but agreed that getting Echo was a good idea.Xray fine too.

Checked laying to standing blood pressure aswell and said it didn't drop too much as I got lighted headed a few times today.

He seems to think everything I am experiencing is covid related and that he can't give me a recovery time as such a new virus but said that symptoms could carry on for some time. His figure was about 1 in 20 were suffering longer recoveries.

So now resting in bed with a nice cup of tea 😊 x

I had my stomach go crazy for ages a few weeks back not when I was walking no but I also had my nose popping as well Joanne weird when I had them both my stomach is fine now but I can still just hear my nose and I got some Neil meds for my nose waiting for my ears to go next 😂 Gary

Evening Dawn what you rattling on about enjoy your cuppa Gary x only joking great to see everything went well for you x

🤣🤣🤣 basically I'm fine x

I added a little bit more and I'm really glad you're fine x

Ahh thank you x

It is good to get checked out but glad everything seems ok Dawn and they were not too worried - blimey there is always plenty of action on here - think my partner is feeling a bit left out 😂

I actually find sleeping on my back is more comfortable but remember reading you should lie on front if breathing issues if you can - I find if I lie on my side my chest feels all crumpled up after a while.

1 in 20 sounds like we are the special ones... lucky us!!

Hopefully you can relax now and get a good sleep.

Lx

Hi Susan, sorry to hear you're not too good. Hope we both have a better day tomorrow. xx

Sorry you've felt rough Steph ... Ive still not tried Ibruprofen - think they scared me off at the beginning when told you not to take them but now saying fine and as someone mentioned yesterday being used in trials. I am definitely going to take if I need to.

Wishing you better tomorrow,

Lx

Thanks Lulu,

😂 yes never a dull moment here and yes we're all special .

Sleep well too x

I know, we never know what's going to happen next, full of surprises this virus. I've never had so much medication or googled so many medical conditions. We'll be experts at the end of it all!

That's great news Dawn 😃

Joanne and Lulu, I think the chest pain must be pleurisy, the inflammation of the lining of the lung. Unless gas can get trapped way up in my chest...? Not sure. I was really concerned because it has lasted this long, but glad it appears to slowly be subsiding. Doctor said I don't need a CT scan because anything serious would have been picked up on the ECG or xray and anything it could be will go away itself. He seems very confident, so I'll go with that for now.

Lulu I was feeling same about ibuprofen, thought better not to touch...and then yesterday I had such a bad headache my husband handed me two ibuprofens and said not to think, just take! Was in so much pain I took it and guess what....it helped! Will start using as needed (hope it's not needed!)

Oh brilliant - I think it is much more effective than Ibruprofen - glad you took the plunge!

I spent ages googling pleurisy as I felt that was what was wrong with me a few weeks ago - it seemed to fit all my symptoms so think you are right and it will get better as the inflammation goes down and you heal. With me it has taken a while but last couple of weeks the pain has improved. Good you had the reassurance as well from doctor if had been worried would have done more tests - all sounds positive.

Lx

Any of you see the article in telegraph about heartburn drug called famotidine? They've discovered it might help reduce the time of mild/moderate cases with symptoms of cough and breathlessness...fascinating since so many of us are experiencing heartburn as a symptom.

Thanks Dane

I haven't seen the article but will read today.

Mary 👍

Morning lulu and everyone had a mixed night but no sweats very dry but not like it used to be still nose popping hopefully Neil meds will sort that soon I was wondering about the throat and that is like you said inflammation mine is easing it's just every so often it feels something on the end of it so it looks like now I've got just the inflammation to deal with so that's just time to heal that's what's keeping me awake and dry and when it tightens ibuprofen hope everyone coped better last night Gary

Morning Gazza and everyone!

Gary, we are definitely on same path. Had the best day yet yesterday felt pretty "normal" all day bit of coughing up phlegm in morning, just a couple of small breathless moments but nothing much but by 10.30 last night noticed sore throat but think it is the dryness at end of day (probably talking too much!) don't think can be infection of any sort as still dry but not sore in morning. My take is the inflammation dries out all the airways and respiratory tract and when not hydrated become more sore. The hydration is definitely a problem the specialist told me he was hospitalised as he was so dehydrated (I assumed breathing problems when he told me he was hospitalised) needed to be given fluids at height of his illness (didn't tell you this Weds in case freaked you out as know you've had issues with hydration) but he did say keeping hydrated important but at this stage of recovery try to be drinking more normal amounts of water and it will improve which seems to be what is happening.

Think we need him to join this group!

As much as desperate to get back to "normal"l I can feel the dread of work looming and I only work 3 days a week but it is pretty full on - and there will be no lunches or after work drinks to liven things up for a long time as will have to wfh. Maybe I need a phased return to break me in gently?!!

Am hoping everyone has had better night and a good day lies ahead.

Lx

Your right about the dehydration it really freaked me out but they just sent me home and told me water basically got there in the end with that still dry at night that's the inflammation I assume I think what I need now is someone who is about 14 to 16 weeks to drop in just to let us know how they are doing I feel its either that or just gotta let it heal now and keep hydrated going to speak to work today if I can wangle another couple of weeks I will if not I will see how it goes Gary spoken to work told them I got flu like symptoms according to the letter from the hospital added possible covid tight chest and they said stay off till your better lovely people Gary

I'm the same with you on that one dane I will take it but only when I have to it has helped me with migraines and tight chest Gary

Thanks steph let's hope today is going to be better

My sister had it at beginning of March but still has the cough but not breathless anymore and walks goes out etc, but she still has relapses, tummy upset last week and felt cold tired the other week.

Thanks Susan yes I am expecting some side effects for a while sore throat and breathing possibly just hoping not too long Gary

Have just watched Kate Garroway talking on GMB about her husband Derek - it is so harrowing but so many points come up - that he didn't have a cough or a temperature at the beginning - after a week they thought he was improving and then the real storm began. As fast as doctors were treating one symptom another occurred.

Please don't watch if you are feeling low or anxious but if you feel you are now coming out the other side you will truly resonate with it and the timeline of the onset albeit this being on an astronomic scale (felt after a week or so recovering, we all know that feeling). It made me cry for all the families this has affected but also made me truly thankful how differently things could have been for us.

All the people who think it is "just a bit of flu" and are now no longer social distancing need to watch it and be aware of what can happen.

Lx

Well now at least they have seen how badly it does affect different people and the symptoms side of it hope my boss is watching it will help lots of people all over the country especially other half's of those who didn't believe them and thought they were dragging it out etc flu like symptoms my sugar gary

Yes definitely - as I've said before unless you've walked in these shoes it is best not to be too judgemental - funnily enough the person who was most concerned about me was my boss - quite surprised really as he is normally aloof but he was literally contacting me every few days and kept telling me to go to hospital - quite sweet really he was genuinely concerned for me.

Lx

It is surprising really how mine just said come back when you're better think the flu like symptoms might have done it could imagine the look of horror on his face if I walked into the office sweating coming down my forehead quickest fag break ever gary and he doesn't even smoke 😂

Very sad

I only get like hot flushes at times but think mine is the meds I'm on, I do have phlegm I feel sometimes in my chest still but it never coughs up now it prob imflammation. Mine is puffy when walking also that pain in upper back but when I bend over and stop it goes. But by 7ish I'm knackered and normally watch TV in bed, but I'm on the sertraline so could be that makes me more tired and the odd diazepam when feeling anxious, my Dr ringing me Monday for chat so will mention the walking and that pain.

Had the sweats, shivers, pulse rate etc for first 5 weeks then been mainly the breathlessness for me but at least we're all out walking, driving, shopping now so we are alot better, I thought I would be like this forever a few weeks back and never have a normal life again 😘😊

Miss work now with all my learning disabilities service users as they make you laugh and work colleges and cuddles with grandkids.

Same as me I'm done early evenings now as well Susan but I do get up early so probably why I'm not sure how will pan out when I go back to work because I do shifts so going to be interesting good that you're Dr is ringing you that always helps Gary

It's lovely to read about so much improvement on here, despite our blips, wobbles and setbacks. I couldn't bring myself to watch segment on GMB about Derek Draper; I just can't handle anything like that at the moment. I do feel enormously grateful that we have 'got off ' relatively lightly, although didn't feel like it at some points. I'd give myself a 7 out of 10 today and last few days. I think the increase in my new inhalers has helped, along with Clarityn and nasal spray. My lipid ibuprofen arrived this morning, so will see how that goes.

I haven't seen any other posts from Lisa, the lady with 4 kids who has pneumonia and sounded in a very bad way. I really hope she's no worse, poor woman.

Mary x

Which nasal spray is that Mary? Was it prescribed or over the counter and is the Clarityn for hayfever - he told me to get these but haven't as yet. Why is liquid Ibruprofen better do you think?

Sounds like you are doing well and yes it was very upsetting so best not to watch it and yes I do hope Lisa is ok she definitely sounded like she needed some more help.

Lx

Hi Lulu,

If you can get ibuprofen get a lipid version it is under brand Flarin.

The main difference is that it is easier for digestive system, specially if you are planning to take it for longer time than 3 days. Regular ibuprofen can be nasty thing and can cause internal bleeding. That's why they test lipid version with Covid patients.

I started with regular one two days ago and so far I have to say it made a huge improvement in terms of lungs inflamation. But as you know with this recovery you cannot be 100% sure if it is ibuprofen or just a recent change of weather 😉

Maciek

Seems to me your starting to get the right things together now Mary and hopefully your improving as well and the ibuprofen should help you I would only use it when needed it really helps if I get a migraine headache or tight chest Gary

I do shifts as well Gary and sleep ins but my manager said when I do go back I won't so any sleep - ins until I feel confident as your there on your own with 5 service users all night. I'll prob do day shifts hopefully to begin with. I walked abit further today and the pain wasn't as bad hubby rubbed vick on my back and I put some on my chest. Mind u laying on sofa now lol.

Ah brilliant thanks for explaining, that makes sense.

Lx

Sounds like you too are making good progress Susan, I definitely feel better now it is cooler - let's hope we are recovered before the next heatwave comes along!

Lx

I've just got some more time to recover was going to go back to work but they said to get better first Susan as I don't think me sweating at night would be appreciated so I'll go back on days in a couple of weeks Gary

Just read what you said about the ibuprofen maciek so I've ordered some flarin if it helps with the inflammation I'm all for it thank you Gary

Hi both

Had two friend visit me today from work, which was interesting, under gazebo in the rain!

Yes, Flarin is the lipid ibuprofen preparation. Nasal spray is called Beconase from supermarket pharmacy. Bit tight chested now 1710), but feeling otherwise good.

Xx

Glad that I could help, we've tried so many different things that, trying one more I don't think will make any harm. I also take everything that is in dr Marik's Covid Protocol. With Ibuprofen that I started three days ago I also started taking Andrographis and Siberian Ginseng because they help with regulating cytokines that cause inflammation in my lungs, (I can send you links to proper scientific sources if you'd like). I noticed a big difference since I added Ibuprofen with latter two things to all tablets from Marik's that.

Do not want to be too optimistic, as there was a change in weather as well. I know that correlation is not causation, therefore I will keep you updated.

To help with phlegm I also use nebuliser with saline and mucolitic tablets. Oh and Turmeric, because Michael who was the first one that recovered was taking it 😉

Please note that I just share what I do and my experience this is not medical advice.

Thank you for the information it's fine I will get some of these on amazon I'm fine with the phlegm only got a little not major like most had thanks again I've just ordered the andrographis and gensing thanks for the advice Gary

For me it is the main problem as I had a lot of it, therefore I focus mostly on that symptom. My GP was unfortunately useless so I had to look for help in scientific papers and found all that in recent days and we'll see if it helps, so far so good, fingers crossed 😉 .

That's good news Gary, I'm pleased thought Sunday was pushing it a bit. You can relax and take it slowly. I am signed off until next Friday but won't be going back until the rest of my symptoms have settled down. Have more pain in right lung (the one he said he could see scarring in) today for some reason - not terrible but am aware of it and throat a bit phlegmy - these things need to be better before returning to work. We have been off this long so another week or two isn't going to make too much difference to employers but it will to our recovery.

Lx

Sounds like a nice day Mary glad you enjoyed it. I am going to get these too.

Hope the chest eases up maybe the Ibruprofen will help.

Lx

I'm aiming to go back on July.

Totally agree lulu Im still trying to work out what to do for the best that's the trouble I know I will be better off with more time and you will be our symptoms change so often I'm now aware that I can do more in the morning and come around this time it has a pop at me hopefully change in the next few weeks if the inflammation calms down that's when I feel we will be able to push on Gary talking about the inflammation how long roughly do you think that it will be before it eases or does that depend on the person or how bad we got it?

I feel exactly the same as you maciek about my gp I never got the help either probably why I spent so much time in a and e one of them even said I was fine to go back to work didn't have a clue Google is a better gp Gary

I won't go back until I can cope. It's a bit worrying that the death rate as gone up again today.

That's a good idea Susan didn't know about the death rate I don't keep in touch with the news only on my phone Gary

I feel the inflammation has just started to ease this last week or so - not so painful now to inhale and generally feeling more "normal" whatever that is than I have for ages. Still have a problem with phlegm especially in morning and evening - just had a big coughing fit and my partner rolling his eyes - have to say coughing can be very annoying for everyone involved!! I feel much better than I did last Friday that is the only way I can gauge my progress by looking back a week - that's why the weekly Monday scoring works for me.

I definitely think the Ibruprofen will help with the inflammation - it's a shame we have all been nervous to use it before now but think from what I've read it is now fine and glad you have this in your stash!

Have a good evening, crack open a beer .. it is Friday after all.

Lx

I think the next couple of weeks are crucial to see which direction this heads. I am not going anywhere other than walks or a socially distanced meet on the green (with Prosecco!) Government obviously under pressure to open up the economy and get people back to work but the figures still don't look that good to me. Think they have lost control no social distancing going on round here - was walking earlier today with friend both 2 metres apart down a narrow lane some stupid woman pulled up right next to me in big 4x4 (I had nowhere to go) wound her window down about a foot away from my face and asked for directions - what is it that people do not understand about social distancing? How hard is it? Have come to conclusion that many people are both stupid and impatient - no-one wants to wait a few seconds to let you past or to grab something they need in supermarket (not that I've been but have been told this is going on). I think people think it won't happen to them. I have family members who are still implying that maybe because I have not been tested I haven't had it - unbelievable - what they don't realise as they have not had it - is this cannot be confused with any other illness in my opinion and given the timeframe; anyone else been ill for 11 weeks with a regular cold or flu before, no I don't think so - but I just let them think that it is not worth the energy trying to explain.

Rant over....off to relax!!!

Lx

Yes I know what you are saying see where I'm at come Monday enjoy your evening and stop coughing upsetting your other half lol will pass on the beer till the weekend then I will crack one open Gary

Hi,

What are the mucolitic tablets called and where do you get them from please?

Thanks in advance

Jim

Hi,

What are the mucolitic tablets called and where do you get them from please?

Thanks in advance

Jim

Hi Jim,

I use mucosolvan (ambroxol) 30mg , you can get them in UK through ebay.

There is also a syrup, they are made in EU. It is the most common mucolitic.

Thank you

They are really good I take 3x1 tablet a day or 2x2 tablets a day, but never take them in the evening, I don't take them later than 5.00PM

Because it is a mucolitic and it will produce a lot more of mucus and it will be horrible at night, feels like drowning.

Disclaimer

This is not a medical advice, I'm not recommending anything, just sharing my experience.

Hi Jim I hope you are feeling a bit better see maciek has answered your question hope they help you Gary

Morning lulu and everyone I'm awake early had quite a good sleep but just my luck bloody neighbours decide to stay up all night and play music when I'm working normally sleep through it didn't have any sweats so that's a result still a dry one but getting better bit early for a walk so will have a cuppa and listen to the crappy music Gary

Morning Gary and everyone!

That was considerate of them!! - as I said in my rant last night people can be very stupid and selfish. Glad the sweats are improving that is encouraging and must give you a better sleep. I slept like log again but feel a bit tight on chest this morning but think because not moved around during night also a lot of coughing in the evening. Every time you think you are better you realise you are not quite there but overall heading in right direction.

Enjoy walk and hope everyone had a good night and day ahead. I am getting very bored that must be a good sign! Also was thinking not once physically seen a doctor throughout this whole illness its all been over phone - wouldn't mind someone looking down throat etc and telling why still red.

Lx

Yes that would be a result if you could the last one to look at mine had a dirty great visor on thought he was shining his little light more on my nose than throat I tried some gaviscon just in case of heartburn or acid coming up it seems OK but every so often feels like something on the end of it I've got some andrographis and siberian gensing coming today so hopefully it'll help with the inflammation also going to try the flarin when that comes onwards and upwards I've got two little mouth sores turned up this morning dry mouth I suppose Gary

Morning Gary,

Still on a roller coaster ride with symptoms.

When I'm in bed I have this internal shaking, very strange but had it on and off since the start of May. Then there's the nose problem that blocks when it gets red hot? That comes and goes. This has come back over last fee days.

I've noticed over the past couple of days I become breathless easier?

On top of that mucus aplenty and chest pains around the ribs and sternum before I try to clear the mucus.

Other than that lot I'm tickety boo.

Glad to read your getting much better.

I'm week 9, so fingers crossed these symptoms start to dissipate.

Jim.

Hi Lulu, good morning. Im new to this forum but ive been reading this thread for two days as im experiencing so much if the same. Im not yet familiar with the layout here, please excuse me butting in. I hope your doing better? Im only on page 48 of yours and everyones communications with this thread so far!! Im desperately looking for answers to alleviate things. I suspect i had the "thing" back in mid march, but no one can say, but i dont know what else would have caused all the same issues as youve all explained here. Ive had so many horrible challenges and paramedics out and trips to barnet general. One because of a huge SVT two weeks ago . Im now on beta blockers and having side effect issues. I got assigned a cardiologist the next day and he was great the first week and now i cant get hold of him. Hes referred me to an electrophysiologist for a catheter ablation. I dont think my body is ready for that yet, but itll be a wait anyway on the NHS. By sheer synchronistic chance i live in Enfield and would really appreciate the Respiratory doctors info. Is that at Cavell? Ive been on the phone to several GP's at my practise and not one of them has been able to advise or help with my breathing issues.

Morning Jim blimey sorry I'm always going on about how good lm getting and your having a terrible time I will say though I did start picking up about 9 weeks Jim if you too ask lulu or maciek they are really good at finding what helps with the symptoms Jim me I just Google it hope you have a good weekend just had a look at the shaking lucazade water or breathing exercises should help it could be one of three things Gary but I would check with the girls first jim

Hi Jim

Good to hear from you was wondering how you were getting on. Does the internal shaking feel like vibration - if it does I definitely have this have had it for a long while and notice it at night or if lying down but haven't given it much thought - just wonder if you mean this same thing?

I think for me the breathless is linked to the mucous - again woke this morning with heavy chest and taken a while to clear it but think you were going to get the anti mucous meds which help. I feel like Ive been punched in ribs think from coughing getting phlegm up and plenty of random pains in chest and back - from what I've been told it is just the chest/lungs healing - some days seem better than others but overall progressing.

As Gary said think you will notice a difference over the next couple of weeks - it is not a case of waking up better but things slowly improve with odd set backs.

Keep in touch and let us know how you are getting on.

Lx

Hi lulu glad you turned up to help Jim I wasn't sure what to say for the shaking Gary

Hi Lulu,

Yes, it's an internal reverberation I would call it, very strange.

So it's a snap on that one.

I'm going to ring my doctors on Monday and ask about ibuprofen being compatible with my BP medication.

I've order the Siberian ginseng and the other item, so we'll see if they help.

Thanks to everyone for the help, advice and encouragement.

Jim.

Hi Gracey

Happy for you to butt in any time you like and welcome! I did not start this forum (it was started by Res who still posts). He did an amazing job setting this up and we do what we can to support each other and try to be as positive as we can as we have all been very unwell and anxious over the weeks but think, with support and different meds, things for most of us are beginning to slowly improve.

I think we have all found that we have had little support from GPs as they are mainly in the dark with this virus and are stabbing around looking for treatments and answers. We have also found you need to keep phoning GP if you are not improving and badgering them for chest x-rays, blood tests, scans etc.If, of course, anything changes and you are worried get immediate help or go to A&E plenty of us have had numerous visits over the weeks and I am told they do not seem to be too busy and will check you out thoroughly.

What are your specific symptoms? If you want to share them, we can maybe be more reassuring as to which we recognise and if we have found anything specific helps with them. Quite a few of us started feeling unwell in mid-March so you must be on a similar timeline - around 10/11 weeks in.

I'll get the specialist's full details and message you. I did see him privately but don't see why your GP couldn't refer you on the NHS to him.

Anyway, we are here if you need any support, please note (as far as I am aware) none of us have any medical training/knowledge we are only passing on what we have discovered or been told - it is literally a support group where we share tips/information and support one another going through this tough illness.

All the very best,

Lx

Yep I've definitely got the reverberations going on Jim! - maybe milder than you - did wonder what it was but sort of ignored it - too many other things to focus on and doesn't seem to get worse for me. I've also had tinnitus - have ignored that too! Just assume these will go away eventually.

A quick positive story for everyone!! My cousin told me her male friend on the Isle of Bute became ill just before C-19 really kicked off, he had just returned from travelling, doctors treated him for COPD even though he wasn't convinced as normally fit and healthy- was breathless, coughing, phlegm felt awful etc. etc. took 18 weeks - now completely better and certain it was C-19.

Happy Saturday everyone.

Lx

Brilliant, fantastic news!!!!

I needed that.

x

Morning Lulu ,Gary and everyone,

Had a couple of low days,feeling really disconnected and not even knowing how to reply to messages saying how are you feeling .

Guess it's only natural to feel like this sometimes.I'm usually so positive and happy and rarely let things get me down but this illness has taken its toll.

Now going to pull up my big girl knickers and hopefully have a better day. x

Hi Dawn

I totally understand how you're feeling. There's been more than one occasion I've had to pull up my own knickers!

Mary x

Hi Mary,

We can't do much else really can we ,just have to get on with it.

Had a good old cry this morning so hopefully let a lot out .

Hope you have a good day,keep those knickers up x

Hi Dawn sorry to hear you've had a couple of bad days we all know it does that so pull your big knickers up and get it sorted only joking you are a couple of weeks behind the rest of us though is that right so you got to hang on in there and try to kick little sugars back side and get the good days back Gary

Hi LuLu,

Thank you so much for responding.

I think my GP's triage and Docs all sigh when i call "its her again and again and again"!! I just want some support, treatments , something and none coming.

Since possibly having the thing in March I’ve had rolling panic attacks, plus increased SVT’s (had them years but never this bad), worsened asthma for the first time in years (put on steroid inhaler), very shallow breathing plus periodic spasms in oesophagus, or stomach or gallbladder area. I actually dont know what it is, as its hard to pinpoint, but the spasms have been between breast bones. It could be bronchospasm from asthma, but although my peak flow is a little lower, its not that bad. I’ve had umpteen paramedics out in this 12 weeks and all my obs are mostly good, except tachy heart (but again had that years, but its definitely been made worse). I had a lung X-ray a few weeks ago at Barnet General and that was clear. One SVT though landed me in resuscitation a couple of weeks ago and I’ve now been officially diagnosed with paroxysmal SVT (now on a list for Catheter ablation and waiting to hear from an electrophysiologist) . In all these weeks since mid March I keep waking from sleep with hyperventilation. It’s driving me nuts. For weeks its actually made me terrified to sleep and I’m not sure if they’re nocturnal panic attacks or sleep apnea even?? My oxygen in these episodes is 99%, (which does point to hyperventilation syndrome?). The new beta blockers get my high HR down fairly quickly (although they in themselves are giving me hella side effects).

This shallow breathing is giving me so many symptoms and it’s exhausting : Im giddy, my fingers tingle, my back hurts, my stomach hurts, I have an intense internal tremor and I feel like I'm on ship in storm. Im also super UBER sensitive to smells and vapours, they make me cough. My nose is sore and dry and yet I feel all phlegmy in my throat and have to keep swallowing. If I eat I feel like Im suffocating a bit (& I hate writing that, its so frightening). The back of my throat feel sore and burns a bit, so do my ears. Ive had really bad gastritis, which is odd as my acid was being controlled well with lanzoprozole for years and then bam mid march I was in ridic burning pain in my stomach and upwards. My body all over seems hyper hyper sensitive to so much. The Gp's have tried various benzos and antidepressants in these weeks to calm me down and my body has reacted violently to them. The diazepam was horrific, as with an already slowed breath and respiration system it only made for a horror filled night when I tried them to get better sleep!! Mirtazapene landed me in A&E with my throat closing!

I paid for one session of hypnotherapy to see if that could calm my fight or flight (& bring on rest and digest more) and can’t pay for much more but without a few sessions I’m not sure it’ll help retrain my system a bit. He reckons he can help though. If I try and deep breath my HR rockets and I cough. So doing meditation and mindfulness is really hard (I have CPTSD from decades of mental and emotional abuse from various key relationships and marriage plus medical PTSD from some horrible horrible medical experiences over the years). To say I'm sensitive in all ways is an understatement right now. I have to stay off social media and news a lot or it triggers such anxiety and worry. Folks love to regale in absolute horror stories. Any bit of stress and my body cant cope. With all this my abusive ex husband to be is also pushing and pushing to keep doing admin for divorce and deny that I'm really not well at all and angry that I cant do things he's requesting. Its really adding to the load on my body and soul.

I feel like I’m not properly in my body and it’s quite distressing, but Im a fighter and Im looking for resources, and support and treatments to get better. I NEED to get better. Im a single mum alone with two teens who have needs and I need to be stronger physically (although I was already partially disabled by CNS disorder/fibromyalgia and M.E before this).

I know this is long, theres just been so much.

Thank you for reading if you have

Gracey x

Oh and Ive also had chills and nerve pain in my digits and body, but that may be the Beta blockers as its known to cause that. The only time I had a slight low grade fever (37.7) was in March for a few days. Id already had a GERD cough, but it did seem more apparent in these weeks. At the worst part I was coughing and being sick with phlegm. They put me on cyclizine for while, but I'm wondering if my body actually just wanted to expel.

Thanks Gary,

Yes just past 7 weeks now,a way to go I think.

Yep these are big bad boy knickers😂 and this little sugar will not beat me .

Have a good day x

You know that Dawn that made me laugh 😂 I know you're going to kick his little back side good girl you have a great day too Gary

Hello Dawn

hope you're feeling better 🙋xx

Hi Dianne,

Yes ,thank you .

Had a nice bath ,washed my hair and even put a bit of lippy on 😊 .x

Hi Gracey

Sounds like a really tough time for you. I'll list all the things I can think of that we have experienced between us over last few weeks and which we feel are related to C-19 and then you may feel a bit more reassured that you are not alone - these symptoms come and go for most of us and some days worse than others. The anxiety, for me, has decreased as I am getting better but still bubbles below the surface and I have never been an anxious person so for you already suffering from panic attacks it must feel so much worse but perhaps you have been taught better managing techniques that some of us. Also underlying Fibromyalgia and ME are going to exacerbate the fatigue we have all felt. Anyway, here goes....

• Anxiety - we have all suffered badly with this. For me it made everything so much worse so had to find a way to calm down. I do yoga so check out basic positions (find quiet room, lay on floor, arms, legs out, eyes shut and breathe slowly) focus on breathing and nothing else. Have a look on Youtube basic yoga breathing.
• Sleeplessness - we have all suffered badly with this but for some now improving. Peppermint tea has helped me calm down at night but it is hard.
• Coughing - some of us have suffered - I have especially mornings and night and a constant trying to clear throat or phlegm. In early days felt like ball of phlegm at back of throat. Now Phlegm in throat and on chest and can't always cough up. Some of us are on anti-mucous meds.
• Red/sore throat a few of us have had this and I still do intermittently.
• Breathing issues/breathlessness - most of us have suffered and still suffering with this. Some days better/worse than others.
• Gastric issues/diahorrea - quite a few have suffered with this. I had this early only on but has improved but not quite right yet - could be the meds Ive been taking.
• Media/news quite a few of us have not been following news was too distressing. I personally deleted all news Apps from phone and am careful what I read/watch.
• Fatigue - we have all felt this, exhausted from doing not much but again this improves over time. The specialist I'm seeing had C19 and told me he literally could only take two steps when he first started recovering. He is now back at work.
• Chills - many people have had this but I haven't.
• Fever/night sweats - some people have struggled with this and still are. I never had a temperature.
• Diet - try and eat as healthy as you can, plenty of Vit C (squeeze a fresh orange and lemon each day), Vit D supplement, Iron (bags of spinach are cheap and you can wilt into pretty much any meal).

I really hope this helps reassure you and if anyone else in our group can add anything to help I'm sure they will. Sounds like your Oxygen level is good so that must be reassuring - something positive to focus on.

Lx

We all will Gary 😊x

Sorry to hear that Dawn, definitely have days like that - sometimes it just really gets to you. Me too ..normally bounce through life but it is not just the illness we are dealing with but lockdown too - I am seriously bored being at home I am normally out the whole time socialising, meeting friends, eating, drinking and being merry!! and now stuck in house with one other person for 12 weeks or however long it is (I've lost count) is really tough and not natural - we are squabbling like a couple of kids!

I've got my big girls knickers on too pulled up to under my armpits! Yesterday said on here I felt much better today not so good, nothing serious just more coughy and phlegmy - what is it about this bloody illness the minute you declare you are feeling better it comes back to bite you - unbelievable!

Take care,

Lx

Gracey, I have replied but for some reason needs moderating. Not sure why!! Maybe cos it is so long! Anyway hopefully you will see it soon.

Take care,

Lx

Do you have other family who can support you gracey this virus is a really nasty thing to go through physically and mentally in top of everything else you suffer with, ignore the ex that's not important at mo your health is more important x

Lol we all say we're having better days then bam we go down again, I went to sainsbury with hubby I had mask and gloves on so many people not protecting themselves I came out as started to panic. Ps lulu my hubby still at home everyday as self employed and me off sick were driving each other nuts as well I can't get away from him lol.

Oh yes, I saw. That's a shame,I hope I get to see it. Need all the resources I can get. Thank you though.

I am not saying a word going forward - EVERY time I say something it goes wrong! Yep I'm thinking of going out before I literally start climbing the walls but can't think of anywhere to go .. LOL! I have not been in a shop the whole time so understand the feeling of panic. I said to other half I might pop out for half an hour and he said .....

"I'LL COME"!!! AAAAAGH!!!!!

Thank you for asking, that's lovely. My parents don't live far and I can chat to them, but they're so lost with what to do and who to go to to help me. They're also disillusioned by our GP's lacks of awareness. Its physically hard as they were sort of my carers in this house with my kids the last few years. Ive been a single mum alone for a year since he walked out and its been tough, but the last 12 weeks Ive had to fend for myself and get the kids to do more too as I haven't wanted to chance them mixing with us (although they did come visit in my garden last week and Im upset its raining now). Its been physically so demanding when Ive needed rest. One of my sisters lives round the corner and she's collected meds and taken me to hospital and Ive visited there (from a distance in the garden or on drive) when feeling better before the whopper SVT and beta blockers. Doing my best to ignore x , but he comes visits on the drive and garden (which is a huge invasive thing for me), but its the only way he could see them as I didn't want them mixing between houses as I'm vulnerable). He has a few times verbally denigrated me to the kids on my doorstep when I'm somewhere in the house. Beyond stressful and triggers all my anxiety. Horrible man, who thinks I'm only like this from being neurotic and pretending no doubt.

Ahh bless you Lulu,

Sorry to hear you feel rough again today,it just knocks you sideways after better days.

I thought my knickers were big! but go you under the armpits 😂 you keep them there.

Reminded me of a little joke you saying about partner and yours Susan....

Woman has a friend over and she asks "wheres hubby"?

woman replies "hes in the garden".

"Oh I didn't see him'.

"you'll have to dig a little " she says .

Have a nice evening and pour a little prosecco x

Oh no lulu my hubby went to golf today so got a break this morning, bless them don't know how I would have cope all these weeks without him around tho x

Ha ha, brilliant, that made me laugh!! He's actually been good (Ill put that in case he manages to log on and read!) Just been for a long walk, lots of hills just being out makes you feel better. I could tell as soon as I woke up chest felt heavy, it's very strange.

Enjoy your evening, and yep Prosecco is definitely on the cards!

Lx

Hang in there gracey you have us to talk to now x

Ha ha about right

I hope it does appear took me ages to write it!!

Oh bless you, ever so grateful that you took that time. Now I really want to know what you wrote.

I must get some of those knickers, Dawn, do they sell them on Amazon?

It's been a bit of an up and down week for me, I haven't managed to go out walking locally, and all I could manage yesterday was a wobbly walk in the garden. I feel a bit better today but it's like starting again with the walking.

Anyway hope you're feeling better, as Lulu says, it's such a long time, feels like we've been shut in forever!

Touché Ive had my chest tightened on me was having a good day went to the shops to get some strepsils use them when I'm walking only tightened on me at the counter then my ticker started thought oh no got bloody strepsils and going to have a heart attack luckily enough went normal taking it easy now you girls trying to get rid of your other half's Gary

bio kult came today, thanks Gary, so attacking this stomach thing with it, and stuff doctor gave me, and ginger root tea(yuk)

we'll beat it!

Hi Joanne,

Just be kind to yourself and don't push too hard.

It will get better,I've not managed the walks I wanted to try either this week.

Just little by little .If you're still wobbly in the garden it's too soon to try more.

How many weeks are you now Joanne ? x

My andrographis and ginseng are on the way today its just started thundering and lightning here as well hammering down hope the bio kult works for you Joanne should do Gary

Lol its not working tho Gary, mind you my hubby been digging garden this week I might start worrying ha ha 😂😂😂

Ha ha Susan he knows he won't get away with that one hasn't been to IKEA recently though has he Gary

😂😂 watch out Susan ,keep an eye on how deep hes digging x

Hi Dawn

I've just started 12th week, but a couple of weeks ago I was walking for about 20 mins out and about. I've started to get stomach churning when I walk for more than a few mins.

Hopefully it'll improve as my stomach settles, I've started taking a few things for it

Hope you're feeling better x

Hi Garry,

That's great news. I use them i think fourth day alongside Ibuprofen (still waiting for my delivery of lipid one so i started with regular one). So far I noticed massive difference. Much less mucus.

I also found really interesting article today in Guardian titled:

I’ve been ill for months, but I still don't know if it is Covid-19

The author has same story like most of us. But there is a very important thing that he mentions. That removing mucus from lungs is very, very important. Because it can dry there and block alveoli in lungs and they die.

He also mentioned percussion massage. I didn't mention it before but my wife does it to me from very beginning of my sickness.

There is an awesome video on YouTube called: Postural drainage, percussion, vibration technique. by Physio keeps you moving

We do this at least twice a day after nebulisation with saline. If you don't have that then use steam inhalation with water and salt for 10min. It makes massive difference with coughing out this phlegm.

They are just tips for anyone who is reading this and struggle with stuck and blocked lungs.

What really surprised me is that doctors don't mention this to us.

Thanks maciek just a quick one how do you take the andrographis and gensing with the ibuprofen I should have mine today thanks Gary

I'll message you as just got moderated. 😭

Will one of you nice chaps message me with that information please.

Oh sorry to hear that Joanne really hope it settles for you soon.

12 weeks wow this thing still jumps out at you.

Take it easy and hope whatever you're taking works for you x

*OK thanks maciek *will message you Jim when I get it Gary

H Gary,

Just did message you please forward this message to Jim if you can?

thank you kindly

Yes thank you maciek will do that now Gary

thanks Dawn 😃

Hi Jim I have messaged you just remember to eat with the ibuprofen unless you got the lipid I'm not sure which one you are using Gary

Thanks to you both.

Good morning everyone Jim just to let you know I took the andrographis and gensing together but I think it was probably a bit too strong for me so am going to stretch it out not sure how it was for you if you got strange feeling then maybe same if not just carry on as normal besides that same dry night dealing with the inflammation I have to sleep on my side as well gets tight on my back hoping you all had a better night Gary

Morning Gary and everyone

Can't comment on the andrographis and gensing as not taking them but hope they work out for you. How's the chest tightness today any better? Just done my morning "all body assessment"!!! and mine feels quite a bit better at moment (am now def jinxed!!) so going to focus on other things today and see what happens. Hope you are on same course and everyone has a good day.

Lx

Had trouble getting to sleep but took the two together so that might not be a good idea for me woke up in the middle of the night randy that must have been the siberian no bloody good to me was up early round the park a few times and still feeling okay just got tingling in my hands that comes and goes chest is OK I have to sleep on my side now though let's hope everyone has a good day Going to try something different today not going to rest till late weeks ago used to knock me for six in the afternoon now going to try to not to settle too early try and push till night time hopefully little sugar plays the game Gary

Afternoon Gary, Lulu and everyone. Gary I've had side effects from certain vits or meds if I've introduced them newly, maybe google possible side effects. Just to say my breathing hasn't been too bad last few days. But I've had a painful left arm and think it's from the glands under my armpit the lymph nodes. Has anyone else had this ? I had this early on and GP said this was connected to an infection so prescribed me antibiotics. Also have soreish throat and the funny tongue thing is back Lulu!! It's never ending !!

Afternoon Gary and everyone,

You are funny Gary at least it's working even though you may not be able to put it to use 😂

Going to try and be a bit more active today even though I'm still only getting about 5 hours sleep and couldn't lay on my left side at all last night ,felt like a stitch in my lung.Only one hot sweat last night though.

Chest a bit tight this morning but breathing seems a little better,I'll see how I feel after a walk out though it scares me how quick it can change with a little exertion.

Have a good day all x

Hi steph,

My arms and upper body ached terrible last week,even lifting the kettle and opening the fridge were painful,my right arm still aches when lifting it which I presume was from a little bit of pruning I done, no swollen glands though x

Thank you for the update Gary.

Keep me in the loop how they're going as it'll be the end of the week before mine arrive.

Jim.

Thanks for letting me know Dawn. It just feels like the beginning of a cold or flu achey, with sore throat but we all know it's this little "sugar" I've had the really sensitive back too probs where my lungs are but that feels a bit better now as i'm able to lean on it for longer periods.

Lulu thanks for letting us know about someone you know recovering after 18 weeks it gives us hope that one day we will hopefully get there too xx

Yes I know what you mean steph about the side effects I think now I will just take one and then a couple of hours take another still should do the same just stretch it out and hopefully no side effects my hands have been tingling since this morning have a good day Gary

Afternoon dawn you are improving the sweats what about dry mouth I think that comes with the inflammation because mine is better but still dry at night yes it's so hard to get this right I know rest is good but I feel we have to try and see how far to push gotta sort this tingling enjoy the rest of your day dawn hopefully the sweats will do one soon Gary

OK Jim will do I hope you're having a better day Gary

Afternoon Lulu and all,

Hope your all having a better day?

Do moderated comments ever get posted?

I don't remember reading about the person who recovered after 18 wks, is it quite far back? Id love to read and build some hope! Feeling anxious today after a rough rough night (shared about it replying to Gail28154 on page 62 ). Is it me or it is hard to find current comments as they get slotted in pages further back!?. I remember taking 3 months to recover from flu 2017-2018. So I figure this will take quite a bit longer with my underlying issues.

Hi Steph

I've had a sore left arm/shoulder on and off for the past week. It sounds similar to you, I can feel it under my arm too, and sometimes my chest. The doctor didn't know what it was.

I'm finding my heat pack seems to sooth it for a bit. Seems just another symptom! Hope you can get some relief soon

Hi Gary,dry mouth improving but I think its how I'm breathing that makes it worse at night.

I remember in the beginning when I was breathing really bad I had constant dry mouth literally immediately after drinking and continuous thirst so its improved greatly.

Just got back from a 15 slow walk,felt like I was spaced out and my eyes felt heavy ,came in and quite shakey ,breathing heavier but soon settled after sitting for a bit..having a cuppa before starting on some cleaning.

I'm going for it today .

Is the tingling constant or just when you're walking ?I only got the tingling when I was tachycardic x

Hi Grace, you can find Lulu's message about 18 week recovery on a message to Jim posted 1 day ago. I know what you mean about messages all over the place !!

Thanks for reply Joanne about a similar pain in left arm. I can't see a swelling under arm it just feels tender. Gosh if GP doesn't know what it is what hope have we got!! Think any medical knowledge they had before this is all gone !! I know it's a new virus but they should know more than us shouldn't they ???

Hi Gracey

No idea why earlier post was moderated and no idea what happens after that! There were no sweary words or links so baffles me. Anyway I'll try and reply again if I can remember what I said!

Extreme anxiety - we have all had this and as we have progressed for most of us think it has improved. It is obviously harder for you as you suffer panic attacks but maybe you are better equipped to deal with the anxiety than we were - you must know some breathing techniques and maybe other techniques you could share with us!

Breathing - we have all suffered problems with breathing, tight chest, sore throat - I find moving helps, shorts walks and build up to more. The more I sit around the worst it is for me but you need to take it slowly. Gary reckons Ibruprofen helps with tight chest I believe but I haven't tried. I think Ibruprofen will also help with throat.I also cough if I deep breath.

Oxygen levels - yours sound as if good but can buy an Oximeter if you don't have one from Amazon and check which is reassuring.

Back pains/chest pains - most of us have suffered with these - I was told by specialist for me that this is the inflammation/lesions in lungs and will improve - some days worse than others and some days one lung worse and not other and vice versa. Also random chest pains which come and go.

Internal tremors - Jim and I talked about this yesterday - I definitely have this and noticed it last night but just ignore it - no idea what it is but hasn't got better or worse and doesn't bother me too much. Jim might be able to help more with this.

Smell/vapours - not had too much of a problem with this but can't put deodorant on without hanging head out of window! Couple of people have randomly smelt cigarette smoke so you are definitely not alone. Remember lungs will be super sensitive so avoid anything which will irritate lungs as far as possible.

Phlegm - have had a huge problems with this and it is better but still there - when first ill felt like I had a huge ball of phlegm at back of throat - hot showers help me cough it up and also take Mucodyne. Many others have phlegm problems so again you are not alone.

Sore throat - was my first symptom and still comes and goes. Throat still looks red but not so painful now believe it is inflammation - Gary has same problem and as I said above think Ibruprofen will help.

Heart rate - think most of us have had racing heart rates - I certainly have but it has settled down now - think partly caused by anxiety and also the virus but if mine felt too fast I would just rest until it settled down and then start again but obviously if you have any heart issues need to be more aware. I kept a note of my heart rate/blood pressure and oxygen levels each days and after a couple of weeks or so saw some improvement. I would check my heart rate after going upstairs on my watch and sometimes was sky high but now improved.

Fatigue - we have all had this and the only thing is to rest between any chores and listen to your body - I spent ages doing nothing - chatting on here!!

Sleep - all had sleep problems and some people still are - mine was at height of illness and I believe mainly caused by anxiety as that improved my sleep also did. Others may be able to add more to this and I believe some are taking meds.

Sorry if any of this sounds obvious just wanted you to know you are not alone with your symptoms and I think most of us would agree we are all improving but maybe not until week 8/9. My specialist told me initially 4 months to recover and then on Friday said for my lungs to recover fully could take 6/12 months. He did tell me though will recover and I believe other people have been told same. You have to believe that. I am going into week 11 tomorrow.

None of us have any medical training (as far as I know!!) just sharing tips and treatments which have helped us through and I'm sure the others may be able to add more as we have all had similar symptoms but some worse than others.

Take care, stay strong and positive and try and find a coping mechanism for the anxiety, if you can it will help you so much, (I know easier said than done) but try not to be too scared and if anything changes get medical help. Sounds like you are on the same timeframe as me so hopefully you will be feeling better soon.

All the best,

Lx

I've had this symptom from the start.

Is super weird. Doctors have no clue😂

I personally think it may be inflammation from some lymph nodes as it goes up and down a bit a d slightly reminds me of when I had bad M.E and got raised glands on and off in my neck for no apparent reason. Odd one though!

Week 11 for me too tomorrow!

Chest still tight as a drum but I think some of that is post rain pollen.

On another set of antibiotics and hating every second as body is responding very sensitively to any medication. i also dont think i need it but i think the doctor wants to ( again) rule out secondary infection. It hasn't improved the cough or chest atall though and am already day 4 on them. They r making me sick as a parrot.

Glad you found us Gracey!

No dawn the tingling is really weird coming and going I had few weeks back but my legs were as well then but not now itll probably do one soon your going for it today as well then I'm off out again trying to not settle too early today we both might pay for it later hopefully not enjoy gary

Hi steph, finally found the comment to Jim (I checked my emails). Its made me think that I should really see if I can get hold of the respiratory doctor Lulu mentioned. Such a small world that he's at a hospital literally down the road from where I live! What with that and getting an ultrasound on my stomach and abdomen this coming Tuesday , I'll may be get some more answers as to some of the strangeness I'm experiencing. I was directed to a new websites via an asthma nurse (at asthma UK) created by Lister hospital think? which was created for those recovering at home after admission. There's a few COPD breathing techniques videos on there. Ive tried them but they hurt and make me hyperventilate and I need to know why. I cant link it here can I ? If anyone would like it may be message me?

I agree, it feels like none of the GP's have been versed in knowing what all this is and he funkiness of it all.

Urghh I hear you on the antibiotics , they make me so unwell and I react badly to them anyway, but right now I cant face them. My GP tried to put me on Clarythromicin part way through and my body said NOPE at the 1st one. I'm allergic to erythromycin already sooooo.....

There is a probiotic you can take that will survive the antibiotic, but you have to be careful if unwell. Id say get some strong good ones ready for the day after you finished and chug them! VSL#3 is used often for those of us with bowel disease. It comes in packs of 10 or 20 sachets for the fridge and is a good medicinal dose. Gotta repopulate that good bacteria quick.

I do hope you start feeling a bit better, it can take until a few days after the course to feel better sometimes (if it is an infection anyway). Its all so hard to endure day after day and be stuck at home (mind you I'm not allowed to drive now I have unstable SVT's) and have to wait 4 weeks on this horror blocker drug before I can - but I'm to wobbly anyway to do so, so there's that.

Unbelievable isn't it Res- I had two lots of antibiotics as precautionary and not sure I needed them but I spose better safe than sorry but then if no secondary infection they are not going to improve anything - everything else has to heal and get better in its own time. No two days are same. Yesterday I had tight chest all day and back pain today that is better but have sore throat!! Did go for a walk around St Catherine's Dock and I wore a face mask (made me feel much safer as was busy) but was aware that I was inhaling my own breath so think that affected throat but was good to go out and be "normal" for a couple of hours.

Lx

Hi Res, I just wrote you reply, I think it got moderated as I mentioned some probiotic type!

Think to keep the trail going we need to hit "reply" to someone's specific message as opposed to the big blue "Post Reply" button at bottom of page! Gary pointed out I had done this the other day and he couldn't find me! Not sure it matters who's message you reply to as think we probably all scroll through and read but it does keep it on one page and puts the latest comment at the bottom - I think!

Lx

Hi Gary ,

yes that is a weird one but so many of them.

Go you ,let's hope not x

Hi Lulu,

Hope the back pain and sore throat ease a little later.

Nice for you to get out though,I find I breathe much heavier with mask too but would rather wear one .Hope that improves by the time I go back to work I will be wearing one for 12 hours . I get so anxious about people coming so close even in my little local Co Op when popped out ,people are so impatient and careless.

Have a nice evening x

https://www.theatlantic.com/health/archive/2020/06/covid-19-coronavirus-longterm-symptoms-months/612679/

Hi All

A friend sent me the link above to a fantastic article in the Atlantic online magazine. It could be talking about any one of us. Particularly interesting to me is section on immune system.

Mary x

I did/do for the most part, there's been the odd comment I've just posted. I'll make sure I reply to someone to keep it in the flow.

Thank you for such a detailed response, ( this and your moderated one showed up now). I need to wade in more to both , just having a tricky afternoon which feels like a ground hog day of yesterday!

Did the cat scan show some issues then? I'm sorry if they did, but he believes you can recover still, just slow and steady right? You're already doing a lot better by being able to go into the West end. I cant even leave my house fort a walk (I was before the big SVT happened and the bloody beta blockers). Do you live near Enfield? Funny if your'e not far from me! I'm calling insurance tomorrow about seeing that Doc as he's like a walk away from my house (If I can walk there ooooofff - I'm right by Chase Farm Hospital)!

oh dear! They do that sometimes 🤦‍

Hi Gracey

He was pretty happy with the CT scan said lungs only functioning 95% but that is fine (apparently!!) told me you can survive with one lung (puts it into perspective) and a couple of scars on lungs - more on right lung which I can feel as I have pain in that area - he was very upbeat and said nothing to worry about it will all heal and get better but may take up to a year in total but reckons I should be feeling better in 4 months-ish. I'm in Loughton and work in London but my local private hospital had been taken over by NHS so had to schlep over to Enfield - only took 20 mins so was fine.

I liked him a lot - I was a nervous wreck before the first consultation and he was very reassuring (maybe because he has had it?) - had the first decent nights sleep for weeks after I had spoken to him!

Take it slowly, try and stay positive and maybe set one goal each day and am pretty sure things will improve soon but also be realistic that from what we have all experienced this does not get better overnight - I think that is where I went wrong I kept thinking I'd wake up better but had someone told me it would be up and down and good days/bad days for this amount of time I would've been better prepared and less anxious. Hope this helps.

Lx

I do it all the time, so wouldn't worry too much - we normally get back on track and find the messages!Feel sorry for anyone who has just found this thread and wading through all these messages! On the plus side there must be loads of info on here by now. If you see a long message you know it is me (I have a tendency to talk/type a lot!!) just got too much to say for myself!

Lx

Hi Dawn

Yep tricky isn't it my sunglasses kept steaming up!! I was thinking that when walking around that everyone has a difference experience - some people don't seem to care at all about social distancing others are super nervous - you don't know people's circumstances - either you may have experienced the virus yourself or had a family member really ill or even worse lost someone so you are bound to feel nervous - I am darting around all over the place avoiding people but that is because of my experience. Maybe we are safer than others who haven't had it if we have antibodies - let's hope so.

Take care, hope you are getting on ok. Partner not visiting this weekend?!

Lx

Hi Lulu,

Hadn't thought about the glasses aspect,I only need to wear mine for TV, driving,but not so sure anymore as they seem to have deteriorated ,eye test on the agenda,not worn the sunglasses with the mask yet.

Hes over Tuesday,trying to be sensible and leave a 7 day gap where he only has his daughter at his home, not strictly lockdown rules I know and it does make me feel like I'm doing something wrong (I asked my eldest not to arrest him) but I think our mental health was more important taking into account the stress we were both feeling while I was so ill.

I'm hoping that we have built some immunity but still very cautious, I'm actually a zoflora Queen and still antibac everything !😂 x

Guys,

As you know I've had my up's and downs with this tripe. Yes, I've definitely had more downs than up but there has been an improvement looking back over the weeks.

I'm now on week 9 and early this afternoon suddenly felt washed out, sick and started shaking uncontrollably again. Throats closing, my nose is blocked and I've got a rash across my nose and face.

All bar the feeling sick reminded me of the first two or three weeks. I couldn't eat even if I tried. I even fell asleep this afternoon.

My sats are okay.

Anyone else had a relapse like this so far on?

Jim.

I look like I'm going icognito - face mask, sunglasses, gloves ... lol! No-one would recognise me!

Ah good that is something to look forward to and sounds like you are doing it sensibly - it is so tough at the moment and you had added stress of being ill and not being together and hopefully takes your mind off things for a couple of days.

Yep if you stand still long enough around here you get wiped down with a Dettol wipe - takes me about 2 hours to unpack shopping as have to wipe it all down! Not sure can do for too much longer. Are you or anyone else getting takeaways?

Lx

Hi Jim

Sounds really tough - have you done anything different today, taken any different meds, eaten anything different? Sounds like could be an allergy with the rash. Just wanted to say really sorry you've had such a bad afternoon.

I definitely think it is only when you look back you can see the improvement - am sure it is a blip and things will be better tomorrow - it does seem to be up and down all the time.

Take care,

Lx

yes ive had quite a few takeaways just to try and get some normality back in my life. Ive just also had a few glasses of wine with my tea. Bet im back to square one in the morning!! ( or have a bad night tonight) Im just having a day today where ive had enough of being ill ! Ive just had a big rant about everything that i think is wrong with the world. I also went to decathalon as i needed to get out ( had my face mask on and gloves mind !!)

Thanks Lulu.

I wish I had an answer be it meds food etc, as it be understandable, however it's just been a normal day in paradise.

Hey ho, tomorrows another day. As for the rash Lulu, I’ve had it from the start, neck face and chest. When it flairs up I look like I’m sunburnt.

I think everyone has these ups and downs throughout this but when it kicks in I get tunnel vision. That must be this health anxiety I’ve been diagnosed with. I don’t consider I’m handling this well at all. I’m usually one of those in control of things and if I’m not I can usually adapt to it.

Panic set it to be fair with the shaking, as I haven't shaken like that since the early days.

Totally agree I have had an improvement over the past couple of weeks.

A trip to A&E may be in order this week methinks.

Hope you and everyone have a good sleep,

Jim.

😂 funny how we imagine each other to look...you've made that easy now Lulu...that did make me laugh.

No takeaways here,lucky my son is an excellent cook and I'm trying to eat healthy, plenty of fruit and salad...but I did reward myself with a blueberry muffin after my walk today...well deserved x

Hi Gail,

agree sometimes you just have to have a bit of normality even if you have to face the consequences after.Hope the wine went down well x

Oh that is interesting Gail - every week we say we will get a takeaway and when Saturday night comes we look at each other nervously (the same look as when the post comes through the letterbox .. lol) (my partner also neurotic after seeing me so ill) and make a lame excuse and put it off again! I've been drinking wine all the way through but have kept it to one glass a night which has been tricky.

I hear you, I am SO done with this - sick of thinking about how I feel, wondering what is going on in my body, am I going to have a coughing fit tonight, is my chest going to be tight tomorrow, am I going to have a sore throat (all possible) - I think all my friends and family are sick of it too!! I just feel that because I look better now everyone assumes I'm better and some days I still feel absolutely rubbish but hardly bother to mention it any more!

Glad you got out for a while, I desperately want to but just feel too nervous, don't mind being outside but haven't been in a shop for 12 weeks! It is unheard of I am normally popping into M&S food, Zara, up the West End, here there and everywhere! Can't imagine ever going back on the tube and I work in London - we are all wfh at moment but not sure how much longer that will go on.

Lx

def good days and bad days still. I'm far too impatient. I actually teach in Loughton Lulu- small world!x

Yes!! I have an image of everyone in my mind as I type!

Oh lucky you having meals cooked, am off to dream of a Blueberry muffin - sounds delicious hope you enjoyed it. Definitely going in my next food order!

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone I'm up early for the and for the score I'm going eight and three quarters I was going to go to nine but I now have woken with a headache and earache on and off all night dry inflammation but noticed chest not as tight yesterday or this morning been on my side though all night so that will probably turn up later I'm hoping to get to Friday with less symptoms I'm hoping a lot of you have improved since last week Gary

Morning!

Well really good that there has been some improvement Gary but does show how slow it is with the 83/4!! but you are getting there! I have a feeling i'll be same but going to wait see how I feel once up and showered etc before I post my score as cant tell first thing so will post a bit later! I do think the headaches and overall dryness in respiratory tract makes you feel rubbish I'm same in mornings. Assume this is the inflammation. Am same with chest tightness never know when going to start do you still have phlegm anyone?

Hope everyone can see overall improvement this week - small steps in right direction . Are we week 11 Gary I've lost count?!

Lx

I don't know about you but I got out of bed and felt the tightness of the chest feels like from my belly to my throat but what I have found when I keep myself straight it eases when I bend down can feel it walking is OK don't think will be able to stand up all day though we are week 11 will be 12 on Friday looking for an anniversary drink my phlegm is there but minimal gary

Morning all,

I think I'm staying on a 7 this week .Plateau for me.

Fell asleep about 12.30 then awake at 3 till nearly 6 and then awake again at 8.

Headache and upper body aches,dry mouth and groggy,two hot sweats last night but felt freezing before a bath,the only thing that gets me warm.

Hope I make some headway this week.

Have a good day everyone x

Morning dawn yes I know what you mean I'm trying to work out how to get a good sleep in a row but I feel like the inflammation has other ideas I'm try to sort it but I'm afraid this is going to be the slow process the really bad headache that I had at the beginning has turned up so with earache that's eased but the headache nope took ibuprofen but it said no you can have it a bit longer enjoy your day Gary x

Hi think I'm week 11 or 12 I'm giving myself a 9 this week so far, breathing feeling alot easier now still feel abit of mucas in chest and tired by evening but trying to stay up a bit longer now and have managed to cook dinner without hubby finishing them off, walked a bit further yesterday still getting pain uptop on back but abit easier yesterday and the odd headache, fingers crossed its stays like that 💜

Its a little S##t Gary,

hope you improve later x

Morning Dawn,

I think we've all had plenty of plateau weeks along the way (maybe before we started scoring) so whilst a bit disappointing maybe to be expected - I think we are all so conscious of time at moment - whenever in our lives have we counted weeks so carefully?! Unless on holiday and don't want to go home! Hope you go straight to an 8 next week - I really do! My upper body aches badly but think that is because am sitting so much more - its different to the pain in the back. I too feel groggy in morning but gets better when up and at it! Find the walking helps clear my head. As Gary says am much better standing up as seems chests clears but tricky standing all day!

I am going to jinx EVERYTHING and go for a 9 - I definitely feel much more like my old self, am noticeably less tired (although still get tired but not like before), my skin looks a much better colour, my breathing overall is better (but still not right), I am walking 3 or 4 miles and doing steep hills, anxiety has pretty much gone (bubbles under the surface if I suddenly get a strange symptom even if not related to this!), am sleeping really well (better than before but think catching up on all the weeks I didn't sleep or literally only a few hours), can run up and down stairs again, heart rate and blood pressure have settled down - anyway as I said, how to jinx yourself in one post! BUT... surely we also need to be hopeful and positive too and recognise the progress we have made.

Have a good day everyone.

Lx

Way to go lulu and Susan 9s nearly went with you headache and earache put me in my place yes I think if you have the chest tightening standing helps it if you can't stand try and keep yourself up straight if possible it's not easy but it does work Gary

Ahh Lulu and Susan a 9 !!! Brilliant.

It's so nice to hear these improvements even with the little blips.

Yep hoping to get that 8 next week.

Have a good day every one x

Thanks Gracey, yes I've been on the Optibac stuff and eating a lot of natural greek yoghurt to keep some good stuff in there!

I never want to see an antibiotic again after this!

Your be 9 next week Gary, that's great lulu fingers crossed we're all soon be a 10.

Poor you res you've suffered for many weeks, I was so glad when I found your forum and I wasn't alone in this battle we all have, thanks for helping us all. We will all get there very soon.

Feeling exahusted today with usual chest pain and tightness !! my own fault for drinking a lot if wine, however i did sleep all the way through last night (i took half a codine and some night calms) today i feel like im roasting hot though !!

Well, it's thanks to all of you that I don't feel totally alone in this!

And yes, we have to trust things will improve.

They are, it's just so slowly that sometimes you want to scream after so long!

That's brilliant Susan 🙌 so happy for you. You sound very much on a par with me - everything you've said is same for me - still tired but can do more in evening, pain in back still but overall so much better.

Res, sorry to hear you are still struggling - I think the antibiotics make you feel absolutely rubbish and I'm same never want to see a tablet again at my worst I was taking 14 tablets a day and 4 supplements - was a full time job!

Anyway, start of a new week and hopefully will all progress in right direction.

Lx

Oh really! yes that is a small world. Has the school reopened? Hope your good days are getting more frequent. I am terribly impatient but think it is normal to want to get on with your life especially after something like this.

Lx

Yep the wine helps you to relax I find that! Hope the chest pain and tightness has settled down Gail.

Lx

Hi all, hope it's a good evening for everyone. I've been off the radar a bit while trying to figure out what on earth is going on in my body (again!) had a couple easier days and some harder ones but noticed progress in 2 things, 1. My resting heart rate seems to have come down and 2. My body temp has come right down to normal on some occasions. Until now it was 37.3-37.6, and although my dr said it's not a fever, it didn't seem normal. It's still up and down throughout the day but seeing 36.9 gives me hope!

The only thing that seems worse now is heartburn. I'm finding it difficult to eat, constant air coming up, feel a lump in my throat and burning chest. Those of you suffering from heartburn, what meds have helped? Will try speak to GP tomorrow to get some help with this.

Wishing you all well!

Hi Dane

I started to get indigestion/heartburn a week or so ago. I had stomach churning at night which seemed to come with rapid heartbeat. I tried rennies but they had no effect. The doctor gave me Omeprazole and that seems to have settled it down a lot. I don't know if it would work for you, but so far, I'm finding it helpful.

Wishing you all the best

Thanks Joanne! Helpful to know what works. I've had it since week 1 but didn't pay much attention to it because of all the other symptoms, but now it's got worse, probably because I ignored for so long...

Hi all

I'm struggling to decide what score to give myself, so I think I'll play safe and stick at 7. I'm feeling more and more normal, just need to work on walking now. I was expecting to carry on from where I was before setback, but no, have to go right back. so it's slow slow walking with deep breathing.

Oh well here we go again ..

Enjoy your evenings 😃

Hi Joanne

Sorry you've had a set back - it is no easy ride this is it? Hoping you sort out the indigestion/heartburn and pick up again quickly and get back to where you were - I'm sure you will and be heading for an 8 next week 🤞

Take care,

Lx

Morning all up early with it today inflammation can feel it this morning feeling like a dragon definitely have to find the right position for the tight chest no good on my back its fine when up straight still headache and earache again but I did have that for a few days at the start so hopefully that will go soon tea and sos then walk for me hopefully you all had a good sleep Gary

Morning All

I find lying on front helps even for 10 mins or so when first get into bed but Ive always slept like that but know some people find it tricky. How's the sore throat? Mine came back last night and when I look there are bright red lesions on throat - no one has looked at this and been like this from day 1 - most of time not sore but seems to get worse when tired. Wonder is this is just inflammation? Come to conclusion this virus literally causes a fire throughout your body it is like burns in throat and lungs hence the dehydration - truly shocking! Even my tongue!

Hope things settle down Gary as day goes on I find it normally does until the eve! Am off to see my lovely mum again and sit 2m apart in garden with masks on - all seems a bit surreal but so happy to be able to see her.

Lx

Morning lulu my throat is still sore I'm certain now it's the inflammation I'm taking andrographis and gensing for it hopefully starts to calm down soon its not stopped me going round the park a few times just hoping to get to the night when I don't need a drink ever couple of hours then I'm hoping it's going have a good time with your mum lulu catch up soon Gary

Thanks Lulu, yes I'll be after that 8 soon. Have a lovely day with your mum.

Enjoy your day everyone 😃

Morning Joanne you'll get the 8 soon enough Im going to ask a question for inflammation has anyone tried turmeric I'm taking andrographis and gensing but was just wondering if anyone has tried turmeric it says it is a good for inflammation thanks Gary

I'm taking turmeric, and drink a lot of turmeric tea with a spoon of honey. Since Michael, who was part of this group recovered as the first one.

Is it working?

Hi guys I've been taking a multivitamin that you put in water and drink it seems to be bucking me up I don't take anything else as Dr said they might upset with other meds I'm taking. I do have breathe deep yogi tea as well which has helped my chest. Enjoy your day and seeing your mum lulu,enjoy your day Gary.

Thanks Susan, just back she seems content and quite happy that is all I can hope for 😍

Lx

Been moderated AGAIN...so annoying - probably because I mentioned a couple of brands!

How you finding your getting on with the turmeric and honey maciek are you taking it as a turmeric and honey tea or adding turmeric supplements Gary

Yes would be interesting to know about the tea, I'm drinking a regular store bought turmeric tea, not sure it's doing much but it tastes good! I'm also taking multivitamin that dissolves in drink. Having a breathless day today 😦 Spoke to gp this morning, starting lansoprazole for heartburn as its getting difficult to eat normally, have lost too much weight already.

Yes I know what you mean if it worked for Michael like maciek says it got nothing to lose so I will give it a go Gary

Don't remember a Michael...After how many weeks did he recover?

I take tablets High Strength for Holland and Barrets, because it has pepper as well and it helps in absorption of turmeric. Don't take it on empty stomach tough as it can give you heartburn. Tea I drink same as Michael did, 15 min brew Active Turmeric from Pukka, when it cools down I add a large spoon of honey. It tastes lovely and helps with phlegm, I noticed less of it. But hard to say if it is honey or the tea 😉 or just psychosomatic. Tea also has ginger which has many benefits including anti inflamation and galangal which helps with digestion.

It's not going to hurt you for sure.

I do remember him coming on a few weeks back lulu will probably remember I'm useless when it comes to memory Gary

Thanks for the answer maciek if it's not going to hurt I will give it a go I've just ordered it from amazon Gary

He recovered some 4 weeks ago I think it was after 6-7 weeks, if I remember correctly, but it looks like it was pretty straight forward recovery, without any relapses. But I can be wrong.

It is hard to say what's working and what is not this days. I still have relapses, but not as strong as before. I take a lot of supplements including herbs, vitamins, minerals, proper probiotics, melatonin and mucolitics I also do saline inhalations with nebuliser and recently started Ibuprofen and have percussion massages on my lungs done. It is like full time work, but slowly I get there, slowly.

But recently future looks much brighter than before.

Hate when that happens.

Try, it is not expensive and it works. What really hurt me was NAC that I took for too long. I started as soon as I had symptoms, it was great to take to help with the fight by I took it for too long and it kept my lungs inflamed for way too long and I think that's one of the reasons that it took me so long to recover. Later specialist told me to stop taking it and it was a game changer. The only tip I could advice is to take vit K2 if you are using high doses of D3, there was a point that I took 8000units a day when I was at my worst, and it is quite a lot, now much less.

Hi maciek so have your lungs recovered now or not by your message they have how long did that take roughly for the recovery of your lungs and was the turmeric the help you needed do you think Gary

I'm drinking the same tea, and actually had some before when I was feeling really tight with breathlessness and heartburn and it did relax things a bit. Like the idea of adding honey, will try that!

Hi Gary ditto with ear ache I've got a sore throat but not a headache.

As i mentioned before it feels like my glands are swollen especially under my left arm but I've noticed a swelling at the top of my right thigh. Just wanted to ask if anyone has had anything similar ? Got a call with my GP later, but thought I'd check with my very knowledgeable fellow sufferers first !!

Hi steph can't help you with that one but nothing surprises me with this anymore had a white circle come up on my elbow two weeks ago I think probably got it next week Gary

Hi Gary,

Not fully, what I still have mucus, not as much, breathlessness yes I have but not as strong. I don't have inflammation like I had, it felt like fire or pieces of glass in my lungs, every time I coughed was horrible. Now I just have hypersensitive lungs and it is very easy to get an inflamed reaction.

Yes, It looks like I'm getting better. Please don't get me wrong as I'm still not 100% there.

In my humble opinion now I'm dealing with my body response, not fighting with virus per se, but with my immune response to it. That's why I focus now on taking everything that balances immune response and inflammation. I don't want to give hope or direct anyone to do the same things I do, because we are all different and have different symptoms, for example I never had shaking body like some people here. Some also take different medicines and some of the stuff I take can interfere with some of the supplements, therefore I don't want to recommend anything.

Please have that in mind.

Thank you for your reply maciek and you are correct everyone is different I'm sort of an impatient person and I like to try and get on with it so if I'm seeing results for people it may also help others or not but I will try and get better if I can and if others are going to benefit as well I'm more than happy to help and I know good people like yourself will as well thank you Gary

I understand and you are right. It is just hard to judge what helps and what doesn't because of the waves. I believe that whatever we do helped, because we are still here, still alive.

What are your symptoms now? How are you doing? Where are you with your recovery?

With regards to my symptoms I have a very dry mouth and sore throat which is probably due to the inflammation tight chest comes and goes and tingling hands very dry nights awake every couple of hours drinking water and trying to get back to sleep again and as to recovery I wish I knew Gary

I don't have dry mouth. I have tingling hands as well, but I don't connect them with Covid as I was bed ridden for weeks before and I had it as well, because of the time I spent watching my phone, or tablet or reading a book - all time bend elbow it trapped nerve that goes to hands, but as soon as I came back to normal live it went away. So maybe it is the same for you?

Do you take any medicine that can cause dryness? Sleeping pills?

No I don't take any medication for anything except for ibcuprofen oralieve andrographis and gensing was I'm waiting for the lupid ibuprofen that's on its way I'm not on my bed a lot now except more night time been trying to make that much later Gary also got the turmeric tea and k2 coming tomorrow Gary

In the past I tried some longines called Fiorda and they were great, they are available on ebay. Just paste on ebay: Fiorda smak malinowym 30 past blony sluzowej oraz gardła i krtani for throat

Maybe they will be worth trying? They are all natural. You can read description here:

phytopharm. pl / en / fiorda-2 / just copy and google search 😉

OK thanks so much maciek I'm sure I'll find them Gary

Don't try it if you are lactose intolerant.

It looks like we both tried so many thing, that one more won't harm 😉

But seriously I looked for advice everywhere for all of the symptoms and things that they try, it is a shame that my GP was so unhelpful with my symptoms. Looks like for him paracetamol is like snake oil, remedy for everything.

I know what you mean mine didn't want to know that's why I spent so much time in the hospital and they were not much better but they were struggling with the unknown maybe they know a lot more now well I hope so Gary

I hope so too. I don't like to moan, what just struck me was lack of will to try new things and treatments. Well at least my GP followed guidelines to the letter.

If you decide to try Fiorda and let me know how it worked? If it doesn't please don't blame me 😉

Maciek

I will do and thank you Gary

Michael posted to Res not long ago that he is now back to full physical health and is running 10K. From what I remember he suffered from breathlessness and chest pain etc. I think he also suffered badly from anxiety at the time and still dealing with that but much better.

He definitely struggled the same as the rest of us - got a feeling he might be quite young (no idea why I think that but I just do!) so that may have speeded up his recovery but the main thing is he got there. Be great to hear how things are going for you Michael if you read this and apologies if I have got any of this info wrong!

Lx

Yes I remember it's probably on one of the pages but I don't fancy going through all them good that he has kicked on from there as well might leave the 10 k till I hit 60 you're do that before me 😂 I did over do it today hope don't pay for it later another day tomorrow enjoy your evening lulu bet it was nice to see your mum Gary

Just went to asdas and got pukka turmeric active organic with ginger and galangal 279 so I'm drinking this tonight see what this tastes like with honey gary

Lulu,

Michael posted the other day.

Its on here somewhere.

Jim.

Enjoy Gary, hope it gives you relief for your symptoms. Tried it with honey, didn't love it, and actually then read honey isn't good for acid stomach so won't do that again. My diet is getting so bland, literally eating for health rather than enjoyment...oh well, you do what you can.

Speaking of all those pages to find Michael, do you guys think it's time to continue this thread on another page so it doesn't take a year to scroll down?

Yes I know what you mean thats fine if you want to move to another page dane I think you just start another new discussion and it starts a new page I think Gary

What will I do before you hit 60 or the 10K?!! I know makes you so nervous doesn't it if you do too much - I am wondering if the evening sore throat will make an appearance. Don't understand this illness why some nights you get symptoms and some you don't but it never seems to go away completely - just lingers. Presumably they just get less and less ?I really hope so for all of us.

it was Prosecco Tuesday on the green for me so have had a nice day all in all.

Hope everyone has a good evening/night.

Lx

Hi Jim

Yes think I found that one - it was the one where he said about doing 10k run and he was fully physically fit as you say was quite recent - be good to know if still doing well I really hope so - reckon if you are running 10k must be feeling better!!

Hope you are doing OK Jim and you can see some improvement again.

Lx

Hi lulu yes I just don't get it I thought earlier I would take a taxi to the park about 4 miles away and have a good walk through a picnic with me then walk back pushed it a bit but we gotta try now drinking turmeric tea and honey instead of beer this is what it's come to just like you I feel the sore throat is inflammation I guess nattering doesn't help either 😂 enjoy the rest of your evening young lady Gary

Let us know how does it taste for you?

It actually tastes like drinking some wood and honey not that I've ever drank wood but if it works I will eat a tree Gary

Not really Lulu.

It's another bad day in paradise.

Wood and honey...yum... 😃

The taste does grow on you i have to say

I hope you're right and it's just the taste 😂

I must say at first it was odd, but now I love it, I think I'll still drink it when it is all over.

Ha ha, brilliant. At first I didn't like this either, but now I really do and think that I'll still drink it when it is all over. Now I drink at least 5 a day 😉 alongside other drinks.

Blimey it should be only one of your five a day maciek your going to have twigs coming out of your earholes 😂 I will stick with it and drink the box of twenty gary

😃 Macie when do you have time to fit 5 teas in your day? Good for you!

I do also favour it over the other teas now, something warm and comforting about it...hang in there Gary, you'll love it

Haha, I drink quite a lot, always was, but with this sickness I drink even more it just helps me with mucus and other symptoms.

Haha

Recovering from this is for me like a job. My all day is around recovering and focusing on getting better. If 5 teas is a lot I shouldn't mention how many different supplements and tablets I take 😃

I just cannot wait for the day when I would say I feel 100%

If it works I'm all for it and good to know it helps Gary

Sounds like you had a nice day though Gary and good mentally to get out and have a change of scene.

I ended up with 10 boxes of the Pukka Tumeric tea on the recommendation of someone on here - thought I'd bought one box but it was ten boxes - thought was a bit pricey at the time!! - then decided not to drink it as might stain teeth (was just thinking if you get Tumeric on work top it badly stains) anyone found this? Everyone I know will be getting a box of Tumeric tea for Christmas!

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone same night dry and long and yes did push it yesterday so tired but will drink the sos and turmeric and honey tea then hit the park going to the kids this morning so I'm hoping you all had a good night Gary

Sorry to hear that Gary maybe take it easy today if you can - will be nice to see your kids and then chill for rest of day and get back on track. Hows the throat today any better?

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone besides a dry night I feel tired my throat popped up this morning but I took gaviscon just incase its related to the acid and it seems fine now but I got a feeling when I talk quite a bit it gets sore flu like symptoms I'd like to have a word with the person who made that one up hope you have a good day lulu I'm going to try some breakfast not hungry just thirsty Gary

If my throat becomes sore it is normally in the evening so probably is related to talking a lot and also I think if I have not drunk enough water - when I wake up throat is normally of but am coughing a lot and phlegm is bad - seems more of a productive cough at the moment can feel it moving in back - anyone else felt this?

Just going for antibody test - decided to pay privately - 190 quid - had to have telephone consultation first with private doctor at hospital (think that is to ascertain you are not still infectious and she seemed happy I wouldn't be after this time) asked if I'd had any Covid Symptoms 🙄- "have you got a spare hour or two and I'll tell you all about them ! We definitely know more than most GPs about this I am convinced of that.

Anyway blood test at 11.15 and results tomorrow or Friday.

Hope you pick up later Gary and everyone has a good day.

Lx

Yes that will be interesting lulu Im going to see kids so if my throat is sore later good chance it is the talk just having another cup of wood and honey the flarin arrived so I'm going to take them 3 times a day and add k2 when that arrives and see how I get on by the weekend should start to ease at night time I'm hoping yes you're right about the gps they haven't got a clue Gary

You made me laugh Gary ' if it works i will eat a tree'😂😂😂 . Hope you all have a good day 🙋 Diane

Hi all,

Just catching up a little,lovely that you got to see your mum Lula.

Not sure whats going on with you Gary and your wood 😂 but hope you had a nice visit with your children.

Yes definitely think we have more knowledge than the doctors at the moment.

I just had a little walk round Tesco with partner,breathing not too bad but I feel spaced out still and a bit lightheaded.Still makes me anxious, so nice to be back home .Having a glass of red tonight ,if I'm going to wake up feeling rough anyway ,why not 😂

No improvement on the sleep. Mouth very dry and still a few hot sweats.Signed off again for 2 weeks. Really hope this is the last sick note I need .

Hope you all have a nice day x

Hi Dawn!

Glad you got out it does make things feel more normal. I feel anxious every time I step outside unless I'm walking in the forest but anywhere there are surfaces to touch and people nearby! I went to hospital for antibody test this morning and I'm trying to open doors with elbows and keeping more than 2M distance - people looking at me as if I'm nuts 😳

I have wine every night with dinner just take the edge of things - have to try very hard to stick to just one glass!Felt a bit down since my #9 on Monday!! Chest has felt quite heavy and generally more chesty last couple of days - no idea why - I told you I'd jinx it! Just walked 4.2 miles and climbed equivalent of 20 flights of stairs so I spose things could be worse but just fed up with not feeling right! Sorry to hear about your sleep that must be really tough.

How long have you been signed off for in total? I've been off work 9 weeks and sick note runs out this Friday - just feels like such a long time but feel like need more time - trouble is the weeks go so fast and the improvement is so slow and up and down.

Lx

Enjoy your wood and honey beverage!! Let us know how the Flarin goes - I've still not tried Ibruprofen am building up to it!

Hope you enjoyed seeing your kids.

Lx

Not sure if anyone has mentioned this already but notice online there is a post-covid hub website google post-covid hub (if I put a link it will get moderated) and there is a team of respiratory specialist you can phone - also can't put phone number as it will get moderated.!

Lx

Yes Diane obviously no chance but we all feel like that to try and get rid of little sugar hopefully your having a good day Gary

*hi Dawn I thought that with my last sick note I don't care about work for the moment going to worry about that in a few weeks enjoy your wine will taste better than my wood Gary *

There is also a survey on the website asking about your symptoms, how you feel, anything else you feel would help your recovery etc. They are obviously now gathering information of people who have been ill so they can provide more support. Just filled it in - didn't take long and also mentioned again about the real recovery time not being mentioned enough.

Lx

Hi lulu got to spend some time with the girls my boy went out probably had enough of it don't blame him it's hard to explain what you cant see had to come home started feeling funny sat down too much weird but my hands start tingling and my chest then gets tight have you tried the post covid hub yet Gary

I rang them got through to someone who I was talking to going through things she said she would get a nurse to give me a call back so I was explaining to her then got cut off she said she had had it but different symptoms will have a look at the survey now lulu done the survey I feel now like they are finally starting to know about us now Gary

Ahh Lulu,

Sorry you've not been feeling great ,it does seem to bring you back down sometimes but you are doing so well ,just think how far you have come.

Its true how fast the weeks go though and the progress is slow,think we are all impatient just to be back to our normal selves.

Tried to have a rest on the sofa this afternoon and even though I've got a long sleeve top ,sweat top and and throw over me and the heating is on I've been getting tingles all up my body like I'm cold.

So I've been off work 8 weeks today so I'm just hoping by week 10 I can start back ,first week would only be 2 days .Will just have to wait and see but that's what I'm aiming for .

But your right Gary don't worry about work ,health is more important .

You are good with the wine Lulu ,can't promise it will be just the one ! 😂 x

That's annoying perhaps ring back when you feel up to it and see if you can speak to them again. I know I feel everyone thinks you "look" ok but can't see or understand you are still suffering - must be hard for your kids.

When you think we were in the first group of people to get infected with this just before lock down so I suppose healthcare officials are only just becoming aware of all these ongoing health problems we are suffering and recognising that people are still experiencing problems months later.

Lx

Sorry to hear this Dawn - pretty miserable when you can't even get cosy on the sofa for an afternoon rest - I've not had the tingling etc. but have never had a temperature all the way through. So many horrible symptoms.

So we are about the same time off work - I am definitely going to get signed off again - feel need more time to try and get symptoms more stable for longer periods time without the relapses. I'll have to reintroduce myself to my boss when I eventually go back - I'll be like the new girl!

Yep that's the rule definitely only one glass of wine a night, with a little top up here and there but hey that's still only one glass - right?!!😜

Lx

I have just had my work on the phone asking me how I feel told them exactly what they didn't want to hear but felt its time to ask for professional advice and support told me that they will sort it and they said don't worry about work and I said I'm not just gotta get them working for me now will ring me back tomorrow I will ring back covid hub after my chat with work tomorrow Gary

I think you've done the right thing Gary - I think our employers need to know/understand we are all still struggling and glad they were supportive.

I will ring my GP Friday and ask to be signed off for another two weeks then see how things go from there.

Lx

Yes I've told them basically I haven't had flu like symptoms for 12 weeks on Friday they were really good so hopefully they come up with someone in the know have to wait and see I suppose Gary

Gary,

Just found the post coivid hub via google.

I've completed their survey being extremely honest about the lack of help/assistance/empathy via health care professionals etc even mentioning the 999 call to ambulance that never turned up but received a telephone call 4 hours later,

I'll call them tomorrow morning at 9:15 when they open.

Hope your on the up,

Jim.

Same here, just done it.

Hopefully it will change something for others.

I do hope so, as we have been totally let down by the system.

I don't blame the individuals per se but something has gone drastically wrong.

Hi Jim yes will be good if everyone got on to them and I would ask for a nurse to ring you back would be nice to start getting help now better late than never Jim gotta keep trying hope you're having some good ones now Jim you deserve some Gary

I fully agree. It was a bumpy and lonely ride. I'll forever thankful that I found this group.

Thanks Gary.

I've actually perked up a bit this afternoon.

Agree wholeheartedly everyone who has posted needs to call. They will give us ammunition to fire at our respective GPs.

Good to hear it Jim hopefully you get the good days that you deserve and I hope everyone has a good evening Gary

Morning lulu and everyone I put a new discussion on not sure where it went but basically had a bad day yesterday chest really got tight hands going crazy tingling long dry night feels like the inflammation has moved up weird like it got warmer as well waking up all the time going to get on to the hub if I hear nothing from work first ask for a phone call from a nurse see what happens hopefully you all had a better night Gary

Morning Gary,

I have read the post covid hub from cover to cover and will be contacting them his morning.

There are numerous study papers attached, some of which cover rehabilitation post covid.

I am not aware of anyone on this forum being referred to the relevant parties,

We should be doing specific exercises, breathing exercises and sputum removal via oscillation devices and/or physiotherapy.

I will be taking all of this up with my GP tomorrow at during my telephone appointment.

Oh its the start of week ten today, it's never bloody ending.

Take care,

Jim.

That's where its all gone wrong Jim there are probably lots of things we should have been doing now my gp is not very well good so I will try to sort it out through work or the covid hub week 10 times flown I hope you start feeling a lot better now just let's crack on and try and get ourselves sorted Gary

Agreed.

Morning Jim,

It is a shame that our GPs ignored us and I'm glad that I had this group and there was google to help with recovery.

Please could you be so kind and message me a link to article about rehabilitation and oscillation device, I've been using air physio device for little while and would like to see if it was the right tool.

Thank you

Maciek

Ive spoken to them already Jim and they will getting a nurse to ring me back she mentioned my gp and I'm sorry I laughed I tried to explain that I told my gp about three weeks ago my symptoms and she said I was fine to go back to work then she said they understand the virus more now and maybe it was worth trying again so my work haven't got back to me so maybe I'll try the gp again Gary

Ive replied.

Which breath device are you using?

Morning all, sorry you had a difficult day yesterday Gary. I think I will also try the hub. So just in case I was getting bored of my symptoms, a delightful new one has appeared...conjunctivitis! Can't believe it, I'm week 12.5! It woke me in middle of the night, my right eye was streaming tears and this morning sent pictures to GP who said it's conjunctivitis. Need to start topical antibiotics. Asked the doc if this means I still have the virus, she couldn't answer. I thought people got this during early symptoms....aaargh!!!

Yes dane I know what you mean they won't answer correctly its so annoying Garston medical centre is the worst but I've got to try something so good luck with the hub I'm not sure if they will ring you straight away that's what I was hoping for probably Monday will have to hope for a better day Gary

Seems like the hub is busy, was told will speak to a nurse next week. Lovely lady on the phone though. You have to be your own advocate with this, find the GPs are happy to treat specific symptoms but are not really considering the overall picture.

It is called AIR PHYSIO, you can see on youtube or get it on amazon.

It is great it really helped me a lot when my wife was at work and could not do percussion massage on my lungs.

I know dane I finally got through to my gp and they gave me a different one again and I told her what was going on now and that she should have a note from the hospital to say that they have put me into their care now and I told her that I could not sleep due to the inflammation tight chest asked her what the tingling of the hands were and she said due to breathing too much etc then a little while later asked me if I'm exercising and when I said yes but you can't over excise because it won't let you so basically you are getting better but we all know it will take time and I said so am I going to live or die don't think that went down too well but she said will be OK Gary

Have you tried Ibuprofen Gary?

I started this with ginseng, quercetine and other staff. In 5 days there is a massive improvement, my mucus is almost completely gone no signs of inflammation and what I have now is hypersensitive lungs, for pollen and dust, perfumes and other irritants, but I wear n95 mask which helps. But no other symptoms. If it continues improving like that it looks like I'll try to back to work on Monday, fingers crossed.

Maciek

I've started to take the flarin ibuprofen maciek at the moment for my condition I'm drinking turmeric and honey tea and taking flarin ibuprofen my phlegm is minimal I was also going to to take k2 but I also take vitimin d so I'm not sure if I need to take any more ginseng or andrographis I don't want to over do it Gary will it be too much for me?

What I've recently done I stopped ginseng and andrographis as I hit plateau with them.

Take vit k2 as it is very important when you take vit D, specially high doses of it. It is to prevent from veins calcification, from overdosing vit D3. K2 is also good for heart's health. This is just my experience, not medical advice.

My doctor told me to rest and take paracetamol if I have to 😄

Thank you maciek so if I take vitimin d k2 the tea I can take whenever the flarin 3 times a day how would I be to take the victim d in the morning and the k2 in the afternoon or does it not matter Gary

How many units of vit d do you use?

The vitamin d is 12.5ug and the k2, is 200 I've not took vitamins till this little sugar turned up Gary

I'm 40 yo and do not have any previous conditions.

I take 1x25 micrograms of vit D3 every 8h

and 1x 50 micrograms of vit K2 in 1x in the morning with vit d and one in the evening so every 12h

When it all started I was taking double of both of them. I wanted to get to almost Vit d3 hammer dose.

I also take zinc and quercetine and omega 3 oil.

So I should be OK to take the victim d in the morning and the k2 in the afternoon do I still need to take the flarin 3 times a day with them that's the one I'm concerned about I'm 58 with no underline conditions I'm also walking about 3 miles a day Gary

Why are you concern about Flarin?

Do you have stomach ulcer?History of intestine bleeding?

Are you alergic to it? Do you feel unwell after taking it? Do you take any other medicines like blood thinners? Or any regular like for high blood pressure?

No no it's just because it's ibuprofen and three times a day is a lot for me anyway I never used to take anything very rare I was ill so it's all new to me but like I said before if it gets me better I will eat it Gary

Garry it is your choice.

I've never had anything even remotely similar to that.

But I believe in science and medicine not in voodoo and healing crystals. 😉 But if they help some people I'm ok with that.

I'm not taking random tablets, but only those that, from scientific and clinical research are proven to work with other similar illnesses. I found out recently that now they talking about K2 for Covid (you can google it)

Please don't get me wrong (I think it is time for my rant 😉 )

So here we go:

My GP didn't recommend any of them, he just said to do nothing and take paracetamol. If I listened to him I probably would end up much worse state than I am now, eg. with pneumonia, like some people who decided to do listen to the book and saying that doctor is always right.

My mum was very ill and she managed to live for 14 years when her life expectation after diagnosis was only 5 years. If we listened to her GP we wouldn't try everything we did to help her with her terminal illness. That's why I will always question their abilities and knowledge that unfortunately is not updated since they leave medical school. With corona there are daily developments and GPs at least mine do not read or do not care about people with mild symptoms, like us.

I know that there are other doctors who try to help like for example Dr Marik. I'll be forever thankful for his and other researchers help that gave me some hope and direction for my recovery by making their researches easy accessible to the public.

Rant over 😉

Maciek

I do appreciate and agree with you maciek and I will not sit on my back side and not do nothing if I can get better and go back to normal way of life I am all for it and everyone knows what I think about gp s that's why I will drink wood and honey and take ibuprofen and vitamins if I feel it will help me recover I'm all for it and thank you for your advice and help and I hope all goes well for you when you go back to work and everyone else on here who have had to struggle to get help that they shouldn't have had to my rant over Gary

I just want to be honest Gary about one thing, I do not know if ibuprofen works or not. All I can say what I just noticed, that since I started taking it 5 days ago and since then there is a massive improvement, but would there be any if I did not take it? Who knows?

I always remember that correlation is not causation, therefore if more people would try it then we will have the answer sooner and could help others.

Maciek

I if there is an improvement I can't see the problem not taking it maciek so I will if no sign of side affects that is fine thanks you Gary

Please keep me updated.

Thank you

**will do and thank you Gary **

Afternoon, bit late to the party for me today!

Well I've had my anti-body test result and it has come back negative. To say I am gutted/confused is an understatement and has raised so many questions. This was the Abbott one carried out in hospital and so should be accurate. If I have not had C-19 what the hell have I had? I have no underlying health issues, never get chest infections but 12 weeks on am still having breathing issues, inflamed lungs and coughing up buckets of phlegm. The respiratory consultant could see residue in my lungs and small lung damage on right side but did tell me that the tests could show a false negative but the ones done in hospital (either Roche or Abbott) are more accurate. The doctor who rang with test results couldn't explain it but mumbled something about whether I'd left it too long to be tested as it it 3 months.I have emailed respiratory consultant to find out what his views are.

Work have been asking if I've had the anti-body test - now what do I say - well I've been off work 10 weeks but didn't have it??!

I am so sick of this whole illness - none of the tests seems to be accurate (receptionist at hospital told me had loads of people getting false readings for the "have you got it" swab tests) I genuinely cannot believe I have had some other chest infection at exactly the same time Covid took off which did not respond to the two lots of antibiotics I was given - what are the chances of that? I am 100% positive I've had Covid - the specialist seemed to think I have from the CT scan and damage he could see so now I have spent 200 quid, feel like I have imagined the whole awful experience and am more confused than ever.

Hope everyone else is having better days. In fact I actually feel quite good today after a rubbish day yesterday!

Lx

I said the same thing to my gp today and they can't answer you so I'm expecting exactly the same thing when I have the antibodies test Im sure some one else said a little while ago that they had the same if I was you I would tell work the truth because I feel like they probably are going to get lots more people in the country the same just like when I went to hospital half way through when I thought I was going to die and my swabs came back negative I knew they was wrong and the nurse told me that they were not 60 percent accurate these tests are going to happen to people who have genuinely had it they couldn't tell me if it wasn't covid what was it then the doctor said you have had it but are now in recovery and the next time they gave me a letter flu like symptoms I laughed when I saw it and still in recovery honestly wouldn't give two hoots about it they are wrong Gary

Which of the test did you have, if you do not mind me asking? I'm asking about a manufacturer, please?

I had the Abbott test and had the blood taken in hospital and sent off to lab.

Lx

One thing I know for sure now Gary is I am not going to let anyone near me with a vaccine any time soon - all these tests seemed to have been rushed through with the manufacturers having pound note signs in their eyes and they have had minimal trials.

This whole thing has been a complete sh*t show it really has - no support, no tests available when first got ill, when tests become available they are not accurate, GPs don't have a clue am convinced we know more than they do.

Seriously fed up with it all. Tempted to go back to work next week and just suffer in silence - when I speak to my brother I can hear from his voice that he thinks I am exaggerating it all, my partner is fed up hearing about it so even if I do feel ill can't say too much now. Think will just go back to normal and hope for the best.

Feeling sorry for myself in case you hadn't guessed!!

Lx