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

With you all the way on that one steph but it's not going to get any easier so I'm just going to get on with it Gary

Welcome to page 64 Gary lol can't believe how many pages we've all created thanks to Res !! Yes we've got to keep plodding on and take the good days when we can and try not to dwell on the bad days if they're not too bad. I'm sure I felt better when we had the nicer weather , let's hope we get the sunshine soon.

Yesterdays covid test negative day 70, as was the first test day 11 and the second day 35.

Hi Jim, how are you doing ? So you've had 3 covid tests ? I've only had one at 6 weeks which was negative but doctor said it was expected as virus would've left my body by then. Now the antibody tests are pants too !! We're 9 weeks now !! Some things are better for me but breathing and swollen glands are the main ones now. What's your main symptoms now ?

Dawn, that's the medication I'm taking, omeprazole, hope it goes with my first glass of wine for weeks, I'm planning to have soon 😃

Hi Steph,

Lovely to hear from you.

Other than being depressed with health anxiety my current symptoms are and this is dependant on time of day, blocked nose, resurgence of nose and neck rash, lump in throat , mucus and a heavy chest. Oh and breathing on exurgence and lack of sleep.

Nothing to worry about hey?

The quacks have no idea whatsoever!!!

Oh so according to tests you haven't had it either then Jim?must all be a figment of our imaginationNo wonder we are all so screwed up and worried.

I am just focussing on getting better whatever it is I have had or haven't had (does it really matter I just know have never been so ill in my life), telling everyone who is no longer interested "I am fine thanks - can't breathe, but fine" and getting on with my life.

Am feeling very disillusioned as am sure most of you are.

Lx

Lulu,

Yep, three tests all negative. You could not write it.

I concur totally.

Everyone thinks I am putting it on and swinging the lead. Calls and texts have declined dramatically.

Looks like my marriage of 25 years will be over after all this.

Now I am able to get around the house when I am downstairs shes upstairs and vice versa.

Fabulous hey!

I know this is a silly question but I am going to ask everyone do you ever think or wonder where you was when you caught it I've been trying to work it out I think I caught it in London 13th March don't know how but I went up there to London Bridge for work what a plonker Gary

Aww Jim It's not easy living with this little "sugar" It's effected every part of us mentally and physically. I too have the mucus that won't budge it's like glue in my chest. I've been inhaling twice a day but no joy yet!! I've lost faith in the quacks long ago , since they told me they can't do anything and to ride it out !!

Remember to shout if you need anything Jim don't suffer in silence !!

Hi Joanne how's you doing ? I've just been laughing to myself about last week and our intruder !! When you called him out asking him to reply "Yes or No" lol

Gary,

I've contemplated this question on numerous occasions.

Must have been at work from a customer, as I had not been anywhere other than work for 10 days prior to dropping into this sh"te on the 2/4/20.

Will do Steph thanks

Hi Jim yes it annoys me I know it shouldn't but I just wish I would have known then what I know now I would have been dressed like a mummy off one of the Dracula films Gary

I know you have probably thought about it Jim but have you tried a neti pot for your nose only a suggestion Gary

Now that I would have loved to have seen.

One of the lads at work was tested last week. Positive result. No symptoms at all.

Mid 40's over weight, doesnt exercise.

Where did we go wrong

whats that Gary?

I think about it a lot Gary as I hardly went anywhere or met anyone in those preceding weeks. The only thing I could think of was I had returned from Spain 4 weeks earlier, I even caught a cold while I was there which I recovered from quickly enough. But I wouldn't have considered covid19 taking 4 weeks to show itself. Maybe it can...

It's like a tea pot but smaller it fires the liquid through your nose to get all the muscus out amazon do them

Lulu just want to say you've done do much for all of us on the forum. Taking forward our questions to your consultant , writing to Dominique and always giving helpful advice, tips etc Please keep your spirits up and try to remain positive despite your crappy day today "WE NEED YOU" xxx

You can never trust it ask anyone Gary

Hey Joanne, is omeprazole an h2 blocker? Isn't it a ppi instead? I am not sure if there is a difference. I have omeprazole too, so it would be great if it was suitable.

Aha Stuart put me onto sterimar which is a spray can full if sea water.

That helps a bit.

I've used them too Jim. Mine is like a squeezey bottle that you put warm water and a saline solution in. You squirt it around your sinuses. Feels like you're drowning. Nice! But it was quite effective when I had sinus problems.

OK that's good Stuart has just turned up tonight on here

This is more of a jet wash in comparison to Sterimar Jim 😁

My original GP told me the incubation period could be up to 30 days - I think I caught it in office around 6 April - a couple of others I work with had mild symptoms.

Lx

I might have a bash then lol

Ah thanks Steph - no more than anyone else has done it's just been such an awful time for all of us and I've relied so much on support from you all too!! - we have created our own Covid-19 bubble! Amazing that a group of strangers can be so kind and supportive to one another - it has restored my faith!

Lx

Hi Steph

He never answered did he, I'm still waiting ...

I'm ok, thanks, just getting over setback with the heartburn/indigestion, whatever. Doctor was quite useful on this occasion, he gave me some medication and it seems to be working. He wouldn't talk about covid though, he kept changing the subject lol

Hope you're doing ok

omeorazole is a ppi like lanzoprazole which I've been prescribed but not taking yet. I really want to try the famotidine. Might ask a private GP if he can get some for me. Studies on omeprazole didn't show improvement for general covid symptoms although it helps with heartburn

Hi Stuart

I'm not sure, it reduces stomach acid, I'll have to ask google, but it's helping a lot with recent heartburn/indigestion

Sorry to hear you've had relapse, but good you've had better days, hope they return soon

Haha he was a funny one wasn't he.

I've had mild indigestion but not too troublesome, sorry you're suffering. Glad your doctor was helpful and hope the meds help. I contacted mine the other day about my swollen glands but she wasn't helpful. Just said I should feel better in a few weeks and that she had a friend who was long suffering too. Like you said they skirt over covid like it doesn't exist like it's a swear word !! I'm also trying to shift mucus with no joy as my chest feels heavy. Otherwise I'm ok . xx

Lulu we have found common ground in all the s**t that comes with covid. That's what has bonded us as a support group for each other. Who would've known something good would come out of "sugar" lol .

Gary I think my daughter might have had it but quickly got over unlike me !! She had loss of smell and few other symptoms end of March but not 100% sure I caught it from her.

Evening, thought Id lost everyone! No emails, lost the thread! How are you Lulu, Gary, Steph, Susie? Tuesday i had an ultrasound on my abdomen. They found polyps in my gallbladder and a little cyst in my liver which my gastro said I could have been born with! Had a bad day yesterday, abdominal spasm constriction pain, which radiated everywhere, plus very tachy heart jumping all over (which my daughter called 111 for & of course paramedics came, plus feeling ice cold despite normal temperature. Not sure if all a rebound as i come off one beta blocker and await a new one tomorrow. Paramedics said I could choose to go to hospital but felt I need specialist help. I literally could not face it and knew id get no further answers. I already have my gastro, although hes not explaining everything. Had a follow up tonight and all he keeps saying is irritated system and not much else - or here have some benzos!! Hes hoping theyll settle me, and even though lower version of diazepam im worried to take them. Diazepam a few weeks ago made me feel like my chest was drooping inside! I did feel slightly better today but still cant do much tidying and have to save my energy for meal making and clearing up. This evening my chest is tonight, Im all phlegmy and I have a cough that puts a tight pressure on my tubes! So fun! I think i made some bad food choices today! Foods ive craved but only had a tiny bit today! i did enlist help of a private GP who suggested getting a respiratory doc involved, but my gastro poo pooed the idea. I feel im going in circles. I just mainly want to know why am having breathing problems, digestive issues (despite high dose esomeorazole) and awful spasm constrictions in my chest and stomach and diaphragm area! Is that too much to ask lol!!!

Morning everyone your probably right steph it would have been hard not to have caught it off your daughter that's why I stayed away from mine didn't want them to catch it well looks like a similar night nothing changed except got a red blood circle on my pillow can only assume that came with the ear ache not much sleep hope all had a better one gary

Hi gracey seems like your going through it like the rest of us with little or no help at all they are pushing covid to one side and trying to force us away best for you will be like us asking the questions on here Gary

Morning lulu its ours and Stuarts anniversarys today 12 weeks of crap only 4 weeks to go I'll send you some flowers 💐 and a bottle of champagne 🥂 or prosecco up early have a good one gary

Ahh Jim,

it's so hard,we really do understand on here and feel each others pain even if our nearest and dearest are bored with it all .

x

Morning Gary,

I'm getting lost on here with no emails .

I believe I caught it at work Easter weekend ,had been looking after 4 later confirmed residents I was wearing ppe including mask .I think not having a face shield may have been the problem as one particular lady was coughing out.

The face shields were locked in GM's office and he was off all weekend.

He even said shields were only to be used when absolutely necessary,facemasks only for those we suspected.He was aware of the coughing but shields were not given out.

It's a total balls up ! sorry for language but had already been emailing him about inadequate protection for residents and staff Saturday morning as guidelines were changed Good Friday,theses were not put in place till he returned Tues Morning ! I Got ill Weds .

Sorry rant over but I don't think I'm going to be able to stay quite about this one once back at work x

Morning dawn yes we moved pages I wouldn't stay quiet either I would feel the way you do especially when he has put you in this position how you been getting on with your nights still the same I've got the dry mouth sort of better it is dry at night but half of my body is hoping that the stuff I got will start having an effect on it soon Gary

My mouth is still dry during the night but better , not as bad during the day.

Not sure if the wine helped but I've had two better nights sleep ie not waking every few hours and getting 5 hours straight then dozing off again after a wee and a drink.Even though it still takes a good hour or so to fully wake.

I'd Love to wake up fresh and alert that would be a big step forward.

Going to test my breathing with a walk later as it's so hard to judge any improvement just pottering around indoors. x

You go girl don't over do it because I have been walking in the morning not far but I over done it Tuesday I think and paid for it enjoy yourself Gary

Ah thanks Dane. Omeprazole is super effective for me with indigestion/heartburn, Lanzoprazole is supposed to work even faster. I hope it works for you.

I was desperately hoping for a covid connection though. Shucks!

Thank you. 😊

Thanks Joanne. I hope you see an improvement soon.

Happy anniversary Gary, congratulations on reaching 12 weeks.

(prosecco corks in background)

Enjoy the party!

Morning Lulu, 30 day incubation is pretty scary and would explain me getting it in Spain possibly. Luckily, none of my family have had it, which amazes me. It will remain a mystery I guess.

I hope you have a good day today. All the best.

Good morning Stuart and cheers 🥂 hope for them good days to come back and stay for good this time. That's the words from the song might start singing it and hope it works Gary

I'll try not too.

Have a good day Gary x

You too Dawn and everyone else Gary

Morning everyone

It's my 12 week anniversary today too (from when the sore throat started)

Let's party 😃

Happy 12th weekaversary to you Joanne and everyone else 'celebrating' this milestone today...hope you all feel good

Morning Joanne your right what's a couple of weeks with a sore throat just take a couple of paracetamol and drink water you will be fine plenty of rest for the weekend and come back Monday sometimes I just can't help myself have a good day Gary

I've been trying to work out how I caught the virus too. It's either someone coughing badly on the bus, the croaky person who served us in Costa, or one of the kids I tutor, or a combination of all of them, if possible. I wish I knew...

Yes Joanne looks like we all have a idea but can't prove it with this one gary

Just a thought, you know how there are lots of groups on facebook and forums for us people dealing with months of symptoms, wouldn't it be a great idea for there to be a group for just recoveries ie. those people who eventually recovered and can share their stories, that would give so many people hope...if anyone knows where these people are!

Hi dane I agree with you but I think that will be a long time coming because the media are not interested in the ones still ill and the ones that recovered will be so glad they did probably too busy getting on with their lives now while we are suffering and a lot of those recovered only had it for a few weeks while some who get it don't show any symptoms at all that's if tests are correct which I very much doubt Gary

Guys,

Has anyone had a strange taste in their mouth as a symptom?

Not sure but wouldn't surprise me I know some said they could smell cigarette smoke Jim what does it taste like gary

Its just a strange metal type taste.

That's a weird one to come up after 10 weeks can't help you with that one Jim it's having a pop at me today though bad night and normally I'm fine till later started tight chest got headache and earache again same as last night pills not working Gary

just think there must be some long term recoveries by now that we don't hear about.

Need some good news to pick me up, feeling really weak today...not even had a cup of wood and honey yet, feels like too much effort

Dawn I am pretty sure I caught it at work too on a medical call. I was wearing a mask and was very highly exposed. It only came out recently that masks do not protect you from catching it, but are meant to stop you from spreading it.

On a positive note, I have been taking a supplement called K Force as advised by my doctor. It is vitamin D and vitamin K. In just a few days, it has helped tremendously. I never heard of vitamin K before but it is for your immune system. It can be bought at a store or online. The doctor is a holistic doctor and keeps away from prescribing medication with side effects. Holistic medicine is new to me, but I cannot argue with what is working. Everyone is different, but it might be worth looking into it.

There must be dane because I actually got on to my gp yesterday and I haven't bothered with them and I said to her that I am at 12 weeks I'll and I'm still feeling sick she said people were still recovering 16 weeks and that is probably the only thing that they get correct Gary get the wood and honey down you just seen somewhere 80 percent of people diagnosed with the virus have no symptoms we could give them a few

Yep happy anniversary Gary & Stuart - 12 weeks and we are still going strong! Probably spent more time talking to you guys than my partner - he is definitely BORED with Covid and my daily phlegm updates 🤮 but aren't we all?🙄

Lx

So what was she saying it is taking some people 16 weeks?

Lx

Jim I think I had that weeks and weeks ago, with a terribly dry mouth. Thing is, so much has happened these months that I can't say for sure.

I had that early on Jim and my tongue was green and now I have a bald patch (no taste buds) on my tongue - something else to look forward to! It doesn't actually bother me though as not painful just looks strange and the metallic taste didn't last for long.

Lx

Happy anniversary Lulu. Pop those corks!

I was going to say that I was actually feeling stronger and better today apart from the rib pain, but then I had a stupid argument with my 20 yr old daughter on the phone. It has absolutely wrecked me. Chest on fire and feel awful so I'm in bed. Can't believe how the stress has affected me so badly. The line between feeling better and worse is so thin.

Anyway, sorry, came here to wish you well and end up sounding off.

I hope you're having a better day Lulu and everyone.

Hi Dane ,Gary

Silly question but I think I missed some posts. .is the wood just turmeric?

x

Lulu,

Its truly strange. Had it the other day nut went and now its back with a bit of shakes and feeling sick,

Stu,

Hope you improve sharpish my friend,

Hi lulu yes I didn't beat about the Bush I haven't rung my gps for ages and I am the same as everyone here I just went to a and e when I was really sick funny thing was every time I got to the hospital I felt OK weird probably why they sent me home and because all my tests were good should probably just go and fall over in the road that might get me in there if at 16 weeks I'm not better I'll be doing that 😂 Gary

Hi ,

Yes guess we were pretty exposed.

Thanks for the advice I will look into it.

I've been taking a multi vitamin but just checked and no vit D in it .

Just made a turmeric hot drink with honey not sure this is correct way to have it yet but it can't do any harm.Also just recieved my OIL hoping this will help with anxiety...as I know it has worked before for me x

Yeh it seems an awfully unbalanced virus!! Not sure why, plenty of symptoms to go round 😃

Hi Dawn yes I have been drinking turmeric and honey tea and taking flarin ibuprofen vitamin d and k2 you seem to have the inflammation under control if you can sleep 5 hours Gary

Yes probably a few more on the way back as well hope not though Gary

Hi Gary,

Well I just put a teaspoon of turmeric into some hot water with the same honey.

My breathing does seem a lot better around the house but the chest tightness and breathlessness kicks in more when walking out ,could that be inflammation?

Yep 2 nights now with 5 hours straight off ,hoping for the same tonight...theres still some wine left in the bottle 😂

Oh and happy Anniversary to you 12 weekers ...not that happy seems to be the right word in this case .

Think the day may come when we should all get together and celebrate properly !

Our little covid family

Yes Dawn I think the inflammation was why we were getting the sweats at night and the dry mouth yes totally agree with you I would definitely be up for a good drink when we are all over this 2metres though and I would have such a smile on my face that day I can tell you Gary

Hows the earache now Gary ? ,you said you had blood on your pillow has it eased a little ?

It seems like it goes through your whole body.

I had my left jaw right up to my ear ache for a whole week a while back ..someone said you must be grinding teeth but I don't see how as my mouth must have been open the whole time with my breathing difficulties. It still a bit stiff now .

Never actually written down all my symptoms but it's a bloody long list that's for sure .

Maybe I should and count how many 😂 think I'm bored x

Yes last night wasn't a good one woke up with a circle on my pillow could see it was blood nothing on my nose and had earache and headache from hell so I checked my ears but no blood weird yes be a few more coming I suppose Gary

Hi Gracey lovely to hear from you. Sorry to hear you've had the paramedics out again with heart , I've had them 3 times too. Sounds like you've been proactive with docs and hopefully it helps.

Hope you get a better one tonight Gary ...up to 25 on my list !

Yep we'll all celebrate once this madness is over x

That's rubbish sorry to hear that Stuart but I too have noticed that any stress can affect the breathing and chest tightness - things have been a bit "aggy" around here at times (to say the least) and if I get annoyed or stressed I immediately feel it in my chest. I think breathing is something until now we have all obviously taken for granted and not had to think or worry about but now we are all highly sensitive to it and we are aware of any changes in our breathing - it's just SO bloody stressful and this is something no-one else, that hasn't had this, can understand. I think we are all just worn out with it all - I literally feel sometimes I just can deal with it any more - feel like you want to rip your chest open and see what the hell is going on in there.

Take it easy,

Lx

Yep it's like pick n' mix - shall I have the sore throat and breathing issues today or shall I go for the pain in lung and full blown cough - oh no I had that yesterday, I'll try the metallic taste and bald tongue today.. never ending 🙄

Ahh hang in there Lulu,

It is so tiring and stressful it brings you down but you have been such a strength to us all here and we really appreciate it . x

Do they work for you?

I'm not sure yet need more time had a bad night though woke up feeling awful headache and earache and blood spot on the pillow but that's happened before not the blood don't feel good today but still taking them might need few more days to tell sorry that's meant for maciek

Replied to Dawn sorry have you seen it Gary

Thanks Dawn, think the lack of antibodies has hit me hard - that was always my silver lining - worth going through this cra8p if you get some antibodies. Specialist replied to my email asking what his take was on me testing negative and below is his reply. He also forward me an article about the tests and reliablity - same one which Maciek kindly private messaged me.

Thank you for your message. It is a bit surprising but the antibody test does have false negative rate. Also we still don’t know how long the antibodies last in our body and whether people with mild disease develop any antibodies at all? Having said that there can be other viruses as well which can cause respiratory symptoms.

It may be impossible to determine retrospectively what else could it have been to cause your symptoms if not COVID- but I would like to reiterate that we still don’t know everything about COVID and also about antibody test.

You are now getting better and worrying is not going to solve anything. As mentioned in my consultation we will catch up again to see how are getting on and if necessary carry out more testing.

Yes Ican understand that Lulu it would have been the confirmation of having the virus too.You know your own body and seems strange and very unlikely to get such an illness at the same time as Covid .Easy for Specialist to say well you're getting better but it doesn't give you the answers you need.

Has anybody else on here had the antibody test and had a positve.. just trying to find some common ground as in I wonder if all us long termers have not built antibodies hence why our bodies are still behaving the way they are ..just a thought .Read somewhere about how we could still be fighting the ghost of this virus .

It's just all so complicated x

My friend has very mild symptoms back in early March when she was in US - literally aches and pain for 3/4 days no respiratory issues at all - she has just done the finger prick one and has come back positive. The article he sent says the approved tests (Roche and Abbott) although state 100% accurate are not for many reasons (the way the clinical trials were conducted) - seems it is more likely you get a false negative but it is also possible to get a false positive - so basically don't tell you much at all.

I wonder if I did only have the virus mildly in that never had the temperature and sweats etc.but unfortunately for me it made it's way into my lung and whilst the aftermath of symptoms are very significant the ACTUAL virus was mild - god knows am making it up as I go along ..lol!

Theres just no answers is there.

Both my daughters friends one working at the Nightingale the other at Kings College hospital on reception both tested postive for antibodies but neither had any symptoms . x

I did the abbot test and tested positive as did my husband who had mild symptoms for a few days, he lost his smell and taste though and that hasn't completely come back. A mystery why some will test positive and some negative

That's interesting and good you both have antibodies. Did you do the finger prick test or did you have blood taken in hospital?

Lx

No rhyme or reason to any of it x

Had it done at work, GP came in to do for everyone. It was the abbot blood test, not finger prick. GP actually a friend who I have been in touch with to ask for help with symptoms, when she saw me there she said why are you here? You know you've had the virus. I told her I wanted to know if I had antibodies and she said all a positive test tells you is that you've def had it but it doesn't tell you what level of antibodies you have and it also doesn't tell you if you've recovered. Found it all very confusing!

How do we get Susan on this page she is trying to find us Gary

Ah ok that's interesting. Yes that's what I read. Good it detected antibodies - I'd be happy to have even a few!!

Lx

We're on page 66 I think... tell her to keep scrolling 😂

If she goes to the page index and clicks on page 66 x

I think she may be on 65 I will tell her

No I think we are on page 65 😂

Me and Steph been having our own little chat on page 66 😆🙄

I always used to click on the last email notification but not getting those so much now x