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

hi all I've moved to 80, hopefully can chat now. Started a new job but expected to do longer sleep ins so I'm going on bank as still get very tired at times and the sinuses r still playing up it really is lingering for us all. Having 2nd vaccine in couple weeks hope you all have had yours and you felt OK after it 🍰🎈🎁happy birthday lulu ❤️🍾

Plus still get the brain fog as well at times lol

Morning Susan lingering is the right word for me as well tinnitus head and ears tension but good news tight chest has gone had my first jab no side effects sore arm for a couple of days that was it got a bit of a wait for next one June I'm not sure about the brain fog if it's gone or I'm just forgetful anyway maybe when the head tension stops I might know hope the weather is good for you Gary

Hi Gary and everyone glad I've found you. Happy anniversary Jim mine is a year today , don't ever want it again. Happy belated birthday Lulu hope you had a good one. Did some gardening over weekend and it totally wore me out but the day after felt ok so recovery is getting quicker. The internal shakes are still lingering so might get in contact with GP but just lost faith with them as they haven't been there for us !!! Good luck for your 2nd jab Susan hope it goes well. Gary glad you didn't suffer any side effects from jab. Enjoy your Bank Holiday everyone

Hi steph thank you maybe it'll be the second one hope not but I think we've all put up with a lot worse you enjoy the rest of the bank holiday I'm off to save the railway tonight 😂 Gary

Hi Susan and everyone!

Found you all, thanks for moving us on Gary! Sorry you are still very tired and sinus problems Susan - mine seem a bit better last week or so am wondering if the swimming is giving them a good wash out! Also been taking Claritin every other day which def helps me. I do still get very tired but am doing much more - I swam 40 lengths and walked 4 miles today but then lay on sofa for rest of afternoon!! Chest still not right - doesn't stop me doing anything but it is the after effects when it feels tight. Glad your chest tightness is getting better Gary.

Thanks everyone for the birthday wishes - had a great day, am getting used to these lockdown birthday's!

Hope everyone felt ok over the weekend and managed to meet up with friends and family.

Take care,

Lx

Hi lulu yes the chest is nearly over the line touch wood I've stopped taking the mucostop as well just get it first thing then it seems to be OK rest of the day the ear tension is easing but it does that then comes back when I push it now I get a sort of head warning not a headache just a feeling on the back of my head at the top weird I will ask Sarah the ent lady who is due to ring if she has anyone else with the same symptoms we all seem to be getting better but not 100 percent may be they just go with time you should be able to enjoy your next birthday without a lock down lulu suns out here was cold out last night though Gary

Hi Gary & everyone

How are you all doing? Glad your chest is nearly better that is really good news - I think overall I am better and doing more but I know the mucus/chestiness is always lurking I don't feel back to where I was but grateful that I can do everything, I am always aware now of my throat and chest just not feeling right and definitely notice it more if pushed myself too hard. The Dr at Addenbrooke's has asked me to have another CT scan to compare with the one last year but my private medical won't pay, they say it is considered monitoring and not because of being acutely ill, so have had to go back and ask if it can be done on the NHS so won't be holding my breath (excuse the pun) on that one!

Have quite few outside lunches booked and the changing rooms will be open tomorrow at the pool so things are looking up!

Hope everyone feeling ok and enjoying the weekend.

Lx

Hi lulu yes the chest is good I'm not getting any tightness no more what I have noticed is the head tension is easing up as well its still lurking on my ears now and again but it seems to be getting better waiting for the tinnitus to do one I haven't had a blip since the last one so touch wood just time now we never got the help we should have had ages ago lulu it's not right that they won't help you with the ct scan acutely ill if they had to go through what you went through they would be straight on the ct scan going to have a hair cut and a few beers tomorrow hopefully suns out enjoy your swimming lulu and with time I hope we can get over the line Gary

Hi Gary and everyone

Hope you're all ok and enjoying the easing of lockdown. I'm looking forward to hair appt next week and having more meet-ups. Also I'm back to working in people's houses in next week so that'll be good.

I've had eye problems the last week or so, not sure if it's covid related, but I'm getting them checked at the opticians next week. I still seem to be blaming everything on covid, but it's probably an age thing!

Apart from that it's mainly the reflux/stomach issues that are bothering me, oh and the ear ringing and on and off sinus problems. Definitely all seems to be easing very slowly 😃

Enjoy your weekends!

Hi Joanne yes I'm sort of getting back to normal same as you tinnitus is my new best friend I have red eyes all the time in the morning but same as you I'm not sure if it's anything to do with covid so glad the tight chest has all gone still get mucus in the morning but doesn't bother me same with forgetting things not sure if it's old age or brain fog I'm waiting for someone to get across the line that would be great have a good weekend Joanne and good luck with your eyes Gary

Morning Gary and everyone,

Had a few good weeks and done walks, washed cars, gardened and felt okay.

Woke up today with congestion, tickly throat and feel cold and drained.

Hope your tinnitus is going pal.

Take care,

Jim.

Morning Jim there is no way to explain how or why this keeps happening perhaps it's just time wish someone had the answer Jim the good thing is that you had a good few weeks remember when it used to be just days so hopefully you should be OK for a while still tinnitus for me not had a blip for a while though so still waiting for one of us to get to 100 percent enjoy the rest of your weekend gary

Gary,

We'll get there pal, it's a time thing.

I'm positive because the time between dips gets longer. Well here's hoping with fingers crossed.

I've got an appointment tomorrow with pulmonary rehabilitation, so I will let you know how that goes.

Have a good weekend my pal.

Jim.

Yes Jim I'm pretty sure you're right the thing is that they should know by now how this virus works they keep talking about the data surely they have some from the first long covid cases from China etc may be every person is different just amazes me that they still feel that after all this time that tempature cough and loss of smell is what they look for when you get tested flu like symptoms I will never forget that let me know how you get on tomorrow Jim enjoy the rest of your weekend gary

Gary,

They're more interested in logging statistics than sorting it.

I knew as soon as the vaccines came on line we'd be left to it.

No Doctor we'll come across has a bloody clue. Not their fault but everyone's acting like it's all over and it's far from it.

I remember the flu letter you got.

It amazes me that they don't list all the other symptoms at we all had. Even Prof Spector is blinkered to the vast array of symptoms.

I wish they would crack on and sort us out but saying that before they do we'll be over the line.

Jim.

Yes I agree Jim I think we may as well just carry on as normal and forget about the gps etc I remember ringing the virtual hospital and the doctor told me that I was going to be OK once the sore throat had gone and then he said that they didn't have a clue about the virus not much changed since Gary

Hi Gary,

I'm back from pulmonary rehabilitation. A waste of two hours.

I walked between two cones ten metres apart for six minutes. Oxygen levels taken before, during and afterward.

Hey ho.

At least I went and saw what was on offer.

Before I went I had to call the ENT department for an appointment. I'm now on the list to go on the waiting list. I said I won't hold my breath. She said you've only just be referred. I replied I had covid in March 2020. She apologised. I said forget it I've managed alone so far, I'll carry on alone.

It's a beautiful day up here.

Take care,

Jim.

Hi Jim I've just finished work nice day here too I think we should just crack on mate like we have been doing and hopefully it'll all go on its own we are improving with time anyway just be nice for it all to do one gary

Agreed Gary.

Have a beer my pal.

Jim.

Hi my forum buddies just been catching up on your messages. Joanne my eyes have been a bit blurry and red first thing in the mornings but it comes and goes. Jim like you mention relapses don't last long now if I have an off day. Gary think we've uncovered more about "little sugar" than the boffins that are getting paid to do it. It beggars belief that we've got fobbed off so many times we just know what they're gonna say . Enough of my moaning hope you're all enjoying a little bit of normality again !!

Hi steph like you say done most of it ourselves so might as well crack on and try and get over the line have been out a few times and had a few beers back working so will have to wait till weekend was a nice day today roll on a few more we deserve to get back to normal after all we have done to try and beat little sugar gary

Morning Gary and everyone,

Had the second jab last night. It kicked in at 1am this morning. Had the shivers and woke up with a burning face and nose.

I ache all over but it's nit as bad as the first one.

It's another beautiful day here in God's county.

Have a great weekend and hope everyone is well.

Jim.

Hi Jim that's good news that you have had it not so good the after affects hopefully your be OK tomorrow at work at the moment feeling good just the tinnitus lovely day here enjoy your weekend gary

You too my pal.

Hi Jim and everyone

Great news about your 2nd jab Jim you must feel a great sense of relief and good the side effects were not as bad as first. I have my 2nd one on 20th May so a little way off still.

I am having another chest scan tomorrow privately - went back to see the respiratory guy as still having a few breathing issues especially after exercise - he has diagnosed asthma and have now got a steroid inhaler so have to see if that helps - apparently silent reflux and asthma together are common - felt a bit fed up considering I had neither before Covid! Anyway could be worse and he just wants to compare the lung scan from last year and also will send it to the long covid research programme at Addenbrooke's so hopefully it will help them work things out.

I know what you mean Jo it is easy to blame everything on Covid - I sometimes forget I am two years older - sort of lost a year last year didn't we? and blame every ache and pain on Covid BUT I still reckon a lot of them are bastad Covid's fault!

Hope your Tinnitus does one soon Gary and good the relapses are shorter lived Steph - I seem to have hit a bit of a plateau so just hope once the inhaler kicks in things continue to improve.

Hope everyone enjoying the sunshine and being let out more - looks like might have to go back into the office in May/June, not sure how I feel about getting on the tube but will cross that bridge when I have to but will be nice being back in London and out for nice lunches!

Take care,

Lx

Morning Lulu and everyone,

I'm sorry to hear you are still having breathing issues. I think something's will take a bit longer to shake off.

It's good your having a steroid inhaler, as I said before it did me a power of good. I remember my peak flow dropping from 650 to constantly being 525. I was petrified but now it's between 630 and 660, even first thing on a morning.

I'm glad you are having another scan and I'd push for full lung function tests too.

Mine show I now have average capacity, which is definitely down from pre-covid.

The second jab after effects only lasted a day, which was a third of the first one.

I'm having to work back at base from May, which fills me with dread but something we'll all have to do.

My fatigue is improving, as I'm doing mire and regularly walk 3 1/2 miles with a serious incline at the end without ill effects. Still have a bit of nasal congestion too.

As my brother in law says, a lot of people will be scarred for life with covid. How true!

Well, please update us all with how tomorrow goes and good luck.

Take care everyone,

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone

Didn't realise you had a steroid inhaler Jim - how long did it take to make a difference? I think Steph had Steroid drops but not sure if made much difference to her. Had the scan and blood tests done today and seeing consultant in 3 weeks time to give the inhaler time to kick in and report back to him on that. Also have a peak flow monitor - mine is about 400 at moment. Swam 50 lengths this morning in 30 mins and walked 4 miles so no idea what the problem is - I am fine doing the exercise but afterwards my chest gets congested and I end up with mucus in my nose, throat and chest - have to say it is seriously getting me down now as progress seems to have plateaued but maybe Ill find out more when I go back to the hospital.

So glad you are doing well now Jim you had such a hard time of it for months on end, you really deserve to be feeling better - can understand the dread going back to work properly think we have all got used to working from home and am sure it will be more tiring going back in but be good to get another slice of normality back into our lives.

Take care everyone and hope the sun is shining where you are ☀️

Lx

Hi Lulu,

My consultant prescribed it suggesting it would dry the mucus but if it was asthma it would help. He said whether I had asthma or not it wouldn't hurt, so I happily puffed away morning and evening.

It took a couple of months and I was on it for at least five months.

I can understand peoples dread when steroids are mentioned but they caused me no problems and I got Stuart to take them too. Also I asked for a steroid nasal spray, which helped the congestion too. GP's don't have a clue.

I know I'm still having to steam and nasal rinse on a morning but that's about all and it has improved loads.

Steroids really help with inflammation and that's why they pump patients full of them on ICU.

You are doing really well with the amount of exercise you are able to do but asthma wouldn't restrict that, it's the after effects.

Go on the British Asthma website it explains it all. What can't understand is why our GP's didn't prescribe them immediately.

My whole philosophy of life has changed now. I don't/try not to worry about anything, so work! What will be will be. I'm a totally different animal now.

I'm sure the inhaler will help. Make sure you use volumator spacer and rinse your mouth well after using the inhaler.

Please keep me updated.

I know we've a way to go but we will get there.

Jim.

Oh I forgot yo say I'm still on the lansrapole and peptac. However, no hoarse voice or lump in my throat. I do get a sore throat every now and again.

Thanks for all this info Jim, I think we've had similar symptoms all along with the mucus, nasal issues etc. so it's interesting to hear your views. I take it you are no longer using the Steroid inhaler/spray. I was thinking of asking for a steroid nasal spray too as my nose blocks badly in the evening or if I have talked a lot. I'm still taking the Lanso 30 mg in the eve and also take a Claritin which helps a lot, also take that in the eve as makes me tired so helps me sleep well!

Funnily enough I have a slight sore throat tonight but normally doesn't last long these days - I remember the days when I had a chronic sore throat for weeks so this is nothing.

I still feel I have inflammation in my throat/chest and do wonder if it will every go or whether it is permanent damage - I agree I truly think if we were given Steroids at the outset we wouldn't have been suffering like this for so long.

Thanks again Jim for your help and I'm liking your new approach to life, stress is definitely not good and doesn't change anything!

Take care

Lx

Lulu,

The sore throat is definitely from reflux. Buy some Gaviscon and you'll be sorted.

As for the inhaler and nasal spray, I stopped on my consultant saying my lungs were tip top, which was February. His words but I had been on them since August.

My chest is still improving but the change came from the inhaler.

Lulu, my life is totally different. I don't worry or care any more. Life is for living not working.

As soon as I know I'm capable I'm off to America to ride coast to coast on a motorbike.

Seriously, don't look on drugs as something bad or a sign of weakness. Just take them. I bullied my GP into mucus tablets, nasal spray etc.

Take care and my best wishes,

Jim.

Amazing! I have booked to go to NY in early July so just hope we can all travel by then. Your trip sounds incredible Jim and totally agree we need to make up for lost time, book it and then you have a goal to focus on! - I have always lived my life to the full and been carefree that was what devastated me when I thought there was a possibility of not being well enough to do the things I love - which are all the things we all take for granted.Luckily in 2019 I travelled loads so made up for sitting in the garden sick for the whole of last year!

Will keep you posted on the how things go with the inhaler and will go back to the Gaviscon. I hope I see some improvement soon. Consultant said should see a difference in 3 weeks.

Thanks again Jim and take care.

Hope everyone else is doing ok. So good to still be supporting each other here after all this time.

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone just been catching up on your messages. Jim glad to hear your 2nd jab was ok and side effects didn't last as long. Also about your motorbike trip sounds amazing. Lulu I agree having something to look forward is good for the mind and soul . Good on you booking NY in July. I've booked to go this time next year and getting excited already. Gary hope you're doing well. Joanne are your eyes feeling better ? Mine have settled down , just got the congestion now. Glad we're all much better than we were this time last year, those were days I would rather forget. It's a Bank Holiday weekend hope you all have a good one.

Morning Steph,

You sound to be doing well.

Are you still having fatigue issues?

Any shakes these days?

Take care,

Jim.

Hi Jim

Yes not doing too bad. The fatigue comes and goes but it's hard to judge as I'm working from home so not doing much at the moment. Noticed the shakes started again after jab, but they're better now. Just wish the congestion would do one now. Anyway enjoy the nice long weekend and let's hope the weather warms up a bit.

Hi Steph and everyone

Hope you're all ok and enjoying this strange weather. I got hailed on today, and now it's sunny!

My eyes aren't too bad, thanks, Steph, they're still getting sore on and off, and I'm hardly managing to wear my contact lenses, even just for up to an hour. I had a thorough eye check up and optician said eyes ok and flashes could be visual migraine probably related to covid. Oh well, have ordered nice new glasses.

Sorry to hear about your asthma, Lulu, but hopefully inhaler will help with it, and like Jim, maybe you won't need it in a few months. Trip to NY sounds wonderful and your planned trips, Jim and Steph.

I'm recovering from busy week going out to work a few times, as well as preparing work at home etc. I'll need that long weekend break!

Enjoy bank holiday everyone 😃

Evening girls and Jim great to catch up still looking like little problems for us all even though we all feel better not getting over the line I hope you have a great time in New York lulu and I know you will do Jim when you get on the bike and go not sure about the eyes thing but I get red eyes in the morning still proper blood shot Joanne glad the shakes went steph my breathing is a lot better but not 100 percent it seems okay for a few days then I get sort of breathless without the tight chest if that makes sense tinnitus still firing on all cylinders but not bothering me I hope someone gets 100 percent soon been a long time hope you all have a great weekend I'm working it's a lot easier than it was a few months ago but so is everything just frustrating that it won't do one gary

Lulu,

Just to keep you in the loop.

Over the past few days my nasal congestion has cone back but once I restarted the steroid nasal spray it was gone. Looks like we'll be in that for awhile yet.

Been to pulmonary rehabilitation today. Five aerobic exercises for six minutes. I went home and cut the lawns. Tired me out. Managed to open a bottle of red though.

Hope your are well and your chest is improving.

Jim.

That's interesting Jim thanks for the update, I still don't have a steroid nasal spray but will definitely ask when I see the consultant next Weds - he will give me results of the CT scan and see how the steroid inhaler going - I think it has made a big difference especially in last few days, I feel a lot less chesty and less mucus and cough almost gone - wish it had been prescribed months ago!

Sounds like you are doing well with the exercise, good you have been set a routine - and still enough energy to crack open a bottle!

Will update after Weds appointment with the consultant.

Enjoy the weekend and hope everyone doing well.

Lx

Hi Gary

How you doing? Still enjoying the ringing in the ears?! I still have Tinnitus, might be slightly better than it was but still there. How is the chest tightness, has it gone completely? Glad work is getting easier for you and agree if only we could get back to where we were before March last year, still we have to hope it won't be too long now, we have all come a long way.

Enjoy the weekend.

Lx

Hi lulu yes still tinnitus for me my breathing is getting better but not completely there I don't suffer from the tight chest but every few days I get a sort of breathlessness feeling that comes and goes I really thought I would be back to normal by now but I don't really know what to do just get on with it and hopefully it will do one agreed we have come a long way was very scary this time last year just got to try and enjoy it now get the prosecco out the weekend and have a swim whatever your up to have a good weekend gary

Morning Lulu,

How did your appointment with your consultant go?

Hope you are well.

Jim.

Morning Gary,

How are things going?

Any easing of symptoms?

Hope you are well.

Jim.

Morning Jim I'm at work looking like it's going to rain I've still got tinnitus but I feel my breathing has improved and now I'm not getting the tight chest so I feel like nearly there still getting mucus hope you're still improving Gary

Hi my pal,

You are getting there Gary.

I am improving and doing more. Back to work on the 28th of May, so we'll see how I get on.

On Monday I spoke to my GP and she thinks it's a 18 month recovery and being fair she has said that all along.

Take care,

Jim.

That's great Jim that you're improving all the time and that you're going back to work I think we may have underestimated the time it takes to get back to normal maybe because we all felt that we would have been ages ago if you're gp is certain does that mean my tinnitus will go hope so if we are all clear by then guess we will all be thankful will keep in touch Gary

Hi Gary,

She did put a caveat on it by saying everyone who has had covid will be left with scars, whether it be mental or physical or both.

For me if i can shake off the fatigue to the point of pre-covid I'll take that as a win.

Regarding your tinnitus, I've not had that for any prolonged time, so it was never mentioned. I think it'll go, eventually.

The symptoms like tinnitus and loss of taste and smell is never damage, which takes months to repair.

I had my jaw broken in 85 and lost feeling in the left lower corner of my mouth. I could stick pins in the skin, nothing.

It came back eventually.

Jim.

Evening Jim I think if it has damaged us all in some way or another so she is right in that respect mentally it frightened the life out of me last year and physically it still is but we all have to try to or hope that we can get over the line sometime not that we will ever forget it but try and get on that bike and do your journey you deserve it Gary

I'm going to Gary, thank you.

We'll get there in a bit.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone

Thanks for checking Jim. He said the lung scan showed the same small scarring as last year it had not changed much but he didn't seem worried about it but is now certain I have developed Asthma - he said you have to have a predisposition to Asthma and then something triggers it and a virus can be the trigger - strange because I have never had any indication of Asthma before Covid and no-one in my family has Asthma - anyway I am responding to the Steroid inhaler but he told me there is no cure just a case of controlling it - I do wonder though if the aftermath of Covid symptoms mimic Asthma - a bit like you said you were on the steroid inhaler for 5 months and now no longer need it - so I am hoping that might be the case with me. He also formally diagnosed Long Covid - so the final diagnosis is Asthma, Silent Reflux, Rhinitis, Tinnitus and Long Covid - anyway I am just cracking on swimming, socialising, generally feeling better on the inhaler and will have to see how things go. Unbelievable really though as when I contacted my GP when first ill last March I had to re-register as hadn't been to doctors for literally years BUT have to keep telling myself it could have been much worse otherwise I end up feeling sorry for myself!!

So glad you are doing well Jim, back to work is a bit daunting after all this time but definitely a positive too, work is a good distraction! Sounds like you are doing well too Gary, I'm still with you on the Tinnitus, and interesting about the 18 months recovery - the Addenbrooke consultant on the research programme said he would expect to see continued recovery for up to two years so we have still got a bit of time on our side!

Hope everyone has a great weekend and continues to improve - we desperately need some sunshine!

Take care,

Lx

Morning Lulu,

Regarding the asthma, I've a pal at work who has been asthmatic since childhood. We do a very physical strenuous job, working long hours on shifts. It's never caused he any problems. I've seen him use his inhaler a couple of times after griefy jobs.

You'll be fine.

Keep your blue one with you when you are out and about, just in case.

Looks like we've all ended up with similar complaints.

How's the fatigue? Sounds like the swimming is going well.

Take care.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone, glad you're all feeling better it's been a long hard slog. Made the mistake of reading last year's text messages to my manager while I was off ill we were really going through lot's of s**t but like Lulu said it could've been a lot worse. I'm due my nxt jab early nxt month just wanted to ask if anyone found the 2nd one worse than 1st ? Hope you're all enjoying your weekend, just wish the weather would hurry up and warm up !!

Hi Steph,

I did the same thing a few weeks ago. I deleted everything. It was a real downer.

Hopefully we'll be over this and be able to put it all behind us.

I had my second jab four weeks ago and had a day of reliving covid but that was nothing compared to the first jab and a million miles from the real thing.

I'm back to work on the 28th of May but doing an office job until I can pass the fitness test etc.

I've only 18 months till I retire, so I'll probably end my days office bound.

Take care,

Jim.

Thanks for letting me know about your second jab, hopefully mine's the same. Sounds good Jim hope you get on ok when you're back at work, and make sure you have a count down calendar so you can mark off the days !!

Hi Lulu and everyone

Just a little update on what's been happening. I was in hospital for a week with a kidney infection, I came home yesterday. I had an oxygen mask and I was on a drip with antibiotics. The good thing was that I've had loads of tests and I'll be getting follow-up ones. My ct scan showed spots on my lungs so I should be getting another one in a few months. I had a bedside heart echo, but I'll be getting a proper one in a few weeks. I should have had all of these tests last year, I feel I've been really neglected by my doctor.

Anyway hope everyone is still doing well and improving

All the best 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone feel we all can echo your feelings with the gp l feel that the kidney infection done you a favour not sure if you would have got the tests done otherwise maybe that's what we all missed out on not sure if they would have been able to change anything but we would have known what to expect still tinnitus for me breathing not quite back to normal thought I was going to get over the line but not yet maybe I need a ct scan too don't think there is much chance don't understand the asthma lulu I feel by now they should know what they are talking about hope the fatigue is improving Jim think you was right about reading the old texts steph not a good idea we suffered and still are but nowhere near as bad lovely weather here today Gary

Morning Gary and everyone,

Sorry to hear of your illness Jo but as Gary says you are going to receive tests we should all have had over a year ago.

When I look back on last year, which I try not to do, I can honestly say we have been severely let down by the NHS and GP's.

I was fortunate in ending up with a GP of quality but I went through dozens who I would not give house room too. I had to pay for all my tests, which still grates on me now.

Gary you tinnitus will go eventually I really believe that. We've got to try and be positive, which is hard when the health service is so poor.

I had the misfortune of flicking through the tv guide and keep seeing programs I watched through last year. It was horrible. I definitely could not watch them again.

Right I'm back to work.

Have a great weekend.

Jim.

Morning Jim totally agree with you hope work goes well for you I would love for the tinnitus to do one and my breathing to get 100 percent but maybe it will in a few months lm trying to clean the ears out every day and taking zinc not sure if it's helping but got nothing to lose enjoy the weekend and let us know how work goes Gary

Hi Gary,

Thanks for the kind thought.

Have you tried nasal rinsing, as that clears out the internal ear canals?

Might be worth a bash.

Seeing it is Friday, I'm going to have a vindaloo and a few gins.

Have a great weekend my pal.

Jim.

Sounds good to me Jim the gin and the vindaloo not so much the nasal rince though I will try it anything is worth a try you never know what will get us over the line enjoy your weekend too Jim I will because I'm off work Gary

Hi Jo and everyone

Really sorry to hear you've been in hospital Jo, hope you are feeling much better by now. The silver lining is that it is probably the only way to get properly checked out. There is so much they don't know and probably it will take years to work out what damage the infection causes. Let us know when you get your results.

I had my second Astrazeneca jab yesterday wasn't as bad as the first but still felt a bit ropey today but at least know what it is and am grateful to have had it done.

The steroid inhaler has helped but all it does really is masks the symptoms because as soon as it wears off, after about 12 hours, the chest tightness etc comes back.It does say 3 months to get full benefit and it is only 1 month so am probably being too impatient!

Wow Vindaloo Jim, that will clear the nasal passages and every other passage I reckon! I'm with you on the G&T's though.

Hope everyone doing ok, let us know how you are getting on.

Have a great weekend, if ONLY it would stop raining!

Lx

Morning lulu and everyone hope you're feeling better now after your second jab I was just wondering if I can get my second one earlier it's exactly eight weeks tomorrow so I might pop down to the town hall where I had the first one done and ask hope the inhaler does the job lulu I wish I knew if my breathing would get better in time feels a lot better than a few months ago oh well onwards and upwards Gary

Gary,

It might be worth ringing your GP and explaining your breathing is still not right and ask to be referred to a specialist.

I'd also ask for a steroid inhaler. Tell them about the mucus etc.

Jim.

Yeah might be worth a shot Jim I'm going to pop down town hall tomorrow to see if I can get the second vaccine if I can will ring the doctor and see what they say never know might have something for both the breathing and tinnitus already done the lung function test don't know if that makes a difference can but try Jim hope your fatigue is easing Gary

Hi Gary and everyone

Thank you all for your good wishes

It's set me back a bit, I've got quite a bit of congestion, so it's back to the sinus rinse and Sterimar nose spray, which are helping a lot. Also tiredness is back, but that's gradually improving.

I'm grateful to be getting some tests, I have the echo at the weekend, and I think I'll be getting a breathing test sometime, and a follow-up chest ct scan.

Hope you're all doing ok, and you manage to get your 2nd jab Gary

All the best 😃

Hi Joanne yes it's great that you got the tests not that it knocked you back a bit but I think if they would check me out and find out what is going on so I can deal with it it would help to crack on I'm just on my way to town hall soon exactly 8 weeks at 12 o'clock so you never know they may say no but nothing ventured nothing gained hope you get back to normal soon Gary

Hi Joanne and everyone all jabbed up let me in no problem think everyone who has been eight weeks can walk in no side effects yet Gary

Great news Gary.

Hi Gary,

How are you feeling after your second vaccination?

Don't forget to get onto your GP my pal.

Jim.

Brilliant, that is good news Gary it is a relief when you get the second jab. My arm ached for a few days and felt a bit "off" but nothing compared to the first jab.

Sorry Jo that the hospital stay set you back. I think as Jim says the steroid inhaler and/or steroid nasal spray will really help with mucus and also Gary will help with the breathing. My breathing is still not right, even with the inhaler but is better than it was. Just hard to believe that we are still dealing with this fourteen months later. Just been in Suffolk for a couple of days and I always compare to when we were last there, which was December, and overall I can see an improvement - we need to stay hopeful that eventually we will be back to our pre-Covid selves!

Hope everyone doing ok, take care,

Lx

Morning Jim and lulu feeling fine after the second vaccine even ventured out to watch the football last night I will ring the doctor Jim not sure how they will be able to help me though I think the breathing is getting better on its own not sure anymore tinnitus definitely isn't going I have been using mucostop not sure if it's doing anything might be time to try the steroid inhaler I'm the same as you lulu I think it's just a time thing hope so I've not had any phone calls from Sarah the ent woman either for a while maybe because the hospital handed me back to the gp it stops enjoy whatever your up to got to work tonight but got weekend off Gary

Hi Gary and everyone, just catching up on how everyone's doing. Sorry to hear about your hospital stay Joanne hope you're feeling better now. Gary glad you're ok after your 2nd jab I've got mine a week Wednesday, can't come sooner !! Lulu glad to hear you enjoyed your few days away in Suffolk. I was away in Bath then Devon last week and like you say felt much better than the last time i was away. Jim hope things are going well for you. Just been sitting in the garden reading the paper and they're saying it's more than likely that this virus was man made in the lab exactly what I thought all along !! Hope you're all enjoying the Bank Holiday , we've all come along way since this time last year. Take care all......

Hi steph yes I feel so much better than this time last year even though the tinnitus hasn't done one and the breathing still not quite right weather's great but I'm at work not busy if we all keep improving then hopefully we'll get back to normal soon Gary

Hi everyone 😘 hope your all well, I'm really good my breathing is back to normal maybe better as do lots more walking then I did before and I've lost weight. Had both my jabs and all OK. Its great to be able to do more now went swimming with granddaughter it was OK and the cinema the other day that felt OK as well, and off to a caravan park next weekend right by the sea with the kids 🌊⛲ still doing my walks along the prom lulu

I've gone back do doing private care work now it's alit easier no shift work and weekends and money is double lol

Still suffer with sinuses really badly at times. Sorry to hear about your hospital stay Joanne hope your on the mend now. Love to you all sue x

Hi Susan that's great news your breathing is fine hopefully all of us will get there eventually right result with the work as well and that you can do more than before must be great to be by the sea in this weather we are having keep in touch Gary

Hi Susan and everyone

Such good news, you sound like you are really well - great news about the weight loss and the work - there were some positives which came out of Covid! I always think of you walking by the sea with the dog (funny how we probably all have our own vision of each other!!). I was washing my hair Friday after my swim and was thinking this time last year I literally struggled to find the energy to even wash my hair yet alone swim 50 lengths so things have improved hugely but sadly I am still struggling with the chest tightness and silent reflux despite the medication - some days worse than others but as soon as I do any exercise the mucus builds up in my throat and chest - quite depressing really as I am constantly aware of it and I can't really see it improving now so maybe it is just finding the right treatment.I'm also like Gary struggling with the Tinnitus.

I am going back into the office one day a week am a bit worried about wearing a mask on the tube as that also affects my chest but we have been summoned back after all this time!

Read yesterday they reckon there are 500,000 people in UK currently suffering from long Covid so we are definitely not alone if that is any consolation!

Keep in touch and enjoy the sunshine while it lasts.

Take care,

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone, hope you're all enjoying the fab weather we're having. Just to say I've just had my 2nd jab so think we've all had it now. Good to hear from you Susan and glad to hear you're doing so well. Hope everyone's getting there and nearing the finishing line !!

Hi steph and everyone good news we're all jabbed up another week nearly gone by I'm still hoping we are nearly there I'm same as lulu still not breathing properly and tinnitus I think it's getting better not sure about the tinnitus hopefully it will do one but I was reading that there is no cure for it and people get used to it but you never know maybe it will go eventually lovely weather we are having enjoy whatever your up to the weekend gary

Hi Gary and everyone

Glad to hear you're all doing so well and returning to some kind of normality

Thanks so much for all your good wishes. I'm getting back to where I was before the infection, but still having to do sinus rinses as I'm more blocked up than before. I can understand what some of you meant now when you said it was like breathing through cotton wool!

I've had echo, and was told it all seems ok, so I'm feeling hopeful. My lung function test is next week, so will see how that goes.

I had my 2nd jab yesterday, no real side effects, I was just a bit more tired.

All the best everyone 😃

Hi Joanne glad to hear you're all jabbed up and feeling OK I done the echocardiogram and the lung function can't remember how long ago Im still not right with the breathing I thought it was getting better and does not really stop me from doing everything I used to do maybe the tight feeling goes with time hopefully the tinnitus with it weather has done one all rain again now hope your sinuses get better soon Gary

Hi Joanne and everyone how did your lung function test go all good I hope I think I'm still getting better not sure about the breathing it seems to be easing but taking forever I think I'm going to be stuck with the tinnitus besides that can't complain looking forward to the football tonight hopefully beat the Germans hope you're all getting better Gary

Hi Gary & everyone

I'm not sure about lung function test, they couldn't tell me anything, I'll have to wait until my appt in August. I think I struggled with some of it though, but I'll have to wait to find out.

That's good your breathing is improving, you're right it all takes so long!

Enjoy the football 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone just checking in to see how everyone is doing football is going well just the Italians to deal with hopefully it's coming home still dealing with the tinnitus and breathing not right tight in the morning and at night now and again but like everyone just dealing with it and hoping that I don't get ill again enjoy your weekend whatever your up to Gary

Hi Gary and everyone,

It looks as though we'll all have crosses to bear.

I stopped the anti-depressants, which were prescribed for mood but mainly for insomnia. I've been off them for a fortnight and on Thursday night only had three hours. That took it's toll, so I popped one last night but I'm still catching up.

There is no change regarding the sporadic nasal congestion and reflux but I think I've got them for good, as there has been no change in months.

I've a couple of appointments coming up. A nasal CT scan, camera down the throat and the obligatory blood test.

I've heard on the grape vine at work there are more suffering with long covid. We did say that would happen.

Take care.

Jim.

Morning Jim yes looks like it might be longer than we thought maybe permanent hope the breathing will get better not sure about the tinnitus like you with the nasal congestion and reflux I did hear that people were getting side effects with the vaccine not just blood clots it will no doubt come out in the end just have to grin and bear it I suppose not sure if gps can help enjoy your weekend whatever your up to just woke up listening to my head ringing breathing seems OK though Gary

Hi Lulu,

How are you going?

Have your lungs improved with the inhaler?

Hope you are well.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone, hope you're all feeling better each and everyday. I watched a long covid programme yesterday it was interesting and so glad there's more coverage about it now. We didn't have that!! Gary I've been using ortex for my ears and they seem better the popping has defo improved. We've all come a long way and hopefully in time we feel 100% again, take care.

Hi Jim & everyone

I think I am a bit like you and have hit a bit of a plateau am much better overall than I was but still have problems with congestion both with chest and nose, sore throat and tinnitus. The steroid inhaler has helped a lot but I can tell when it has worn off and need to take the next dose. Still on the dreaded Lansoprazole!! Have tried to stop it several times but end up with a sore throat and back on it! How are you getting on with being off the anti-depressant Jim, has your sleep improved?

I am back at work in London one day a week which is good and think feel more positive generally!

I saw the programme Steph and one of the consultants did say thought people would recover (so long as they had no structural damage to organs) but could take 2-3 years!! Do you remember when we thought we would all be better in six months and even that seemed like a long time!

Glad you are getting on ok Joanne and you are over the infection let us know how lung function test went. I have even been considering the sinus rinsing again but not sure can face going back to that!

Hope you are ok Gary and over the disappointment of the football!! Are you improving still do you think, sounds like you still have breathing issues and tinnitus - similar to me.

I don't receive notifications any more (not sure if anyone does) so have to remember to log on and check.

Apparently there is some sunshine due at the end of the week - don't blink cos you could easily miss it!

Take care,

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone,

I still have nasal congestion and reflux but both are under control now.

I steam and nasal rinse every morning, which keeps my nose clear all day. I know it is a pain but keeps life normal breathing wise.

The ENT consultant was impressed with my routine.

The Lansoprazole and gaviscon advance have real helped with the reflux. I have to remember not to lay down too soon after eating though.

My peak flow is now 670, which the British Asthma people said was excellent, so I'm relieved about that.

I'm back on the tablets. I couldn't believe after a fortnight of being off them I had a night of three hours sleep. It really knocked me for six especially when I'm up at 5:30am to be at work for 7 three days and then on three afternoon shifts.

I'm back sleeping again, so happy days.

The fatigue is still with me but its improving, slowly.

I think routine is key to all this. Once you find something that helps stick with it. I can't see the reflux improving of it's own accord, as everything I've read points to esohigeal sphincter has been damaged.

The rest I think is a viral hangover, which will eventually reset.

I bumped into an old pal of mine at work on Friday and he regaled his story of glandular fever he contracted last August. Floored him for 6 months.

Right I'm off.

Take care all.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone

Sounds you are in a similar place to me Jim - are you still taking the Lansoprazole? You are right I was told the same that the virus attacks your muscles and the sphincter at top of stomach has been damaged also all the coughing in the early days didn't help me! Shame about the other tablets but I know what you are saying anything for a "normal" life without symptoms these days and it's no good if you can't sleep. I think I find it hard that my symptoms are different each day - some days I feel very congested and some days I don't, some days I have terrible tinnitus and some I don't - I just never know how I am going to feel from one day to the next but I just crack on and hope one days all these symptoms will go. Your peak flow is brilliant mine is only around 400 which is ok on the chart but nothing special!

Hope everyone else doing ok, enjoy the sunshine this weekend.

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone

That's really interesting about the reflux, Lulu and Jim, that there's been damage to the muscles. I think mine must be under control with the omez, but the indigestion soon comes back when I try to stop taking it. I'm still trying to watch what I eat, things like lemon and chocolate don't seem to suit me, and I'm not sure about wine ...I'll keep testing it out!

Yes that programme was really interesting, I totally agreed with her about needing to find a bench when walking, I'm still not very good with exercise, I keep trying though but seem to be stuck at 30-40 mins.

I think it was on the programme, and not something I read , where they mentioned how our breathing may have been affected by ther virus, and we could have too much carbon dioxide in our lungs, giving us symptoms. That could be true with me, as it was the breathing out completely that I struggled with in the lung function test. I'm trying to do some breathing exercises to see if that will help.

Yes it's now 2-3years! It keeps going up, but at least we're all feeling so much better.

All the best everyone, enjoy the sun 😃

Hi Joanne,

If you are having problems clearing your lungs whilst breathing out I would suggest doing diaphram breathing exercises.

Stuart sent me a link June last year and I did them religiously every morning between steaming and nasal rinsing. If you google the lung institute 5 exercises to increase lung capacity I'm sure they'll help. Stuart was given them by a respiratory nurse. I only stopped doing them in April when I started at pulmonary rehabilitation.

Perseverence is the key to exercise, so do them every day.

The reason why the indigestion comes back when you stop the medication is due to your stomach over producing acid. All the medications suppress acid production, so when you stop it goes into overdrive. We'll all be on them forever unless we have the sphincter operation to tighten it up.

Good luck.

Jim.

Thanks a lot Jim, I'll look them up and start doing them. You've done really well, your peak flow is amazing, mine's the same as Lulu's which is about right for my age.

Oh dear I don't fancy an operation for reflux! Looks like I'll be stuck on Omez forever.

Thanks again 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone never came home the football enjoyed it though boys done well wish I could breathe like that again and same as you lulu the tinnitus I get some head tension as well not a headache it's like on the top and back of my head comes and goes at worst when I push myself never saw the programme like everyone else I was hoping to be recovered by now looks like just got to get on with it like we have been doing with our different symptoms I spoke to a friend at work his dad had covid and he acquired tinnitus as well but he hasn't got it no more so maybe its not permanent can pray I suppose I don't mind if it's 2to 3 years as long as it does one eventually have a good weekend guys and girls whatever you are up to Gary

Hi steph thank you will give otex a go I've been using olive oil not sure if it's the earwax but will give anything a shot Gary

Hi Jo and everyone

Just wondered if you have an inhaler? My problem too was when I exhaled which led the respiratory guy diagnosing asthma and gave me the steroid inhaler - it has helped so might be worth a mention if you don't have one already.

I was told to cut out tomatoes, chocolate and wine not sure it has made any difference but not sure I've done it properly!

Let's hope the tinnitus goes soon Gary, mine is worse some days than others but never goes completely.

My youngest has been in bed with Covid this week luckily not living with us but seems he has turned a corner today - he hadn't been vaccinated but says he definitely will now - it was worse than he thought!

Trying hard not to moan about the weather BUT it is VERY hot isn't it?!

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone

Thanks Lulu, I don't have an inhaler, I'll ask about it when I have my appt. Hope I can get some answers.

This hot weather is not suiting me either, it takes away my energy, and I don't have any to spare! It's lovely sunny weather though, I'll just be glad when it's a bit cooler.

Hope your son's feeling better soon, Lulu, yes sensible to get the jab, wish my son could get it in Australia.

Enjoy the sun everyone, while it lasts 😃

Hi Gary, yes give it a go and good luck with it, fingers crossed it helps...

Lulu sorry to hear about your son wishing him a speedy recovery. Yes it's scorching hot, would be nicer with a little breeze not that I'm complaining. It's been a long time coming.

Hope everyone's doing ok

Hi steph and everyone got the otex trying it wish it would stop the tinnitus driving me nuts if I wasn't already sorry about your son lulu hope he recovers soon I'm hoping for cooler weather as well couple of thunderstorms due tomorrow that should help at the moment glad to be working nights take care all Gary

Hi Gary,

Has the otex helped the tinnitus?

At least the weather has cooled somewhat.

Other than the tinnitus, how are you doing?

Jim.

Hi Lulu,

How's everything your end? Has the inhaler helped?

Any further results to report?

Sorry to hear of your son being poorly. I hope he is better?

Funnily enough it was my eldest sons birthday last Monday. The wife decided to do a family meal on the Sunday. Saturday morning he rang saying he had symptoms. He went for a PCR test and was positive. He has been poorly all week and the wife has been dropping off shopping and washing. He had only had the first vaccination the Tuesday before. I told him he should have been first in the queue when his age group were called. Old heads, young shoulders etc.

Take care.

Jim.

Hi Jim no I don't think the otex has helped the tinnitus but I feel it has cleared the wax better than the olive oil apart from that my breathing still not right still getting a sort of head tension top and back I feel they are easing with time and still hoping that they will go I spoke to Sarah ent woman on Friday she still has patients who have simular symptoms even after all this time so maybe they will go in time hopefully how you getting on Jim any sign of improvement Gary

Hi Gary,

It is good Sarah is still in touch, I'm pleased about that.

They say the tinnitus and brain stuff is nerve damage and it will improve. Nerves take a long time to repair though.

We'll get there Gary and we will have beers to celebrate.

As for me, the nasal routine keeps the congestion in check, thankfully.

The reflux won't improve without the sphincter tightening operation but the lansrapole and gaviscon advance keep that at bay.

I've appointments to see consultants regarding both but there a long way off.

The fatigue is improving, slowly. I'm still on reduced hours at work and they've been good about it all.

I'll recover from the fatigue eventually. I'm back in the gym a couple of times a week rowing and light weights.

Fortunately, I'm well enough to ride my bikes, which I'm eternally grateful for.

You take care my pal.

Jim.

Your getting there Jim I think your right mate and when I look back I remember you were probably the illest of all of us glad your back in the gym and riding your bike yes will look forward to having some beers with you in time hope you're son gets well soon chat again soon Jim just come off a week of nights so getting used to them again work will get easier Jim enjoy the rest of your weekend chat again soon Gary

Hi Jim & everyone

Thankfully my son had four really rough days then improved over the next couple and feels fine now - he tested positive for over 10 days so was literally stuck in one room as he has flat mates who obvs didn't want to catch it! Hope it's same for your son Jim - think this is all part of Boris' plan to let all the youngsters catch it through the summer and then implement the vaccine passport for clubs in Sept to ensure those who haven't yet caught it, which shouldn't be many the way things are going, will have to get vaccinated.

I am currently trying to come off the Lansoprazole for about the 4th time! I get about a week in and then my throat is really sore and have to start taking it again, anyway I am going to persevere this time I really want to get off it and in desperation today had a couple of large swigs of Gaviscon to see if that helps!

We were in Suffok last week and I use these trips to gauge if I've improved at all as we go every couple of months and have to say this time I felt the best since I became ill. I still have plenty of symptoms, the sore throat, tinnitus, chest congestion, fatigue but overall it is slowly still improving and manageable - just think progress is so slow we can't always see it.

Such good news you can do the things you enjoy Jim and get out on bikes - unbelievable that you still have to use the nasal rinse after all this time. I wonder about that sphincter operation but it would have to be a last resort - remind me did you have problems with this before Covid Jim as I didn't and still find it hard to understand how I've ended up with this!

Not sure what the answer is for the tinnitus Gary, mine is worse some days than others. Good to hear Sarah keeps in touch - I have a lady calls me every month from the Cambridge research to see how my breathing is - doesn't really help in practical terms but good to have someone to talk to who understands what we are all going through.

Am seeing the respiratory guy on 11th Aug - 3 months after I started the steroid inhaler - it has helped a lot so am assuming I will have to carry on with it. Anyway will keep you posted if he has another other updates on recovery.

Enjoy rest of weekend everyone and hope you are all doing well.

Lx

Hi Lulu,

I'm so glad to hear your improving and good luck coming off the medication.

Your son has recovered quickly, I'm pleased for you all. My son is getting there but still not right.

I didn't have any health problems before I contracted the Chinese man-made flu like the majority of us. (I make no apology to anyone who takes offence at my previous comment. By all means report it to whomever).

Take care and keep everyone updated with your results etc.

Jim.

Hi Jim & everyone

How are you doing? How's your son, hopefully better by now. Mine still has no sense of smell but luckily his taste has come back! I've been off the Lansoprazole for over two weeks - its been really tough not felt great but have persevered and really don't want to go back on them.

Am seeing consultant next Weds so will keep you posted if there is anything interesting to share!

Hope everyone doing well. Is anyone else still having symptoms? If so be interested to hear what they are after all this time!

Lx

Hi Lulu,

I am so pleased your son has recovered, as has mine. Just shows you, if we were younger it would have been two weeks of flu!

I could not stop the lansoprazole. Well done! I need it in conjunction with the Gaviscon. For me, medication has never bothered me, so I will take anything that helps. If I had any money left after paying for the scans I had, I would have the sphincter operation.

I still get the nasal congestion early evening but my routine sorts it out for the rest of the day.

The fatigue has improved substantially, which is fabulous. I have got my edge back, as my pal says and I feel normal now. My personality has returned in all it's glory to the destain of my customers.

I have flogged my guts out in the gym on the rower and my peak flow is 680 now, so that is a huge improvement but I'm going to continue till I hit 700, then revert to the weights.

I still cannot sleep with out medication but I have some gin and a tablet and it's happy days, snoozing.

Good luck at the consultants. I would not pay them with tacks nor any of the NHS. I'm now very angry by our treatment and lack of it. I remember calling 999 on 5/4/20 and they never turned up. I've been a Response Cop all my service, just going to 999 calls. I've gone to guns, knives, hundreds fighting(which there were when we arrived)suicides, murders, rapes and domestics to name a few. I never failed to attend. I will never forgive them for leaving me. This will make you laugh. In my probation I arrested a bloke on the run for domestic murder. He's out now but I still haven't retired.

Apologies, I've told you this before. Hey ho I've 18 months till I retire but I never forgive and never forget.

On that note, I'll sign off by wishing you all well.

Take care,

Jim.

Hi Jim and lulu I've just had a week in Southend took four girls and my boy can tell you like I never suffered from stress when I was ill think I did for at least two of the seven days with them they really enjoyed it which makes me feel great that they appreciated it no change for me still the tinnitus driving me nuts I'm pretty certain that the head tension is going and the breathing is easing but I can't be certain because of the time it's taking good to see your boys are nearly recovered and you're off the lanzoprazole lulu and Jim glad the fatigue has improved vastly and you're back caning it in the gym stick with the gin and a tablet if it helps you sleep raining on my first day back here still back to work tomorrow enjoy the rest of your weekend gary

Hi Gary and everyone glad to hear things are improving and we're all nearly there... Lulu good luck with the Consultant on Wednesday hope it goes well. Jim so glad to hear you're doing well and your personality has returned. I feel like you re: GP's feel let down. The paramedics were good and came out 4/5 times and always carried out the vitals. Guessing your job is very demanding glad you can carry out your duties now and roll on retirement !! Hope you had a lovely week off Gary and enjoyed time with the kids. I feel ok but get the off day still. Looking forward to a week off soon and hope the weather warms up. Take care all..

Hi steph yes had a good week off back now and working tonight and like you still having the off days with the tinnitus and breathing still not right but hey ho saw piers Morgan has had a taste of it now and he was double jabbed so we all still have to be careful not bothered about going to the doctors anymore feel might as well just get on with it Gary

Morning Gary and everyone,

Sounds like you had a whale of a time on holiday with your lad and his pals. Back to work for a rest hey!

As you say regarding our symptoms, we'll just have to get on with it, which is just what I'm doing.

Steph,

Lovely to hear from you and glad you are improving and nearly there.

I had a slump yesterday but I'm over it today, I hope.

As for work I'm still office bound and will be for the foreseeable but I've 18 months to get back to it.

Lulu,

Good luck at your appointment tomorrow and update us with the news.

Take care,

Jim.

Morning Jim yes back to the grind last night I'm going to book another week off soon just to spend some time with the kids they get so bored summer holidays now it was my boy and 4 girls I took my daughter's and their friends work is easier lol 😂 I think we are still going to have the odd bad days still till hopefully we realise what we have to deal with from the virus I'm just praying the breathing gets better eventually same as the tinnitus if it doesn't then I will have to live with it and deal with it I can't see what else I can do hope everyone is getting better Gary

Hi Gary &everyone

I'm glad you're all doing ok, and enjoying holidays etc. I'm still getting rougher days when I overdo it, but they're not as bad as they were, just feel weak/tired and get more tinnitus!

I had my follow-up appt at hosp last week, my lung function test was ok and I had blood tests. I've got a repeat ct scan soon, so will see what that shows.

Jim- thanks a lot for recommending breathing exercises. I've been doing them and my breathing has improved a lot. They might help you, Gary.

My main symptoms now are sinuses/nose congestion/sore eyes. My stomach doesn't seem so sore/swollen so I've followed your lead, Lulu, and I'm trying to cut down to 1 omez a day.

All the best everyone 😃

Hi Joanne yes the tinnitus is what I feel is my worst nightmare at the moment I'm sure the breathing is getting better but if it improves with breathing exercises I will try them I remember the red eyes I used to get in the morning that I'm glad has gone and my sinuses are good still getting mucus in the morning sometimes may be whoever said it takes two years maybe right hope your ct scan is okay Joanne I remember doing all the tests down the hospital and all of them were fine and they couldn't work out what was wrong with me wonder if they now have learnt a lot more with the little sugar gary

Gary,

The exercises are on ling institute website under 5 exercises to increase your lung capacity.

I would add the link but they'll delete it.

Hope they help pal.

Jim.

Oh I used to do them every morning without fail. They don't take long to do.

Thanks Jim I will start them tomorrow off to work soon I think I have had a look before now hope you're getting there mate Gary

I also think respiratory exercise is the best way as this virus only attacks first on your respiratory passage. Apart from this have warm ginger water in the morning first thing and also before going to sleep.

Hi Lulu,

How has your appointment with your consultant gone?

Fingers crossed for you.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone!

Thanks for asking about my appointment - it was fine - he has cut down my steroid inhaler from two to one puff morning and night and said if I have 8 weeks without chest tightness, breathing issues I can stop it completely and use when needed - not sure how long that will take to happen cos reckon I have at least two days a week when my chest feel congested tight but will keep a note of it. Also put me on a steroid nasal spray, Avamys, to help with mucus at back of nose - wonder if this would help you Joanne I know you suffer with the same.

You all sounds like you are doing well, Jim sounds like you are smashing it in the gym and can understand why you are so angry about lack of treatment when you have provided so much service to society yourself. It is hard to let go of the anger and the feeling of being let down - I actually think I suffered post traumatic stress last autumn - just the feeling of being so ill and no-one to help me - other than you guys of course. I think maybe we all did to a degree, we all definitely seemed traumatised and had sleep issues, anxiety etc.

I still know my chest/breathing is not right but the steroids help and I just hope I am still improving and will come off them one day. Interesting everyone seems to be saying they still get bad days. I often feel like I have a temperature too and I asked the consultant and he said it is a well documented symptom of long Covid.

Sounds like you had a great trip Gary with your kids, my son and g/f are over from NY at moment it has been two years since I've seen them - another casualty of the pandemic which tore families apart but we've had a great time so feel very lucky.

Good luck Jo with the CT scan and hope you enjoy your time off Steph.

Take care everyone.

Lx

Hi lulu sadly I'm afraid the same as you really still think that the breathing is getting better the exercises must be helpful tinnitus is no better I'm resigned to it being permanent hoping not obviously but I think it will be not sure if the otex helps might have cleared the wax was squishy in my ears for the first few days I'm still getting the head tension comes and goes the holiday was great spending time with the kids you must be so glad to have your son and girlfriend over enjoy your time together will keep doing the breathing exercises Jim I do feel it is easing but very very slowly Gary

Hi Gary, Lulu and everyone,

Keep doing the exercises they'll definitely help. I found them relaxing too. The tinnitus will go, I'm positive. It's nerve damage. I'm told if you listen to music and/or watch TV it helps?

Don't forget those beers we're having after all this sh@t is over.

Lulu,

I'm so please your lungs are improving. Give the exercises a whirl, I'm sure they helped me. (the lung institute 5 exercises to increase lung capacity).

As for your self-diagnosis of PTSD, you are spot on. I definitely have it. My consultant diagnosed it in February when I regaled the whole scenario. I'm still like a cat on a hot tin roof around people now. I wear a mask whenever out and at work. Gloves sometimes but I zoono everyday. Apparently it lasts 24 hours, who knows!

I'm an advocate of steroids, they've helped me. I tried Avmays nasal spray but found dymista better, as it's a cortisol steroid and an antihistemine.

I'm in for a CT scan and a RASH blood test on the old hooter on Saturday. I'll fine out if I have an allergy causing the congestion.

I'm praying for a Royal enquiry into this whole debacle because I'm going to have my say.

Again I would like to thank you all for your help, care and consideration through all this. I wouldn't have got through it without you all.

Regards,

Jim.

Hi Jim you can count me in I will look forward to a drink with you I'm certain that I am improving even though it still feels slow must have really opened my mouth too much when I caught it just wish someone could tell me it is easing or coming to an end maybe it is and will disappear with more time they the experts should know a lot more by now I've lived with it for long enough now feels normal and I said ages ago that I will try and get on with it and I have maybe it's coming to an end I hope so if not so be it Gary

Hi Jim & everyone

Hope the CT scan went ok Jim and be interesting to see if you have allergies. I apparently have allergic rhinitis (basically hayfever) so also take an antihistamine daily and it really helps with the nasal drip and congestion and also I think a bit with the tinnitus. Been taking the Avamys for over a week and have to say I've felt the best I have in a long time - I am off the Lansoprazole and my throat is not sore so fingers crossed! I am still not convinced, and never was, that I had silent reflux which the Lanso was prescribed for, I think the ENT guy diagnosed it from my symptoms but I think it was inflammation of my throat and voice box caused by Covid and not reflux and now at last I am on steroids the inflammation is improving. I truly believe if we'd been given steroids at the beginning things would have improved much quicker for us.

Would it be worth you being checked out for asthma Gary - just wonder if a steroid inhaler would help you and also with the tinnitus - I think it has helped me - might be worth investigating if you haven't already. The respiratory guy said asthma can be so mild you don't even know you have it but then something like a virus can trigger it - could be why you are still suffering with similar breathing issues to me?

Take care everyone, let us know result of your scan Jim and the other tests. Looking forward to some sunshine this week.

L x

Hi Lulu and everyone

Thanks for recommending steroid nasal spray, Lulu, I've still got some congestion that comes and goes. I'm using NeilMed which is helping, but it's a lot of hassle!

I think I might go back on the antihistamines, especially if they help with the tinnitus!

I've cut down to 1 omeprazole a day, and now I'm trying to stop them completely, as my stomach is so much better. I agree about the reflux, I don't know if I had/have it, it could be inflammation.. The doctor prescribed omez on the phone after I told him my symptoms, but he didn't say it was reflux. I'm taking lots of things for gut health, probiotics etc, and I think they're helping.

I'm going away for a few days next week, the first time since all of this, very strange, but I'm really looking forward to it.

Good luck with your scan and tests Jim

All the best everyone, I think we're close to the finishing line 😃

Hi Lulu,

Just a quicky.

Try Dymista nasal spray it has antihistemines and steroids in, so you wouldn't need the tablets.

I'll let you know about my results when they contact me.

Take care everyone.

Jim.

Hi Joanne,

Just a quicky.

Try Dymista nasal spray it has antihistemines and steroids in, so you wouldn't need the tablets.

I'll let you know about my results when they contact me.

Take care everyone.

Jim.

Hi Jo and everyone

I think the same I think all the problems I've had/have are down to ongoing inflammation - I think the doctors could only look at the symptoms and treat those - not entirely convinced I have asthma either! Think it is just breathing issues as a result of Covid. I struggled for first couple of weeks after stopping Lansoprazole but am ok now. I have been in France for a few days and probably overdid it but am very achy and chesty again - so a quieter weekend for me - it is disappointing though as makes me realise whatever is going on is still there!

Thanks Jim will try the Dymista nasal spray.

Have a great holiday Jo and enjoy the Bank Holiday weekend everyone!

Lx

Hi lulu and everyone I'm with you on the breathing I'm going to give it another couple of months to see if it improves before I go to the doctors I'm pretty sure it's not asthma but if it doesn't improve I will go to my doctor not that I want to I filled out a questionnaire with my work and my medical ran out so I have taken a couple of weeks off will be interesting to see what the experts say when I go for the medical I have already explained last year when I had one over the phone but now with the added breathing problems and tinnitus I'm pleased to say that the head tension has gone or eased considerably hopefully the latter enjoy the bank holiday and Joanne have a great time away you deserve a break Gary

Thanks Jim,

I'll try to get hold of some if my nose doesn't improve

Jo

Hi Lulu and everyone

Hope you're all ok and enjoying this last bit of summer

Holiday in France sounds lovely, Lulu, shame we have to suffer after doing normal things.

I've just had a few days in Wales, and managed to do quite a bit of walking ( fairly slow and no mountains!) It was lovely and

apart from sinuses, I feel ok.

I'm thinking now I must be nearly over the long covid, and I may be stuck with some of these remaining symptoms. A friend still has sinus problems and tinnitus after an infection several years ago. Oh well, these are mild compared to what we've been through.

All the best everyone 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone just catching up on all your posts and really pleased to hear you're all doing well. Well done on venturing abroad Lulu hope you enjoyed the good wine and food !! Joanne Wales sounds lovely glad you enjoyed. I had a week in Devon Cornwall very busy but really enjoyed it. Jim, Gary hope you're both good and enjoying the surprise sunny weather long may it continue. Health wise I feel ok apart from congestion and ears popping still, but I'll take that any day to not suffer like we did in the early days of covid or sugar as Gary called it lol.

Hi steph and everyone weather was great yesterday and today got out and about as well Devon and Cornwall lovely part of the country and Wales Joanne it's just a shame that the symptoms are persisting for us all I keep thinking they are going to go but maybe like Joanne and you say they are mild compared to what it was like before enjoy the rest of the weather we are having Gary

Hi lulu and everyone it's been nearly two months now well I've still got tinnitus and breathing issues but I'm now certain it's not asthma however it's taking a long time to get back to normal I'm still getting mucus in the morning but Im certain it's easing and I said I would go to the gp as its nowhere near as bad as it was I will leave going to the doctors and hopefully it returns to normal soon I hope that everyone is either better or nearly recovered Gary

Hi Gary,

I'm so sorry to hear you have the dreaded tinnitus and breathing issues. Time will tell but I'm sure you'll get better.

I hope work is okay and you are managing your very physical job?

As for me, my retirement date has changed to 8/3/23. I'm not bothered being honest because the job they've given me and the supervisors have been fab.

My wonderful GP rang me to say she was retiring and her last good deed was to withdraw my place on the Gastro waiting list and she expressed by position. The result being within a week I had an endoscopy and ultrasound on my stomach. The result being the Chinese man made virus has caused a centimetre hiatus hernia of my esophagus. An operation may sort the problem? Lets see if it is offered.

I've finally been able to stop steaming and I'm just rinsing the old hooter now. That saves 15 minutes everyday!

Work have finally clicked onto my consultants diagnosis of PTSD, which I could have told them about in June. They want me back out and about. No chance as life is now.

The fatigue has plateaued but I'm working, trips to the gym and riding my bikes, so all is good. The insomnia is cured with my penchant for a few drinks, so all is good.

My consultant is seeing me on the second of November, so I'll update you then.

I truly hope and pray everyone is on the mend. I'm grateful to be where I am now.

Jim.

Hi Jim I don't get what's with the gps glad to see that you can ride your bike and work and that they have been understanding so sorry about the hernia hope they can sort it out for you im not worried about the breathing and tinnitus kind of got used to it I still get a sort of head tension that hasn't completely gone but all easing I think I'm not sure about the fatigue Im 60 now so I do get it but that could be work anyway I remember when I first went back to work and only walked a mile and was layed up for a few days that doesn't happen now so I'm lucky really let us know how you get on with your consultant Jim I will keep you updated if anything changes Gary

Gary,

You're a top man.

I will keep you updated on any news.

Regards the fatigue, I keep forgetting we've aged two years near enough, so that comes into play.

As I keep saying, "it is what it is!" No one can change anything now.

Take care pal.

Jim.

Too true Jim we are nearly two years older now and it is what it is hopefully we will get there if not just gotta deal with it take care and keep in touch Gary

Hi Gary/Jim and everyone

Have been thinking of you all lately and wondering how everyone was getting on. Sorry to hear about the hernia Jim didn't know you could get a hernia in the oesophagus - is that causing any specific symptoms, was it caused by the coughing? Hopefully now its been diagnosed they will sort it out for you.

Gary I am still with you on the Tinnitus and breathing and also with the odd sore throat thrown in about once a week - still on steroid inhaler twice a day and the antihistamine and use the steroid nasal inhaler as and when need it. Am I still making progress? I really don't know. I am constantly aware of my chest/breathing and get chest tightness every day but like you Gary I've sort of got used it. The other thing I have a problem with is regulating my body temperature, I just feel so hot all the time and wonder if it is to do with the breathing issues. Am seeing consultant again in a few weeks but last time I mentioned it he just said it's just part and parcel of Long Covid. Some days I cope better than others but it has definitely taken its toll mentally and I feel I have lost my "sparkle" basically because I am always aware of my breathing so even if I am out enjoying myself I suddenly feel my chest tighten or my nose blocks and then I feel anxious.

I do feel angry/sad about the whole thing but that's not going to get me anywhere so try to revert to thinking am lucky and maybe got away with it lightly compared with others and as Jim says - it is what it is and just get on with it!

Anyway great to hear from you - I think back to the days when we were counting the weeks and scoring our progress - seems like a lifetime ago, thank god we didn't know how ongoing this was!

Take care,

Lulu x

Hi lulu sorry to see you are still suffering after so long I'm typing this as my tinnitus is driving me nuts but yes it seems like we have to try to get on with it I remember them days of scoring and hoping we would get there may be we will if we don't then will have to live with it like we have done I will stay in touch and let you know Gary x

Hi Lulu,

It's been a long road with a bit further to go.

I am angry about alot of things in relation to the pandemic but you all know my views.

The hernia was diagnosed from the endoscopy, a camera passed down the throat, windpipe and into the stomach. I saw the hernia in technicolour. Apparently, they are common and can give no problem or be a right royal pain in the arse. Obviously, mines the second!

I am up for the operation to sort it. The stomach is wrapped around the esophegus.

The symptoms are a sore throat, hoarse voice, burning in the stomach and throat. I've stopped the lansprozole due to the side effects, which I have none.

I still taken the Gaviscon after food and before bed.

I will let you know what the consultant says.

The rest are near enough normal.

Take care.

Jim.

Yep do keep in touch, we have got this far and good to know how people are doing. I am seeing the consultant on 10th November so will update after that.

Take care,

Lx

Sorry you are getting problems from the hernia Jim - typical, you would think after everything maybe you could get a break and have the type which doesn't cause any issues but seems not, maybe we were all bad in a previous life?!

Keep in touch and hope they sort hernia out for you soon Jim. Let us know how your consultant appointment goes.

All the best,

Lx

Hi Lulu and everyone

I'm the same, still have a few symptoms and disappointed as I really thought we'd all be recovered by now.

I've got the tinnitus, Gary, it comes and goes I think, but maybe I've just got used to it

I also get hot a lot, Lulu, and can't seem to regulate my body temperature. I guess I'm too old for it to be hormones!

But the worst for me at the moment is the fatigue, and not being able to walk/exercise a lot, although it's better than it was. I'm still trying to pace, as when I overdo it, it sets me back, and I'm more tired for days/weeks, so it's not worth it.

Anyway, like all of you, trying to be positive, to get as close as possible to that 'normal'

All the best everyone 😃

Hi Jo and everyone

Lovely to hear from you Jo. Yep we all sound about the same and not quite over the line.

The overheating is def Covid related and I wonder if it is because our respiratory systems are not working properly - I am going to ask consultant more next week so will let you know.

I've been feeling pretty good all week but swam this morning and it really knocks me out so sympathise with you about the fatigue and still try and pace but not always possible.

So many cases in our office at moment and I am due in tomorrow so not feeling very comfortable about it but feel like have to carry on and put our faith in the vaccine. Has anyone had their booster yet?

Great to hear how everyone is getting on, I know we are all busy and check in much less now but it def helps to know we are not alone with these lingering symptoms!

Take care,

Lx

Hi lulu and everyone still not much change from me still tinnitus driving me nuts the breathing is getting better I think but I'm not certain some days I get mucus bad in the morning I'm trying to think back to how long ago we had the tight chest I don't get that now which is a relief I still get the head tension which is very light now but its not like a headache just at the top of my head at the back weird maybe it has something to do with the tinnitus and hopefully it will go in time same with covid down this end more people are getting it but not like we did so the vaccine must be a protection I will get the booster as soon as I am eligible hopefully one of us will get there soon Gary

Hi Gary and everyone just wanted to check in with you all. Glad to hear we're all feeling better nearly 2 years on..... Had my flu jab but not the booster yet. Congestion and ears are the main things for me and it comes and goes.

Lulu Like you hearing loads have the virus but lucky to still be working from home. Not looking forward to the cold dark evening but as long as we all stay healthy that's the main thing. Take care all and speak soon...

Hi steph yes it's good that we are all a lot better but not so good still got different symptoms to deal with I do hope by the end of March they will have gone but I'm not optimistic feels like winter is nearly here Gary

Hi Gary and everyone

Glad we're all doing ok, definitely better than this time last year!

Hope appointments go/went ok, Lulu and Jim, and you get some answers.

I had my follow-up appt to my repeat ct scan this week, and my lungs seem to have improved a lot. They showed me the scans taken in May and August, and I can't believe what covid did to me! Oh well, it's a relief to be improving, but no wonder I have struggled so much with exercise.

Just had my flu jab, and covid booster will be next month.

All best everyone 😃

That's great news Joanne about your lungs because I feel like my breathing is getting better every day but very slowly hopefully it will keep going the same way as you I wish I could have had a ct scan done but hey ho as long as I get there I will be happy tinnitus for me not getting any better but I'm starting to deal with it every day now hope everyone is getting better Gary

That's brilliant news Jo it must be a relief to see the improvement but also a shock to see what Covid did to you. I wonder how long the lungs can continue to heal/ improve? I have my follow up appointment on Weds so will ask!

Seems we all still have lingering symptoms but are still improving so need to stay hopeful that we get over the line. I am definitely dependent on inhaler now which is disappointing but on the other hand it could have been much worse - whether that will improve I don't know, also need an anti-histamine every night. Have read lots of people have ended up with asthma and histamine intolerance so just have to get on with it. My partner had his booster this week - we both had AZ but the booster was Pfizer - he had very dead arm and felt "off" for a couple of days but small price to pay for the reassurance it gives.

Have a great week everyone,

Lx

Thanks Lulu, it would be good to know how much more healing to expect, although he did say that some of the damage could have been already there. It would be interesting to know how lungs can get damaged, as I've never smoked!

Good luck with your appointment 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone,

Fantastic news on your scan results Jo, they'll keep improving. I'm sure of it.

Keep pacing and you'll have more gains and the fatigue will improve.

I've still got fatigue that comes and goes but there is no specific activator, so God knows.

Today was the first time in 19 months I've blown my nose and seen the normal residue. Apologies for that but it's been a long time.

I saw the gastrointestinal consultant and he says he is seeing more and more people with the same condition caused by covid.

I have another test, where they put a tube down the nose and into the stomach to measure the fluid leakage. Sounds pleasant but its only for 24 hours.

My OHU have confirmed by diagnosis of PTSD but on a waiting list to see someone.

Oh I had my booster the other week. I was watching Loose Women and Janet Street Porter was banging on about the poor roll out and everyone over 50 could have it.

I got straight in my car and drove to the nearest vaccination station. Shut with a sign on the door with a mobile number for deliveries. I rang the number and spoke to a chap who was a local pharmacist. He explained they was no uptake so was only open weekends. I asked for a booster, 15 minutes I was sat in his chemists having had it. And no it wasn't 6 months from my second jab either.

Just goes to show they could not organise a p**s up in a brewery.

All in all, I'm much better and still office bound. I've decided I've done my bit on the frontline, so I'm staying put till I retire.

Take care everyone and get that booster!

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone

Thanks Jim, it's a huge relief. It's mainly the fatigue now, I need to get better at pacing!

I know what you mean about your nose being 'normal', we really appreciate the little things. I feel so happy when my nose is completely clear and I can breathe properly.

Hope your stomach test goes ok Jim, and your appt went ok Lulu

Hope everyone ok and getting there 😃

Hi Joanne and everyone just checking in to see how everyone is doing another couple of weeks gone my breathing is still not 100 percent right I'm not sure if it's going to be obviously a lot better with time tinnitus still driving me nuts but trying to deal with it I'm not certain if it's because I'm getting older but my memory isn't getting better I know a lot of us had brain freeze problems but I keep forgetting things then remembering them again weird how did your appointment go lulu all good I hope good to see you've had your booster Jim got mine on the 13th not sure what damage this new omicron virus will do seems like it spreads easier but they are saying that the symptoms are not as bad just have to wait and see hopefully some of you are over the line or close Gary

Hi Gary,

Good to hear from you.

Sorry you are still suffering with tinnitus, I cannot imagine what that is like.

Yes, I consider on the balance of probabilities we have nearly reached the end of our recoveries, so we will have to get on with it.

I am still having to nasal rinse every other day, so it has improved. The reflux is a pain but I have the gastrointestinal 24hr test next week. That sounds a delightful, a tube up the old hooter and down the throat and into the stomach. You could not write it, so much for a respiratory infection.

Take care pal.

Jim.

Hi Jim yes not good after all this time and I feel like you we just have to get on with whatever it has left us all with sounds so delightful your gastrointestinal test looks like 24 hours to look forward to still I can remember back when we didn't know what medication to get and where to stick it last year will check in again soon take care mate Gary

Hi Jim and everyone just had my booster yesterday just a sore arm really same tinnitus and breathing not quite there yet still got little head tension now and again besides that all good how did your gastrointestinal test go Jim still working got a few days off at Christmas hope you're all OK have a good Christmas and stay safe Gary

Hi Gary and everyone,

I'm pleased you have had your booster. The head tension will go, it'll be a reaction to the jab.

There's a mad rush now and you can't even order lateral flow tests. They will have run out.

The tube up and down was okay after the first couple of hours, so all good. The results are on the fourth of January.

Sounds like my unit will be working from home soon. I find out on Thursday. I'm not bothered being honest, as being out of the house does my head the world of good.

I'm working over the holidays but it's my last one and I've worked every Christmas and New Year since I joined.

Merry Christmas my pal. Take care.

Jim.

Sounds like it wasn't as bad as you thought the tubes Jim that's good hopefully your results will be good as well working from home won't be so bad for a while have a good Christmas Gary

Hi Lulu,

How did your visit to your consultant go?

Hope you are well.

Jim.

Hi Jim and everyone, just catching up on chats and looks like we've all had our boosters now. Had mine on Monday and felt rotten Tues, Wed but feeling better today, hope you are too Gary. Jim you seem much more positive about things and after what we've all been through that's defo a good thing. Don't work too hard over Xmas hope it stays quiet for you. Gary hope you have some time off over Xmas too. Lulu I've spoken to you as we were lucky to have exchanged numbers when we were still able to private message.... Joanne hope you're keeping well.

Worrying times again as this new variant is spreading so fast and hoping none of us get it again. Take care everyone

Hi Jim & everyone

Have been off the radar for a while - was in NY and then work has been really busy!

Consultant put me on some new meds Montelukast - it is in addition to the inhaler to help with the Asthma/allergic rhinitis and open up the airways. I think it has helped but still feel chesty and have mucus most days in nose, throat and chest. Probably need to accept that things aren't going to improve further but feel nervous with the numbers so high as not starting from a strong position in terms of my lungs but what can we do other than carry on and hope for the best!

Glad test wasn't as bad as you thought Jim and really hoping your results come back fine, do let us know. How you getting on Gary? So good we've all had the booster let's just hope it works and keeps us safe.

Am working from home again and have to say not too bothered - all my team went out last Thursday (I luckily couldn't go as was waiting for PCR test after NY) and two have come down with it - had quite a few social events planned but not feeling that confident about going now!

Anyway, keep in touch, wishing everyone a lovely Christmas and fingers crossed for a happy, healthy New Year!

L xx

Hi lulu and steph glad to hear from you same as you girls bit worried that its taken off again but like you said just gotta get on with it I'm not getting any better tinnitus wise and breathing still not there little head tension still praying that don't get it again but also feel we are better protected this time can't imagine how many people are still suffering I'm sure it's kept hush hush got some time off at Christmas steph and nice to see you globetrotting lulu new York lovely stay safe and have a good Christmas maybe we will get back to normal one day if not just have to deal with it like we did from day one gary

Hi Gary and everyone

Good to hear from you all. I've had my booster too,yesterday, feeling ok, but more tired, I think. It's hard to tell, as that's my main symptom now. Everything else seems to be improving, and I think I'm doing more, but having to pace still...

Glad your test wasn't too bad, Jim, hope results ok

Lulu New York sounds great, maybe I'll go further than Wales next year.

Yes, it's all a bit worrying at the moment, with cases rising so much, but hopefully we're more protected, and well, we've got through the last 20 months or so.

Enjoy Christmas everyone, we're all so much better than this time last year 😃

Hi Joanne yes I agree we are and so lucky to have got through even though we still have symptoms I have just helped a friend on Facebook poor girl was suffering and like us didn't understand what was happening doing tests etc all coming back OK didn't realise the infection was gone but stuck with her symptoms I've rang Sarah for her she was great and will speak with her Monday and I know she will help her seems like fatigue is still not good Joanne like tinnitus for me maybe we will get there have a great Christmas Gary

Hi Joanne good to see you've had your booster especially with the new variant causing chaos fatigue still causing you most troubles tinnitus for me breathing still not right but like you said we are a lot better than last year have a great Christmas Gary

Thanks Gary, you too. Have a good break from work. I wouldn't be able to work full time, even now, certainly not in schools as I was doing several years ago. I'd have been like many others who have had to give up or change their jobs. Luckily I'm working a few hours a week, but nowhere near as much as before covid.

I've got the tinnitus too, it keeps getting louder, not sure if it's because I've done too much. I try to ignore it but it's hard when it's at full volume!

All the best, Jo

Happy New Year everyone!

Hope we all continue to improve 😃

Yes a happy new year to you too Joanne and everyone really think I'm never going to get back to normal and have to learn to live with the tinnitus and breathing not quite back to normal but so far so good with not catching the new variant and it's going to be two years in March how time flies hopefully it will go one day doubt it though hope you're all getting there Gary

Happy New Year Jo, Gary and everyone!

Hope everyone still making progress. I have to say I think I am so am happy about that. The fatigue seems less and the general feeling of being unwell so let's hope we still get some more improvement in 2022. Yep two years in March/April who would have thought it!

Take care everyone, keep in touch.

Lxx

Hi lulu yes happy new year to you too who would have thought two years in March I'm glad to say that the head tension seems to have stopped but the tinnitus hasn't I think the breathing is slowly getting better still not 100 percent sure I'm getting very forgetful now though that might be old age though lol hope you're all good Gary

Hi Gary and everyone,

Happy New Year to you all and I hope this post finds you all well and improving or back to normal.

Right, my update as promised.

I was offered an operation for the reflux but I have turned it down for a few a reasons.

Firstly, I am not taking a PPI anymore and Gaviscon only before bed.

If I have the operation I would not be able to go to the gym and lift weights, only cardio, as the internal pressure increases on lifting and would compromise the tightening, so at the moment these is no point. The Consultant has said I can call or write to him and he'll do it . Oh he has booked me in for a three yearly endoscopy, so come 16/1/2024 I've got the camera down again. Happy days.

ENT have called me and my facial CT scan showed nothing and I am not allergic to anything according to the RAST blood test, so they have discharged me. The congestion has nearly gone. Phew.

The fatigue has nearly gone, so give it a few more weeks and I'll be there.

The sleeping is still sorted with tablets, thankfully.

My problem now is my head, still petrified of catching the man made Chinese virus that has robbed many of their lives and the world of two normal years. On top of which they have made a fortune in PPE and every other country are now on the brink of bankruptcy. Still livid about it and the fact the world haven't made them pay for it.

Apparently, I have PTSD! My reply was if I could see it I could hit it but a virus you can't see it, so what can you do about that? They've no idea. Hey ho.

I'll just keep doing what I am till it is done.

Take care everyone,

Jim.

Hi Jim happy new year to you too you've certainly been through the ringer mate still improving after all this time two years nearly certainly do not want the virus again don't think anyone is going to make the Chinese pay for it not now anyway still tinnitus for me breathing still not right but a lot better head tension still but nowhere near as bad so if only left with tinnitus will have to deal with it Gary

Hi Gary,

Keep pressing on my pal.

As for China, you're right. It just goes to prove how bent the politicians are! Disgusting.

Hey ho, It'll just keep my hatred burning longer.

Take it steady.

Jim.

Hi Gary,

Keep pressing on my pal.

As for China, you're right. It just goes to prove how bent the politicians are! Disgusting.

Hey ho, It'll just keep my hatred burning longer.

Take it steady.

Jim.

Hi Jim will do the tinnitus is hard to get used to most people who have it say they can switch off wish I could turn it off yes agree about politicians they like a party as well hope everyone is getting better as well Gary

Hi Gary and everyone,

I'm please to say that 23 months later, I have recovered from the Chinese made virus, which our Government had the audacity to call flu and the world powers have not held to account.

Other than a bit of nasal congestion through the night and having to take Gaviscon before bed I'm back to 2019 me.

I'm still petrified of catching it again but hey, with what we've been through it's only natural for a level headed person.

I hope you are all well and improving.

Take care and I'm signing off, as I need to draw a line under the maelstrom of bad thoughts, dreams, memories and feelings.

I cannot thank you all enough for the help, guidance, knowledge and friendship you have given me since May 2020.

Kindest regards,

Jim.

Hi Jim glad to see that you have recovered and drawing a line under it all I wish you all the best for the future I'm afraid I'm not going to recover completely but I feel like I can deal with the tinnitus and breathing maybe it will go eventually I feel the same way as you I'm so grateful for all the friends that I made while I was ill good luck to you all Gary

Hi Gary and everyone

That's great news, Jim, I agree with you about drawing a line under it all, after nearly 2 years of it.

I've still got a few niggly things, like you Gary, but I'm trying not to think about them, especially the tinnitus!

Yes, this forum has been invaluable, I'm so grateful to everyone on here, for all of your support and advice.

Thanks everyone and all the best to you all 😃

Hi Joanne yes totally agree I definitely thank everyone for the time we were ill and hope that we do eventually get back to normal one day too Gary

Hi Gary and everyone just catching up and so pleased to hear you're fully recovered Jim. Joanne, Gary i'm the same few niggly things still. Just to say I think I've got the little sugar again. My throat felt quite sore Tuesday and yesterday felt fluy. Today i've taken a lateral flow and can see a faint double line. Have ordered a PCR and today I'm worse. Hopefully it's nothing like we all had 2 years ago but will keep you updated. It's defo not gone away and makes me think the jabs lose immunity..... Take care all and thanks for all your support throughout the tough times....

Hi steph not good you got little sugar again still suffering with the last one as well hope you recover soon and it's omricon good to hear how you get on keep in touch Gary

Hi Gary and everyone, just to let you know feeling much better now. The main thing this time was congestion and losing taste and smell. No palpitations or internal shakes thank god. Take care and stay safe everyone....

That's great news steph glad you're on the mend still tinnitus for me breathing I think will be the same now not quite back to normal hopefully everyone else is getting better Gary

Hi Steph and everyone

That's great news, Steph, glad you didn't suffer too much with 2nd lot of covid. I guess we'll all have to be careful, there's still a lot of cases. Hope everyone's doing ok as we approach 2 years since we caught it. Thank goodness we're not going through that again!

All the best everyone