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
maciej12002 Res35
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Like many of others here I had some problems with sleep. What helped me was melatonin, you can get this online not at chemists, well at least not in the UK.
I'm 76kg and 40yo and I take 6.5g every evening before bed.
Melatonin is a great antioxidant and children have much higher level than adults therefore some specialist suspect that it is one of the reasons why they have milder symptoms.
Why do I take this dosage?
I follow dr Marik's covid protocol for last few weeks and he recommends 6-12g. I started with 8g but it was too strong for me and had to cut down. It really helps with sleep. Please have in mind that this is not medical advice I just share my experience.
Regarding phlegm
I drink 4L of eater a day and some electrolytes and eat a lot of savoury things. I also bought tablets called mucosolvan max and it really helps with loosening it. What helps me as well is something called Air Physio, (check it on Amazon) and for me it works perfectly every time. My wife also drums my back. But if you don't have anyone to help you then try Air Physio I do this even under a shower with steam is a double whammy 😉 for this phlegm. I also have hay fever and now I notice if I protect my lungs with n95 mask it really helps with inflammation I wear it of i go for a walk and when I open a window or go to the kitchen. I also noticed that frying is massive no-no as it really makes breathing more difficult. My doctor said that an inflamed lungs are very fragile therefore I've been doing this for last 5 days and it makes massive difference.
But as Lulu said we are all different and are at different stages and have different symptoms, but I just wanted to share part of my daily tools that help me in this fight.
dawn84999 Res35
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Morning all,
Just a random here did anyone else have a croaky/hoarse voice..I've had mine since day one.
My son was trying so hard to hold a laugh in the other day,when I asked why he said I'm really sorry Mum but everytime you talk I think of Richard from the undateables....I checked it out on Youtube and hes right 😂 .
Monday scoring.
I would score myself around a 7 ,aiming to get a few short walks in this week my last walk put me in bed for 2 days ,it was 15 mins though, I would have given up but i had to get back home.
Hoping you all have a good day and enjoy the sunshine 😎x
MRMR dawn84999
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Hi Dawn
Yes, I've had a croaky voice for about 2 weeks and the feeling I'm going to get a sore throat that doesn't quite ever materialise.
Will check out the 'Richard' voice later... 😊
Gazza10 dawn84999
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Yes I had that as well Dawn I had a seriously annoying bad throat for ages a couple of weeks near the end of it my daughter commented on it when I was on the phone one day Gary
dawn84999 MRMR
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Definitely a good name for it 👍
Not had a sore throat at all throughout but croaky/hoarse voice is now on the Kings College symptom checker so was wondering how common it was.
dawn84999 Gazza10
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Funny mine materialised on day one, along with the cough ,temp ,chills and sweats...guess it wasn't sure what to start off with first so threw the whole lot at me .
Lulu2020 dawn84999
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Hi Dawn
7 is pretty good score and so nice to have some goals set for the week ahead Which week are you on? Very funny about the Richard voice - I have had same but mine started with sore throat which has only recently eased off.
Enjoy your day.
Lx
Gazza10 dawn84999
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Yes my symptoms were completely different I started off with migraines dehydration fatigue and headache my bosses told me to go sick and not isolate as not symptoms of the virus they just like the gps didn't know what most of them know now Gary
dawn84999 Lulu2020
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Hi Lulu,
I'm 5 weeks and 5 days now,I'm saying a 7 because mentally I feel so much stronger and I'm not suffering the phlegm like some of you.
I still have very achey muscles,breathlessness on exertion ,fatigue, general weakness,insomnia but the most irritating of all is the almost constant smell of cigarette smoke🤢 x
Lulu2020 dawn84999
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Hi Dawn,
The cigarette smell must be awful - makes me feel nauseous thinking about it - that must be really tough. Yes think I noticed a change mentally around the same time and the anxiety started subsiding - but as Ive said before can come back in a flash if anything untoward happens or I feel strange or new pain that I'm not familiar with!
Sounds like you are doing really well though overall which is so positive.
Lx
dawn84999 Lulu2020
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Hi Lulu,
Have to say it is quite nauseating and seems worse at night.
I think most of my anxiety was coming from worrying about how long I was off work and what some people may think reading the guidelines for recovery.
Hence why on a good day I think I pushed myself too hard thinking I need to shake this off and get myself moving.
I gave myself a good talking to ,those that know me well know how much I love my job and the dedication I give it.
I just decided to be kind to myself ,after all that I and all of us have been through we owe it to ourselves.
As for the emotional side I've cried plenty too ,I am usually quite emotional though.
I had to hide a lot of that from my children who are married and even my 18 year old son at home caring for me so as not to worry them further.
My partner stayed at his home in Hertfordshire for lockdown as he has a 14 year old daughter up there and I live Kent/ Greenwich borders .
I know hes felt helpless and also guilty for making that decision but it was definitely the right one considering my work and its risk so I didn't want him to worry more,I only broke down once on the phone.
So it's been a pretty scary experience and sometimes a very lonely one and I think we will all come out of it a little changed...for the better x
Lulu2020 dawn84999
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Such a tough time for you and your youngest son and not having partner around although sounds definitely the right decision to isolate from him and daughter - very caring of you both as probably wasn't best for you both.
Ive had to try and hide how ill I've been from my sons the eldest in LA video calls me every day the minute he wakes up to see how I'm doing and youngest phones every day - very unusual for both of them so I can tell how worried they've been!
As you said the people who know you know your work ethic Id far rather be working than off sick any day. You do an amazing job you really do.
Take care and hopefully you are able to see your partner.
Lx
dawn84999 Lulu2020
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Ahh thank you Lulu and yes your boys must have been extremely worried for you and one being so far away too.
Just spoke to my GP and he seems fully aware of long recovery time and was very sympathetic,hes extending my sick leave for 2 more weeks.
Hes also sending me for an ECG on my heart which will be reassuring.Also spoke to work and again seem to be aware of long recovery and again very sympathetic, which is such a great weight off my shoulders.
Feeling pretty groggy this morning so just an easy day for me ,if I perk up a bit I will try a short walk out later.
Hope everyone has a good day x
Lulu2020 dawn84999
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Yes think it's hard for everyone close to you to see you so unwell and also they see how awful and long drawn out the illness is really like.
That will be reassuring having the ECG - am sure will be fine and so glad employers are now becoming more sympathetic about the recovery time - do make sure you are fully recovered before going back to work because as soon as you dip your toe in at work you are back and people forget how ill you've been. I am doing same and will get signed off for another two weeks Friday.
Yes some days you just have to take it easy but that is no bad thing, gives body chance to heal.
Take care,
Lx
mark13066 Res35
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hi
Have not been posting for a few weeks now up to week 9. Thanks for everyone's posts and advice. Symptoms have been everything others have posted but especially sore throat, burning, aching chest , breathless and fatigue. Seemed to get much worse again at end of 5th and 6th week. Sore throat , chest aches fatigue for this last week are now mostly only on activity and much less intense. So really seeing improvement! Have replaced coffee with ginger tea, used salt water gargles . Have been using mindfulness meditation and this has helped substantially to reduce the anxiety i have had from start. Wife's also had many of symptoms listed here and has just started to feel most 100% approaching 12 weeks from start of illness. There is light at the end of the tunnel.
Gazza10 mark13066
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That's encouraging news mark thank you very much just a quick question you say your wife is nearly 100 percent at week 12 is it just the breathlessness your wife has left and what were her main symptoms she struggled with thanks in advance Gary
Lulu2020 mark13066
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Yes so pleased to hear that you are well on way to recovery Mark. Also interested in your wife's recovery and symptoms if you don't mind sharing - she is obviously ahead of us so would be interesting and encouraging for all of us.
Thank you.
Lx
joanne82424 Lulu2020
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Hi all
hope everyone has enjoyed the sunshine today
I'm still working on the walking, struggling a bit, even getting out of breath on the flat
I'm scoring myself 6/7 because I've had a few good days, and a few not so good. I'm hoping to get up to a 7 this week.
enjoy your evening 😃
jim90098 joanne82424
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Guys,
I think I must have missed a post, as I've seen people mention a score on how they are. What is the scale and is it against how you would be before the infection?
Jim.
Gazza10 jim90098
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What it is Jim every Monday you put your score on how you feel your progressing lulu's idea so each week you can set yourself a goal or target gives us a target to try for doesn't necessarily mean because we are on different weeks that we have an advantage because some people recover differently Gary
Lulu2020 jim90098
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Yep basically #1 to #10 - 10 being fully recovered! Also worth noting which week you are on and what your main symptoms currently are and what you are aiming for/goals for end of week.
Lulu2020 joanne82424
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That's sounds pretty good 6/7, I was the same two weeks ago we were having to drive to a flat area as very hilly where we live. I am now doing hill walks daily - I stop if it feels tough and recover a bit then get going again.
I'm sure by next Sunday it will have got easier.
Lx
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Morning guys and girls had a couple of drained days glad I have been off work early rise is normal for me still a little fatigue and headache not going to push myself today not sure what little sugar is up to no phlegm so thats a good sign throat feels a lot better hopefully headache will clear cut down on paracetamol couple today rest and start again tomorrow for me got some shopping to do and tidying up will suffice have a good day Gary
Lulu2020 Gazza10
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Morning!
That sounds pretty good Gary and really glad the throat and phlegm are a lot better that had been bothering you a lot over last few weeks and good you've got time off work to improve further.
Yep some days just best to potter around and rest in between.
I still feel quite chesty and had massive coughing session last night think it is still the phlegm - eventually made a Twinings Pure Peppermint tea and it settled down as it has peppermint oil in it and seemed to soothe so worth a try if anyone still having coughing fits..
Am going to walk today wonder if overdid the walking yesterday did over an hour with a lot of hills and if this made me cough later - who knows?? have given up trying to work it all out!
Socially distanced picnic lunch with a friend and then hope the cough doesn't come back tonight it is so tiring! Also might be linked to hay fever which never had before but assume lungs are currently super sensitive.
Enjoy the sunshine and hope it turns into a good day for everyone.
Lx
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Morning lulu might have spoken a bit too early had a little cough in the shower little phlegm but it has improved dramatically I'm not sure if it's because my throat feels better or my chest and lungs improving I was going to walk but I'll save that till tomorrow work on the breathing a bit today so does your social distancing lunch with a friend involve a little alcohol enjoy I've got a bottle in the fridge and I'm going to save that for a Monday morning when I feel like a ten or there abouts because you never say never with little sugar gary
Lulu2020 Gazza10
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Mine has improved overall too I suppose but disappointing when you have a bad coughing/phlegm session as realise something still going on but spose it will take more time after being so ill.
There might JUST be a splash of Prosecco at lunch time.. who knows?!!
Great idea I'll join you Gary with a Monday morning celebratory tipple - maybe we need to wait till we have two weeks of #10 under our belt just to be on safe side?!
Lx
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Absolutely that would be a day worth drinking to your right about the two weeks though lulu but one bottle for one Monday and one for the following two or three won't hurt enjoy your prosecco gary
joanne82424 Lulu2020
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Thanks Lulu,
I'm hoping to be able to walk up the big hill in the park by the time I get to score 10.
I think that will be a while though.
I'm in my 10th week, from the day my sore throat started, but my walking isn't as good as my better days last week.
My symptoms are mainly a blocked nose, which comes and goes, tight/sore chest, sometimes sore lungs and throat.
I've started to notice my fast heart beat more, especially at night.
It used to only happen if I lay down in bed, but it's started to happen when I'm sitting up in bed. It seems to be nose blocks, then stomach churns and rapid heart beat. Does anyone else get this?
Anyway hoping for another sunny day, enjoy your day everyone
Lulu2020 joanne82424
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It is great to have the hill as a goal and certain it won't be too long before you can tackle it.
I have/had all those symptoms - my left nostril (for some reason) seems to block at night, chest was sore when inhaling but now improved but still feels tight especially if I don't clear out phlegm. Throat now not sore but looks very red and a couple of weeks ago my heart was really racing - heart rate still a bit high but has improved and increases with any anxiety which I spose is normal. I noticed it more at night too - I just wonder if it partly the illness (the specialist mentioned something about the thin outer heart wall also gets inflamed) but is also exacerbated by the anxiety. My whole body feels like it is on high alert constantly even when I am relaxed!
This morning I have noticed a smooth red patch on my tongue about size of a 5p looks like the taste buds have gone missing!! now what is that about??! Is that C-19 or just some random thing that has happened ? We will be blaming everything on this forever!
Take care.
Lx
joanne82424 Lulu2020
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Thanks Lulu, that's very reassuring. Yes, must watch anxiety levels, especially at night, so no news etc.
Oh dear, hope your tongue recovers, yes let's blame covid for everything! x
steph88359 Lulu2020
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Hi Lulu, I've been enjoying the glorious weather and trying not to think about sugar too much !! I had to respond to your message about a small red patch on your tongue as i have the same. I noticed it around 4 days ago its on the right side not too far from tip how strange we both have it. My throat has been sore as well , so have been gargling with salt water but its still there !! I'd ask you to ask your specialist but you'd have the poor guy there forever with all our dreaded symptoms !! With regards to the palpitations mine have subsided too but i'm not counting my chickens yet this sugar could spring this on anytime .
xx
Lulu2020 steph88359
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REALLY?!! how strange - it's as if someone has scrubbed my taste buds off a patch of my tongue - just checked it is still there! Doesn't hurt or feel sore but just very weird and even more weird you have the same. I will check with specialist - yep let's hope he is not too busy Friday afternoon! I did an hour hilly walk today and had to consciously remind myself to relax - my shoulders were up around my ears!! and again felt on high alert - it made such a difference when I did relax. My Yoga teacher always talked us through whole body relaxing it and even the face, tongue etc. - used to think a bit of a waste of time but now can see how important being aware of how tense your body is and consciously relaxing it - it affects everything especially breathing - I do it in bed too - start with my toes and work up - try it if you haven't already!!
Glad you're enjoying the weather and yes it's so good to focus on other things.
Take care, hope your weird red tongue thingy goes away, let me know!
Lx
Lulu2020 steph88359
Posted
Steph
Google Geographic tongue - it is what we have and guess what the cause is inflammation so seems it is another symptom of illness.
Lx
steph88359 Lulu2020
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Hi Lulu, is there nothing that this sugar doesn't effect !! My red patch has faded a bit but my tongue still has the horrible coating the one you get with cold/flu. Gargling with salt water helps but doesn't get rid of it. Suppose it takes time for everything to heal. I'm soaking up the sun hoping the vit D will help speed it up. Hope everyone is having an okish day. xx