Covid Lungs Week 7/Day 49 and onwards

[Dandyish]

Support thread for those who've had Covid symptoms or post-viral fatigue for at least 7 weeks/49 days or longer.

If your symptoms haven't lasted that long, check out the Lung 7 thread (or later).It'll be more helpful as people there will be in a more similar position.

@mumlurker oh please do vent, we all need to. We're here to support each other. I feel the same about being negative too - all I seem to do is post that I'm still in bed! Sorry you're facing all this on your own... must be hard, and hope you're getting help with shopping, etc?

@Linus1972 yes your sleep patterns seem very similar. I just feel like if only I could get one good night, then my body would be able to heal a bit more.

@mumlurker @fedupofbed Yes, we are here to support each other and thank you all.

So sorry to hear of many of you really struggling after so long.

I have only had milder symptoms but I’m on day 50 something and I am having rough days still, on-going cough and have very limited supplies of energy. I’m finding it strange as I’m otherwise healthy and I know people who had much worse initial symptoms who bounced back.

What I am finding is:

I can’t over-do it at all. I can potter around the house, work at my desk, make meals etc but I still need regular breaks and haven’t really done any exercise at all since this started - even a short walk leaves me depleted.

The more sleep the better - if I have a late night I pay for it the next day.

If I let myself get hungry I plummet. Too much sugar is just as bad, and alcohol is off the menu too.

I’ve not noticed caffeine being a problem but staying hydrated really helps.

I’ve had the odd day where I feel really fine and hope it’s gone, then it’s back again.

@bubbinsmakesthree Yes, I think a lot of us here have days when we think we are way better and then it comes back. I thought I was getting better in March, and here we are, May now.

Lots of chest pain today (day 50/51).

Like others I am taking turmeric, quercetin, d3, c, zinc, omega3 oil, magnesium and also my usual calcium and multivitamin. I am eating loads of fruit and veg but can’t bring myself to give up sweet stuff, caffeine or alcohol completely (though I limit the last two).

I think some of the stiffness in my lung seems to have faded. A few days ago saw an exercise a lot of American doctors seem to be recommending, balloon blowing. I rooted out a pack of balloons left over from a party and now I blow one up a few times a day, trying to fill it with as few 'blows' as possible. I feel an intense stabbing pain in the back of my lung when I do it, so I am careful but apparently, it's the act of emptying your lungs as much as possible which strengthens them. And even though it really does hurt, I think it's definitely reduced the stiffness I've been feeling in my lung.

@Crayfishforyou, can I ask about your diet please? What foods are known to be anti inflammatory.

@fedupofbed and  @mumlurker - commiserations. Hope you both have time to heal. I'm having a bad day too (Day 42) and have taken to bed. Will be back on the phone to the GP tomorrow.

@alittleprivacy I think a similar exercise is blowing into a glass or bottle of water through a straw.

I’m feel really fatigued today, like I’ll-fatigued. Can’t see myself moving from a sofa much. Anyone else? I don’t think I actually felt fatigue in the first weeks. I’ve had it in waves the least few.

@lightsabre
I'm eating lots of fish, cooked spinach, broccoli, nuts, beans, bananas, grapes, nuts, peppers. I've got to fudge it a bit as tomatoes in particular set off my acid.
I'm basically avoiding sugar, processed food, fizzy drinks and caffeine. I can't give up tea, so I'm drinking decaf. I'm also grating ginger and putting a bit of turmeric in a mug of hot water. It's really nice.
I was a vegan 4 days out of 7 but I've put that on hold for a bit.
I'm about three weeks in now, I'd be surprised if it hasn't helped, we are what we eat after all.
I feel better knowing I'm doing all I can.
I also don't think I'll ever want a takeaway or a can of coke now. I'm beginning to think of food in a very different way.

Story in the Daily Fail
Incorporates the blog by Paul Garner in the BMJ
Warning- contains scaremongering, but there are a few other people like us
www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-8303305/amp/Will-Covid-19-survivors-face-lifetime-illness-like-battled-polio.html?__twitter_impression=true

@lightsabre I am eating very similar food as you. Grating ginger too. I am still not well but hoping in the long run I will flush all the toxins out.

Thanks @Moodgie and @Crayfishforyou . I've been grating, ginger and garlic and adding to hot water and lemon daily.

Ah, that was meant to say I’m eating similar things to you @Crayfishforyou.
I just want some magic healing ingredient now.

@Fishflakes

I’m back to work, well working from home. It’s lovely to feel a bit more like myself.

@Moominmamma33 waiting for result. Though not sure from post above if antibody it antigen tested

Thanks to all those who posted dietary changes and foods which had anti- inflammatory properties. I do think I'll struggle with the lack of sugar, tea and alcohol (drink decaf coffee already) but I'm so desperate to feel better, I'll give it a go!! I'm veggie so already eating 12 portions of fruit and veg a day. I'm also on vit C and zinc and may add some turmeric to that. To the poster who said the fatigue is worse now than at the early weeks, can totally concur with this! This fatigue is utterly crushing, I feel as though I'm dragging iron chains around with me all day. Have to really really pace what I do.

@Norugratsatall That was me about the fatigue. Also feels like activity makes my chest tight? Activity means dinner prep / washing up. Anyone similar?

@Moodgie yes it's awful isn't it?! Just done some gardening - nothing too strenuous and it's wiped me out! With a good bout of dizziness thrown in. Don't remember feeling like this in the early weeks?!

Just read that article and wished I hadn't....

@Norugratsatall The article didn’t help me at all, I agree.
Stopped worrying about lungs and now freaking out about my heart.

I feel like crying after reading that article.
I thought I was getting better and then I had a nap.
I woke up with palpitations, cheeks are burning and I feel a bit sick.
Maybe I'm not going to get better after all

Daily Mail article. I hope that it’s exaggerating the risks re long term health.

Schuyler that’s great about working again. Have you done anything differently to make things easier since you’ve been back at work? Or doing anything particular at home to deal with the effects of working?
or are you just taking it all in your stride and genuinely feel back to normal. Sorry for the quiz! I am keen to avoid going back and then have to be off again if there’s anything I can do to avoid it.

Yes, the article was not a good read. But we have to remember it's the Daily Fail, so is of course going to be doom mongering/ worst case scenario. Ultimately though it is spreading the word out there and the more awareness, the more our symptoms will be taken seriously and not dismissed as anxiety.

Good evening
I am on day 56 and day 7 from when I felt as if I was recovering As I said before I keep waiting for the relapse but so far so good. I do have a little shortness of breath and it aches in my armpits and under my ribs. However I do feel like I have more energy and I am sleeping at night for hours. I have been working from home the last four days and returned to work in the school for 3 hours on Wednesday. I am ok I get tired and I rest between jobs. I even had a glass of wine this afternoon
My husband is on day 42 He gets the shortness of breath and bloated stomach still especially in the evening or if he gets tired. The aches come and go. we are both taking Vit D and C and I think it helps.
So sorry for those of you still suffering. I will bow out from posting too much but will watch from afar so that the people who are still suffering can get the most support as everyone supported me when I was at my worst. You have all been brilliant and if I can be of any help PM me Good luck and get well. It may take some time but it will happen. For some of us it has been and will be a long road but we will all get there.

Thank you @Meercatmama that's wonderful to hear. So glad you're feeling better. It's ALWAYS great to read recovery stories, and yours is particularly well timed as I think a few of us need some positive news this afternoon. I hope you continue to get back to full health and please come back and cheer us up from time to time!

Day 53

Today hasn't been too bad.
Managed to make toad in the hole and peel veg. I sat down which made the task easier.

I'm finding it hard to lift my arms up past chest level and carry heavy things(instant pot pan with veg in for example.) I just don't seem to have the energy.

I can potter around the house, take a walk in the garden( can't go out as I'm in the shielding group .) I have to pace myself and rest from task to task.
Everything takes so long to do now.

If I over do it my body starts shaking,I lose all energy and get SOB,palpitations,headache and pins and needles.

I think now i know and accept my limits life is more manageable.
I have realised I can't fight it and get frustrated with myself , I've got to go with the flow.