When to worry?

[yellowflowers82]

I've tested positive for Covid and I'm on my 7th day of symptoms. The past 4 days I have been unbearably breathless whenever I do anything - rolling over in bed, going to the loo, getting changed. I can't speak in sentences without taking a break to catch my breath. I'm utterly fed up now and terrified I'm not going to get better by myself.
Each activity I do makes me cough afterwards, my heart races too.
When do I need to worry? When do I call 111? I'm scared of going to hospital.

Definitely call 111 OP.

Your little boy will be fine with your DH, you need to put yourself first on this occasion.

I hope you improve very soon x

If you can't talk without being breathless you need to go to hospital. This was advice from my SIL who is a GP when we all had COVID a couple of weeks back.

Did you call 111? How are you getting on OP? Hope you feel better soon

If you get some advice you might be able to relax more. Our breathing is so hit when we are anxious. Get some reassurance at least.

Oh you poor thing. You have said everything that worries me, I have a toddler too. I really feel for you.
Bummer that you don't have the oximeter but most people don't, I guess.

I hope you're ok.

Phone them op they will assess you over the phone - the best thing for you and your fam is to get checked - don’t be scared xxx

The biggest risk about going into hospital is catching Covid and seeing as you already have that one sorted I'd be heading in if I were you

I was like this earlier in the year and it's just an awful feeling, you don't know what to do with yourself. If you can't finish a sentence then you definitely need to phone 111. Please don't wait, if you need extra support there is a benefit to getting it sooner rather than later. While you're waiting for them to call you back try lying on your front and put something mindless on TV/read classics on here. Try to relax if you possibly can, it gives your body a bit less to do. Its horrible but you will get through it.

Op, I was like this for 3 months. Not helpful I know, at one point I couldn't speak at all. I was told to stay at home. If I stood up my heart rate went to 150+. You need to rest rest rest and eat and drink. Do nothing, if you can. You have someone to help.

Have you tried lying on your front (proning) ? We do this at work and I myself did it a couple of weeks ago when I was in the acute phase.
Try doing some deep breaths (5) and holding for 5 secs. On 6 th breath cough then lie on front for 10 mins breathing more deeply than normal. This was advice from an resp consultant on youtube.
Agree that if you can't sit comfortably at rest without being breathless or complete full sentences you really need checking up by paramedics. Sats above 96% are acceptable although occasionally mine dipped briefly to 95%.
I was breathless on turning over, sitting up etc but it did settle with rest.
Had waves of weird breathlessness come over me sometimes but sats were always ok. Also had very fast heart rate (up to 150) just pottering to bathroom, spent at least 3 weeks glued to my sofa with dp serving on me as lliterally couldn't do anything.
I actually rang 111 as my chest was tight and wheezy, inhalers not working and couldn't cough anything up. As sats were ok they weren't too concerned.
They referred me to my gp who prescribed steroids and antibiotics. Tney were actually pretty helpful. Fwiw this was the illest I've ever been and only last day or two (touch wood) have I felt able to potter around the house without heart rate in stupid figures.
Just make sure you're drinking enough -at least 1.5 ltrs a day. My dp actually got me some complan as I didn't eat anything hardly for 2-3 weeks.
Hope you are ok op. It's frightening but sure you'll get through. Have no fear ringing for help, that's what they are there for

How are you, OP?

@FusionChefGeoff

The biggest risk about going into hospital is catching Covid and seeing as you already have that one sorted I'd be heading in if I were you

This.

How are you doing OP? You sound very ill and very scared, understandably. I hope you’ve called 111 and are being looked after.

You poor thing, call 111.. I'm sure you don't need to go in but please do call xx

Hope you're ok. Must be so scary.

Hope you are ok. Definitely need to get checked out. Hope all is ok.

All the hospital can do is support your breathing until your body fights the infection, making sure it doesn't go into overdrive too. If you are struggling to breathe a bit you need to call 111 ASAP if your lips are blue at all call 999. Most people do not need hospitalisation but we can't tell over the internet. Better to call than be regretting later

How are you OP ?

Just checking to see how you are?

@yellowflowers82 hope you are ok

Hope you called 111 x

I really hope you’re okay @yellowflowers82.

Bit late, I understand your fears about hospital but truthfully the biggest risk there at the moment is catching covid, you’ve already got that so should absolutely go there and get the treatment you need.

I'm sorry everyone. I waited until today and just spoke with 111 then 999. They're blue lighting an ambulance to come and check me over. I'm so so scared. I'm fit and healthy.

You've done the right thing.
You'll receive the best care from people who are well trained and will know how to get you better.

You’ll be in the best hands now