Covid for 4 weeks & still bed ridden. Anyone else had prolonged severe illness without hospitalization
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Hi,
I've had Covid19 for 4 weeks and if I had the energy I'd be tearing my hair out.
I've had 2 sets of prohylactic antibiotics to safeguard against bacterial infections, my temperature has been up and down but never higher than 38 the entire illness.
I've had severe neuropathy during the illness and some kind of night seizures accompanying the other more well publicised symptoms that mean my sleep is terrible also.
I went to hospital Day 14 after a week of seriously thinking I'm on death's door and my blood oxygen was good enough to be sent home for follow up at the Covid Hubs where they basically just take temperature, pulse and oxygen levels.
I was prescribed a 2nd course of antibiotics there as my temperature was still up and they are checking in on me every few days.
Meanwhile I am having one better day, then another terrible day, then a better day then a worse day..But 'better' is still bed ridden, just means I can breath well enough and not too dizzy to make myself my own cup of tea, have a shower and engage in some small talk with my family.
Everytime I have a good few hours I think, that must be me getting well now, but no, 4 weeks later and the last 24 hrs my breathlessness has been worse than it was for the previous 5 days..Am about ready to shoot myself.
Is there anyone else that's experienced being so ill with this virus outside of an ICU setting where it's carried on this long?
Even ICU patients are recovering in 3-6weeks .
Cannot understand why I'm not getting well yet.
I have no underlying health issues and I'm in my 30s.
I don't know if I still have Covid or if this is post viral inflammation and fatigue..There is no way of knowing as they are not testing community cases. Every doctor just says it's definitely Covid but I have no idea if I've passed the peak of the illness or if i should still be worried it could get worse.
Just feel it's going on forever.
Be great to know if there's any non hospital stories of people being sick, as in still unable to do a thing this length of time.
Thanks!
19 likes, 5383 replies
was4hab Res35
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Hi everyone just a quick update if anyone wants to be tested you can get reffered by 111 aswell as on the hm goverment website there is a tick box if your being reffered by 111.
hope this helps someone wanting to be tested and not a key worker
jim90098 Res35
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Hi guys,
Just started week six and laid on bed shaking with internal chills. 42 days and counting.
Strangely last night was ok slept from 11 through to half four and no coughing or phlegm to talk of.
I think the carpet episode must be now kicking in.
Ive a doctors appointment at 3 for further blood test and a sputum test.
Would someone update me with how they were from week six onwards please, as I need a boost today.
Hope everyones on the mend.
Jim.
Gazza10 jim90098
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Hi Jim I think it affects people differently little sugar if you remember Michael he started to turn the corner after week 5 and nearly fully recovered you should concentrate on last night you had a better sleep so go for more positivity obviously we will get set backs but good times are ahead Gary
steph88359 jim90098
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Hi Jim, yes you're probably right about the carpet incident wearing you out. My 5th week started off badly but today's been ok as I've not moved from either my bed or sofa. Good news about your tests, they need to find out why we're all struggling to get better !!
jim90098 steph88359
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Firstly, thanks Gary for your encouragement.
Steph,
Just got back from the doctors. Bloods, sats, blood pressure, chest examination, weighed me and urine sample done. Sputum test to do tonight or when possible. Ive lost 7kgs in six weeks!!
The doctor ticked all the boxes for bloods as she said theres no real information for them to follow but shes eliminating everything else that possibly show the symptoms Ive got.
On leaving I thanked her for seeing me and asked if she was routinely seeing our type of cases. Her reply was its all being dealt with over the phone but after our conversation on Monday she decided to.
What a lovely person she is.
Ill update with the results when she rings but itll be next Thursday.
Hope everyones on the up.
Jim.
Gazza10 jim90098
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That's it Jim stick with it and if you're not sure about something always best to try the powers to be that do know
stuart68c Res35
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My day so far. Tried to see if I can get a test, but gov website says it's for first 5 days of symptoms and I'm on day 53. Pushed ahead anyway and found the nearest test site is 15 miles away and I'm not up to driving that far. Tried to get a test sent to me but link says there aren't any available.
Went through 111 online and received a call shortly after. Spoke to a lovely doctor who told me I should be checked out and that after 8 weeks I should be seen and that I need an Xray and tests. Told me to contact my GP.
Contacted GP. Receptionist said they can't see me and that 111 should deal with coronavirus affairs. She eventually agreed to get a doctor to call me. Still waiting. Let's see what they say.
Last time I spoke to my doc 4 weeks ago she said go to A&E, I called them first because I didn't trusts my doc's advice, A&E said they wouldn't see me because of my symptoms. So I am expecting more of the same.
To say I am frustrated would be an understatement. Sorry to be negative, I am feeling down today and that I am stuck in a loop of illness and medical no man's land.
dee89889 stuart68c
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Hi Stuart,
You are well within your rights to be frustrated - you're not being negative it's your health and you feel you need help and are not getting it. I know this pandemic has put a strain on the NHS but people should not be denied help for whatever reason.
When I went to A&E a few weeks ago, I'd called 111 but because I didn't have a fever or continuous cough they treat me so much as a C-19 patient - it was the fact my heart rate was 130+ and I had chest pains that made the call handler tell me to get to A&E within the hour. They didn't call ahead and when I got there I told them that 111 had sent me and explained I'd been ill for over 3 weeks - they were brilliant and did x-ray, bloods, ECG etc.
If your GP calls back and is no help could you not go to A&E and explain to them that 111 had advised you to get checked out? It's not really a lie as they have advised you to get checked.
Let us know how you get on
steph88359 stuart68c
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Hi Stuart, I went to a&e on 111's advice i didn't wait for my GP. If you can get someone go drop you off do it and say you're attending on your GP and 111 advice. I'm 39 days in and insist on a covid test too. Good luck
stuart68c Res35
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Hi all. Thanks for your kind and helpful responses. It means a lot. My GP finally called and eventually agreed to give me notes to take to the hospital to get an Xray and blood test. I will go tomorrow. She also said that apparently it's taking months for some people to get over 'little sugar'. Fatigue being the most common symptom. I think we would all feel better if we knew that no matter how long it takes, we will eventually get there. It's the unknown that leads to so much anxiety. Anyway thanks again.
Best wishes to everyone.
jim90098 stuart68c
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Stuart,
I can tell my your posts your a strong chap and resilient.
I think in our position youve got to push and keep pushing.
Ive just been to my doctors but it was obviously my doctors decision against policy. She was fabulous and redid all the tests that AandE did last Sunday bar the chest xray. Shes also got a urine sample and Ive a sputum sample to do.
Bloods shes asked for everything checking and on from her comments I would be stressing to the doctor you need the same.
Once your face to face with someone youve got them and you can badger them into it.
The doctor I saw today was at the other end of the spectrum to a couple of weeks ago when I was told to ride it out.
Whilst Ive got you, what symptoms are you still suffering from seeing your on day 53?
This forum is really helping me keep afloat. Thank you all.
stuart68c jim90098
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Hi Jim and thank you. I try to stay strong but sometimes the situation really gets to me. I'm sure that's all of us.
I wish i could see a gp face to face but they won't let me and I can understand that of course.
I'm having an Xray and blood test at the hospital tomorrow which I am grateful for but I would have really appreciated a full check up, chest listened to, blood pressure and oxygen levels etc
I remarked to the GP today that if I was worse I could get an ambulance and all the treatment necessary but who wants to be worse just to get a check up?
Anyway, rant over 😂
As you asked - my symptoms at the moment after 53 days are a dry, persistent, irritating cough that wracks my body. Its non productive. No green stuff, just clear frothy phlegm when I can manage to shift it off my chest.
I feel breathless and have a tight chest that feels restricted like I am not getting enough air sometimes. It also feels like my lungs are reduced in size and when I do deep breathing exercises certain areas of the lungs ache like they are being stretched open by the breath.
Then I have the tiredness. Can't seem to do anything slightly strenuous without feeling exhausted. Any use of energy seems to make my chest worse. I have just turned 52, slim build and pretty good at walking and pushing myself, but the last time I went for a stroll in the field I was being lapped by a couple of pensioners! 😂
I also get intermittent low level dizzy headaches and bouts of post nasal drip where I have copious amounts of clear liquid streaming down from the back of my nose into my throat.
These are pretty much the same symptoms I have had all the way through. The first two weeks were the easiest, things got worse after that. I would have days of feeling better only for it to return extra angry. I had around 8 days of feeling almost normal (apart from tiredness) between week 6 and 7. Now back to square one. There has never been a fever, body aches, sickness or loss of appetite.
Sorry to write War and Peace, I hope that's enough detail for you 😁
Take it easy Jim. All the best.
jim90098 stuart68c
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Stuart,
Thank you for your reply its exactly what I needed to hear.
Fingers crossed for you tomorrow at the Hospital and please let the group know how you go etc.
I cant believe we are both 52!
I am an emergency worker, so active job never stopping for ten hour shifts. On top of that I used to go to the gym twice a week for a full body weights workout and at home its gardening, cars and motorbikes.
Ive lost 7kg over 6 weeks, all muscle from looking in the doctors office mirror this afternoon. I was horrified.
Ive notice from just walking round the bedroom Ive lost lung capacity, however I brought this up today with the doctor and she said on listening to my lungs and looking at the xray she couldnt hear or see any scaring.
Her conclusion was on a return to health the lungs should recover, which is good news. Im sure youll be the same.
Have a good night.
stuart68c jim90098
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Hi Jim, great news concerning your lungs! That's a relief. Sorry about your muscle loss, it's shocking what this thing can do to healthy people. I'm sure once you're well you'll be back to all your normal things as will we all. It will just take a little time but we'll get there.
All the best and have a good night too.
joanne82424 stuart68c
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hi everyone, hope you're doing ok
good luck Stuart with tests and good news you're having a thorough check-up, Jim
I think my lungs are extra sensitive, I had a bit of a set-back, due, I think, to using a tiny bit of furniture spray ( I rarely use it, and it hardly smells) Afterwards my chest went tight and my lungs started hurting, and it really affected my breathing for a while.
On the plus side though, I'm walking a bit more and managing to sleep lying down.(I've had to sleep sitting up since week 2)
All the best to everyone, we'll beat it
jim90098 joanne82424
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Morning Joanne,
Hope your day improves!
Stuart,
Good luck with your hospital visit.
Hope everyone has a good day and improves.
Anyone with good news please post it, as im sure everyone will appreciate the news.