40+

[MilesJuppIsMyBitch]

A thread for people with CV19 symptoms that have lasted for more than a couple of weeks.

First thread here

(Called 40+ to keep a rough tab on when the first symptoms started being reported on MN).

@Monty6 I did hear back, all my bloods were within the normal range but my iron was still very low. Not so low that I need hospital intervention though and higher than it has been previously for me. Basically I have just had to up my supplements. I think it does play a part for me but I am less breathless and dizzy now than I was and largely think this is due to rest and (slow) recovery.

Day 34 here today. Feeling less fatigued but I still have achey muscles like I had at the onset of the illness. Anyone else still having aches as well or is it just post viral fatigue now

@longshot - thanks for the update. Good to hear you haven’t gone too low on iron and are supplementing to increase your levels. Last year my ferritin levels dropped low but still in range and i remember experiencing dizziness and shortness of breath.

@Moodgie - thanks for clarifying- i have some phlegm, but there is still an overall feeling of tightness. I had a busier day than ideal yesterday - i ought to have learnt by now!

Thanks - that’s really interesting @Monty6 sorry to hear you have had to put up with it for so long though.

@monty6 yes that happened to me late last year, my level was 6 in December and the level for a female my age should be between 10-269. I am now at 14...so not exactly high! I take two supplements a day and eat red meat 3 x a week plus other iron rich foods but it just doesn't get all that much higher.

@Monty6 I also had the chest tightness back yesterday, I had done more (but not loads!!) it is day 41 for me today. I have rested more today and it has gone again but I am off for a short walk now. I think it was perhaps tighter due to gardening and chatting to neighbours who I ran into on a walk (didn't want to chat but everyone wants to) anyway that seems to take it out of me so I am going to pretend I am on the phone today when I go!! What day are you on?

@user34254356 day 35 here since I started with the soul-destroying spinal, rib and diaphragm pain (but I'd add at least a week to that of milder symptoms). Still in pain, so I sympathise with you. It's really getting to me now. Like you, not as fatigued most days, although I can't get out of bed for at least 15-20 minutes after waking (morning or afternoon). That's in large part due to waking up in pain and dreading moving because that makes it worse and I have to psych myself up. And then it's there all day pretty much, affecting everything I do. How about you, are you feeling that it drags your days down?

At the moment, on top of the pain I've got shortness of breath (stuffy lungs), conjunctivitis, occasional dry cough, congestion/sneezing/runny nose, very loose stools verging on diarrhoea, occasional aches in knees/legs. I feel like a wreck, and despite being on antidepressants I'm depressed by the whole interminable mess!! Am trying to rest as much as possible but it's difficult when you live alone and everything is down to you.

But - today I walked about 1.5 - 2 km, furthest I've walked for weeks and weeks (I've barely been out) and it felt so good. Made me realise I have to be doing that every day now, if at all possible, and slowly aiming to walk further. Of course, now that I'm home the misery is hitting again, but it gave me some hope.

You described yours as muscle aches, which I've definitely got, except my pain is also in my bones as far as I can tell. Have fractured ribs and spine in the past and it has been the same level of pain and protracted recovery time, as well as the inevitable setbacks. Something that's hard enough without all the other horrid symptoms of this nasty virus.

@Linus1972 yeh you've got to really take it easy for a while, maybe getting a reduced walk in every few days rather than two in a weekend, coz that will definitely set you back painwise at the moment. You'll need to be another week or two further along I expect before you can safely walk more frequently. Take it very easy, as frustrating as that can be.

I'm somewhere between day 23 and day 30. Feeling better in myself but still having burning chest pain with feelings of coldness (like I drank an iced drink) and stabby pains too. Also tingly pains and stiffness in my upper back. Sore throat, swollen glands (new!) and fatigue, especially in the afternoon.

My heart palpitations and breathlessness have gone though! (For now...)

So bloody fed up and worried. I'm getting angry about all the misinformation out there from the government and the lack of medical care. Trying to stay positive but feel so let down.

Same with the phlegmy feeling but nothing coming up @moodgie. Nothing works!

@dorual I feel your frustration. My chest has felt really constricted and stuffy all day, just can’t seem to get a satisfactory breath despite the fact my o2 sats are fine. Ive had it before but today it has to be one of the most uncomfortable feelings I’ve had since the start of all this. Tried all the usual stuff, breathing exercises, steam inhalation, menthol cough sweets etc etc. Does anyone have any advice to try and get rid of it?!

@WorrisomeDad no advice other than to say I have been exactly the same, breathing harder today than in days but I can see from o2 monitor it is fine. This will sound weird but sometimes I find a good burp helps - am finding I am very burpy with this illness!!

I posted this info previously, but in case it's interesting to those who were asking what blood tests have shown and what GPs are saying, mine showed no markers of infection, and normal iron levels. However as I had a raised temp and breathlessness they reckoned it's a recent Covid infection as they hadn't seen anyone who has been affected this long. I know I've had it since mid March though, partly as have been isolating since then and partly cos of symptoms the whole family had back then.

@WorriesomeDad:
You missed the hot piping soup. Try it with enough garlic, ginger and black pepper.
Another thing that I take that seems to help is NAC (n acetyl cysteine) to clear the lungs. It should be available over the counter.

@Moominmamma33 Did you have no markers of infections and still showed symptoms?

Thankyou @Feelpoorly, nothing to burp out currently but will bear that in mind!

Cheers @OneDayAtATime123 I’ll give it a go, willing to try anything at the moment! Just looking up NAC

@WorriesomeDad
I never trusted hot soup theory too (seemed like folk tales) but for some reason when I consume it piping hot, it seems to make me sweat and relieve some of the congestion.

I agree with soup- can't get enough of it- husband making me a fresh batch now!

@Gunner30 that’s helpful to know you were similar around 32-34 days.
I have been really fatigued today, so just taking things easy.
I’m convinced it’s post-viral fatigue because I have CFS and this happens regularly to me - weird Beaty heart (I even wore an ECG machine thing for a few days once) jelly legs/hurt legs (first hey don’t work, then they hurt like I’ve run a marathon) sort throat with swollen glands (weirdly mild but also painful) and post-exertion malaise (you do some activity. The next day you can’t function as you are so tired)

I’ve only just got the cough, minty fresh lung feeling and blocked throat.

I feel so well today, I’m actually thinking this might be the end of it.
Wheezy chest decreased. Not coughed more than a handful of times. And I had enough energy to hoover the conservatory (which was minging as the cats live mainly in there)
Long may it last!

@WorriesomeDad @OneDayAtATime123 I am going to try a turmeric, ginger, garlic and lemon concoction.

Get in @TheWooisStrong. Dead chuffed for you. Hope the rest of us are not far behind!

Kudos @TheWooisStrong
We need more victories around here. Thanks for sharing

@TheWooisStrong So pleased to hear this!

@Moodgie: Sounds perfect, but if you could also add black pepper :-) Black Pepper enhances the absorption of turmeric by over 1000%.

@OneDayAtATime123! Yes, thank you, I have!