My Lungs Part 6

[TheDrsWife46]

New thread here let me see if i can link back and forth...

To clarify, I am worried for a friend, hence why I'm asking!

@DrsWufe46 - thank you for your words. I agree, this is the only place where our symptoms seem to exist. In the real world, you are either well with seven days, or sent to hospital.

@scottishgirl85 - it varies but several people are reporting symptoms lasting 2-4 weeks. I’m not sure what the longest is.

Personally speaking, I’ve just finished week 4, and have felt reasonably normal in the last few days (with the help of antibiotics). However, I’m being really careful not to overdo it, with plenty of rest (and looking at mn) after any activity.

So I have a recovery theory based on Boris Johnson.

If Boris has been taken into hospital based on going beyond 7 days and temperatures/breathlessness and he is being given oxygen but not needing ventilation he is basically exactly the same as many of us.

So I attach the following quotes from two seemingly well placed medics on recovery being a couple of months.

I know that sounds ages but it's not dead, doesn't mention any permanent damage and seems to be in line with expectations.

@TheDrsWife46 I got strength from reading your heartfelt words and although I don't go in for Americanisms as a rule, "I feel you" 😉 Thank you for being so genuine

Woke up from my afternoon slump feeling that stuffiness that makes me very aware of my breathing. But after forcing myself to cook and eat something, the back pain is lessening and I'm not anxious about the breathing. Feel hot though, and that's odd because yesterday was warmer than today and yet I didn't overheat. Have noticed the last couple of days I've had a few little sneezing fits and quite a runny nose at times, the first since the pain and fatigue set in more than 3 weeks ago. Happily my ribs don't pull when I sneeze (although I brace myself every time and do mousey, ladylike ones 😄). But when I yawn, omg it hurts, and coughing can be a bit painful too. Day 23 I think

@Meercatmama So pleased your husband is back and feeling a bit brighter.

@TheDrsWife46 Such lovely words, you've brought a tear to my eye! I completely agree with everything you said.

I think this isn't the most ill physically I have ever felt but it has been/is the worst mentally. Just the sheer uncertainty and (perceived or real) lack of help available.
Even the continued pains I and a lot of us are getting ... they aren't really that bad for me, on a pain level. It's just not knowing what they are or if they will get worse and what that will mean. It plays with your mind, this virus!

Does anyone please know if there’s any evidence to suggest Covid pneumonia leaves permanent lung damage? I’m struggling more than my usual and I’m worried I won’t return to where I was before, which was a bit rubbish anyway. I already have lung damage, not sure I can afford for this to be permanent. I can only find info on people who were in critical care.

@Standrewsschool thanks so much. She's at 3 weeks now including a paramedic visit but no hospital admission. But seems that may not be too unusual from what you have said. Gosh it sounds awful. I hope you are all better soon x

@meercatmama what a relief and am sure he will feel mentally stronger too.

I keep thinking as well whether I should take a trip to the hospital so i can get x-rays and bloods. However 111 told me that A and E isn't doing xrays and bloods anymore, so I think it's only if the paramedics are called.

I wonder if the GP can book them for those of us who will nearly be at the 4 week mark or beyond? Surely we can be infectious still?

@stayathomegardener that is interesting. So we shouldn't really be expecting to be better in 3 weeks and it's more of a 6-8 weeks recovery potentially. What I am more worried about is whether anyone takes a turn for the worse so late? I am day 21 and am hopeful i am out of the woods but the return of the symptoms makes me very anxious.

@Justbreathelxs I'd like to know too. I did read of a young boy in China asymptotic but tested positive. They did a chest scan and it showed some damage and they put it down to covid 19. But possibly pre-existing?

Is there any treatment though? Day 25 here since first symptoms and I still feel very caught up in my chest. Did a week on antibiotics already. Any point in ringing GP or does it just need to run it's course?

Assuming it is Covid19, I was never tested.

@scottishgirl85 - she’s one of us! Ie. Poorly enough to be ill, and bedridden/housebound/etc but not ill enough to be in hospital

@emichel02 i also have a migraine today - just taking paracetamol as the only stronger migraine medicine I have contains ibuprofen.

crayfishforyou my skin went greyish too. It must be another symptom. I was relieved to get some colour back into my cheeks but then my face was really hot so it wasn’t such a good thing after all. This is such a weird illness.

User342 - I’m concerned about return of symptoms as well. This virus makes you paranoid!

@Demenace Yes, I had occasional temperatures in week 3, even when I thought I was over it. Week 4 now and still wheezy

Please can someone help me. I feel so so shocking. So sick and my head hurts and my skin is prickling again. I'm on day 10. Why is this still happening? I'm getting worse

I’m about 28 days in and I’m scared for the first time. I didn’t have a temperature but had the cough, fatigue, feeling fluey and had antibiotics for chest infection. Been improving on & off but feeling really dizzy today, got a headache, and temp has gone from 36.4 to 38.1. I’ve got a preschooler to look after & DH is very busy wfh. I thought I was over it. I’m scared I’m going to have to be admitted to hospital.

@TheDrsWife46 Lovely post.

@user34254356 yes it does feel a bit of a migraine...I wonder if my anxiety with it all tonight brought on the shakes? Time to try to rest a bit and hope sleep will come!

@inthekitchensink I’ve been a bit dizzy / lightheaded for a couple days and headache particularly today - could be just a viral thing but just to say you’re not alone

@Standrewsschool well done on completing week 4 and hopefully you are now on the other side of recovery

@inthekitchensink if you don't feel worse overnight I suggest calling your GP as it could be a secondary infection.

@taffyapple8 are you oxygen levels ok? can you check with an oxymeter or do the Roth test?

@Taffyapple8 can you ring 111? Have you taken some paracetamol or even co-codamol?

Thank you PPs, I appreciate it

As per my older post, I'm day 40 previously fit and well. Was 100% fine mid day 20s to mid day 30s then symptoms reappeared exactly like Kevin said. The mental side is now becoming a challenge. Grateful I'm still surviving this and trying to now accept it's a marathon not a sprint. Really hope the powers that be are taking note of some of this anecdotal evidence and a broad, coordinated support framework will be established for the longer term effects - possibly thru GPs/community - particularly for those most (mentally) vulnerable or alone as well as strong advice about rest periods required (think I pushed it too hard too soon). For those anxious about returning symptoms, I don't think we've heard of hospitalisations in much later weeks (correct me if I'm wrong) so that is a positive. So many lovely comments from others on this thread - really grateful for it!