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

Hi Ken,

I'm around the same time frame as you and entirely sympathise with the fatigue.

I've felt way better the last 2 weeks but i do have to really pace myself.

With the exercise I have built up very gradually but all low intensity.

If I try to up the pace too much I pay for it the next day.

Thankfully I already had experience of M.E and therefore was very aware of pacing with my recovery so I've instinctively been quite good at knowing when I'm overdoing it due to past experience of M.E.

Randy I am delighted to hear this and to tell you that I too have not had a relapse for 2 weeks and am same week as you funnily enough. Hurrah!

Congratulations Randy.

In 81 I had a wonderful trip to Toronto, so I am aware of what a beautiful city and country you reside.

Had a fabulous evening at Ed's diner I think it was called.

That's fantastic res! I'm thrilled to hear that. And I'm also relieved as your time frame was exactly the same as mine. Further confirms that it was covid-19 and not something else. Enjoy the rest of your life. And stop getting sick! LOL

Thanks Jim, yes Toronto is a beautiful city. I used to go to Ed's with my parents and grandparents when I was a kid. Haven't been for a while though. Hope you're doing well. 😃

Randy, It's super encouraging to hear that someone has recovered. Up until now I hadn't heard of anyone who had recovered if having symptoms for more that 60 days or so. I'm at 14 weeks and not seeing any improvement at all.

Any ideas why you recovered? Was there any change in diet, treatment, exercise? I'd love to hear your thoughts!

Hi Ken. Thanks for your reply... We, all I can say is that maybe my case was of the 'lighter' variety. I never suffered the severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, endless coughing, phlegm, body aches etc. that most people seem to be suffering with here. But my symptoms were still persistent, weird and constantly relapsing: Aweful anxiety, dizziness and shakiness, tingling in fingers, brain-fog, sore throat (upper area behind the nose), ringing in the ears, mild stomach acid issues and achy esophagus, loss of being able to swallow easily (for 2 weeks), smelling weird stuff like cigarettes, tremendous difficulty falling and staying asleep with waking up too early.

It began with mild fever, weird achy intestines and waking up in an anxious brain-fog state for a few hours, then completely disappeared for a couple of days... Then it happened again, and again and again... And as time went on symptoms kept changing. When I would lay down my mouth would instantly go dry, ears would be ringing and anxiety would soar. Had to jump out of bed and go for a walk to try to calm down several times... Then again symptoms would recede...and come back - You get the idea.

It took about 8-10 weeks for relapses to become further apart (2-3 days to 6-7 days) and at about 12 weeks for symptoms to decrease in intensity. Today, at about 14-15 weeks symptoms have all but disappeared. Interestingly I can still detect relapsing going on in the background about every 2 weeks or so but they are low-level and aren't affecting my quality of life anymore.

As far as "why did you recover" - At about week 6 I began taking vitamin D3 (5000IU\day with fatty meal), Zinc (50mg\day) and vitimin C (1000mg\day) and I began eating healthier foods like avocados, broccoli, oranges, spinach, etc. - Don't know if any of this helped but I'm sure it didn't hurt. I did not add any exercise nor did I take any treatment as the doctors could not find anything wrong. (2 blood tests, CT scan of my brain, and heart test, blood pressure and oxygen level).

I think that maybe there are different strains of Covid-19 as well as different responses to the disease. As time passes we will have our answers for sure.

I hope you continue to recover fully Ken. This has been an unprecedented time for many of us.

Randy.

Morning Gary,

Hope your well!

Im tired with a headache today.

Boo.

Jim.

That is one thing I can relate to Jim well both of them really I can honestly say now though I feel the inflammation has eased some what I'm still not sleeping through but not drinking any where near all the water I was having to just the headaches and tight chest which seems to be easing maybe I will be fit to go back to work in two weeks I tried so many different things with the headaches Jim and still didn't find one that worked like a normal headache as for fatigue part and parcel of this pain in the arse gary

Totally agree Gary.

Suns out lot busier just lately I'm on a main road try and have a good day Jim just relax if you can Gary

Will do Gary.

You too.

Morning Jim, Gary and everyone,

Great you're improving Gary, nice the sun is out although where I am it's coming and going.

Sorry your feeling tired Jim, I'm feeling wiped out. Started taking famotidine this morning.

Tried to speak to GP, all phone appointments were gone for the morning so have to try again at 2. Have noticed I have a couple unexplained yellow bruises which just suddenly appeared. Lots of tingling in hands and feeling of blood rushing through veins in my legs. Some heart palpitations. Chest hurts, back hurts, arm muscle pain, pain in legs. Enough moaning from me. Think I'm in the midst of a relapse 😦

Hope all of you are getting on ok.

Dane,

It may well be worth a trip to A&E?

Hope your okay.

Jim.

Thanks Jim.

I am thinking about it.

Feeling wretched.

Hi dane it's having a pop at you at the moment most of us can relate to your symptoms I think I went to a and e with some similar things when my hands and legs were doing the same things they done all the tests and basically have a nice day your surgery sounds like mine I would have changed mine before but I hardly ever get ill so didn't bother two of my friends couldn't believe they basically fobbed me off gave me something for my earache and sent me for blood tests I wonder if she had it would she still do the same hope you're day gets better Gary

Hey Gary,

Is this page 69 then?

lol..I get so confused since they stopped sending message reminders.

So glad things are improving Gary! That's great news.

Things my side continuing to be good but Covid numbers are going up in our borough so bit nervous. Really would shoot myself if I got it again😕.

Sorry to hear that Dane. What week are you again?

Week 15 it's so depressing.

I've started famotidine but only have 20mg tablets.

How are you keeping Res?

Hi res glad to hear you're getting there as well this is page 69 one thing is for sure none of us deserve to get this again and they still don't know if we have any immunity to it or not we are going to be opening up our pubs and restaurants this weekend going to be very scary out there I'm praying no second wave here either Gary

Ah so this is where you all are!! - good job Jim tipped me off!

Sorry to hear you feel so rubbish Dane you are same week I think as me and Gary and you'd hope things would be more stable by now. It's hard to know what to say other than it will pass again but why does this bloody awful illness keep coming back that is what I don't understand? Will it ever leave us alone I feel your despair, I have been there many times.

I feel a lot better overall , chest, breathing mucus, cough almost back to normal but have a chronic sore throat today - it is probably talking too much but you shouldn't get a sore throat so what is causing it after this time??

I had something quite expensive to take back to Westfield so went today - I love shopping but I couldn't wait to get home it made me very depressed to see shops not open and everyone with masks and nothing at all enjoyable about it so that is me done with shopping will all have to be online for me.

Glad you are doing well Gary and Jim hope things still progressing for you. It is just SO slow and such a long recovery - you just couldn't explain it to anyone who has not experienced it - they'd think you are exaggerating. Anyway back to work for me tomorrow - only two days a week so I am lucky.

Take care, wishing you better Dane.

Lx

Hi Lulu,

You keep it up! I tell you it's so good to hear that at least some of us are nearly out of this.

I have no desire to go shopping in the real shops and I also used to enjoy a bit of retail therapy. It's all online for me, problem is my nearly teenage daughter is begging me to take her shopping...

In a and e now, took your advice Jim. They've done an ecg and it was thankfully normal. Done blood test for d dimer and thyroid and waiting for results which I'm told can take up to 2 hours so getting comfortable in the waiting room.

Still, this is definitely the quickest way to get results.

Dr is not overly worried but said we should wait for blood results to be sure.

Hope you're all having a good day.

Hi lulu was doing good it's just had another pop migraine and arms and legs tingling feeling really sick can't believe it was feeling really good yesterday and this morning tight chest came back was going to meet up with my daughter said I was feeling good to her yesterday can't believe it resting now Gary

I am so pleased you went to A&E because as you say its where you can actually get results and tests done.

Hope your improving.

Jim..

Hi everyone

Oh dear why won't it just go away, we've all had enough of it!

Well done Lulu, back at work, you show it, glad it's going ok 😃

Sorry you're not well Dane, you're in the right place, hope they sort you out and you're feeling better soon

you too Gary, it keeps coming back, we can't plan anything

I've had headache the last few days, it's in my ears, eyes, nose, and strange thing happening when I go up the stairs, like pressure in my ears and headache gets worse for a while. Feel like I'm in an aeroplane lol

Anyway good news, blood tests ok, so just got to wait for everything else to go...

Hope everyone else ok and fighting those hopefully last symptoms

Hi Lulu,

Having a relapse today.

On the back of four better days I spoke to my GP yesterday for 20 odd minutes on the phone.

Then popped to the post office and arranged to meet a really good friend from work for a coffee.

We sat in our respective cars side by side for half an hour chatting over a flat white decaf obviously.

Suddenly I felt tired, so made my excuses and drove home.

Did a lap round the block and rested for the rest of the day.

Woke up feeling fuzzy and tired with a headache, none of which have improved throughout the day unfortunately.

Even when I do my breathing exercises my nostrils start to burn and close up.

You wouldn't wish this on your worst enemy.

Been sat with my lad watching TV all day.

Thankfully he's a patient soul.

Take care,

Jim.

Gary,

Keep your chin up my pal better days are en route!

Dane,

I'd avoid shopping.

I was mortified yesterday when I went to the post office and costa.

I only saw one person with a mask on! I had mask and gloves, dodging passed people who weren't keeping their distance.

The lass at costas said it was nice to see someone with a mask on when she served me.

I gave her a 30 second precis of my previous three months. She was horrified.

I won't be shopping anywhere once I am better.

Jim.

Yeah it's a bit of a pain Joanne was feeling great yesterday and now feeling like my head is going to explode good news for both of us blood tests gotta hope it does one soon could do with putting it in an rocket your going through it today as well Joanne let's hope it eases tonight Gary

Yeah I know Jim I should know better anyway gotta keep fighting Gary

I'm not sure what is going to happen but the way things are going with the shops and pubs reopening it's too soon looking at Leicester lots of idiots will be getting drunk and won't be social distancing and there will be spikes all over the country another lock down I think will happen I don't want to go out for a few months Gary

It's unbelievable how completely oblivious some people are.

My sis told me she went to Sports Direct and there was no social distancing in the shop at all. I wouldn't dare step into a shop like that.

Just hope these careless people don't spoil all the progress that's been made.

Having said that, I am impressed some of my local grocery shops and bakeries have been great, one way systems and gloves for every shopper, that's the way it needs to be for now.

Hi all found you sorry to hear you've all been suffering must admit after wearing that mask Monday at work didn't feel to brilliant yesterday but also might be withdrawal from the diazepam as well not taking anymore. Felt better today been for a walk over fields then sat in garden knitting. Hope work goes OK for you tomorrow lulu.

Out of a and e now.

All bloods good, d dimer gone right down to normal which is actually good news.

They will write to my GP to refer me for an echo just to make sure and follow up checks for muscle pain.

Hopefully we'll get somewhere.

Still feeling quite rubbish but at least I'm a bit reassured.

Good news Dane!

Home and bed.

That's good dane I always felt better after going to a and e wish they had took me in after the first time im convinced would be fine by now oh well onwards and upwards Gary

Hi Susan you'll be fine once you have settled back in just gotta get used to it again enjoy your knitting and the rest of your evening Gary

Hi everyone

Glad to hear you've been checked out Dane - sometimes reassurance is what is needed - I would just like to know what causes all these relapses at this stage? Sorry you've had a bad time too Jim today, good you are getting out even briefly to meet friends I suppose it is just small steps and glad your son is being supportive and keeping you company. Sounds like Gary not felt great today either and I definitely haven't felt so good with bad sore throat yet again - just seems no rhyme nor reason for it, it's always seems to be lurking under the surface.

Good news you have cut out the Diazepam Susan and glad you felt better today - sounds like you've had a nice relaxing afternoon.

Thanks everyone for good wishes for tomorrow - it's ridiculous but feel nervous having worked there for 16 years but I think I have lost my confidence a bit with this whole experience and not feeling so good today hasn't helped!

Lx

Hi Garry and everyone,

Thank you for switching to this page, it looks like my tablet freezes when it has to deal with all the scrolling and not able to take part in the conversation.

So happy to hear that there is a progress in your recoveries.

There is a lot of improvement on my side as well, just starting to week 12.

My mucus is almost not existent, which was my biggest problem. Still have sensitive lungs, but not like I had before, I continue to protect them, as my doctor recommended to do, to give time for the inflammation to calm down, so they can rebuild.

Fatigue

I still have to pace myself and use a method of one activity and a lot of rest before I start another activity. This way I manage my energy levels and am able to do something all day. I manage to come back to work for 3 hours per day, but it is third week so I'm really pleased with it. You can read about spoon theory fatigue to find out more about it.

Elevated heartbeat

From time to time I have a high heart beat, but someone in the other group gave my a great tip on how to calm it down, so maybe some of you could try it. I don't know why but it does for me. So you have to take a deep breath and hold your nose and try to push the air very hard like you would try to pop your ears on an airplane. Until you cannot do this for longer. And watch how your heartbeat goes down. Weird? I know. Please don't hurt yourself. 😉

Back pain

I also have a lung pain at my lower back, at the bottom part of lungs and how I manage to fight it?

I ask my wife to do percussion massage on it when I take a deep breath and try to cough phlegm out when lying head down. It really works. From what I read it is caused by mucus that gets stuck in bottom parts of lungs. The best after steam inhalation.

Chest pain

Most of the time it is just inflammation of small muscles between ribs and it is very painful, like stabbing pain, stronger when you breath. The best way is to stretch them. What I do I use a large foam roll that I put under my back and roll my back on it, in different positions. So you stretch your chest this way. I know it is painful, but helps, you will see improvement almost instantly or next day. If you cannot leave your bed use pillows under your back and do the same, just stretch this chest.

But be careful and if your oxygen drops when you walk for example, compare to when you rest it can mean something else and you should contact your GP.

These are my tricks that I use. I hope that you will find some of them helpful.

Please have in mind these are not medical advises of any kind.

I also manage to book an appointment with respiratory specialist, get ready... drum roll... at the end of August. WTF, is it some kind of joke that I'm too foreign to understand?

Gary, Jim how did it go with your appointments? Did you manage to convince your GP to pull their fingers out? I'm about to call my tomorrow as I cannot wait 12 weeks since the referral to see specialist. It is crazy. Sure he will be excited to hear from me again. 😉

Evening lulu yes not good afternoon feel okay now but earlier had a migraine that set off my arms and legs again tingling but also felt really sick not had that bad for ages also really thirsty again good luck with work tomorrow got my fingers crossed for you Gary

Thanks maciek I will read through this and see what I can do to help me gary

Maciek,

My GP has referred me through to a specialist but I did say to him if it was months I would go privately to have a CT scan done.

Thank you for the summary of what you do I shall be implementing steam prior to percussion.

Jim.

Lulu,

Tomorrow will be fine!

Good luck even though you won't need it.

Jim.

Mine said that it is going to be as emergency, so it will take less time and today I found out that it is going to be at the end of August, which is crazy, as referral was done at the beginning of June.

I don't know what to do next. Will try to talk to them tomorrow and will see.

Try the steam, but if you take mucolitics do it 1-2hours after you take them, after steam 10-15 min later percussion. My back pain is gone, still comes back sometime so have to repeat it but It really helps me.

Please let me know how it goes?

Maciek

Will do my friend.

Thanks Jim, appreciate it x

Thanks Gary x

Same week as us then!

I was week 15 Monday.

Since the ranitidine I am MUCH much better. Almost totally back to normal.

Unfortunately our borough is having increased rates again though and that's a bit depressing and scary. Trying not to panic!

Sorry to hear you are still suffering.

I was on dose of 75mg.

Covid hugely increased my migraine syndrome. only just eased the last 2 weeks. The singles di get a lot worse.

Morning maciek and everyone just read through my blood tests were all good but I keep telling my gp that I have inflammation and tight chest might as well tell the milkman I can feel the inflammation in the morning I feel it has eased but not ceased yet any ideas I've stopped taking flarin am using l-theanine brain complex the one you said helps you and vitamins will have a go at the exercises anything you feel will help more with the inflammation thanks Gary

They are awful the migraines I'm hoping they cease very soon they stop me for a couple of hours now used to be most of the day so easing glad your nearly there res have a good day Gary

Morning Gary,

Hope those headaches stop asap.

Jim.

Hi Gary,

I know your frustration with GP, I'll call mine today so will keep you updated.

I use L-theanine 2x250mg a day, so please check your dosage.

i hope that your migraine got better

Maciek

Morning Jim how are you feeling today I hope you had a good night I still feel iffy think the migraines wore me out still sweaty this morning Gary

I've checked the dosage it says 80 mg per serving I take it twice a day so that's not too much I can feel the inflammation coming and going started drinking more again so it has returned but not as bad as before because my throat is not sore you must have got a short straw like me with the gp Gary

Hi Gary,

I've got a bit of a back ground headache but other than the usual mucus I'm okay so far today.

What exercises are you doing?

Jim.

I go for a walk in the morning and breathing exercises it was a struggle today only little walk maciek put some exercise on I can do without the massage though that would be nice Gary

Maciek,

Would you please send me the exercise link you sent to Gary please?

Glad to hear your nearly there pal.

Jim.

Sorry res your message did your tingling get a lot worse is that what you mean thanks Gary

Hope everyone has a better day

I'm getting headaches every day now, coming and going, like a bad head cold.

If it's migraine, Gary, can you get medication for it?

Have a good day at work today, Lulu

All the best everyone

Hi Joanne I've tried to find medication for the headaches but I have to put a warm cloth on my head I was taking flarin took a couple yesterday but didn't work they are horrible I know I felt a bit better after about 3 hours but the fatigue was back again hopefully they stop for you soon Gary

Jim I was talking about the exercises in the messages above for the chest pain fatigue and back pain if you have any a good read I didn't realise I've got a little pain in my lower back but like my shoulder I thought it was part and parcel of little sugar gary

Gary,

I thought they were mucus expulsion exercises.

Cheers Garry,

Jim.

Thanks Jo! Just dodged a team call didn't want too much attention just want to slip in under the radar!

I've had a really sore throat again and head feels fit to burst - I am on a bit of a low as just can't imagine that after 14 weeks you can have the very first symptom still which was a bad sore throat for me.

Hope all the migraines/headaches improve during the day. I just keep asking myself wtf has this virus done to us - feel a bit low today in normal circumstances pre-Covid if I felt like this I would probably have taken day off sick and this is now me feeling "better" - it's very depressing.

Lx

thanks, Gary

I remember when doc thought my daughter had migraines they gave her medication for them. Hope today is better for you

Oh Lulu,

We all know how you feel.

This whirlwind of a virus has ripped through us, devastating our bodies.

But, as you've seen and many others we are improving however slowly and as such there is a glimmer of hope of a full recovery for all of us.

Yes, it may be months down the line but we will get there.

If it wasn't for our little group, I would have given up weeks ago.

Everyone has supported each other for over three months now, which has supported my faith in my fellow man.

Lulu your doing really well, keep going.

Jim.

Hopefully that's a blip lulu and you feel better soon maybe you was right and 18 weeks is the marker I hope not but I'm going to leave work for as long as I can do wouldn't fancy one of these migraines first day back Gary

Thanks Joanne and for you too Gary

Oh dear Lulu, must be hard for you, hopefully day won't be too long and you'll have a few days off to recover.

Yes can't believe it's taking so long and those symptoms keep coming back. At least we know we're not really missing much out there and going out and doing things that we normally do is still risky. Hopefully when we're better things will be a bit more normal. We had a few music concerts booked, which are now taking place next year, so hoping all will be ok by then.

best of luck for today x

Morning Res and everyone,

I was also 15 weeks on Monday, guess that makes us covid buddies 😃

Had a bit of a fitful night's sleep, kept waking up, this morning feeling a little dizzy but doesn't seem worse than yesterday. Going to be really careful to rest today and eat as much good stuff as I can. Will ask my sis to pick up kids from school today and maybe entertain them for a bit.

Hoping the famotidine will do something good for me too!

Have a great day everyone.

Sorry to hear you're a bit down today Lulu.

You're right we seem to have a new concept of what a better day is nowadays, it's crazy. Like being able to sweep the floor means it's a good day!?

Sore throat was also my first symptom, only had it day 1 and has come back here and there only last couple of weeks.

Keep your chin up you're doing really well and make sure to rest up after work.

Hi everyone, just to say think it's easier if we reply to the last message we don't end up losing anyone is that ok ? Glad the a&e was ok yesterday Dane , think it's just a case of waiting for sugar to do one !! Lulu like the guys say you've done really well even logging on ,don't rush into team calls etc I didn't it's too much for the 1st two weeks. Your confidence will come back gradually. Take care all xx

Hi everyone sorry your feeling unwell again lulu I started coughing last night but could not bring up phelm wonder if the weather effects us all? Then I panic thinking I'm getting it again as you all it's very hard for us all.

Hi Guys,

Just received a letter stating my case has been referred to the Respiratory Assessment Service.

Apparently they will review my case and I will either be contacted by them or re-contacted by my local surgery if they aren't taking my case on.

If I haven't heard by the 7th of July, I have to contact them.

Crikey, I can't believe they won't automatically see me on referral by my GP.

Confused.

Jim.

Hi jim let's hope you do get referral. Fi gers crossed for you 😘

Hi Jim,

Just sent you a message.

Today I spoke about my referral with my GP and I find this very odd that the clinic can refuse a referral and you can end up with your GP. Still waiting for my confirmation. I like you just don't get it.

Maciek

Hi,

Thank you for the links! Your a star.

I have said to my GP if its a long wait I'll go privately in the first instance, have a CT scan etc and diagnosis.

So if they pass me back to my GP that is what I'll do or the time frame is too long.

If it transpires there is a diagnosis then they will no choice but to see me.

Jim.

Thanks Sue.

Hi Jim it's like we're fighting a losing battle with" little sugar" and the docs !! Just keep chasing Jim don't get fobbed off our health is precious !!

I'm just back from another blood test this one is to show signs of heart failure. I've had the blood clot blood clot one but this is a new one the docs want us to have !! My GP said he's speaking to post covid docs and they are advising GP's on what bloods, and tests they want people like us to have.

Macie I've picked up some Thiamine Hydrochloride 100mg from chemist so I'll start taking them to kick this sugar to the kerb !!! Fed up with it now !!

Hi Steph,

Totally agree with you. Our health is the most important thing we'll ever possess.

With regard to blood tests, I can't believe there isn't a national protocol in place especially after 14 weeks of lock down and nearly 50k deaths!

They couldn't run a pis! up in a brewery. The national incompetence within our Government and services is beyond comprehension.

I've had in the region of five tests now and the last was the first to test for diabetes, that has a symptom of extreme fatigue.

You couldn't write it. It winds me up.

Sorry for the rant.

Hope your well.

Jim.

That is great news, that someone tested your blood.

Why Thiamine though?

Maciek

I just got refused my referral by lung specialist.

I'm done with doctors, enough is enough so far I managed myself and will have to continue to do so. I won't waste my energy on pursuing medical attention. It's a farce.

Maciek

That's poor Maciek, very poor.

Have you considered re-contacting your GP for another referral?

Jim.

Maciek, yes I've had a few blood tests lately and they've all come back ok. Well the Thiamine was a mistake as i showed the pharmacy the tablets you and Gary were talking about in an earlier message also beginning with T and she gave me these. I've read up on them and they are vit B so guess it won't do any harm to try them !! I'm so sorry to hear about your referral not being taken forward. I know there is an association called Pals which deal with medical compliants . Let me have a google and see.

Seriously, I'm fed up with fighting with them. It took me ages to finally get a referral from my GP and now it is like kick in the face. Firstly I've been told that I'll have to wait as my visit will be at the end of August and now I found out that it is been refused.

I think I just leave it as it is. As soon as there are flights available to EU and situation will calm down, I'll go private abroad. I lost all the believe that someone will help me here. It is embarrassing the way we've been treated and neglected from the very beginning.

At the moment I'll do what I do as it helps so far and will see where I get.

But if one day someone would like to sue this government for what they've done to us, I'll be the first one to put my name down.

Maciek

Maciek , I've just checked Pals have a phone number on their website please push for a referral it's important we do all we can to fight for our health !!

Thank you Steph it is very kind of you. At the moment I'm not in the right frame of mind to deal with it, but as soon as I cool down I will do it. It is a ridicules.

The tablets that I'm raving about is L- Theanine 250mg - it is tea leaves extract and it is tested to work as anti inflammatory in lung infections and since I started using it, my condition really improved.

It is not a medical advice, but it is just my experience.

Maciek

Maciek,

I feel for you pal and you definitely do not deserve it in any way shape or form. Everyone on here can tell the man you are by the way you have helped everyone and passed vast swathes of information to us all.

I'm right behind you when you sign to sue these imbeciles.

I to am with you on being infuriated, frustrated and angry by their neglect of all of us.

It will come out and I for one will have my day when I get the opportunity to speak out.

Every time I think of the 999 call I made for an ambulance and it never turned up makes my blood boil.

They tried to appease the situation ringing me four hours later!

Right I'm off to calm down.

Like I said in a previous post, your a star.

Jim.

Sorry for another rant today.

Oh I've bought some L Theanine and its en route.

I'll let you know when it's arrived and how it's helping.

Jim.

Thank you Jim for your kind words, they really helped.

Great that you took a leap of faith and decided to try L-theanine I hope that it will help you as much as it did me.

Because of the nature of this virus I started citocline which is a nootropic, it is a fourth day that I do and my energy level is the highest since this all crap started. Will keep you updated if it is because of that or just better day 😉

Maciek

Sorry to drag this up again as you do not sound in a good place Maciek but you were referred to a respiratory consultant on the NHS by your GP and he/she has refused to give you a CT scan? Just checking I've understood that correctly. So what did the specialist suggest you do next? and what was the point of the referral? Did he/she offer to do any tests or were you just fobbed off back to your GP - who let's be honest can do nothing other than listen to your chest pre-Covid and now only talk to you on the phone - my GP wasn't even able to give me a lung function test because it would need to be face to face.GP's are just a referral service these days. I am convinced we all know loads more than all the GPs put together.

Feel so fed up today, work was ok but I feel so tired, throat was throbbing and generally felt unwell - huge argument with partner tonight as feel everyone just treating me as if I am fine now (have to keep repeating how unwell I feel) just don't know what the answer is - feel like I need to take myself away for a few months to see if I fully recover and not impose my misery on anyone else because it seems no-one is that interested all have too much going on in their own lives and this has dragged on for so long. I know it is just a bad couple of days but hard to see that when you are in the midst of it and don't understand why the symptoms keep recurring - what is causing it?

One of my colleagues asked how I was and said "oh you weren't tested, I wonder if it was Covid?" another said "maybe it was a bad cold/flu that got on your chest" - yeah maybe 🙄 what's the point of trying to explain this to anyone?

Lx

I know how you feel. I stopped saying it was Covid, I simply say it was a bad chest infection and now have complications, it is easier for them to deal with it. I'm fed up with explaining lack of accuracy in testing and all the rest why do I know it was THE virus.

I was referred to a specialist respiratory clinic by my GP and they refused the referral and I'm back to square one, with my GP. That's all. In 12 weeks I had one x-ray and seen my GP twice with all the advice he gave me was rest, drink a lot of fluids and if you have fever take paracetamol. I feel like I could send him few articles so he maybe could educate himself, but he is so arrogant and with I-know-best attitude that I simply cannot be bothered.

Now I just continue with what I do.

Maciek

So sorry you're feeling rough, Lulu, you've achieved a lot this week, going back to work while still recovering from this awful virus. Hopefully next week will be better, after you've had time to rest. I think we need to ignore what people say and look after ourselves. We know what we've had and they can't understand unless they've had it themselves.

Hope you're feeling better soon, you've been so supportive and helpful to us all on this forum x

Maciek and Jim, that's awful the way you are being treated. Surely a referral is just that, and it can't be refused?? Unbelievable!

Thanks so much Jo for all your encouragement , maybe I've expected too much of myself last few days - just keep thinking I am better when I am obviously not. Really hope you are getting on ok and making progress. Good the blood tests were ok - we all seem to be fine on the blood tests - hope you are not still on the aeroplane! - I know exactly what you mean my nose, ears, head feel the same as if you are in a pressurised environment.

I am taking Maciek's approach and just saying I have complications after a chest infection - way simpler, thanks for that tip Maciek and I really feel your frustration - I keep thinking maybe I'll ring GP about throat but then think what is the point?

Lx

You are very welcome. I know that it is sad that people don't understand what we've been through, but how would they, it is new virus and everyday they are bombarded by hundreds of contradictory information. But I don't feel like educating them would change anything, I have to focus my energy on recovery.

I know exactly how you feel, been back at work myself was nothing but disappointing, people think that because you are back it means that you can perform at 100 percent even if you are there limited hours and we'd love to be, but we simply can't.

It looks like it wasn't my day today, but not symptom wise but mentally draining. But hey ho we all have these days sometimes when nothing goes right, but if nothing goes right sometimes you have to go left and i think I'll try this tomorrow 😉

Maciek

Wise words thanks Maciek for your support.

Lx

Thank you Lulu and good night, tomorrow is another day 😉

Hi Lulu, sorry to hear you're feeling down. Like Joanne said you've done really well starting back to work and retail shopping in the last few days big achievement !! I've been feeling really congested too, flu like symptoms , it's never ending. Maybe that's the way this virus acts , the symptoms we started off with comes back at the end !! I've been keeping a low profile since starting back to work as want to escape questions about why I've been off.....Hope everyone has a good nights sleep xx

Thanks Steph and everyone for support, I will bounce back tomorrow - and agree I am keeping a very low profile at work just fed up explaining it all. Hope your symptoms ease again and we are back to Gary and my theory that maybe C19 reverses back up respiratory tract and pops out of mouth - remember that conversation 😂 let's hope 🤞

Take care,

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone looks like I missed a night and a few doubts we all knew ages ago that it is definitely this horrible little sugar raising it's ugly head and we have all come this far without the help and support we should have had months ago and didn't get I think lulu the doubters are not even worthy of you after everything we all have been through my ex had a pop at me yesterday I thought you was getting better when I had a relapse and I just said to what I was 14 weeks ago I am so I said see where I am in 4 weeks if I am not back to my normal self then I was wrong what I am saying is try to get back up again and put a finger up to anyone who doesn't believe or know you and everyone on here is willing us all to get through this horrible situation together I've given up with my gp as well and if I have any more bad relapses am going to a and e because I feel that they will not be busy and will be able to tell me exactly where I am at because they should have had a lot of people recover by now and will know where I am at the sweats have gone at nights but I feel the inflammation is still there headache not so tired as the last couple of days can't shake off the chest and tingling still popping up I am hoping that you all feel a bit better today also because we are so into this situation what I feel would help if anyone knows doctors or nurses that work at the hospitals and people are still recovering to let us know I don't personally know anyone who works at the hospital near me but feel there probably is because I haven't heard that all the hospitals are empty of covid patients Gary

Morning Gary,

How are you my pal?

Did you leave your ex on speaking terms, after she questioned whether you are still poorly?

Jim.

Morning Jim we actually get on better now she is my ex its just when I go over with the kids she sees me as normal pretty much but knows I've been ill and thinks like everyone else I am better I've got family that when I was first ill would be texting or phoning but now nothing not that it bothers me I'm just like all of us hoping to get over the line where I am better I don't worry about them anymore if they text or call I will answer how I feel I'm not going to lie they still feel the tests and everything is accurate and I don't have it I don't care Gary

I feel your pain Gary.

Originally , I was contacted everyday by friends and family, however that has petered off exponentially.

These days I have one pal that texts everyday and a couple every other day.

My brother hasn't replied to a text in two weeks.

As for here, if it wasn't for my son I would have crawled out of here.

Hey ho, onward and upwards.

Jim.

That is support in itself Jim your son my daughter has been a godsend listening to me I rang her after I got back yesterday and apologised she saw I was not right and said stop apologies dad it's fine I am just glad you are OK now that's what you need Gary

It is Gary, we're blessed having two great sons and daughters.

Have a good day pal.

Jim.

You too Jim mines going to be resting today shattered Gary

I'm on my own today so Ill be similar.

Im chilling watching The Shield again.

Just got up to get some breakfast got pains in my back never had that before anyone else lower and middle might be because I laid on my side all the time because my shoulder does feel stiff sometimes as well Gary

After your breakfast I would get in a really hot bath and soak for half an hour.

If you've the energy after that try and stretch out your back and shoulder, gently.

Cheers Jim will do Gary

Hope it works Dane! Fingers crossed.

Hope you got a good rest.

I know when I was first diagnosed with M.E the on and off sore throat every morning was a key feature. Maybe it's just part of the post viral you need to be patient with.

Unless of course you think it's another infection?

Sorry it's so tough.

Yes Gary, the tingling for me only started with Covid as a migraine symptom but I hear is common for many migraine sufferers ( myself now included unfortunately.)

Before Covid my migraines were much more straight forward nausea/throwup type but no I have proper aura since Covid.

Thanks res I for some reason have had them a few days also tingling but I had the same problem before and they went so just grin and bear with it hope you are still well Gary

I've been brilliant since the rantidine to be honest.

Get a bit tired sometimes but I've had M.E in the past so I know a lot about pacing and have naturally done that again in the recovery process which I think may be why I'm now starting to improve more.

That's what I need to hear gives me the push I need to get over the line Gary

Hope you're all doing ok today.

I've had headachey feeling last few days like some of you, felt it in the eyes as well which were hurting when trying to focus and making me dizzy. My sis came over yesterday and she was sitting in front of horizontal lined curtain blinds, I had to tell her to sit somewhere else because they were hurting my eyes. She said her migraines are always like that. New for me.

On a positive note have felt a bit better today than the last few days, not getting hopes up it will last but grateful nonetheless.

Anyone who sometimes struggles to get a deep breath in like me, I've just discovered if you tilt your head back when trying it really helps.

I've also a lump in throat probably from reflux. Gaviscon is my new friend.

Trying to pace myself so don't overdo it on the good days. It is encouraging to hear that you're doing well Res. Hopefully more of us will join soon!

Hi dane it's been having a pop at me last couple of days migraines and trying to stay hydrated the inflammation feels like it's come up to my throat back of my head was really hot but I feel OK no tingling when I get that it does make me feel sick I use gaviscon as well I'm the same as you I'm hoping we are turning some sort of corner you should be proud of yourself dane I would have struggled to look after all your family and deal with this well done Gary

Hi Res

I definitely have an ongoing problem with sore throat I am probably going to have to go and see an ENT specialist but have a feeling they will say it is inflammation as that is what it feels like. I was thinking I feel like I would imagine it is like if you have been in a fire and inhaled smoke - anyone else resonate with that feeling? - throat feels tight, dry and raw this was the exact same feeling I had in my lungs and chest but that seems to have improved now so maybe it is time. My friend also suggested I have been doing too much now my breathing is a lot better - which is also a good point I need to pace myself better.

Glad you are getting on ok. Enjoy the weekend.

Lx

Thanks Gary for the encouragement. I have very much lowered expectations of myself, so housework is very minimal for me but I have managed to book in a cleaner for 6 hours on Tuesday so that will definitely help!

Sorry you've had trouble with migraines it can really put your whole day off. Hopefully these symptoms won't last long. I think as we get stronger they'll slowly (ever so slowly!) fade away. We need to have a party when we all get better and this group closes that will be cause for celebration!

Hi Dane

How you doing? That is a good tip just tried it!! My breathing is so much better last couple of weeks I have to remind myself of that when I'm moaning about my throat!!

I get a lump from the mucus in back of throat and I think Gary has had that too. I noticed yesterday my eyes were aching when I moved them - was a bit worried as sometimes get that with a temperature but not so bad today.

Amazing you've been through this with 4 kids - I too can barely look after myself it must have been so tough or looking at the positives maybe you've had some much needed distraction from this sh&t show!

Yep definitely need to pace ourselves but every time I feel better I rush in and overdo it!

Anyway, enjoy weekend.

Lx

Just gotta keep fighting you can count me in for the celebration I'm dreaming of beating this hopefully without going to a and e again need a few good days and to stay good hopefully this eases today my heads not feeling well Gary

I'm definitely up for a celebration once I'm over this sh-t.

But only if I can bring my ferret and greyhound. lol

Nice one Jim as far as I concerned you can bring whatever you want better meet outside the zoo though 😂 Gary

Dane,

I'm so glad you have some help en route.

After reading your posts I cannot believe how you have managed with four children and this illness. I am so impressed.

The problem with this sh-te when you feel a little bit better it's easy to get sucked into doing a bit more. I'm not saying you have but it's imperative we take it easy at all times. Cr+p but unfortunately unavoidable.

Bless you pal!

I'll have a drink anywhere, it's been 13 weeks so far.

Not been this dry for 30 years, if not more.

What's the beer like down your neck of the woods?

I'm the same as you Jim I had a couple of bottles of peroni in 15 weeks I think we should all meet up somewhere we can bring a drink and have a good chat and laugh Gary I'm not sure about a pub till they have sorted it

Crikey no pubs for me Gary.

All this reducing the distance and reopening shops scares the life out of me.

My nose started to run a couple of hours ago. Now I'm worried whether I've a cold or been reinfected.

I'm pretty sure that you have not been reinfected Jim you probably just got a runny nose how about when it's all over we have a meeting with everyone at Hyde Park say like lulu mentioned September we could bring our own drinks and arrange something for the summer Gary

If I'm better I'll drive down.

You will be Jim Im hoping we all will be and I would love to be able to meet up and thank everyone Gary

Hi Lulu,

It's funny how you can discover ways to help yourself. Glad it works for you as well.

So I also have the mucus at the back of throat but then I also have the reflux which can give the lump so don't know which it is or maybe it's both.

Have already overdone it today, seem to never learn!

Me too pal.

Thanks for your kind words Jim

Have had a few meltdowns can't pretend been brave the whole time, but in a way it has sometimes been a distraction having to sort my kids out and I would probably have stayed in bed all day some days if I didn't have a reason to get up.

I've just told Lulu, I've already overdone it today, started feeling fainty so lying on my back. Pacing seems to be a challenge for me!

It's unlikely any of us can get reinfected at this point as our bodies have learnt how to fight off the virus. Some countries are doing immunity cards for those who have already had it. So wouldn't worry too much.

Your welcome Dane.

It's just hard and a drag.

Gary, Jim, Everyone,

It would be great to meet once this nightmare is over.

Today I phoned my GP and he hanged up on me. Seriously, when I ask him what are we going to do now when I got refused referral, he said that not much can be done. So I ask him if at least he could refer me for CT scan, he said that GPs cannot do that only specialist can, I said if he could send me this in an email he said that his word over the phone is as good as in writing and bye and he hanged up. WTF? Literally.

Later some other GP phoned me from this surgery and she said that she will refer me as an emergency case so it cannot be refused and should be quick.

Which is great, but as soon as I get better I'll move heaven and earth to find the way to punish this prick.

So that is my day.

I don't know what is going on with this whole system?

Tomorrow is beginning of week 13 for me, champagne anyone?

😉

Maciek,

Your telephone conversation sounds unbelievable, however with the state of affairs currently I'm not at all surprised.

I hope you have the GP's name but if you don't I would call reception after you've had your referral authorised and ask for his details.

A carefully worded email to the Practise General Manager will ruffle his feathers.

I'm so pleased your going to be seen by a specialist and have a CT scan.

Jim.

Hi all,

Just been reading through to catch up and its teared me up to be honest ,its amazing to read all the support for each other.

Great to hear you are back at work Lulu even though it sounds like you're struggling, bless you .You'll get your confidence back soon I'm sure .

Sorry to read you've had a rough few days too Gary hope it's short lived.Defo up for a celebratory drink after this !😊 Jim you need to get well for this one🤞.

Good to hear that you are getting your scan Maciek great news...but what disgusting behaviour form GP ..shocking.

Had a bit of a relapse week ,became very anxious and stressed Saturday night,missing a whole nights sleep (relationship blip,but now sorted) and another full day stressed it really set me back.Chest sore ,breathing worse ,headaches ,felt like I'd gone back 2 weeks !

pleased to say feeling much better today but still exhaused.

Had a telephone consultation with cardiologist yesterday morning and he is now sending me for an urgent CT heart scan should be within 2 weeks and also an Echo.Still getting sharp pains in my chest and even though I had tests and Echo last year when I was diagnosed with bradycardia as he rightly said we don't know what going on at the moment with you.I did ask if my lungs would show up too and he said that yes damage to lungs would show ,felt quite relieved about this.

So my week got a bit better after such a bad start,just feel quite emotional still.

Hope you all manage to have a lovely weekend x

You too Dawn.

Jim.

Think I'm a page behind,just realised 🙈 x

hey just see your message.

I have also found getting referred is practically non existent. i have been forced to go private.

if you need to be seen i would recommend private as even those are a little waiting list. my wait was 4 weeks.

hope this helps

Thank you Tara,

But this crap cost me already over £1000 and to be honest if I had a budget I would do this, but £800 for CT and consultation is kind out of my reach.

I'm a freelancer and out of work for over 4 months 😭

But thank you for the advice I hope that you are getting better?

Maciek

Hi Dawn,

Sorry you've been suffering too, good you're feeling better and managing to get heart scan and echo. Hope you don't have to wait too long, it's really reassuring to have these tests.

Hope you had a more restful day, Lulu, and you're feeling better.

Good idea, Gary and Jim, party in the park, finding it hard at the moment to imagine being totally recovered in September, but hope I'm wrong

Dane, I admire you too, looking after 4 kids whilst fighting this virus, I'm so glad you're getting some help and support.

Maciek, that doctor deserves to be reported, hope you manage to get your ct scan

I've been really tired today, headache on and off, still worse after going up the stairs for some reason, and it's like a cold around eyes, ears, nose, and lots of mucus(sorry!)

Have a good weekend everyone 😃

I have had good weeks and bad weeks. this week hasnt been very good.

what did your ct scan come out as ? was all ok?

yeah I understand it's so expensive. it's so backwards that the nhs have basically stopped working. really dont understand it.

You too Jo.

Jim.

Thanks Joanne,hope your headache eases with some rest and you feel brighter tomorrow x

What are your symptoms? Which week are you in?

The system is broken and you'll understand when your GP asks you if you would like to go private. It happened to me and I think someone else here as well.

I didn't have a CT, because I don't know if I need one because no specialist had seen me.

All the money I spent on private consultation with doctors abroad, medicines and supplements and air purifier and N95 masks to be able to breath, just to name few as lung was my main problem and I don't want to start steroids treatment, well not yet. And my GP advised me to take paracetamol when I have fever and rest and eat chicken soup. 😉

Most of other symptoms are gone and I'm with hypersensitive lungs to dust, was to almost everything so there is an improvement. I'm pretty much back to normal, just want to see what is the damage to my lungs done by the virus and to see if there are not clots and other hidden issues lurking behind and waiting to kick me in my backside.

Maciek

Thank you Joanne, I know that he does and I will do this as soon as I recover.

I'm sorry that you are feeling tired and have headaches. Try salt steam inhalation for mucus it looks like it seems to help a lot of people.

I hope that you have a lovely weekend.

Maciek

Dear Dawn,

That is great news that you are getting help and I hope that you won't have to wait too long for your CT scan.

Wish you a lovely weekend.

Maciek

Hi Jim,

Oh I have his name, as soon as I'm in the right frame of mind I will do that. I'm not going to leave it as it is.

I have a little bit more mucus today, but it is caused by the new N95 mask that I think is fake as it feels different and as soon as I started dusting in it mu lungs reacted. It took few hours for them to bounce back.

Any plans for the weekend? Hope that you feel ok today?

Maciek

Maciek,

There's plenty of fake PPE floating about. My pal at work told me how they had pallets of fake stuff delivered by a reputable supplier!

I'm a bit under the weather pal. Started with a runny nose this afternoon and a lump in the throat.

Steph replied that she had it too for the past few days. Someone else mentioned it too, I think it was either Joanne or Dawn.

Must be a throwback fir the bloody virus.

Keep well pal,

Jim.

It is crazy with this PPE as I bought mine at the same chemists as always do, when I spoke to them they were very apologetic and refunded me money, but they said those are the only ones they can get.

I have the same lump in my throat from dust or pollen, and in my case it is simple allergic reaction from what my doctor from abroad said. The throat swells slightly that is why it happens and feels like lump. Well at least to me. Sounded as reasonable explanation so I stopped worried about it. I know it is annoying and uncomfortable, but it comes and goes.

Hope that you will feel better tomorrow and that you'll have a lovely weekend.

Maciek

Hi Dawn

Sorry you've had a bad week - unbelievable that we are all having these set backs still - I genuinely thought up to Tuesday this week I was nearly over this but rest of week has been absolute rubbish. As Res said I think it is the pacing yourself which is key so it makes sense when you feel better you end up doing too much and then have a relapse but if you are like me (and Dane!) you never learn from the mistake! Glad you have a CT scan booked Dawn that will reassure you as sure things will be fine. I feel quite emotional too - think we are all a bit battle weary fighting this and worn out.

Maciek, so good you have eventually managed to have the CT scan approved - definitely need to make a formal complaint but not whilst you are still in their hands maybe 🤨 Remember I wrote to Domonic Raab well I have received a copy of a letter which Dominic sent to Jo Churchill who I think is the Health under secretary - I'll see if I can paste it into a new post so am now waiting for her to reply - my brother had to chase them up.

Would love to meet up with everyone we could all guess who is who when we meet - how fun would that be?!!

Hope all the headaches, ear aches, sore throats, breathing issues "do one" as Gary would say for the weekend!!

Take care everyone,

Lx

Thank you Lulu,

I think it would be wise to wait with complaints. 😉

Would be lovely if you could post this letter, please. Let's hope that it will help to change something or at least put more light at cases like us, for the future generations 😃

Have a lovely weekend.

Maciek

That made me smile guessing who each other is 😂 I've already got my picture of you in your gloves and mask ...would be fun though.

Have a lovely weekend away Lulu just the medicine you need at the moment..oh and the proseccoHave fun x

You too my pal!

Thank you ,and to you x

Way things are going I'll be the one in the full hazmat suit 😂

Thanks Maciek

I'll try the steam for mucus

Just started on L theanine thanks for advice. Enjoy your weekend

Joanne

🤣🤣👍x

Morning everyone,

How are you all?

The weather here on the Pennines is horrible.

If I could lay in bed I would have done.

Been up for ages now. Boo.

Morning Jim,

Grey here in the garden of England.

Wish I could lay in too,nice little headache this morning but I'm waiting for my food shop delivery.

Hope you manage a good as possible day x

Morning early birds went to a and e again yesterday had a breathing problem apparently I've been having anxiety issues brought on by the little sugar I had it about eight weeks ago it was different then because apparently a lot of stress is related with what is going to happen next and not eating much I was having migraines which brought on the breathlessness and drinking lots and tingling of hands and legs not being able to think straight got to ring the gp Monday for a prescription have a good weekend everyone mines going to be interesting Gary

Gary,

So sorry to hear that pal.

Couldn't they prescribe you something there and then?

Jim.

Morning Jim it's actually helped me because I finally got a doctor who understood I told him about my sweats my breathing coming up to my throat and about the tingling in arms and legs and the really bad migraines the length of time I've been ill for he gave me omeprazole and asked me about my surgery and I laughed he smiled when I told him said I would have to ring them to get the prescription on Monday Gary

Really sorry to hear that Gary but know where you are coming from every time you feel something going on in body especially something different it causes anxiety and then there is the continued anxiety as to whether this will ever go away and you can get on with your life.

Hopefully they checked you out and in some ways if caused by anxiety at least you know that now. Please take care try and eat properly even a softly boiled egg and soldiers with Marmite (love it or hate it!!) is a balanced meal (just had that for breakfast and it was delicious that's why it sprung to mind!!) and look after yourself, take it easy, hopefully you will have some company this weekend and your daughter can come over and cheer you up.

Thinking of you,

Lx

Yes not much sunshine around here either! We are just leaving for the Suffolk coast and looks like we are going for about 6 months!! Sore throat seems a bit better this morning but I can tell it is lurking under the radar - it feels like it will be back before too long!! Am going to try hard not to talk too much and see if that helps but not sure I can go through life not talking it is one of my great pleasures!

Anyway what is that saying about a change is as good as a rest so am focussing on that for time being.

Have a relaxing day everyone,

Lx

Thanks lulu I will try hopefully they can give me something to calm it down perhaps I didn't see it with everything that was going on at least I can concentrate now and push on enjoy the rest of your weekend gary

Sorry tried to copy the letter to Jo Churchill but it is a pdf and the privacy settings on it won't let me. It basically reiterated what I said in my letter to Dominic about the recovery time of 2-6 weeks being totally inaccurate for many people who would be considered mild cases as not hospitalised and employers need to be made aware of this by Government and that we are not receiving support/follow up from our GPs and have just been left to our own devices.

As I am typing and thinking how ill we have all been it is pretty shocking. I know some people's GPs are better than others but mine, I have to say, has been pretty useless.

Will obviously let you know when she responds.

Lx

Sounds like the A&E doctor was on the ball.

Did they do any tests Gary?

Hopefully come Monday morning your GP will review the A&E doctors findings and becomes more helpfully.

Have a good day pal.

Jim.

PS missed your early morning update today.

Lulu,

I can't wait to hear the reply.

How long has it been since you contacted Raab?

Jim.

Hi Jim, the cold/flu symptoms come and go runny nose etc. Think my lungs are getting a bit better as i tolerated a burning candle last night but still feel irritated so couldn't burn for long. Are we on week 14 now Jim ? I've lost count !! Waiting for the magic 18 week to see if all the symptoms disappear.

Hi Joanne, thanks prompt that you're all on page 69 and me posting on 70 !! Yes I think the cold/flu symptoms are part and parcel of this "little sugar" Hopefully it's the final symptom before it finally does one !! Works been ok as I'm on a phased return and working from home. How's you doing ? xx

Yes thinking about it Jim what we was going through I didn't know what was happening it makes sense now I will still change my gp anyway as far as I am concerned they done nothing for me sent me ear drops and sent me for one blood test in 15 weeks Gary

Hi Gary, so glad you didn't just settle and took yourself off to a&e . I've found my 2 visits there have been worthwhile and reassured me . Take care and hope you get to enjoy the rest of your weekend .

Hi Lulu, Enjoy your mini break you deserve it xxx

Hi Steph/Jim

ive had this too runny nose, felt bit fluey, eyes achey all last week. Think our whole respiratory system has taken a big hit and needs to sort itself out.

Lx

Week thirteen Steph.

We click over to 14 on Thursday.

Hope your improving.

Jim.

Steph,

Are you coughing up much mucus?

Jim.

Hi Jim , thanks for confirming week 13 . Overall feeling better than few weeks ago, less back pain. But still having body aches and pains , flu like symptoms and congestion. Not bringing up any mucus can feel it in my chest and back of throat. Have the mucus tablets worked Jim ?

They have Steph but I can get more up by taking them, waiting an hour. Steaming and the huffing.

I would ask for some from your GP.

Initially I asked two different doctors whom both refused.

Thankfully another went that's a good idea!

They've no idea really.

Jim.

sorry you have been so unwell, Gary, hope you're feeling better now they have checked you at a&e. Can't believe they didn't give you medication they say you need. Maybe ring emergency doctor if you need it sooner.

I'm taking omeprazole, and it's really helping, it took a week or so to work properly.

I tried meditation on youtube for anxiety, I hadn't tried it before but it's really calming. And I've got my rescue remedy too. I'll try anything! After what we've been through we certainly need it

Hope things get better for you soon

Thanks very much Joanne we've all been left to get on with it was a bit worried last night at least I can concentrate on what I have to do thanks again Gary

Have a lovely weekend away, Lulu, hope weather brightens up, it's a bit gloomy here in the midlands.

Yes will be good to have a change of scenery, we need distractions from this thing we've had x

Hi Steph

I think things are slowly getting better, trying to be careful not to do too much, as I don't want another setback. Like most of us, it's like cold/flu symptoms with headache that comes and goes.

I won't be able to work for a bit as I travel by bus going to different houses (tutoring)

Enjoy your weekend xx

Hi all second shift today at work 9-1 not to bad just those masks. I'm like you Jim today runny nose plus my glands were up maybe it's the mask wearing for 4 hours, hope I'm not going to get it again. I think u can get it again its like the flu virus I'm going to get the flu and pneumonia jab this year as protection.

I would love to meet everyone in park in a few months.

Enjoy your break lulu ❤️

Raining in Brighton no sun here at least all the stupid people can't over crowd the beaches, oh wait they got the pubs now.

Where do u live jim

Hi Susan,

I live between Barnsley and Sheffield, right up on the top of them there hills.

The tree's are dancing today.

Jim.

My hubby comes from just outside of Burnley.

Hi,

Not that far Sue, just the other side of the hill.

Jim.

Hi everyone, just listened to a really good You tube clip Its called" Antibodies why is everyone testing negative to covid "

Hi Steph,

Watched the video and it's interesting. Proves they have no idea about it at all.

I just wish they would start trying to help the "long haulers"!

Jim.

Jim it's worth viewing the others he's mentioned below in comments too. I've just watched "can covid cause post viral fatigue " That guy has also had the virus like us.

Does he give any positive outcomes for us?

We are just back from dinner in restaurant!! - felt so good to be out and actually felt very safe - socially distanced and all the staff wearing masks and touch paid - was four of us so all paid a 1/4 - to accommodate the 40 pound limit. Took a couple of Flarin before I went so felt pretty ok just hoping don't pay for it tomorrow as had a few glasses of wine 😬😬

Staying in a fabulous house overlooking the sea, feels like home from home and so good to be away. Hope everyone ok and you all had a good day today.

Lx

Hi lulu, it's sounds blissful and relaxing you can't beat hearing the sound of waves. Bet you feel proud of yourself we've all come along way. Glad the restaurant was a good experience it gives you confidence to go out and to feel normal life again. Hope you haven't got a hangover lol ❤️

sounds fab Lulu, you won't want to leave! Have a lovely day today, I expect you'll be doing some beach walking 😃xx

Thanks Jo and Susan

Actually feel ok this morning, underlying sore throat and tongue feels a bit inflamed but not too bad. Maybe the sea air will help 🤞

Hope everyone ok and able to enjoy the weekend.

Have a lovely day.

Lx

Enjoy Lulu, sounds gorgeous where you are!

Happy to hear you're feeling ok and hope the fresh air does you good.

Gary, sorry to hear about your trip to a and e, at least you have been directed as to how to proceed with treatment and hopefully it will help you feel better.

I felt ok so far this weekend. Had a visit from a friend yesterday who hadn't seen since before lockdown, it was nice, though could have been more relaxing if she hadn't brought her 3 young kids with her. Was quite exhausted after the visit but my kids had a good time.

New symptom: red blood spots on skin. Not too many and most are tiny, bigger ones on my right upper arm. Anyone had that?

Hi Jim yes he said we will get better but it might take time. Heard on the news today they're setting up something for the long haulers like us .

Hi Steph,

That's great news on both counts.

I really wish the mucus would disappear never to return.

Jim.

Totally agree with you about the mucus Jim, so many hours spent dealing with it. Hope it goes away soon

Yes great news about support being set up for us,

Have a good day everyone

Jo,

Has yours calmed down at all?

What medication are you on for it?

What other methods do you use to get it up?

Jim.

Where did you read about setting something up for long haulers Jo

. Hi all hope your all well today.

Hi Susan,

I also saw it on the news.

NHS are setting up help, starting with a website later this month.

You can read about it on bbc online.

It's about time!

Hi Jim

mucus comes up fairly easily, but there's so much of it! I haven't taken medication for it, but if I'm struggling, a few sips of pineapple juice helps. I seem to have a lot on my chest at the moment, and need to keep clearing it. Steam inhalation helps a lot too

good luck with it

Jo

It's called "your covid recovery"

hope it's helpful for us

Jo

Hi Jo,

Thank you for the update on the article. I've read it and also gone onto the NHS covid long haulers site.

I did notice it says the maximum length of time they will cover sufferers for is 12 weeks.

Oh I forgot to ask, how's your breathing? Can you walk any distance without getting out of breath?

Jim.

Hi Jim

My breathing varies, at the moment I can usually walk for 20 mins, maybe with a few stops if needed

I don't know about that site then, depends when they assess you. It says you can have up to 12 weeks aftercare after that. I expect the gp has to refer you ....

Thanks Jo.

Morning guys and girls had a couple of days trying to work out what is going on after I went to a and e they gave me the omeprazole told to take 2 Friday Saturday and Sunday then start taking one a day I'm not sure what the doctors will give me today the migraines are still with me and the tingling hands and my ears are acheing perhaps I just have to stay calm and focused I hope everyone had a good weekend gary

Morning Gary,

I hope your call to your doctors is worth while and fruitful.

Have a good day pal.

Jim.

You too Jim how you feeling hope you had a good weekend gary

I'm okay pal.

Spent the last 45 minutes trying to clear my chest.

Took my mucodyne at half six, steam inhalation at half seven.

Then half an hour coughing. Still not clear but I don't suppose I'll get it all up.

Have a good day pal.

You too Jim your get there gotta find out what the gp has got for me today Gary

Well, a pal has been to sort me a couple of jobs this morning.

I felt like a total spare part, so typical me helped him doing bits and bobs.

9:15 till 10:40, feel absolutely drained.

How bloody stupid am I!

Supposed to be going for a test this afternoon but I'll have to cancel.

Stupid Jim.

Hi Gary and Jim don't over do it. I'm giving myself 9 1 /2 today as still not 100% . Got 3 shifts this week at work struggling abit when I come out and take mask off with breathing but on annual leave from weekend for 10 days.

Sue,

That's brilliant.

Keep it up!

Jim.

Morning Gary/Jim & everyone!

How are you all doing? Hope the Omeprazole helps you Gary and Jim the mucus is improving. I've had the sore throat since last Weds it seems to have gone today but woke in the night feeling very heavy chested and a full of mucus again today - feel very chesty - not sure which I prefer the sore throat or mucus!

I am still a 91/2 no real improvement this week - there is no logic to the good days and bad days - I've tried to analyse what I did on the good days and what I did on bad days and can't find any common denominators there is no rhyme nor reason to any of it.

Lx

Hi Lulu,

Firstly, thank you for your support.

As I've previously posted this morning I have done too much today.

The result being I'm shattered, nose has blocked, the rash on my chest/temperature of my chest have increased.

My relapse is self induced!

I even fell asleep between 11-12!

I've had to cancel my test this afternoon unfortunately.

Hooe you improve soon.

Jim.

Rest up jim you will get there at your own pace this virus has knocked us all for 6. Now China has the bubonic plague this year is def not one to remember.

That is really good news Susan! Must be tricky wearing the mask I wore one in a shop today and couldn't wait to take it off.

How much Mucodyne are you taking Jim? I was taking 6 a day now down to three but wonder if need to take more again - I am just fed up not knowing what each day will bring - no two days are the same. I felt the mucus building in back of throat in the night and now feel like it is in my lungs especially my right one.

Lx

Hi Lulu,

Yes, I am currently on six per day but once these are taken I am down to three per day.

Lulu some days I can get mucus up others I can't it's horrible.

As per my Doctors request I have just called my hospital, as I hadn't received an assessment call to see a specialist. Their reply was, you've been triaged and your on the list but there are no appointments at the moment and I can't tell you when it'll be. They'll call you.

Looks like I'll have to contact my Doctors for a private referral.

I wonder why they are no appointments?

Jim.

Hi everyone 😃

Yes it seems to be different things every day, Lulu. Yesterday was the mucus and tight chest, today back to headache and pressure in head, and tingly hands on and off to add a bit of variety. Like you say, no reason for it all. Hope you manage to clear it but it could just disappear tomorrow.

Sorry you're having problems with doctors Jim, don't know what's going on there, are they really that busy?

Hope you're having a better day Gary, and you managed to get hold of your doctor

well done Lulu and Susan on 9+, that's really good

I think I'll go up to 8 as I'm doing a bit more and seem to have more energy

Enjoy your evenings

Jo,

Your sounding on the up with an eight. I am keeping my fingers crossed for a higher number on the old scale.

With regard to my hospital referral, I understand there will be redeployment of staff due to the pandemic, possibly illness and self isolation.

However, every time I've been to A&E or X-ray department they've been by in large empty.

The news has reported the hospitals are empty due to people not going due to the virus, as are local surgeries.

My first thought is it's due to the original illness. Cynical I know but I can't think of another reason.

I've a doctors telephone appointment in Thursday at which time I'll ask to be referred to a private consultant.

I've come round a bit since lunchtime.

Hoping everyone a good night.

Jim.

Morning all,

Bit late with the scoring this week but I'm going to say an 8,been plagued with headaches this week and chest has been tight again,dry mouth but getting better.

Good to see some of you seem to be improving but sadly some of us are still on the snakes and ladders game 😩.

Off for my heart scan today.

Hope you all have a good day x

Dawn,

Good luck for your test.

I'm sure it'll be fine.

Jim.

Thank you Jim ,don't over do it today x

Morning everyone!

Thanks Jim on the Mucodyne I am now taking 3 so will carry on - it seems a bit better today not that awful woolly chest - nothing has changed other than I cooked dinner for friends here last night and drank half a bottle of Prosecco - maybe that is the answer?!

As you said Jo it just seems to change from day to day and glad you are feeling things have improved and gone up to an 8 - think that is the crucial thing we just need to see progress and less set backs. Exactly as Dawn says its like snakes and ladders and why it is such a problem to try and explain it to anyone if they ask the dreaded question "how are you?!!" Do they want to know how you are today? this morning? this hour? the last ten minutes! It can change by the time you answer them!!

Good luck with heart scan Dawn let us know how it goes and Jim maybe the answer is private, it definitely shouldn't have to be but seems only guarantee of getting the scan done sooner rather than later.

Where's Gary? Hope you are ok Gary.

Lx

Lulu,

I have decided to see a private consultant but have to wait to speak with a GP for a referral.

However, I have a telephone appointment on Thursday, so hopefully I should see some movement shortly.

Feel tired today, I have just spent an hour on the phone with Occupational Health. My back and ribs are hurting, possibly through wretching trying to get mucus up.

On top of that I feel a bit sick and cold.

Jim.

Hi Jim

As soon as you have the referral you should get appointment quickly I only had to wait a few days - wonder if you will get a face to face with specialist be good if you can - I have heard some are now doing this rather than telephone appointments - maybe ask this when choosing your specialist.

I feel sick when the mucus is bad - very nauseous. It is all so wearing and no answers to any of it - have seen a lot online just watched Richard Quest on CNN describing how he had mild symptoms but just can't shake it off.

Hope the day improves Jim and you start feeling better.

Lx

Thanks Lulu.

I'll keep everyone in the loop with the referral and specialist etc.

I find the mucus a real quandary, as some days I can get it up in tablespoon quantities, again and again. Other days as much as I try a teaspoon is all I can manage.

Take care.

Jim.

Hi Joanne was just checking in and read your message and I had the headaches and the tingling hands and the doctor at a and e said I was suffering with anxiety I'm not certain but I would check it out just in case Gary I've been trying to sort myself out and have been taking omeprazole kalms from my daughter l-theanine and listening to meditation music on utube went to work today doctor said get back to a normal routine was good because I walked a bit and it calmed my tingling till I got home and went to the shops got stressed out but back now little tingling sure it will take a few weeks to ease so gotta get on with it I really hope you all have a good few days Gary

Hi everyone

Did you go to work to work Gary or just to check in ?

Just a quick update ,had scan today and unofficially she can't see anything that stands out but its yet to be analysed but took away some anxiety.

Have to say she was absolutely fantastic and spent about 20mins talking to me after.A good friend of hers a Doctor is also a long hauler and she got out her phone and was showing me podcasts this Dr had done and how she has contacted as many people in the right places she can to make them aware .

She said how they are now seeing lots of long haulers and that at least a lot of Doctors are now becoming aware and doing refferals.

The Dr is Jenny Judge if you Google you'll find a Coronacast if anyone is interested, she did that a few weeks ago but was told today since then shes spent a few days in hospital with severe cystitis (I'm sure that's what she said) but and interesting listen . x

I will have a look at that Dawn I went to a and e on Friday night and have been told that I'm suffering from anxiety and depression so they gave omeprazole for the acid that was coming up and told me to ring my doctor Monday my doctor gave me nothing to help just said that the best thing to do is get back to normal routine so I went back to work today suffering now but no fatigue so will see how it goes got the headaches and tingling Gary

Hi Gary,

Back at work. Well done pal, that's brilliant!

Did it go alright?

Jim.

Good news Dawn!

The lass that preformed the test if she wasn't sure.

Nice to hear you've been looked after.

Jim.

It was tough Jim but my work mates really helped me I didn't have to worry about doing anything physical so it was harder talking and writing and remembering dates names times etc got there nothing physical tomorrow so if they they ease me in I should be OK all the walking round the park etc really helped me gary

oops.

Need to proof read.

The lass that preformed the test wouldn't pass comment if she wasn't sure.

Sorry.

Good stuff.

Proper work mates!

Take it steady pal.

I've missed your early morning posts.

Jim.

Gary that's great you're back at work, take it very slowly, and keep resting afterwards

Good news, Dawn on your scan, it must be such a relief

There's been more on bbc news about long haulers, I didn't see it but I read about it,they're becoming more and more aware.

Hope everyone ok

Cheers Jim I personally would love to see the back of 2020 and I feel another couple of months hopefully everyone who has gone through this nightmare new years eve will go thank god that year is over and can get on with some sort of normality you keep going Jim I will look forward to seeing you soon mate Gary

Agreed on all points Gary.

Look forward to seeing you too.

Jim.

Hi Gary good news about you starting back to work. Just listen to your body if it feels right go with it. if it dosen't give into it and rest. I'm finding work's been ok but doing shorter hours defo helps.

I've been suffering with a tight chest this week not feeling great and also feel my insides inflamed.

Hope everyone's feeling better than me !!

Hi lulu yes I'm ok I went back to work today not as bad as I thought it would be I reckon the walks in the park helped me with the fatigue I'm suffering with being on the phone light etc headaches but I'm still taking l-theanine omeprazole and my daughter got some kalms for me I remember back when I had something on the bridge of my nose now I get a lot of tension there and in my neck you still necking the prosecco good girl Gary

Hi steph I feel like very tired now but was OK earlier not got a busy one tomorrow so I will battle on looks like you will have to as well you will get there hope it eases tonight Gary

That is such good news she told you that Dawn - I don't think she would have said anything if she wasn't pretty certain it was ok.

I will check out this out but as you say there a lot more articles about the long haulers which it seems we have now been labelled! Main thing it is getting recognised and people will hear about this now in mainstream media and maybe understand how tough this has been and offer more support.

Lx

Wow wasn't expecting that Gary thought you were off for a good while longer?? Hope you didn't feel pressurised into going back too soon - easy for doctor to say get on with life but depends how you feel - I get that it is not good to have too much time on your hands to sit worrying about it all but equally there has to be a balance. See how it goes and only you know how you feel but listen to what your body is telling you - don't doubt yourself, I have done this so many times even at the beginning I had a feeling I had C19 as felt so rough and "everyone' told me "it's just a sore throat" or "it's just a cold" - so I pushed through it, kept going, didn't want to be a wimp and I believe that is why I became so unwell - no one knows you better than yourself so please listen and don't underestimate how you feel.

Take care, don't overdo it.

Lx

Sorry to hear that Steph and glad work is ok. I'm with you ..not had a great week either, throat feels very inflamed and chest not great either. Very disappointing, hope things improve for us again soon!

Lx

Thanks Lulu, yes I'll never take my health for granted again, if I ever get back to feeing 100% . Just being able to take a normal breath in and not feeling congested would be great. Hopefully soon we will all be back to full health again. xx

Steph,

I echo your words without reservation.

Fingers crossed.

Jim.

Thanks Jim hope you're keeping well

Morning Steph,

I would score myself a 5/10, may be a 4/10 to be honest.

Hope we both improve today

Jim.

Good luck Gary with work. Take it steady.

Hi lulu,

Yes thought the same,feel less anxious about it now.

It's good news that it's getting out there at least those behind us will hopefully get more help than we did.

There was some good links to it .

Have a nice day...pressco Tues....get your brolly out 🍾🥂☔x

Hi Gary,

Great to hear you're at work but take it slow so easy to relapse but hopefully being amongst work colleagues may help ease the depression, it s been a lonely battle.

I've been taking omeprazole as and when I need it and it's really helped me,especially when my chest starts to get sore.

Have a good day x

You'll get there Jim, we all will, in our own time

Hope you have a good day

How is everyone today?

I've felt so rough this week and such a shame as hoped we'd get some sun and the sea air would help. Have really struggled just feel so unwell almost like the start of a bad cold - throat sore, nose dried out, chesty, tinnitus - am going to have to see someone on my return this is just not right after all this time but who do I see?! GP waste of time just feel there is nowhere to turn feel worse now than a few weeks ago.

Hope everyone else is doing better than me. Maybe it was too early to come away sounds silly but there is a certain amount of stress going on holiday and maybe have done too much - who knows just fed up trying to work it all out! Just want to feel well again like I'm sure everyone does.

L x

Hi Lulu

Are you still away? sorry you're not well still. I think it's like any time we're ill, we think we're better until we start doing different things,then we realise we're not recovered yet. I'm doing a lot of normal stuff at home and walking in the garden, but anything different sets me back. I walked to the park the other day and it gave me a bad headache. What's that all about? Walking in the garden doesn't! Oh well, I'll keep trying.

Maybe see how you feel with normal routine, hopefully you'll feel better.

Jo x

Thanks Jo, I know it is mad isn't it - just seem super sensitive to everything! How are you feeling generally, what are your symptoms other than the headaches now? Have just met friends for a couple of early drinks and feel much better than I did but maybe it is the alcohol (!!)or just socialising and forgetting about this for an hour or so.

I will see how I feel when get home at weekend.

Lx

That's good, you're feeling better, maybe stick to the socialising and drinking!

I'm still a bit phlegmy in throat and chest, and nose blocks on and off, but I think it's my stomach issues stopping me doing things. It's a lot better with the medication but I notice after eating, even an hour or two afterwards, going upstairs and

walking raise my HR and I sometimes get indigestion. Hoping that will improve. Of course I get tired, but not as much.

Hope you enjoy the rest of your holiday

Jo x

Hi Lulu, Jo and everyone,

Sorry to hear your holiday hasn't given the respite you hoped for Lulu. Like Jo says, it's easy to forget your body is still getting over the trauma of the virus especially when you're feeling good and expecting things to continue to feel good, that's all we've ever known about illness...you start to get better until you are with no setbacks!

The weather may be something to do with it also, my naturopath doc told me that weather changes will affect how you feel and my sis has said she notices I'm usually weaker when the weather isn't good.

Jo I sometimes get a headache after a walk round the block nowadays and sometimes also feel dizzy.

Past few days have been okayish for me. Monday was pretty good, went to my sis (same sis I keep talking about as she is the only one we hang out with!) for a bbq and I had a few hours of feeling almost back to normal.

Last couple of days have felt back pain and am finding it hard to take a deep breath in but otherwise okayish.

Have been eating lots of chicken soup and have to say it really perks me up for a couple of hours. I make 2 batches a week of really hearty stuff, lots of veg and it's so good.

3 of my children break up for summer holidays on Friday so that's going to change my day...can't say I'll miss all the zoom lessons and convincing them to do their work!

Sounds like you are getting on well Jo - I've never really had stomach issues but that must be so miserable for you. My problems mainly respiratory tract - my throat and nose feel so dry and inflamed - it got better for a while but worse again now. I think my HR still a bit high too and the tiredness I am same as you is better than it was but still feel wiped out but only good thing is I tend to sleep well now!

Hope things improve soon for us all.

Take care,

Lx

Hi Dane

Yes I've never been ill before other than the odd cold so maybe just under estimating how long this will take but I just been getting so low thinking why isn't whatever happened to my body healing now after all this time - I don't understand it. I think you are right about the weather I feel so much better when the sun has been shining - I think the damp weather just accentuates the situation of being unwell and must affect respiratory system - just so worried it is permanent. I seem to alternate between the breathing and the sore throat - if one is good the other isn't and vice versa. Is your back pain still in upper back - lung area?

The chicken soup sounds good I should def try that its a good way of getting the veg in!

Hopefully you can lie in a bit in the holidays and not have to rush around getting children to school in morning and get back on your feet - it is good you have your sister around. I have no female support in that no sister, mum, daughter - I think all the men in my life are fed up and don't listen any more! I am lucky though I have a few very close friends who are supporting me but think finding it hard, like the rest of us, to understand what is going on.

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone it's been a struggle for me work even though I have not had to do a lot my mates helping me out with most things and they have let me go in on days the tingling is still with me and I have the migraines come and go really dry mouth gotta drink a lot of water hope the dehydration doesn't come back I've tried really hard to stay calm feel the earaches as well try and enjoy your day Gary

Morning Lulu, Gary and all,

Don't worry Lulu you will get over it, but I think we all need to lower our expectations of ourselves and just bear in mind the healing is slow. For now it's important to eat well, rest well and do gentle exercise to aid recovery.

Yes the chicken soup is an excellent way to get the veg in.

Back pain is upper back but must be muscular as it eases on rest.

Early this morning was woken by pain in my calf, walked around a bit to settle it down and went back to sleep. Joy.

Lulu no one who isn't going through this is really going to understand what you are dealing with but I'm sure your friends care about you and that's a support just knowing that.

Gary so sorry your having a hard time. I really hope your headaches and tingling and everything else calms down.

Wishing everyone a better day than yesterday!

Morning Gary,

Hope you feel better soon.

May be you need a few more weeks of work pal?

Jim.

Thanks Dane, think you are right just need to lower expectations and thanks for the reassurance, it helps so much.

I think also have to accept before this had good days and bad days without any explanation - just the way life goes! So easy to blame everything on this!

Hope the pain in calf is ok, wonder if that is related? Who knows! Am constantly aware of every ache and pain as am sure everyone is.

Have a good day, enjoy the chicken and vegetable soup I am going to make this when I get home!

Lx

Hi Jim/Gary

Hope you are both ok and making progress and Jim the mucus is lessening - mine definitely is but then my throat and chest feels so dry - maybe the mucus keeps it lubricated!

Gary glad your mates are helping you out but don't overdo it - I know easier said than done but early nights, rest at weekend, eat well and let us know how you are getting on. It must be tough being back in every day but maybe it has helped with the anxiety and having more company.

Lx

Morning Lulu,

Massive dip today.

Hardly slept, feeling sick, tired, lethargic and cold(36.6c temperature).

Just generally feel err.

Fed up to the back teeth of this.

Happy week 14.

Oh had my fourth covid test yesterday at the hospital, arranged by work.

So results today or tomorrow.

Hope everyone is having a good day.

Jim.

Sorry to hear that Jim I will second that also fed up to back teeth of this - just never know what the day will bring I find even if it starts off ok doesn't mean it will end well and vice versa - never known things to change so fast think that is what causes the anxiety as you are constantly monitoring how you feel and on high alert.

Was that the antigen test to see if you have it or the antibody one? What was the result of the other 3? Surely you would expect to test negative by now?

Lx

Lulu,

It was the swab test to see if you've the virus.

I've had three before all negative.

However, each time I make or given an appointment with medical people they understandably ask if, when and the result of tests etc

Seeing as I can request further tests through work I plan ahead.

I took this one for my upcoming specialist appointments, as I'm following your lead to have a CT scan asap.

Currently my PF 640(just before lunch) and my spirometer test showed a lung capacity of 5.29 litres.

It's a bad day today Lulu.

Jim.

Ah ok so you you can say you recently had a negative test and reassure specialist you are not infectious, that makes sense.

I think the CT scan will hopefully reassure you Jim which will make you feel much better I am now seriously thinking of seeing an ENT specialist privately as so much trouble with throat this last week - just keep delaying as hoping it will just gradually get better on its own again as it did a few weeks ago but no idea why it is bad again now.

I thought PF640 was pretty good - I haven't done these tests so don't know but thought over 600 was good.

I had a day like that yesterday Jim I felt so rough so I truly sympathise and really hope you feel better tomorrow.

Lx

Lulu,

I wouldn't wait any longer, make an appointment and see a specialist they may put a different slant on it.

The average peak flow for a male my age and height should be 600ish as the increments are in two year sections, so above that is down to original fitness etc.

I've definitely got anxiety and depression from the whole debacle, which I discussed with the doctor. She thinks an antidepressant would help.

I think I'm feeling like this due to my longer walk, hospital visit and half an hour talking to my neighbours when I got home, compounded by the 98 days of semi perpetual illness drags you down.

Jim.

Hi everyone

sorry you're feeling so rough Jim, hope you have a good rest and feel better tomorrow. It's all we can do on rough days

Your soup does sound delicious, Dane, my sister brought me some lovely veg soup a few weeks ago. I didn't have the energy to make any so I lived on tinned chicken soup for a while but it's not as good as home made. I'm tempted to make some now!

My throats really dry too,Lulu, I even have to have gravy on my chips as I find them quite dry

Yes, it's all about pacing ourselves and trying not to do too much. I read somewhere about imagining you start each day with several bags of sugar, and if you use them up too soon, there's nothing left for the rest of the day. I think that's so true,and I'm trying to stop myself from doing that

Take it easy Gary, it must be good to be back at work, must be hard though, working every day

Keep positive everyone, we'll get there 😃

@dane15 this kind of reminded me of your comment above, about antibodies preventing a reinfection.

yesterday my aunt was diagnosed for the 2nd time, , after being totally cleared from a positive test back in early march. its case by case they are figuring out now, hence the antibody tests seperate from the actually infection test.

What an utter BUMMER. i guess the lesson here is make the healthiest possible choices to fight this off and build those beautiful antibodies as much as your body will allow! just how exactly do we do that though... lol. oy vey :rach

Hi everyone, sounds like we're all feeling a bit like the weather atm s**t . I feel totally floored everything is such an effort !! Who would've thought when we 1st got ill months ago we'd still all be suffering. It's a hell of a virus just can't seem to shake it.

Jim I'm sure your 4th test will be negative and good luck with the specialist, you're doing the right thing . Dane I think you mentioned about the weather having a negative impact on our recovery , I think that's true. Bring back the sunshine !!

Lulu, hope you managed to enjoy your time away despite this "little sugar" making you feel down.

Thanks Steph.

I can't remember a day as bad in quite a while.

Hope you feel better soon.

Oh happy week 14(98days)

Jim.

Thanks Jim let's hope for better days soon

Fourth test negative.

Text just received.

I know Steph who would've thought it - I just hear the Gov saying mild flu and recovery time 2 weeks 🙄 if only...!

Hope you get some rest over the weekend and feel better.

Lx

Jim as expected? so these awful recurring symptoms are the aftermath rather than the virus itself - at least that is one thing we know for sure! Hoping you have a better day tomorrow.

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone I'm awake early again not walking because conserving my energy for work it's been a week since I went back to a and e since I felt awful now I feel like I'm getting somewhere I've calmed right down had to do things differently took omeprazole from a and e l-theanine and hemp oil if my migraines got bad took ibuprofen I really didn't realise how bad I got with the anxiety and stress because I never suffered from it before I actually think my gp got something right not going to tell him though go back to work helped me during the day stress came back at night but I started to listen to calming music off utube got a long way to go but I feel a lot better than last week I'm not certain what helped me the most hope you all feel better today Gary

Morning Gary,

So pleased your improving and work is going well.

Jim.

Thanks Jim long way to go but the last couple of days it feels like my head isn't going to explode still feeling the tension but lots of release how you been doing compared to a few weeks ago I hope you are getting better Jim I've actually got to do some work today so resting tonight Gary

Gary,

Yesterday was horrendous had a proper meltdown. It's really getting to me now.

Today is a bit better than yesterday, so far.

Good luck at work.

Jim.

Not good Jim I'm hoping not to have one at work not supposed to take medication but luckily the supervisor knows and said anytime I need to take a rest do it really hope today is good for you Jim all the best Gary

Guys,

I contacted the post covid hub org this morning via whatsapp, as they open at 9.

There has been alot of change since it's inception and our first viewing of the site,

I was whatsapp'd a few links, which are well worth looking at.

Hope everyone is having s good day.

Jim.

Glad things are better for you Gary probably being at work has been a good distraction. I have not had a good week we are home now and i wonder if it was just too much too soon. Didn't think overdid it but looking back probably did a lot more than I have been doing. Today I have the thick mucus back and whole respiratory tract just feels awful - feeling very fed up with it all but not sure what to do other than just hope it improves! Still contemplating making an appointment with ENT specialist but again not really sure what he can do.

Lx

Hi lulu it's not all been plain sailing better than before but I'm still getting migraines and earache and tingling time hopefully will get better forgot to ask before have you tried guaifenesin for the mucus had some but not as much as I thought so looked it up you just gotta keep at it lulu and hopefully it does one soon no work the weekend so I will have to try and stick at it Gary

Hi Lulu

It's so easy to overdo it, I think I did too much yesterday and I'm really tired today and like you, full of mucus. I didn't do anything too energetic, I just kept busy all day, doing a bit more walking. After so many weeks of it, we just want to be back to normal. It would be useful to get advice from a specialist, but maybe they'll tell you what you already know. Hope you feel better after a few days back to normal

Gary are you finding l-theanine helps you? I'm finding it quite calming

It's better but not as good as I would like it to be lulu it's so wrong that we can't even get over the line and finish with this sorry your week away didn't go well I'm off the weekend but the tension will keep me busy try and have a good weekend lulu still not feeling much like drinking yet myself Gary

Thanks Jo, I think that is the thing being away I didn't want to stop my partner having a good time so tried to keep up - it wasn't that we did a lot just walks, meeting friends, going for dinner but was a lot more than normal I suppose - sounds like you've been overdoing it a bit with the same result!

I have decided to see an ENT specialist have got the number of one who will see me face to face but just hoping mention of the C-19 doesn't put him off - will ring Monday to make appointment. I am fed up second guessing what is going on - I wonder if there will be any C-19 specialists coming through - feel need to speak to someone who actually has some idea about this illness.

Hope you feel better tomorrow, we need a day of rest by sound of things!

Lx

Hi Joanne yes I have found the l-theanine helps I've got so much tension in the head neck shoulder tingling has eased up a little wish it would do one though have a good weekend gary

Gary, yoga's really good for tension, I've had shoulder problems and I find it really helps. It's relaxing too

There'll be some on youtube

enjoy your weekend

lulu,

I very much doubt any of them have a clue about the virus and subsequent illness. However, the knock on symptoms and add on afflictions they will be able to diagnose and may be treat.

I consider the vast majority of the focus is, has been and will remain to stop the virus and create a vaccine.

Once they do that they might get round to us.

Jim.

Morning,

Hope everyone is well today.

The sun is shining here in God's county, which is a blessing these days.

Jim.

Hi Joanne thank you for yoga tip I shall give that a go I've tried the calming music that helps so does the walking but at the moment it all seems to come back again time again I suppose hope you are getting there Gary

Morning Jim made it to the weekend and only have to do Monday to Wednesday next week was in bed by 8 last night shattered got up about 8 and walked took some of the stress off the head hope you're having a good day Gary

Gary,

You made it!

Well done, your first week over and done.

Take it easy pal and recharge those batteries.

I've no idea what I did yesterday to over do it but I woke up shattered and I've been like that all morning. Hey ho.

Jim.

Hi Jim I've had to add Korean gensing to the list my mate recommended it to me I tried siberian before maciek recommended it I'm taking it with the l-theanine one to boost me the other to calm me down I should have been a yoyo I'm tired today but going for a walk soon just to keep on top of my routine you keep going Jim you will succeed Gary

Thanks pal.

You too.

Morning guys and girls I'm hoping because not seeing a lot of posts lots of improvement is going on slowly for me still tingling has eased but my hands feel heavy still tension on my head and ears and neck and around the bridge of my nose I'm hoping it will ease eventually I'm not getting so tense now and walking really helps nice weather has returned here enjoy gary

Morning Gary,

Glad your improving.

Still loads of mucus and struggling to clear it. Nose blocked which doesn't help and tired.

Jim.

Hi Jim I know you have probably tried it but just in case herbal catarrh is supposed to be good for mucus and its cheap ive got Neil meds dry noses for mine it's OK now only dry in the morning keep trying Jim you will succeed Gary

Morning Gary, Jim, everyone

Well done on the week at work Gary that must have been a huge challenge physically and mentally! Hope you have managed to rest over the weekend and think you said only 3 days next week? Jim hope things are slowly improving (think slowly is this operative word in this complete nightmare!) When will the mucus stop? Will it ever stop? Has yours improved at all do you think?

I am up and down feeling a bit low today just wonder if things will ever fully resolve it has just dragged on too long now. I am still chesty and mucusy (mainly in morning) and sore throat still hanging around in the wings and never know when that is going to crop up and just a general feeling of fatigue and not feeling well. I am missing my old life and freedom to go out and about without the stress of all this and not knowing if we can get re-infected. I spose I feel, like all of us on here, very vulnerable especially when we have been so ill and not in great health anyway at the moment. My health and fitness was pretty much everything for me I worked so hard at it and now feel like semi invalid. Hard to plan anything as don't know how am going to feel. Am missing my boys and my mum (yep I feel sad 😢). Anyway once again will pick myself up, dust myself down, remind myself things could be much worse and be thankful for what I have which is a lot.

Sorry not to have cheered anyone up this morning!! I know how hard it has been for everyone on here and without your support it would have been so much worse and so lonely. Better days must be ahead for us all, that is what I keep telling myself!

Lx

Morning Lulu,

I am so sorry to hear your down. Being fair I am very much in the same frame of mind.

Mucus, lump in the throat, feeling washed out without doing nothing at all none of which have improved in my eyes.

Had a bad few days this is sh"t.

Gary,

Thanks for the tips.

Morning lulu yes it is a pain not being normal I am a lot better than last week but I have still got a way to go yet next three days will be a test working with another gang soy more questions etc which I will be fine with you have been through the wars just lately let's hope next week is really good for us all Gary

Sounds like you have really got on top of the anxiety Gary and maybe being with your mates at work has done you good - I think I'm finding the lack of routine quite hard now too - I was used to working in London two days a week and I miss it and all my friends but equally am too scared to go back into office yet.

Fingers crossed things pick up and pretty sure you will be fine next week just pace yourself, early nights, eat well and let your work mates help you!

Lx

It is sh&t Jim and the constant mucus is so depressing - it is anti social and I think the mucus is what is making my throat sore.

I think it is not knowing how each day is going to pan out is so unsettling - when we were away last week I really struggled as felt so rubbish.

Anyway Jim feeling sorry for ourselves is not going to help us we need to stay positive (I know easier said than done)! I've just done a good walk and have to say getting out in the air really helps lift the mood and it also helps the mucus shift but no doubt there is more from where that came from!

Take care,

Lx

I'm trying really hard to stay on top of it lulu not entirely sure how long it will take to get there I still have to rest up early and fight hard during the day it does help having friends at work but they are not aware of what I'm going through to keep it together and how relieved I am to make the weekend you go back when you feel comfortable lulu try and have a good week Gary

No that is the problem no-one understands how hard its been.

How is your sore throat these days Gary as know you suffered badly with this? Mine been particularly bad this last week or so that is why I am going to book to see specialist - throat is a mess when I look down it.

Lx

Hi lulu mine is like its dry all the time and a constant battle to keep an eye on it I've had like a pressure on my neck and shoulder but they maybe linked to the anxiety because I still have migraines I'm not sure it certainly should have gone ages ago Gary

Hi Gary and everyone,

I've done it again.

Felt ok so took my youngest to a birthday party, half hour drive and 2.5 hours walking around at the party. Had to leave early as started feeling a little odd in my legs and a bit breathless. Got home exhausted. Body temp up to 37.5 and it was 36.9 before I left home, nose feels stuffy and feeling a bit jittery.

Why do I never learn???

I hope I'm able to bounce back quick from this. Shame I really felt I was getting somewhere these past few days.

Gary and Lulu, people don't get what we're feeling because we look ok and sound ok even while we're telling them we're not ok and especially because some days we might actually be ok, so how does that work?

Hope you get somewhere with a specialist Lulu and Gary keep updating us about what's helping you. I'm sure we've all got some form of anxiety after what we've been through.

Hi everyone sounds like your all still struggling with symptoms. I've been back at work 2 weeks now got over the mask thing now and I'm OK,I'm off for 12 days now so going to chill . My eyes have been really dry the last few days got eye Drop and beconase see if that helps sure its that mask it moves up to my eyes and rubs the eye lids. Saw the grandkids yesterday and mum came up and sat in our garden today and chatted about the olds days with my neighbour which done her good. We're all doing really well considering how we were a few months back it's going to take along time to get over this. Chin up everyone we're all tough 💜💜

*hi dane it's true they don't see the pain we are going to have to try to work out what to do and how much for a while yet I was lucky that I took a step back a little while ago and looked at the medication I was taking I never realised how bad my anxiety was and the stress of it its been over a week since I went back to a and e I am improving but slowly same as all of us really bloody nightmare Gary *

Ps I'm still tired in evenings and normally in bed by 8 or 9

Hi Susan well done your getting right back on track your right gotta keep positive and this nightmare will hopefully do one enjoy your time off looks like the weather is going to be good for you as well Gary

It must be so hard Dane not to overdo it when you are feeling ok - life carries on with small children and must be so hard to rest! I'm sure you will bounce back - I think a couple of days of taking it easy will do the trick - I think we are just surprised when the relapses still keep coming. I was telling someone today about how ill I'd been and I had the "were you tested" "so it could have been something else" conversation!

Really hope you feel better tomorrow, try and get an early night!

Lx