Covid for 4 weeks & still bed ridden. Anyone else had prolonged severe illness without hospitalization
Posted , 209 users are following.
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
Dancingdebs Res35
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Hi, im on week 5 now of symptoms. The first two weeks i suffered with a temperature, glands were up, flu like symptoms and anxiety and had a funny taste in mouth. i was tested and they couldn't locate the results of 10 days later. its been a nightmare. Now i am okish one min then i come crashing down and have to lie down. i generally feel worn out if i do anything. i never had the cough or got admitted to hospital but these symptoms are on going and its so depressing not seeing them improving even slightly. there is no way i could go to work and i cant really tell them when i will be back. Has anyone else got over this after so long? or can anyone else tell me when they started feeling better? im starting to think i never will x ps i am a healthy 46 year old
Gazza10 Dancingdebs
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I think we have all been where you are now dancingde most of us have or had the same can't really answer you honestly because some people recover differently from this virus some quicker than others we would all like it to disappear unfortunately that's not going to happen I am thinking about work but only if I'm ready you should in my opinion go to a and e it's not busy and I feel you would benefit from seeing someone if you are unsure of anything ask advice on here if we can help in any way we will Gary
Rufio222 Dancingdebs
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Welcome to the party D. If there is a trend I have been seeing, it is to rest. Don't overdo it until you are ready, as many of us have paid for that with relapses. Hospitals are much less busy nowadays so they can pay more attention to you and might be able to figure out what is wrong. Then again, lots of our tests have come back normal, even though we continue to feel lousy. This group definitely helps with the anxiety, I must say, and it is always uplifting to hear good news.
Res35 Dancingdebs
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I'm week 10 as of yesterday and whilst the general trend the last 3 weeks has been upward from awful I don't yet have ray's of sunshine to impart.
For me it really has been up and down and so times very down.
I hope you improve soon.
If it's any consolation most of us here are not feeling quite as bad as we were the first 6 weeks.
susan48029 Dancingdebs
Posted
Hi we've all been same as you were all on different weeks but are still suffering effects from post virus.
dawn84999 Dancingdebs
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Hi,
The best advise is to definitely rest, rest and rest which is so hard to do when you feel you are having a so called better day and just want to get some normality back into your life.
I know I almost feel guilty if I wake up feeling slightly normal and still rest up but it's so easy to over do it ,as I've discovered a few times.
Measure your progress from week to week .I'm now 7 weeks in,at 5 weeks I had very little improvement and although I'm still getting bad and better days i'm seeing slight improvements from week 6.It is how ever a bumpy ride.
We're all here to support each other and this forum has helped massively in undestanding and coping with our recovery x
Lulu2020 Res35
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Hi everyone - it's going be a long one even by my standards! (forewarned) pour a drink and put your feet up!
**Disclaimer, this was a consultation with respiratory consultant based solely on my medical condition and ongoing symptoms relating to C-19 which I am choosing to share ** - sorry just feel need to put that!
Firstly, he said he could see "very little residue" in my lungs caused by Covid and my lung function is 95% which he said after this illness is very good. No COPD (thanks GP for scaring the cr8p out of me!) Reckons lungs repair and will be between 3>6 months. He said people can function with one lung to put it in perspective. My random pain in back is due to inflammation and scarring - he could see I have a small scar low on right lung from Covid which is where I am getting pain quite often. No need for Steroids and wouldn't recommend for me.Ok to take Ibruprofen but be aware can affect stomach and can, for some people, cause Asthma type symptoms so stop immediately if I notice this. Alcohol - fine (for me!!). Sore throat caused by inflammation still and could also be made worse by nasal drip/phlegm. May be being exacerbated by hay fever symptoms too (seems some patients are developing hay fever and asthma symptoms but anyone can develop these at any stage in life anyway so he said it is confusing ) should take over the counter anti-histamine or get a nasal spray if needed, if no improvement see GP for a prescription drug. Anxiety is not a symptom of the illness but is, how you react to the other symptoms of illness, and how you deal with the anxiety - need to stay calm and positive it WILL get better. Fatigue - it takes time just exercise and carry on with normal life as best you can and rest when needed. Dehydration - blood tests will show kidney function and mine was fine so nothing to worry about - try and drink "normal" amounts of water it will improve. Tinnitus - linked to nasal drip/phlegm will get better but also can be exacerbated by anxiety. ECG for heart - I've not had one - but he said if I am having palpitations or am worried get checked (most likely caused by anxiety) and he very much doubted anything wrong with my heart. Antibody test - he said NHS are carrying out now and book on website but I can't see anything yet - still no guarantee if you have antibodies you are protected and if you are for how long - with other Coronaviruses you are normally only protected for around 3 months. Whilst recovering he didn't think more susceptible to other infections - just carry on with your life (he said!!). Coming and going of symptoms - natural healing process, some days better than others, weather affected, sleep affected - it takes a LONG time but it WILL get better AND the best part..... drum roll
He has had it!! was in hospital for 8 days off work 10 weeks now back at work. He literally couldn't walk more than a couple of steps without fatigue and breathlessness and is still recovering and should look at 3/6 months for recovery. He had experienced everything I talked about so knew exactly what I was talking about - am obviously very sorry that he had to suffer this awful illness as he seemed such a nice guy, I would guess he was in his fifties but didn't like to ask too many questions - even though I was tempted!
Hope this is reassuring. He was very confident that it is just time to heal and need to be patient. He actually said if I am working from home I can go back to work - Eeeek... not sure I liked that bit! Am signed off until end of next week so will see how I feel then!
Lx
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Way to go lulu sounds good to me great job done many questions answered and by someone who suffered the same as makes me feel better as well Gary not that he suffered just that he knows what we all are going through still have to grin and bear it but it's better knowing thank you again Gary
maciej12002 Lulu2020
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That's awesome news. So happy for you, I wish my doctor was like that. Did he tell you what steps should you take to help with recovery?
Does anyone know how I can force my GP to get ct scan like that done? Is it possible to get this privately? What are the costs please?
Thank you for all the answers. They give us all hope that there is a light at the end of the tunnel.
joanne82424 Lulu2020
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That's great news, Lulu, thanks so much for asking all those questions
It must be a huge relief for you. Glass of bubbly? 😃
No, don't rush back to work, wait till you're ready x
Lulu2020 maciej12002
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Hi
I ended up going privately so this was a respiratory consultant carried out blood tests and CT scan - was taking too long on NHS - NHS did an X-ray but didn't offer a CT scan at the time. I am lucky that I have private medical with my job.
If you are worried you should insist on a CT scan - I think my doc would have sent me for one but might have been a long wait.
Lx
Lulu2020 joanne82424
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Thanks everyone, I really hope it helps others too x
dane15 Lulu2020
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Thank you Lulu for sharing all that info with us, sounds good and most importantly hopeful!
On the menu today for me was severe headache on left side of my head, had a milder version before during virus but today was the worst head pain I think I have ever felt. Took 2 nurofen which helped but I was so upset to be feeling another bad symptom in addition to breathlessness and muscle pain in upper body, I actually cried 😦 I just want to be able to do normal tasks and be there for my family. GP said unlikely I will get sent for MRI when I spoke to her yesterday. Nearly hitting the 3 month mark and don't feel I'm improving...hope it's the final 'firework display' (i liked that comment!) before things get properly better.
dawn84999 Lulu2020
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Ahh that's great Lulu, very reassuring for you especially the about the COPD.
Definitely worth a glass of prosecco .
Thank you for posting x
Lulu2020 dane15
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So sorry to hear this. I know it is so easy to go into despair I have had days like this too - I've cried more in the last 10 weeks than any other time in my life. Even though am happy with results today it doesn't change the fact that still don't feel great and have a long road ahead. I too have a lot of muscle pain especially in shoulders and chest - I wonder if it is from sitting around so much?
It was a great comment wasn't it?!!
Take care, wishing you better.
Lx
MRMR Lulu2020
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Thanks Lulu
Really positive, especially as the poor guy has also had it. Interesting about lung capacity at 95%, but hopeful about lung recovery.
Take care everyone. I realise this is your clinical picture, but will take hope👍👍😊😊
Res35 Lulu2020
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Great news Lulu!
Glad everything looks encouraging.
You must be relieved. x
dane15 Lulu2020
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Thanks Lulu.
My muscle pain definitely has felt better with rest it's much worse after being active (not talking sports, more like making dinner, a bit of tidying..).
I'm so frustrated at not being able to do simple chores, I'm normally the one running the show at home!
Please G-d we will get there...in the meantime I will continue moan, that's one thing I can still do very well 😃
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Morning everyone awake early again I'm getting better with the sweats though I'm not sure how that is working it may be my throat and lungs are healing not sure still a little dry what I have noticed is the fatigue isn't as bad little tired but a couple of weeks ago I was waking up exhausted so a walk will suffice hopefully you all had a good or better night Gary
MRMR Gazza10
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Morning Gary/all
Glad you're feeling better(ish).
I slept well too. Breathing feels easier at the moment, so feeling hopeful it will continue to improve. I really feel like my meds-for - hayfever-regime is making a difference. It's helped my anxiety as well, which is still there, but reduced.
Looking forward to seeing if rain affects pollen and so helps breathing even more.
Mary x
Lulu2020 Gazza10
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Morning Gary/Mary and everyone!
Glad you had better nights G & M it makes such a difference - feel like the air quality has improved so maybe that is helping us. I woke with nose very blocked but ok as soon as I sat up also feel a bit nauseous but think that is nasal drip like the specialist mentioned and a cup of tea will fix it.
Big day for me am going to see my lovely mum - not seen her for 12 weeks she had sudden onset dementia just before lock down and had to go into nursing home. She thinks we put her in there and deserted her - it's so so sad. This is first day I can socially distance visit in garden but not sure how it will go as she doesn't understand what has gone on and think it may scare her as we both have to wear masks. Anyway just to see her will be amazing and I know this has been such a difficult time for so many people in different ways.
Enjoy your walk and hope today turns out well for everyone and can see some progress.
Lx
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Oh lulu that is such a big day for you I really hope everything goes well with your mum I lost mine a few years ago now she would be so worried now if she was still here not knowing or seeing her family and friends let us know how it all goes later Gary
susan48029 Lulu2020
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Thanks lulu alot of great information for all of us to put our minds at rest and also from a professional who has had it as well. Glad all OK with you 💜
Gazza10 MRMR
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Morning Mary glad you're breathing is better may be the pollen I felt mine first thing so before I went to the park I took ibuprofen had a good walk done the breathing exercises and back home now not hungry for some reason I don't get hungry first thing now used to before oh well tea it is and sos to stay hydrated enjoy your day Gary
susan48029 Lulu2020
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I do as well especially when I'm out walking
susan48029 Gazza10
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That's good Gary enjoy your walk
susan48029 Lulu2020
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That's lovely lulu to see your mum, glad my mum lives nearby so been waving and sat in her garden the other day 6ft apart. Very hard for your mum to understand what's going on
Enjoy your visit..
MRMR Lulu2020
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Have a lovely visit with your Mum Lulu. I guess it will be an emotional experience for you both.
Take care x
viv72815 Lulu2020
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Have a lovely time seeing your mom lulu x
stuart68c Lulu2020
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Hey Lulu thanks for relaying so much information. So useful and most of all positive which really fills the spirit with good feelings. Best medicine there is.
I haven't posted for a while, it will be week 11 for me tomorrow. I've been sort of keeping my head down while I try to recover, as analysing my symptoms every day wasn't helping me.
By next week,(week 12) I can look back and see more of what's going on in a bigger picture. Hopefully it will be positive, fingers crossed.
I sincerely hope everyone is on their way to being well.
Thanks again Lulu. Take care.
Gazza10 stuart68c
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Hi Stuart notice you hadn't replied for a while hopefully your improving and I'm also week 11 tomorrow I have improved very slowly I might add but I am thinking of going back to work on Sunday only thinking how are you feeling now have you got better I hope so Gary
Res35 Lulu2020
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Hope the visit goes well Lulu.
joanne82424 Lulu2020
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That'll be lovely to see your mum, Lulu, hope you enjoy your day.
Lulu2020 viv72815
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Thanks everyone!
Was so lovely to see her - she looked well in herself and well cared for. Such a huge relief. All the staff there are amazing and we sat under the gazebo and chatted for 30 mins - only draw back was the guy next door decided to use his petrol leaf blower at the exact time I arrived 😳 - not only could I not speak properly as I had a mask on neither of us could hear each other either! Guess what.. when my time was up and I was leaving he decided to pack up!
Lx
susan48029 Lulu2020
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😖😖😖😖😖
susan48029 Lulu2020
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I've had a couple of sneezes today and nasal drip today, it cooler here today maybe that after hot weather and rain effected pollen
Gazza10 Lulu2020
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Apart from the leaf blower all went well that's good news talk about blowing I went for a good walk this morning all went well just popped to the shops now can't stop panting maybe it's just in the morning I feel good does that happen to anyone else oh well you on the prosecco tonight lulu I'm still debating when to crack open the beer in the fridge was saving it for when I felt better Gary
stuart68c Gazza10
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Hi Gary, no work for me for a while, as it's quite a physical job but I have been on a steady improvement these last weeks. I don't want to say too much as Little Sugar hears me and decides to make an appearance!! I'll know more about where I am in a weeks time. Glad to see you are on the mend. Be careful you don't push it too much with work though. All the best to you.
Lulu2020 Gazza10
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Strange how you felt ok in the morning but not so good later on - another sign you are not quite ready to go back to work on Sunday. I definitely have ups and downs during the day - takes me a while to feel ok in morning, have a good cough etc. but things settle down around 11.00ish but often things can deteriorate early evening but not always. Yep Prosecco Thursday it is... maybe a small beer would do you good? Maybe make you feel a bit more "normal" and not ill but you, of course, know best - no point if going to set you back.
Take care,
Lx