I’ve been exposed and I’m anxious

[Flamingnora2020]

I have a serious lung disease. A few days ago, I sought medical attention and was admitted to hospital. I’ve been discharged and since found out one of the medics tested positive. I was with them, receiving medical care and personal contact for about an hour.
I’m in the incubation period so it’s an unknown if I’d get it.

Just to add, public health England were the ones who alerted me and said to get tested if I think my current symptoms are indicative of the virus as opposed to my “normal”

Sorry OP, wishing you all the best

So sorry you are going through this. I have copd and the waiting is torturous. Everyone saying its nothing to worry about! I hope you get some answers soon.x

Thanks, I’m trying to be calm and rational. I’m trying to tell myself even if I do get it, I may not be that unwell but my lungs are fragile at thr best of times.
It’s worrying.

Thinking of you OP. Best wishes

So sorry you're going through this, I was waiting to hear of some people id been in contact with has it & it was pretty shit.

Do you have support? Family/friends?

That's exactly how I've been since this all started.
I guess (and you probably don't want to hear this) getting it early on and being aware that its a possibility means that you should get treated sooner than someone who is unaware that they've been in contact with it. Also, hospitals won't be so manic at the moment as it will be when it peaks.
It's horrible, none of my friends are taking it seriously and making a joke out of it!

I'm sorry to hear this.
Do you live alone? Have you got family and friends around?

Some stupid bloody cow at work went to Milan for the weekend two weeks ago. She wasn't sure if she would go, but then she did.
Some people are beyond it all they are so smug and lacking in commonsense.
I actually am immune compromised as I have Fibro.

Hope your results are good. In view of the fact that our cases on on the rise I would seriously think of extending your stay at home period as long as you can

Thanks, all. I have sent the kids to their dad. PHE said they don’t need to isolate unless I show symptoms or test positive.

I’m alone now but have a good support network including nice neighbours who would help, if needed. House is eerily quiet which is weird because the kids stay quite a bit with my ex.

Going to miss the kids and they’re upset and anxious. My ex is a very good dad and they’ll be fine.

Think I’ve got enough supplies. Just desperate to be tested, I think.
Let’s see what tomorrow brings.

Urgh that's rubbish

Try and keep your mind occupied, binge watch some stuff on Netflix?

So sorry to read this, hope the test comes out ok. X

Hand holding

Op which hospital? Just the area if you like

Hand holding

I'm sorry OP. Fingers crossed for a good outcome for you

I’m very sorry to hear you have a serious lung disease FlamingNora do you have any coping strategies you can repurpose ie cbt, mindfulness, chocolate, gardening?

It sounds like you have made lots of sensible plans. If you are at a loose end and want to tell someone have you considered emailing your MP if they’re at all sympathetic and just letting them know what is actually happening? It would be a real service to others to make sure MPs know what is happening in reality. Just a thought, please ignore if unhelpful.

I hope all goes well for you 🌸

How many days ago did you get treatment from the person who since tested positive, OP?

@whatnametopick

I’m in Hertfordshire. We have the highest number of cases in the UK at the moment. I’m trying to be rational and remind myself, it’s only 18 people and to keep calm.

@Neome

Thank you. Yes, I like mindfulness and I was encouraged to use this to help my anxiety around my breathing also. I probably should use this time to refresh my skills and have a walk around the garden to get some air and keep active. Chocolate always helps! I’m not sure if I can accept an online delivery, even if they leave outside? My parents said they’d drip stuff on my doorstep. I don’t think I should even answer the door to a delivery person, not worth the risk.

@lljkk
It was 6 days ago. Unfortunately, I think they were symptomatic when they cared for me but I guess they assumed it was a mild thing? In otherwise healthy people, it probably can be very mild.

Sorry op. I too have lung disease and really do understand your anxiety about this. Really hope the test is negative. Hope you can find some good things to do to care for yourself at this time

Dr John Campbell (an NHS nurse with a PHD) has a great youtube channel with lots of tips, he recommends vitamin D as it helps prevent viruses taking hold and can shorten the duration of some illnesses. Might be worth taking some as a preventative measure.

@Madhairday thank you. I appreciate the understanding. It’s hard with a lung disease, as I’m sure you know, because I’m permanently short of breath and my heart races when I exert myself. Anxiety has similar symptoms and I get stuck in a cycle of a flare up causing anxiety and when I get anxious, my health goes downhill. I constantly wonder if I’m “just” anxious or actually if my breathing is going downhill and I need more oxygen or more support than I can have at home. I’m probably going to eat a lot and watch Netflix. Take care x

Be aware that you can get false negative results so if you don't feel well go to hospital, the man who was the 6th to die was known to my family and was in Watford hospital and had tested negative for 2 weeks before testing positive

They’re going to test me because I have a raging fever. :( I feel rotten. No appetite and teary, miss my kids already.