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

Hey Dane. I haven't had a CT or a MRI yet but if this goes on much longer I will probably consider it. This morning I woke up and was really feeling the chest. It was hard to breathe while I was laying in bed but got easier once I got up. My lady is also feeling the chest pain extra today so like some others said, it may be the allergens in the air.

Hi Dane, Rufio, all

Seems like a common thread with a lot of us and possibly a hay-fever influence. Will be interesting to see how we all are with the rain coming. If it does help, then I hope we have much more of it!

Sleep well everyone x

Mine feels very muscular...hope to speak to gp tomorrow and ask about getting MRI

Will be great if the rain helps some of us!

Morning everyone, wondering if you have or know someone who has been prescribed beta blockers. Last week my GP prescribed them for me for fast heartbeat but I am reluctant to take them, not really sure the GP s are informed enough about the virus.

Hi Alison

I've not heard of anyone. I know what you mean it does feel like GPs are just stabbing away in the dark and I've felt the same about a couple of things prescribed. I would have a good google and find out what you can first and maybe someone here can help you further.

Sorry can't be more help.

Lx

Hi Jim,

Going through one now at 11 weeks, for me it's with a new symptom of chest tightness that stretches to my neck plus some older symptoms of breathlessness.

Really difficult.

I'm hoping it doesn't last long, I'm basically sitting or lying down all day.

I'm in my 30s with no other health conditions.

I hope yours is also a short spell.

Dane,

Sorry to hear that.

Lets hope it's over quickly.

Jim.

Hi Jim

Would it be worth a trip to A&E to get checked out I know someone mentioned recently that it is not so busy in the hospitals now and they have more time to do some tests and investigate and hopefully reassure you. You shouldn't be feeling so unwell without medical support.

Lx

Agree with Lulu Jim

Please get checked out.

Lulu,

I have been to A&E three weeks ago and they did bloods, xray, covid test, sats, temperature and gave me fluids. Only problem low sodium due to over drinking. Covid test negative.

My doctor re-did bloods, sats, temperature, sputum test all normal.

Since then been diagnosed with health anxiety.

jim

Jim to put your mind at rest go to a and e now because now it won't be that busy and don't worry about going before that's what it's there for you I went five times Gary

And I went 4 times, so don't hesitate.

That is really tough Jim but glad you have been checked out properly. Hope you are getting some professional help/treatment for the anxiety. Please just know we are here for you.

The mind is very powerful - I know myself how quickly I can go into a downward spiral if don't feel right, a new symptom or pain appears and equally how a bit of positive news can really pick me up. You will get better with the rest of us and we have a great support network between us all.

Thinking of you and sending you positive thoughts.

Lx

Yes Jim, I went in to a and e yesterday, they have much more time now and can check you out properly. It's always reassuring to know that all vitals are ok...I've been in 5 times over the weeks

Yes Jim, I'm in A&E as we speak...and finally been referred to a respiratory specialist 🙏 .

In for Xray number 3 as GP wants another one done. Can't wait for my bed!

Good new Res that you have been referred to specialist at last hopefully will be able to give you some answers and reassurance.

Have you get a good sleep tonight.

Take care,

Lx

Hey Jim I know what you mean. Every test for me has been normal yet still feeling lousy. Doc keeps saying it will go away on its own and not to worry, just need time. It is frustrating that he cannot pinpoint exactly what is wrong, but I'm sure the more normal results we have on the serious tests, the better.

That's good news res hopefully all goes well and they sort you out morning everyone no change for me sweats again sore throat dry mouth has improved didn't drink as much so improvement of sorts tired but will go for a walk round the park I'm hoping lots of you had a good night Gary

Yes, he is going to try and get me seen by the consultant who is doing the aftercare for all the admissions. It's a long shot but due to length of illness he thinks there's a chance. If not will be seen by a normal respiratory specialist . Either way, further along.

My xray this time wasn't as clear funnily enough, inspire of 2 clear ones. Maybe I just breathed in better so they got a better image but was showing thankfully a small pleural infusion or whatever it is they call it😂.

Morning Gary and everyone

Slept like a log again its as if someone has slipped sleeping tablets in my tea! Actually think I'm making up for all those sleepless nights and body repairing itself. I still feel pretty exhausted despite sleeping well. Funnily fist time ever woke in night dripping wet and immediately thought of you Gary!! - wondered if new symptom as not experienced this before but think it was just such a warm night or rather hope it was that. It did make me sympathise with everyone who has had constant night sweats - really hope I am not one of them - don't need any new symptoms at this stage of the game!

Res/Jim hope you have a better day today and, of course, everyone else..

Lx

Morning lulu really nice to know that when you get dripping wet you think of me 😂 hope you explained to your partner no seriously hope you haven't got the sweats starting I'm trying to work out a way to beat this one it wasn't so bad last night got a little sweaty I've got some oralieve for the dry mouth it's working fine so after all this time with dehydration and dry mouth finally getting somewhere not sure what's going on with the throat though I do hope everyone has a good day Gary

that really is good news fingers crossed you see the top guy surely these specialists must be interested in us as been unwell so long?! When my lung pain was at worst I decided it could be pleuritic pain from googling I think pleurisy is inflammation of lining of lung or chest wall - might decide to become a medical student after all this!! Anyway so pleased you are now in the system properly and getting support.

Lx

Ha! It was a fleeting thought along the lines of "blimey this is what Gary has been experiencing EVERY night poor b******d"!

have a good day.

Lx

I agree Jim go get checked

Morning Gary ,Lulu and all,

Made me laugh again reading those messages.

Going to try and get some oral spray today ,well partner is,hes been here for a few days.

My appointment yesterday was for consultation with the doctor not the actual Echo...I know my brain is a bit foggy at the moment but specifically asked her Friday if the appointment was for the Echo and she said yes but the doctor will call you first 😩 so I just presumed he would tell me when and where.Then i got a text Sunday morning saying Doctors telephone consultation 2pm Monday.

So it's now been requested and I'll just have to wait for appointment .

On the plus side finding plenty of jobs for my partner to do.

Ps...sorry to be personal but has anyone resumed relations 😂not only worried about my heart but my breathing and I think partner is petrified I'm going to pass out on him or worse 🙈x

Yes I know what you mean I was only joking lulu I might have to talk to work Friday they have rostered me in for Sunday that goes quite quick with the little sugar my breathing is getting better but I will ask if I can find a way to do every other day or something because its still a bit tight now and again enjoy your day Gary

Morning dawn good to see you got some help with your partner being there I'm not sure about the relations side of it I'm not with anyone my kids are with their mum I'm off to see them later if I was you just like you've got him now let him do all the work that way you don't tire yourself out lie back and think of England 😂 Gary see told you even Mary agrees

Hello Lulu, so happy that you're sleeping better.. That was a couple of weeks ago for me and still sleeping good so far but I remember I had a couple of nights when I felt very hot and sweaty

But haven't had them since. That was a Turner around for me, been feeling better however felt a little tight yesterday probably its hay-fever even though I never suffered from it before. Thank you everyone for your posts.... Hope you all have a better day today. Diane

I'm praying for rain... I might even do a rain dance in the garden

💃💃💃😂

👍🤣🤣

Have a nice day x

Hi Dawn

Completely understand your concern about 'relations' (😁). I'd discuss with GP in the first instance. I would think though, that you can be guided with how your breathing goes. Hope it works out though; it is an important part of intimate relationships and good for cardiovascular health 👍

I should add that that's the serious nurse in me talking. I agree with Gary: think of England!!

Hi Mary,

Thanks for the vote of confidence 😂

x

Hi Dawn

I'd say go for it - it's not like you're on a rollercoster and can't get off!! I fathom if I can climb the equivalent of 19 flights of stairs, which is what I did on the day I stupidly got lost in the forest, and survive it should stand me in good stead and besides let's be honest you can be as "active" as you want - there has to be some pleasures in life along with drinking Prosecco!The specialist guy said to carry on with normal life - perhaps that's what he was getting at!!

Lx

Thanks Diane that is reassuring. My chest has definitely been tight over last couple of days and I've never suffered hayfever before either - it is probably the C19 aggravated by hayfever. I am struggling to use spray deoderant at the moment - I literally have to stick my head out of window and then spray as if I inhale it I start gagging and coughing! With my new found medical expertise!! (aka Google) I would say at the moment we have hyper sensitive lungs.

Enjoy your day and so pleased you also can get a good night's sleep.

Lx

I know you were..!!

Amazing how quickly two weeks goes isn't it? I think you might need to ask them to un-roster you for the time being!

Maybe phone them today and let them know you will need to speak to your doctor Friday to see if you are fit for work and it is looking quite unlikely at moment given you still have the much reported breathing issues - give them a bit of a heads up so they can make necessary plans for you not working Sunday. If you do feel better by Friday you can let them know but if you don't you are not under so much pressure and they will not be surprised. You can then get signed off again which is what you need to do if you still have breathing issues. Don't push yourself to go back - you should go back when you have felt well for at least a whole week or more.

Just my opinion, for what it's worth!!

Lx

Try it and let us know lol

It's like having the menopause lol

My manager won't let me back until I can cope especially around the breathing, so speak to gp Gary. Just been for a lovely walk with dog and hubby down our local beach, but got that top back pain again after a while walking, it's a pain

Yes, marks out of 10 - lol!

Hi susan

That has been my main symptom all through this nightmare. i keep saying that when that goes and the dreaded diarhea i will know that i am on the mend. Day 65 today and its not too bad but still there. Can i ask everyone their advice pls. I had a test at 38 days and it came back positive. I cant get past this. My husband wants me to take another test, and I want to so that i know Im safe to be around. However I am so frightened that it will set me back again. I am sure a lot of you would know how im feeling so i would really appreciate your feedback. Thank you

Hi Lulu,

Not sure about 19 flights for me yet maybe a slow ride up in the lift for now !😂

Might even have a very small glass of red later 👍😊.

Enjoy your day x

Hi Susan,

😂 if you see a thumbs up tomorrow alls well x

The tests that they do to us in UK, smear tests, they are not very accurate and do not show if you have active infection or just are shedding dead viruses or traces of them. Therefore they can be false positive. It's accuracy is only 70% and if they are don 3-5days after first symptoms.

It is proven that it can take a lot of time for body to clean itself, therefore I'm not sure that you should be worried about the first result after 38 days.

I just read about hypersensitive lungs and correlation with Covid and it looks like doctors know already about it. Please google this as I cannot place a link to the article here: (COVID-19, A Clinical Syndrome Manifesting as Hypersensitivity Pneumonitis)

It is treatable condition and doctors can treat it with steroids. Could you please be so kind and ask your specialist next time that you see him/her?

I just think it is a very interesting to follow.

Thank you

Maciek

Can understand the worry but from what I've been told you cannot be infectious after this time (that's what my specialist told me) and if you get a positive test back it is because, as Macie says, you are shedding dead virus cells and the tests are not accurate to know this and you may get a positive result. I was told most infectious 5 days before symptoms and up to 14 days after first symptoms - that is why the household is told to self isolate for 14 days if anyone has symptoms. I definitely think a lot of the testing and anti-body testing are unreliable.

Has your husband had it or any symptoms?

Lx

Thanks for the reply Macie.

I wish that I had never taken it. Still not sure whether to take another one as still have symptoms.

I know this feeling very well. I have symptoms as well. Now in relapse myself for last three days. But to be honest, what would it change? If they are not 100% accurate? The tests accuracy is ridiculous and I question why they even bother with doing this tests?

If you decide to take test again:

a) If the results come positive you will feel like OMG I still have it! But it doesn't mean it as they are not accurate and you can be shedding pieces of virus's RNA.

But you will have anxiety and your body will go to fight/flight mode and you will feel worse.

b) if they come negative you will question accuracy, why do they come negative if I still have symptoms. So you will stress about everything.

In my humble opinion do not worry too much just focus on recovery and accept it will take a very, very long time.

There is no magic pill we can take anyway, well at least not yet 😉

Maciek

Hi Lulu

Thanks for the reply.

Yes he came down with symptoms 5 days before me. He never took to his bed but was poorly for about a week. He still had headaches and other funny symptoms like smelling smoke when there was nothing there, fir about 4 or 5 weeks. He thinks a lot of my symptoms are in my head caused by anxiety. He thinks I need to be more positive. I am trying

Can I ask how long you have been suffering for

It looks like I'm on week 9.

Hi Macie

Just had a telephone consultation with a doctor from my surgery.He said the symptoms that I am describing are not classic covid symptoms and he thinks its post virus. Like you he said he cannot see taking another test this late will do any good and he would expect me to make a full recovery

Hi Viv,

Just read that your husband had the phantom cigarette smoke smell....me too.Not found anyone else who had that.I still have it and its been about 3 weeks now,almost continuously but seems much stronger early morning and at night.

Don't feel so alone in that one now x

That's great to hear. Did you take any antibiotics? If you did, did you take any probiotics afterwards? I'm talking about proper ones, not actimel 😉 They will help you with diarrhea.

I did try a pack of probiotic drinks a few weeks ago but then my husband picked up actimel. The diarrhoea has been there from the start. Mainly in the morning so I drink a dioralyte. I will ask him to pick me some more yakult up

He still gets the smell now

What happens when you take antibiotics it kills good bacteria in your gut. Actimel and Yacult are not real probiotics. Send your husband to pharmacy and but probiotics/bacterias tablets. They are for some reason kind of pricey in the UK. Please just make sure that they have names of bacteria on the box with a number, do not buy ones without any number. Number means that they are from proper source not just from fermented milk. Buy ones with different kinds of bacterias in them, the more the merrier. You can also get in healthy shops kefir, or in tesco on polish section. It has 4/5 different kinds of good bacterias in it. Just blend it with fruit and you have lovely milk shake.

This will help with your tummy. If it is caused by antibiotics and from what you say it does. It is really weird that GPs don't prescribe it with antibiotics, where I'm from every doctor will recommend it, I mean probiotics.

But you can have diarhea from overdosing vit C, so how much of it do you take, please?

Thanks Macie

I dont take any vitamin supplements. I try to eat fruit, banana every day occasional orange and grapes. I have not been able to stomach many vegetables over the illness and have no inclination to cook them

I found on amazon: Bio-Kult Advanced Multi-Strain, they look great and are not expensive. You can try, they won't harm you, but they can help. Full list of bacterias is answers to questions area on amazon. As you can see they have strain numbers next to their names. They will improve your digestion.

Thanks Macie

I will look for those.

I have just drove to the shop. Its the first time in ten weeks. Think the anxiety levels have just gone through the roof lol

Hi Macie

Are they any good for stomach churning, heartburn/indigestion pains? I'm getting this a lot, especially at night lately, so not getting much sleep.

I tried rennies, but I don't think they're helping. Spoken to doctor today, and he's given me omeprazole. Has anyone tried it?

Desperate for sleep at moment!

They are just gut bacterias and they help to rebuild/regulate digestion. They are great to take after a course of antibiotics, it is weird, that doctors in UK don't prescribe them alongside antibiotics, as the latter kill good bacterias, that we need for digesting and defense.

Hard for me to tell what is a cause of your problems. Maybe it is acid reflux or something else or maybe just some of of the symptoms. These bacterias won't hurt you, therefore you can try them. I know I always do after antibiotics. The ones I take are called Multilac, they are available on amazon, I use them, because I know them very well from my country.

Ok so sounds like he was lucky and had a mild version. It is tricky as I think we and all our families are just worn out with this illness and hearing about the constant change of symptoms. I think my partner is really tired of it and I understand it impacts him but you cannot help being ill (don't get me wrong he has been supportive but it is just the length of time). For some unknown reason my sore throat is back today - it has looked red the whole 10 weeks but not been sore for about 4/5 weeks but yep today it is sore - the breathing feels easier today but hey let's throw a sore throat in the mix to spoil your day! No idea why it is but it has made me nervous as it was my very first symptom.

I am all for being positive too but unless you have walked in these shoes people do not always understand how hard this illness has been and it is not always easy to be positive.

Take care,

Lx

Hi Maciek

Yes it is interesting. I have appointment at 5.00 tomorrow with him and will definitely ask. He will be discussing the results of my CT scan so will, of course, report back on everything people have asked me to mention and anything else that he covers.

Lx

You are the best, thank you.

I asked my GP about referring me to a specialist and he refused. 😭

Good luck with your results and looking forward to news from you.

Thanks Macie,

I'll have a look, although I haven't been taking any antibiotics

I think it must be acid reflux, so I'll see how I get on with these tablets

Good luck for tomorrow, Lulu, hope all goes well for you

Sorry about the return of the sore throat, we never know what's going to turn up next!

That's certainly proof for your specialist of the way these symptoms come and go x

sorry about the sore throat lulu. i have a new symptom tonight. middle back pain. oh well tomorrow is a new day x

Good evening lulu just to let you know your not the only one with the sore throat again I don't know what it is and why it keeps coming back I've also got a little white dot come up on my elbow weird besides that and tight breathing not too bad a day wondering what tonight brings try and enjoy it everyone hope you got your list ready for tomorrow young lady Gary

Ah really sorry to hear that Viv - I've had plenty of back pain over the weeks - right side, left side, middle - you name it I've had it ..! I still sometimes wake with back pain on one side but seems to go off during day - maybe we just need someone to shoot us and put us out of our misery!!

Take care.

Lx

we will beat it lulu. sleep well x

Hi Macie

Did your GP give you a reason for refusal to refer to specialist?

Mary x

hi Lulu, I'm coming up to week 10, have had a good 10 days, but out of the blue my sore throat has come back , feels like when I had mumps as a child. also had quite bad headaches which is a new one. Just when you think youve got it sorted it takes you down again! It's pretty hard to keep getting back up but the 10 good days is something to remember and work towards.

Thanks Julie, I started week 10 yesterday and overall much better with odd ropey days - still breathing issues but improving. I've also had a headache today and as I mentioned earlier woke last night covered in sweat which has never happened before so am now wondering if this was linked to today's sore throat or whether it is, as others have mentioned, being hyper sensitive at the moment to any irritants and could it be hay fever related? - not that I have suffered before! It is all so confusing and as you say it is tough. I start every day positive and hopeful but it is definitely wearing a bit thin! Let's hope we have some rain and we may all see an improvement in symptoms.

Let me know how your sore throat is tomorrow.

Lx

I hear you on the nerves!

I've even began to wonder if I've somehow caught it again this last week but i think I'm just being paranoid. Is just another downward slump .

I occasionally wake up with a suddenly bright red throat. Or, weirder still half a bright red tongue that's sore but clears up in a day.. That's happened 3 times now..Absolutely random this stuff!😂

My breathless has been rubbish today again.

Can't wait to see a specialist myself.

Good luck tomorrow!

You're not alone! Me too! ... I've been smelling smoke off and on throughout my 12 week journey. At first I thought it was my neighbors but it smelled different than the smoke I've smelled before from them. So I wondered if this could be yet another weird symptom. I've now come across 3 or 4 of you that have smelled this smoke. That confirms it for me.

If it's any consolation to you I got my original symptoms back just before I started to improve for real. Maybe that's how it works. Like a 'grand finale at the end of a fireworks display. 😃

Morning lulu and everyone else your the same as me with the sore throat I'm not sure if that is a carry on from the inflammation or something else because mine feels like something on the end of it anyway my sweat decreased a little last night got a feeling this is going to be a drawn out one though I took ibuprofen before sleep woke up every couple of hours drinking then back to sleep it is easing I got a wierd one turn up yesterday on my elbow a white rash in a circle my dry mouth is getting better as well no new symptoms except the circle hope you all got a good night Gary

My thoughts exactly Res I started thinking the same had caught it again!! Its hardly surprising we are paranoid after all this time is it?! As Ive posted before Ive had the red tongue and actually have it now and red throat - only just woken but throat doesn't feel so sore - yet! There was no air in night and started feeling a bit panicky (first time in ages) as chest felt tight - it is a vicious circle for me either loads of phlegm and chest not so tight or phlegm reduces and chest is tight - I think it builds up. Am getting pretty fed up with it all. I feel ok in myself just cant get chest cleared up and throat still not right.

Anyway roll on 5.00 hope the guy is prepared for lots of questions and hope he know the answers!

Hope the wait is not too long to see a specialist and you have a good day.

Lx

That made me laugh! Yep here's hoping it is the grand finale - yesterday went out came home and went in downstairs loo and said " it smells like someone has been smoking in there?!" only me and partner here - he looks at me as if I'm even more mad than he thought I was!

Didn't think about this again until I saw posts and remember it being mentioned before! Its ALL so weird. Not had that before maybe someone decided I hadn't experienced the FULL suite of symptoms so let's throw the stale cigarette smoke at her now!

Lx

Morning Gary and everyone

Yep we are definitely in this together night sweats (actually better last night) and sore throat do you think the Ibruprofen help I still not tried it?

Trouble is every little thing we are on high alert - the circle on elbow might not be related or maybe reaction to Ibruprofen?

What have you decided about work Sunday?

Lx

​Hi Joanne,

just started with really bad indigestion myself, called the paramedics the second night because breastbone area was very tight and found it hard to breathe., also lots of frothy sputum.

whatever i eat or drink i end up with painful trapped wind until i can manage to shift it. Its another thing to worry about.

My chest has always been clear and now it feels a bit tight. and i find it difficult to get sleep, usually manage about 2 hrs.

Wk 7 starting tomorrow.

Hi lulu ive decided to see how I feel Friday I've been round the park a few times this week and started to feel a little better I think that I will wait till Friday to see exactly I've received a letter from the hospital I laughed when they said flu like illness but could be covid that basically covers me and if I don't feel well enough to do my work I will ask to annual leave for 2 weeks again they may tell me to stay sick or annual leave it or if they can refer me to a specialist it's a big company I would love that Gary

Sorry yes I feel the ibuprofen helps but the trouble is which symptom because it will help a headache I waited till I didn't have a headache or sore throat to try the tight chest it eases off but I went round the park a few times and it tightened up again what a palaver I was trying to get my medicine cabinet smaller Gary

Ah ok. You shouldn't need to take annual leave but I know last time you offered they signed you off sick so maybe same again. If you work for big company hopefully they will look after you - they definitely should. Whatever don't go back till confident you are better - a few good days under belt is not enough to base return to work. I am signed off till end of next week but will just phone doctor next Friday and get signed off again - no way could do a full day's work at moment and my work is looking at screen all day nothing physical but still couldn't cope with the stress/pressure of work.

Lx

And yeah actually nothing like flu like symptoms but keep telling people that! Shame we were not tested at beginning it is always going to state flu like symptoms or my statement of fitness to work says Suspected Covid-19 - you weren't tested were you Gary?

No my symptoms started around 20 th March I was at work on the 8th of April and really feeling terrible so went to the hospital I think it was probably out of my system I was tested twice but the nurse did tell me that the swabs were not working properly 60 percent she said told me then go home and isolate went back to a and e 4 times after one time gave me antibiotics for a chest infection trying to finish me off gary

your dates are almost identical to mine sore throat started 23 March but was ok then it really kicked off around 6 April - to be fair I had two lots of antibiotics as precautionary so maybe did same for you.

L x

What I tried to explain to the doctor then was I felt it had gone from the bridge of my nose to my throat that's why I had the popping noise I still get it slightly and feel like it took a long time to go to my chest or lungs but they did three xrays before my chest or lungs was infected I think can't be certain but I had the sore throat dehydration dry mouth a long time even carried on working because no one told me my supervisor told me that I had to go sick because I never had symptoms of the virus I never really had a tempature or cough only a dry one but I got a call from the virtual hospital doctor whom told me he has another 100 patients in my area whom he has to call today and has no idea what is going on with the virus and I was negative confused so was I also my mates wife was there for me she was helping me with it but after about five weeks she got a little confused as to why I was still ill at this time it was bad I was feeling like death every day and the anxiety which at the time didn't know what it was was all over the place Gary

Hi Alison

My indigestion problems have only started the last week or so.

That must have been scary, but at least paramedics have checked you. Are you taking anything for it? I tried rennies but the doctor said I needed something stronger, I'll see if they work.

I get the churning and rapid heartbeat when I go to bed, it usually lasts for a while, last night I managed to get some sleep afterwards. I have to sit up in bed at first, and last night I had to get up for a bit.

Hope you manage to get some relief from it. Just another of the many symptoms we are getting

It's nearly 11weeks for me since the initial sore throat

My symptoms started 22nd March.

The temperature was a few days before but I felt fine for a few days after that and then the tight chest n cough began on 22nd. So guess You and Gary are same time line to me exactly.

Same for me didn't really feel too bad at first and still worked from home till 8th April. Spoke to a colleague on 8th whose brother had it he is an ICU consultant and I told her I was ok think getting over it and she warned me to be very vigilant as common to kick off again - and she was right!! Mine started in nose went to throat then I felt it in upper chest then lungs thats when things got REALLY scary for me as knew that was the big problem. Think the doctors are only just working it out now seen couple more articles stating everything we know about recovery time and how ill you become even with mild/moderate symptoms. It is getting out there.

Right enough chatting from me!! am off out for a hike! If only!!

Lx

Yes it's getting out there just like you though lulu just wish it would get out of all of us Gary

Hi,

It is a strange one and not pleasant but seems like you say to be connected to the virus.

Even though my taste and smell has returned I still can't stomach certain things ...I've not had a coffee for about 7 weeks now ...if I wasn't 55 and past it I would think I was pregnant!

Hi lulu my tongue and lips were bright red for a while. I've just come back from the breast hospital as had a cyst on boob that got infected just before covid blew up, just got appointment but all OK thank goodness didn't do my anxiety any good but stayed calm it wasn't busy in there. I was chatting to a Dr there he had the breathing and tight chest as well he said he still struggles with it.

Hi lulu.

Yep think you should throw in the cigarette smoke one .

Hope it all goes well later x

Mine started on 27th March but had a bad cough 2 weeks before that and lost my taste but it went and I carried on working then on 27th temp then after short breath, shakes, fast heart beat, couldn't get out of bed, Dr gave me antibiotics but didn't get better was taken to red zone by paramedics for xray but clear bloods OK apart from slight higher white cells they said it was the virus but came home, I couldn't get get dressed for 5 weeks as had tight chest and breathing issues. Then had second lot of antibiotics which were awful had a reaction so ended up with ambulance and ecg in the hospital again but chest was clear and ecg and bloods apart from the slight white cell but they said it's do to the virus and imflammation. Gp said the same so just been recovering since like u guys get sweats not many, still breathing hard going.

Morning Gary,

Tried the dry mouth spray last night also got a dry mouth wash..both Boots .Helped a little tried to alternate between a drink and spray during the night...still had a few hots sweats then feeling cold.. the quilt was on and off all night .Upper body aches and I'm very tired today,think I've tried to behave a bit too normal over the past few days having partner here and it's taken it out of me .

Day of complete rest today with my feet up my lower legs were a little tight and ankles a bit swollen last night.Seem ok this morning.

Hope your throat feels a bit better later x

Hopefully res we are well and truly through it lulu did say 4 months so not out of the woods yet and hoping no new symptoms turn up a long way from the first gp who I spoke to said 8 weeks just double it Gary

Hi Lulu,

With all the information you have picked up over the weeks I wondered if you Knew or heard of someone getting the first covid symptoms 3 weeks before main onset. I felt stiffness and slight breathlessness down left side and had slight chills 3 weeks later got it full blown down left side. I wondered at what point do we consider the start date? Sorry about all the questions. Good luck getting your results, think you said it was today

I have asked my husband to get some Rennie today. I have had mainly GI issues with a clear chest and no cough. I lost my sense of taste and smell and went off my food quite quickly just no appetite and always felt full. I have managed to push myself to eat milky porridge most days though but that's it. Then I got some appetite back and unfortunately the indigestion as well, it comes up into my back and chest and I move around to walk it off, not easy. I also eat early on so that I should have the indigestion up before going to bed otherwise it can make me feel breathless around breastbone.

Yeah, ireally hope so.

Cough and chest tightness have been worse for me the last 7 days again. Is super annoying!

That's good Dawn you will need a few days for the mouth spray to work mine is nearly there but dry at night that's due to the inflammation but I do notice the difference during the day how did the relations go did the garden move 😂 maybe that's why you need to relax Im hoping the throat will sort itself out in time enjoy your day Gary

Hi Susan glad to hear you're breasts are OK the Dr that you was talking to about the breathing was he still working just curious Gary

Hi Gary,

😂the relations was put on hold,mother nature took care of that 🙈 and I was shattered...but sent him home with a smile on his face this morning 😉😂.

Enjoy your day x

Get you girl at least he's got a smile on his face enjoy your relaxing Gary x

Hi Alison

It's a good question because there is not much out there about the slow onset of symptoms - I count my start date from the first day I was aware I had a bad sore throat 23 March and I didn't feel ill enough to phone GP until 6th April - so two weeks later and on that basis am in week 10. They do say from first symptoms - so regardless of the long lead in I'd count it from then. From what I've read some people (mild cases) seem to shake it off during that lead in period and for others like us it seems to take a grip in that period. Maybe because didn't feel too ill didn't rest and carried on as normal - I was doing really long hilly walks and do feel if I had rested I would have stood a better chance - testing was not available so I assumed I just had a sore throat and not Covid.

Naturally feeling anxious about this afternoon just hope it is good news and gives us all some reassurance - will post later.

Lx

Scrolling through comments and saw Gary talking about breasts... 🤣🤣

Sounds like yours was a slow burner to start with too Susan - again this is not something people are told. You have had a really rough ride, 5 weeks of not getting dressed etc. must have been awful - the only plus side about the hospital trips is that you were probably checked out more thoroughly in the early days. I have literally seen no-one face to face even appointment this afternoon is by phone. Would like someone to look at throat and tongue as still red after 10 weeks!

Am sure we are never going to forget this awful time but hopefully as we get better the memories will fade.

Lx

So glad all good on the boob front - bet you needed that like a hole in the head! Definitely interesting about the doctor - did he say anything else interesting about C-19?

Lx

Yeah he was he was off for 4 weeks but his improved enough to go to work , I told him i feel like a 70 year old with my walking and breathing. thanks Gary it's a relief.

Hi All

Just read an interesting article on BBC online 2nd May about ibuprofen being looked at as a treatment for Covid breathlessness. Can't post link, but article called: Coronoavirus: ibuprofen tested as a treatment.

Mary x

My breathing bad today Res, I think if I don't walk it seems worse. Sat gassing to a friend for four hours yesterday (my partner quickly pointed out "so no lung issues there" .. lol) and no walk so the phlegm seems to build up for me and then the tightness comes. Just walked 3.5 miles but I did a bit of gulping to get air in - I'm wondering if this is anxiety or has become a habit? I am anxious about appointment today.

Hope it gets better for you soon.

Lx

Yes I read that too, think they are about to trial it

LOL!!

Thanks Mary

Will take a look - am going to ask about that later have always felt Ibruprofen might help with all the inflammation.

Lx

Well if that's the case I am

another 3 weeks on down the recovery road... That's huge!!!!

Please let it be true 🙏

Susan was having a problem with her breasts Mary and its all sorted now 😂 I've been taking the ibuprofen but I prefer the liquid ones I use them for the headaches sore throat and inflammation when needed Gary

So how many weeks are you now if you include the 3 weeks?

Hi Lulu, snap my breathing has been bad since Saturday. Spoke to my GP earlier and he's prescribing me an inhaler. I've never suffered from asthma or hay fever so it's annoying to know that i've got to use an inhaler now !! I know I've phlegm but nothing comes up and docs don't want to prescribe anything. Hope appointment goes well. xx

I had early symptoms, just did not think they were virus related. I woke up with a sore throat a few times but it always went away after 15 minutes. Figured it was allergies. Then came that chest pain and lightheadedness which I did not think much of at first because it was mild and did not happen often. About 2 weeks later, I went to the hospital in an ambulance for the chest pain and lightheadedness. This was in the middle of the outbreak and no doctor ever saw me. Since these were not listed viral symptoms, I chalked it up to food poisoning. 3 weeks after that is when it hit me hard. Increased chest pain, occasional breathlessness, extreme fatigue, loss of appetite, GI issues.

10 weeks

Chest still clear but some stiffness frothy type spit in my mouth all of the time an d rapid heartbeat if I do too much and bad Indegestion, these have just starte this week.

All very much like mine apart from the sore throat.

What week are you now?

I've just ordered some lipid based ibuprofen online. Thought I'd beat the rush. I've been taking it on and off anyway because I've always felt 'inflamed', if you know what I mean, but I've not taking it with any consistency. Perhaps I'll do my own (very unscientific) reasearch and see how it goes. It'll take a few days to arrive, so will see how the rain that's forecast over over next week or so helps with the supposed link between hay-fever and my tight chest/breathing and hoarse voice.

Mary x

it's the rapid heartbeat I find most scary, mostly at night when I'm not doing anything! But doctor said indigestion can cause rapid heartbeat so could be that

I'm similar to you, Lulu, my sore throat started on 20 th March, and I carried on as normal, although I did feel quite tired. After about a week I felt better so I did some yoga, and I think I made it worse, because it went to my chest. A few days later I called the paramedics with breathing difficulties but of course, everything was ok except for a slight temperature

good luck for later x

for anyone who's interested, I found this youtube video useful in an anxious moment

10 minute chakra balance guided meditation for positive energy.

sounds impressive!

It really helped though with anxiety and breathing

I think 10 minutes is about right for me at the moment, I struggle a bit with the 20 minute one

Hi Mary yes I feel like they will help I've also been told to do breathing exercises as well because of all the time that we are resting up he said to take a deep breath hold it in count to five then breath and repeat a few times apparently helps the lungs Ive got the voice because of my throat one good thing is the phlegm has nearly gone only get lightly in mornings Gary x

Apparently we had the mild covid as didn't need to be in hospital lol

When I walk after about 20mins I get a pain in my shoulder blades but when I bend over it goes, do you think it's because we havent exercised much

I can't take antiinflamitries as on sertaline.,but might ring gp and see if I can as I take lanzoprozole

Let us know how you get on lulu ♥️

Hi Mary,

When you were taking it did it improve your symptoms or made them worst please?

Where did you order and on what name brand, your lipid ibuprofen?

Thank you

Maciek

Hi Macie

It's a brand called 'Flarin' from 'Chemist Direct'.

I have been taking normal ibuprofen from Tesco etc in tablet form. I haven't taken it consistently so don't know if it's helped so far to be honest. I certainly don't think it has made me feel worse though. Also, important to stress the fact that I think my current breathing issues have been exacerbated by very high pollen over the last few weeks. I posted about this the other day. GP has prescribed me preventer inhaler and I've been taking otc Clarityn and nasal spray. I honestly think they have helped me and 12 year old daughter. My GP thinks that Covid has left us hypersensitive to irritants = new hay-fever we've never had before. Hoping rain over next few days will also help. So, it is difficult to know whether the ibuprofen has helped while I also have the hay-fever issue, but it has certainly not made it worse. I've also read that my hoarse voice and the dry throat I've had recently can be caused by pollen and/or the meds I'm taking for hay-fever.

Hope that's helpful

Mary x

Thank you Mary,

I ordered some for me as well. I'm at this stage of desperation that I'll try everything.

I'm already taking three different kinds of antihistamines. I have hay fever every year, but this year I'm not taking any steroids because of this virus. I just read that this year's pollen levels are the highest in 70 years. It explains a lot. Where I live there was no sign of rain for a very long time. Today it is a joke of rain here. But noticed my breathing is better than last few days.

Let's hope that Ibuprofen will help, I already started with regular one until new one will arrive.

Thank you

Maciek

Could be 7 or 10 depending if you include the first bout 3 weeks earlier. Did you have any problems eating? I lost my sense of taste and smell and couldn't manage much food for about 4 weeks, got my appetite back now but have indigestion.

We can but try it and see how it goes😄

Where are you Macie, out of interest?

South, East etc?

Feels like the little sucker gets us every which way...

I'm in London, isleworth to be exact, and you?

Alison, I am about 10 weeks since the initial onset, and about 6 weeks since it hit me hard.

And yes couldn't eat anything except broth for a few weeks. I dropped 25 pounds in a matter of 5 weeks since it hit me hard. I believe that is about 11kg for you British folk 😉

I'm in little village near Bury St Edmunds in Suffolk. Surrounded by fields, ling grass and trees, so house is prob full of pollen all the time. I'm trying to keep windows shut, but difficult because of recent weather. Need to vacuum more often too.

Hi Susan

Just saw this as was scrolling through and know you are having back pain - did you see what specialist said to me about scars in lungs causing pain - he could literally see the scar on CT scan when I told him where it was in my back. Just wonder if this is what you are suffering from - he said it will ease as the scars heal.

Lx

Thanks Lulu!I really hope this all passes very soon.

Hi

Although these aren't on the Government list , there are all listed as Cv items elsewhere. If you have the Cv symptom study app you find a load .

Colin

Yeah I read it hopefully same as you, I'll mention to my gp when I ring him, thanks for all the info, I have medical plan at work but only basic or I would go private as well. In