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

Hope you are feeling better today Dane. I was told the tightness in chest was a build up of phlegm so not sure if this is your problem too.

Take care,

Lx

I am glad you are alright Dane. I was worried for a while there but sounds like you are ok. My chest has no phlegm in it so the pain is likely caused by inflammation of the lining of the lung, which is supposed to go away on its own.. But then again, it has been 2 months and the doctors don't know for sure! I'm hoping a successful vaccine comes out soon because I don't want to go through this again in the fall, or ever again. And you know they're working fast because whoever comes up with the vaccine will be rolling in a massive fortune. Then again, it isn't safe to rush it.

We've all been there maybe u need antibiotics to help your be fine

Exactly, was told same the pain is inflammation and the tightness caused by build up of phlegm but we are all different so if not sure need to get checked out but this has been discussed a lot on here.

Agree, never want to go through this nightmare again so will be interested about anti-body research and how long they think you will be immune for.

Have a good day.

Lx

Back from a and e, thank G-d all tests were normal, lung x ray clear, they were a bit concerned about slightly raised d dimer from the last test results but today's results were lower so they were happy with that.

My temp was a little high when they checked which surprised me but when I came home it was back to normal...

It seems the chest pain is muscular which makes sense as I've been having a lot of muscle pain over the weeks. Suppose just have to wait it out...thanks all for your support in another mini drama of the virus saga. Hope you're all feeling good today.

Hi Dane

Glad your tests are normal and that pain is likely muscular. Do make sure they monitor you though.

Take care

Mary

That's good news dane just shows you if you're worried best to go check it out puts your mind at ease and especially your family now enjoy the rest of your evening Gary

It's amazing what a bit of medical reassurance does - this is what we have all been missing from the start.

So glad everything ok for you.

Lx

Reassurance is great although I did whine to the dr that if everything ok why do I feel so awful! But one good thing i noticed in a and e is that they have more time to investigate covid patients stories as they are much less pressured with cases now

I think we are all wondering that?!! Why are we all feeling so cr8p if everything is fine! We have breathing problems, buckets of phlegm, aches and pains but we are medically fine?! Good that they checked you out properly - have to say the whole of the NHS has done a truly amazing job. How long were you there for?

Lx

Yep I've thought the same thing since this all began. Just got my antibody test results. Negative -_- Just to add more confusion...

Just about sums it up now another test they spent a few quid on that goes pear shape Gary

Can u all see my messaged

Yes Susan I can see it Gary

Do you know what brand antibody test you did?

Was there for 2 hours, had a cubicle to myself and hardly had to wait in reception when I arrived

What?!?!

Negative? It's bonkers.

The brand was Abbott

That's supposed to be the good one. So crazy yours came back negative...retest?

Specialist told me that false negatives are quite common with the tests you buy over the internet. I think it is only the Roche one which is 100% accurate and not available to general public yet but NHS are using. My partner has just sent his off so be interesting to see what his says but is expecting negative as he only had a very mild sore throat - again that is strange as he normally comes down with everything and I am pretty hardy. I am going to try and pay to get specialist to do one in hospital for me so know it is accurate.

Lx

I waiting to get one through work

Abbott and Roche both approved by govt. They are blood tests that get sent to lab rather than finger prick test

Oh right so should be 100% accurate - that is very strange.

Looking at below time frame for recovery from Pneumonia is quite interesting. Maybe realistic recovery from this is 3-6 months also? After all, this is a respiratory illness which attacks the lungs.

How long does it take for lungs to heal after pneumonia?

Recovering from pneumonia

1 weekyour fever should be gone

4 weeksyour chest will feel better and you'll produce less mucus

6 weeksyou'll cough less and find it easier to breathe

3 monthsmost of your symptoms should be gone, though you may still feel tired

6 monthsyou should feel back to normal

No I won't do a retest. I was very surprised, but I will just have to conduct myself like I can catch it again as easily as I caught it the first time.

I see you Susan

This is interesting Rufio and may explain testing negative.

Another tricky part of antibody testing is that we don't know what it means for long-lasting or even short-term immunity. Some people who have beaten COVID-19 may not generate antibodies at all, but that may not mean they're not immune. For instance, a study published April 6 to the preprint database medRxiv, which has not been peer-reviewed, found that of 175 COVID-19 patients in China, about 30% (who tended to be younger) had very low levels of antibodies — yet those people also recovered just fine. And it's also possible that the body makes different antibodies than a test will pick up, meaning you could be immune but still test negative.

Yes very interesting. Some friends in the business have assured me that they are very likely to know far more about this virus in the coming months as tests and studies are completed. We are truly living through historic times.

Morning lulu well another week done Monday morning again and Im feeling a bit better than last Monday so my virtual score is going to be a 8 and a half still a little sweats but improving little dry mouth nearly phlegm gone and breathing better so I'm aiming for next Sunday night with a vengeance hope everyone had a good night Gary

Hi Gary what week you on now I'm on 11 I think

Morning Gary

Glad to hear there has been improvement sounds like you are getting there! It is so hard to see the improvement sometimes as it is up and down so only way to judge I think is weekly. I'm with you on 8.5 have been some small improvements but still a little way to go. So no Champagne for us this morning?! Am still coping with phlegm and breathing i think better but not right and feel really tired at various times during day even though still resting a lot. Also still getting tinnitus.

Are you still taking painkillers? If so which one?

Hope its a good day for you and everyone.

Lx

Morning Lulu,

Monday scoring ,difficult this week,i'll have to say I've not made great progress,little less breathless, not much else where.In fact sweats have got more frequent and even had chills this week too .

I have however managed a little pruning and some ironing and less headaches,managed some short walks but left me lightheaded then tearful and frustrated.

So I'm, going to say 7.5.

My brain seems to be half asleep sometimes though,having to think much harder about spellings and sometimes completely forget a word when I'm talking and my eyesight is worse.

So wish I could have a complete body scan and find out what's going on inside.

Have a good day x

Morning Susan just been round the park three times and feeling good and I will be week 11 on Friday and I'm going to see how I feel Friday before I make a decision about work Gary

Morning lulu yes not going to break that bottle of beer open either I've not taken any pain killer's only ibuprofen for headache don't even bother with the paracetamol now after sorting the dehydration I started to work on the other symptoms I'm taking vitamins and did try nature's plus source of life but will stick with the vitamins don't want to see another antibiotics in my life after my so called chest infection that did scare me gary

Gary Yep feel same at one point was taking 16 tablets a day now down to 6 the mucous ones just wondering if Ibruprofen would help the inflammation.

Susan, its really tough to see progress ive been same tearful, frustrated it seems never ending. Also people look at you and you "look" ok but they dont realise breathing not right and the tiredness that comes on after every activity. I am conscious of my breathing as it still hurts not as bad, but it does - think everyone, including me, seriously bored now with this illness.

We need to plod on I am starting week 10 - we are getting better albeit very slowly we must remember that.

Take care,

Lx

Why the moderated message no links or anything?

I'll give myself a 6 this morning. Have been feeling very tight chested with asthma-like feeling for last few days. Inhalers making NO difference whatsoever. Can't think straight. Words escaping me. Am seriously fed up and feeling very low. Sorry to say this.

Mary

I use the red liquid ibuprofen lulu what I would do is when you're breathing starts to hurt take the ibuprofen if it eases up then maybe it works my breathing is getting better I think because last week I had trouble going round the park without resting got tightness I've not been pushing it I've wanted to still feels tight round the throat area but has done for ages now Gary

Sorry your having a bad time dawn there's me rattling on about feeling a lot better I sometimes forget not everyone else is going to be I remember as well how horrible this little sugar can be and you dawn and lots of others suffering are going to turn the corner soon I'm not sure how to tackle the sweats yet that one and my throat are the ones that have got me so far dawn try to have a good day Gary

morning lulu and gary.

I havent posted for a while but have been following your posts as i have felt comfort from them. Thank you. As you know i started my symptoms slight as they were, on March 29th ( I get mixed up when we talk in weeks) and like most of you have been very up and down. Day 64 today and would say I'm a 7. still got pain in my back and the dreaded diarhea is back. I seem to be worse of a morning and get a little better in the afternoon. Went to see my mom and dad who are both sheilding yesterday, I couldnt have been more careful as im paranoid about still being infectious. It was lovely I just wanted to hug them. Im so glad to hear of the improvements you are both making. Little steps.

Hi I'm feeling alot better in myself it's just the walking bit but it prob because we havent been so active in weeks and it weakens our muscles lungs etc. We're all just keep plodding on, I'm aiming on working from 1st July but think they will all have to look after me lol not the other way round, I'll just stay in the house and do all support plans and risk assessments, cooking and personnel care and sit in between, play games with our clients.

Maybe I need to get ibrofen as it's a imflamatry might help the pain when walking.

Susan try the liquid ones see if they help Gary

Thanks for the message viv your just over a week behind me and I feel each week is an improvement you are definitely going to feel a lot better in the coming weeks and so nice you got to see your parents keep us updated on your improvements Gary

Chin up Mary it will get better

Well done I'm just doing the cleaning in bungalow then after going to take dog up the field where I live hope they have oxygen up top lol I walked round the park 4 times yesterday with grandkids on their shooters kept our distance from them, then took dog out in afternoon and cooked dinner lol go me. Laid on bed early evening and done my breathing and yoga exercises then dropped lol

That's a very good day Susan you done well there and you must feel OK this morning I'm taking it easy now but will go back out for a walk again later as long as little sugar permits me too want to work out how to deal with the sweats at night still it's not stopping me getting a few hours sleep just wet pillows my delivery for dry mouth has surfaced so will try that before bed time Gary

Really sorry to hear this Mary, you seemed to be doing well. Can associate with the tight chest have just done a long walk and constantly aware of chest tightness - its awful feeling. It is hard to keep spirits up - I fluctuate from feeling ecstatic that I am recovering to feeling tearful that I can't deal with this and the lack of energy. I am definitely going to try and get more specific info about the chest tightness on Weds eve when I have my appointment. Maybe reassurance would help us.

Take care,

Lx

You sound like you are doing really well Susan - are you still getting any symptoms? Glad you saw your grand kids and was out and about! I'm finding the Yoga really helps me just got to make sure I do it each day.

Lx

Hi Viv

Glad posts have helped and yes think you a week or so behind me and Gary. I still get back pain especially in right lung and across upper back. I am the same completely paranoid and it is so unlike me I am normally pretty happy go lucky but this has knocked me for six. So glad you saw your mum and dad. I think this has been so much worse not having loved ones with you. I was told by specialist I was definitely post virus after this amount of time and most infectious 5 days before symptoms and up to 14 days after so everything should be fine.

A weekly score does help you see progress. Gary and I were both 8 last week so both seen slight improvement which is encouraging - we are both looking forward to a 10 and are going to crack open a bottle of fizz! You are not far behind us and things will improve.

Take care, keep in touch.

Lx

Tired after about 7pm, still feel a bit of phlegm in chest, slight pain on right side chest also, the walking is slow and still get puffy and that upper pain at the back of my back, never really had a cough but I had the breathing and tight chest, temp, fatigue couldn't get out of pj's or bed or off couch for 6 weeks only to shower or loo, hubby done everything. But I had the depression and anxiety which didn't help me but that's kicked in now so improving, when I can just do normal things and walk without thinking about the breathing I know I cracked it.

Also I just walked the dog on my own with out hubby and didn't panic not far tho .

Think I'm at a 8.5 now as well

Hi everyone

It's still up and down for us, but we're making improvements, although it's very frustrating when we think about the amount of time it's taking

I'm giving myself a 7 this week because I'm feeling more normal, I can speak on the phone without getting out of breath and meet and chat with my daughter in the park. I've had some really rough nights though, with stomach churning and rapid heartbeat. Trying to sort that one out. Keeping cool, meditation video and I'm just starting on the rennies! I've also not been able to walk much, but I think that may be the heat. I've been getting chest pain, so I'm trying to take it easy, but I don't find that easy.

all the best everyone

we ARE getting there x

You you rattle away Gary,lovely to know you're feeling even a little bit better.

Hope you're having a good day x

Why thanks Dawn I think love you too the stuff I was trying to get for my dry mouth has turned up so I got a choice between oralieve or oraldene going to be a wet one tonight 😂 I've been out twice get me you too enjoy whatever your doing I'll stop rattling now Gary

sorry you're not well Mary

do you think this hot weather affects you. I'm finding everything harder, and I had to give up on walking in it yesterday. Hope things improve for you soon x

well done Lulu, Gary, Susan 😃

we'll catch you up! x

That made me laugh 😂 x

Still at a 7 here. This chest pain just will not let up. Feeling it a little extra this morning. Since I am likely post viral, I will try the ibuprofen and a heating pad on the left side that hurts. I have also been in a little bit of a daze like a few others have said. That may be because we have been home for so long with not much to stimulate our minds. Next goal to get back to work is June 8. We shall see!

I hope so! We are all on track but let's stay positive and focused we are coming out of the woods - it's been a long flippin' hike but we are getting there x

Thanks Joanne

I've just seen my GP (at arm's length in car park!). He thinks I have new acute hay fever, likely triggered by Covid, which has also been exacerbated by very high pollen counts recently. He's upped my dose of Beclamethasone and advised me re hay-fever meds. I had mild asthma in my twenties (52 now), but I have never really thought I've had hay-fever before. Have been on walks where lots of tall grasses are and birch trees (they have loads of pollen) . Anyway, will give meds a try and report back. Light rain forecast for next few days, which will phoefully settle the pollen, so will see whether it eases. Of course, I got super anxious about it because I seemed to be going backwards.

Have a good day everyone

Mary x

I am thinking of try Ibruprofen too - just have a feeling it will help quite a bit if a lot of the pain is caused by inflammation. Let me know if you do - maybe I'll let you try it out first!!

Lx

Just thinking more about this. My older daughter has had severe hay-fever for years and is really suffering at the moment. She is sneezing, has cough, runny nose,headaches and tight chest, which are normal symptoms for her. Now, I'm not suggesting that we've not had Covid (I know I have), but wonder if, because our immune systems are clearly vulnerable after the virus, whether the unusually high pollen counts at the moment ( my GP called them astronomical and says he's really suffering himself) are making us all feel particularly awful and may be contributing to our prolonged symptoms? Just something to possibly consider. Or not.

Yes you all will

Good to hear it Joanne I hope you do actually hope everyone does we deserve it as we have had to it all ourselves Gary

Good thats what we all need a good rattling x

I do think the weather is effecting us

I can't take ibuprofen as on a tablet which won't let me, I'll ask my gp later on in week

This is so interesting Mary - my partner suffers badly from hay fever and last couple of years I felt I had begun to suffer - he told me I was just jumping on the band wagon and I didn't have it (as if he knows!). Well I think I posted on here a couple of weeks ago went for early evening walk in tall grass and had the worst night ever - literally couldnt stop coughing and sneezing and thought was caused by the pollen. I think it's interesting your doc's theory of acute hay fever triggered by Covid - I really do. When you think about it your lungs are going to be super sensitive and inflamed after this. On the days we have spent in Aldeburgh by the sea my breathing has felt much better. I think he might be onto something here and be interesting to see what happens with change of weather.

Hopefully this will reassure you and make you less anxious.

Lx

Hi Lulu

Yes, funnily enough I do feel less anxious. I'm going to keep a daily diary of symptoms now and will make a note of pollen counts. It'll be interesting (to me at least) to see if there is any correlation between them. Will report back🙂

Also it could explain the way some days are worse than others with the chest tightness - for me I think it is mostly caused by symptoms of Covid but may be aggravated by hayfever.

I too have been wondering if have developed hayfever all of a sudden and if this is contributing to the symptoms.

My eyes are very sun sensitive at the moment too.

Got to say have not had a good week atall and am same time line as Gary and you.

Feeling increasingly depressed and at night when the nerve pain gets bad and my brain starts feeling like it's flipping I get in a very bad space. I feel like Covid has taken my whole life.

This week I've had energy for nothing. constant flu like symptoms and tight tight chest. Just want to scream and cry but don't have the energy😂 .

I even envy you guys when you are posting messages cause I wish I could respond to stuff but most of the time i just can't move and my head hurts too much. .Never felt so bad in my life.

I was really hopeful for a week there that things had improved but this week has been really terrible. When will it end!

At least have heard from the cardiac team and have an appointment for follow up on Thursday. I am really hoping it's all good news there.

interested to hear how it goes for you on Wednesday Lulu.

That's interesting about the pollen count. I noticed the other day that my nose started to block up when I was sitting on the grass, and then seemed better when I moved away.

We'll have to see what happens when the weather changes in a few days

Really sorry to hear this Res, it is so hard to deal with and I know that feeling - I sometimes feel really angry about it all and other times really tearful but overall just sick of the whole bloody Covid thing.

Is this for the result of the 24hr ECG on Thursday? Maybe this will be an opportunity to stress how unwell you are still feeling and further tests need to be carried out - you need more support.

Did you mention getting a second opinion privately or maybe that was someone else - is this an option?

Lx

Hi Lulu,

How is your chest doing? I almost do not have any phlegm recently. I just have this pain just above my solar plexus, do you have that? Do you think it is the remaining phlegm? I never thought that I'm going to talk to strangers about my phlegm 😃 sorry about that.

Would be lovely if you could ask your specialist about it, please?

I'm so happy reading your posts they give me hope as it looks like I'm just a little bit behind you with my recovery. When it is all over I think it would be great if all of us from this group could meet up for a glass of bubbly to celebrate and meet in person.

Thank you

Maciek

Hi Lulu,

Yes, for the 24hr tape and Echo results. I have exhausted my outpatients limit already with the neurologist for the seizures so am gonna have to hope the NHS cardiologist gets it right!