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Original poster

Lone parent of disabled DD and think I have covid

49 replies

AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 19:46

I am so very scared Sad

Sent my pcr off today following a positive lateral, and just feel like shit. Cough isnt too bad but my head feels like a hammer is thumping at it. Slight temperature and 1 episode of diarrhea so far.

I have never felt so scared for my DDs as I do right now. My health isnt great to start with - I am frequently in and out of hospital and have a potentially life limiting illness. Add covid into the mix and I am terrified and wondering if I could be so bold as to ask for a hand to hold, and somewhere to check in? I have very limited family due to a difficult childhood, my only relative is over 300 miles away.

I have adult DD who, although has disabilities, is actually managing life much better at the moment mainly due to a specific local charity input. She goes there twice a week, but I cant get her there now due to covid and I worry for her coping skills.

Younger DD is just starting her GCSE years, and prior to the pandemic, my goal was to see her through her school years. That still stands but seems very much less likely (other health stuff not covid) but now I worry that I am not going to be around. I dont have health anxiety as such, but I do have long standing depression and anxiety so I guess it is spilling over.

My BMI is 41, I only managed to get it down from 47 since last year as my exercise options are limited. I dont know if anyone will reply, but I am currently isolating in my bedroom as I desperately dont want DDs to catch it Sad

OP posts:
whoknew23 · 07/10/2021 19:51

it must be so tough for you Flowers hopefully covid doesn't hit you hard ,sorry I'm not very good at writing anything helpful.

Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 19:55

@whoknew23 the fact you replied is enough to have me in tears, thank you Flowers

OP posts:
mumsiedarlingrevolta · 07/10/2021 19:56

Oh @AloneWithCovid didn't want to read and run.

Could someone from the local charity help or help arrange transport for DD1?

Would public transport or taxi be an option?

this is def a time to ask for help. local volunteers from Facebook groups?

Online shopping to keep house ticking over.

Do you have neighbours or family nearby? People will step up and help-don't be afraid to ask!!

Wishing you better Flowers

HairyFloppins · 07/10/2021 19:59

Get well soon OP. Flowers Plenty of Paracetamol, cold flannel for any fever. Easy to eat foods, lots of fluids.

Just try and rest as much as possible. My BMI was the same as yours when I got covid unvaccinated and I was fine.

The chances are you will be fine.

Workinghardeveryday · 07/10/2021 20:02

@AloneWithCovid how my goodness my lovely!!

What a terrible time you are having. Okay, firstly well done for loosing all that weight!! Not easy.

If dd can look after herself in the short term just stay in your room, lie on your bed a relax. You need to look after yourself sometimes to you know x.

We are always here for a chat and hand to hold. Feel free to pm me. I also suffer with anxiety and am CEV so understand your Covid worries xx

Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:03

Thanks @mumsiedarlingrevolta I am trying to sort finances so that taxis may be an option, public transport sadly not. It should be doable although stressful for DD when she is already stressed about me being ill.

I have just moved to a new area and STILL waiting for a LA assessment for her as our old LA just closed her case rather than transferring as requested. I am registered with the emergency care department though, so if things get too bad I think I can get in touch with them. DD has a telecare alarm pendent so I have told her to just press that if she feels she needs help and I cant - they have a key to get in so I feel slightly reassured about that.

My anxiety means I struggle to form and keep friendships, especially in a new area. My neighbours seem lovely though so I am hoping we will muddle through. I guess I will return to this thread as a way to express my worries that I cant say in real life!

OP posts:
SoOvethis · 07/10/2021 20:05

@AloneWithCovid
I am so sad and sorry to read this.
Especially about you not having any family nearby who can help you. Must be tough.
On a brighter note, most people don’t end up getting Covid too badly. I am presuming you are vaccinated so your chances of being so poorly that you would end up in hospital are incredibly low. But when you have all that responsibility purely on your own shoulders it is understandable that you feel anxious.
Do you have an oximeter? I feel that’s quite a good gadget to have for reassurance.

alreadytaken · 07/10/2021 20:05

No actual proof it works, just small scale studies - but if you have, or can get delivered, any vitamin D I would take at least 50 mcg or 2000ICU daily for the next week.Vitamin D is depleted rapidly when ill and those with good levels do better in those small trials.

Do you have an oximeter to keep an eye on oxygen levels? If staying at 94 or below medical advice, regularly below 90 and call an ambulance.

Are you and the children vaccinated? I guess one may be too young.

Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:06

Thank you so much for the offer of a pm @Workinghardeveryday, i just may take you up on that! I hope you are managing with your anxiety, it really sucks Sad

We have been so very careful since last March, so last weekend we decided to have a meal in a nice restaurant as a treat. I think that must be where i have been exposed as we havent been anywhere else - except school and DD's charity. Thank the Lord we are both fully vaccinated Smile

OP posts:
Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:09

Cross posts, but yes both myself and eldest DD are fully vaccinated - in fact I was about to be called up for my third dose and DD the booster.

I may be just obsessing over recording details to stop my mind going into overdrive, but yes I have a pulse ox. Fluctuates between 96 and 98 at the moment so that is good. I do have sleep apnea so use a CPAP machine, just hope that doesnt impact too much.

Thank you to all who have replied, it has made me feel less alone Smile

OP posts:
Bunn5 · 07/10/2021 20:10

I am sorry to to hear you are unwell & also the other challenges you face.

Try to rest as much as you can as that will help your recovery. The only things that matter right now are survival which means your children being safe - which they are - and you & your children being fed & watered - even if just basic food.

Covid is likely to be a mild illness for most but don’t hesitate to get support from your GP or 111 if you need it.

Vindo · 07/10/2021 20:16

Firstly, good for you losing that weight op, that's a real achievement.

My oldest has ASD and I'm just dreading any of us getting covid as she really doesn't cope well out of her usual routine. I'm amazed we have lasted this long without catching it though to be honest. It's so hard.

Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:21

@Bunn5 I have no plans to leave my bedroom Smile Fortunately I have just relocated DD's electric piano into my room, so I guess now is the time to revisit the Bruce Springsteen song I started and never got past page 44 over 30 years ago Grin

@Vindo DD also has ASD, as well as epilepsy and a couple of other issues. Stress is not great for her so I am really trying to downplay it all. Well done to you for managing to avoid it for so long, if well done is the correct thing to say!

OP posts:
Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:21

*That would be page 4, not 44. Jungleland is a long song but not that long!

OP posts:
LastStarfighter · 07/10/2021 20:27

OP if you are needing practical help please do see if there is a local community action group or, if not, a local church (you don’t have to be religious to ask them for help!).

harridan50 · 07/10/2021 20:30

Thinking of you. Stay calm and rest

AlexaShutUp · 07/10/2021 20:33

OP, I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. I got my positive test result today and understand your anxiety. Hopefully the vaccines will do their job and you will escape any serious illness. I'm sure that your neighbours will help too.

Loyaultemelie · 07/10/2021 20:33

Thinking of you, lots of rest and plenty to drink in the meantime. Hopefully you won't get it too severely. Keep reading this thread and don't worry about DDs in the meantime they will be safe and sound for not

Loyaultemelie · 07/10/2021 20:34
  • now kitten landed
Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 07/10/2021 20:36

@AlexaShutUp I wish you the very best wishes as well, I hope it’s not too bad for you Flowers

OP posts:
AlexaShutUp · 07/10/2021 20:40

[quote AloneWithCovid]@AlexaShutUp I wish you the very best wishes as well, I hope it’s not too bad for you Flowers[/quote]
Thank you OP, we'll both get through it somehow.

I was very, very anxious about covid last year, but somehow, the fear left me after I had my vaccines. I'm a little anxious now about how it will pan out, but I can't really do anything to control it so I'm just hoping for the best. There seems to be no rhyme or reason as to who gets it badly and who doesn't. Hopefully we'll both be OK!

Talipesmum · 07/10/2021 20:41

Ah, you poor thing, it feels really overwhelming at this stage. I’ve just come out of the 10 days isolation, my husband is finshed tomorrow and my son was done a few days ago. My other son never caught it. We were all really tired for a few days, son had temp and one vomiting episode, all had coughs for a few days, and my husband was really grotty for a couple of days. I managed to work from home throughout but kind of half pace. A LOT of telly was watched on the tablet. Lots of rest, lots of fluid, easiest food possible. It felt scary at the start but really it wasn’t that bad. We’re all fine now, and just needed to go slow for a week. Look after yourself and do whatever you need to do to get through it. Brain fog and tiredness was the biggest hassle. But it got better soon.

alreadytaken · 07/10/2021 20:42

CPAP machines were actually being adapted in some places to deliver oxygen. If your oxygen levels drop low enough to need to call an ambulance maybe it'll help a little to push air into you.

Lying on your stomach part of the time may help and there are videos on you tube about breathing exercises.

Original poster
AloneWithCovid · 08/10/2021 10:07

Well I actually feel a bit better today, not coughing as much although my nose is fully blocked so I dont think I will be able to use the CPAP tonight. @alreadytaken I saw the same reports re CPAP so fingers crossed it will do some good when I can use it!

I am just waiting for my PCR results now, and I genuinely have no idea what I am expecting. I know theres been reports of a negative PCR following positive LFT so I think no matter what the PCR says, I will still isolate to try and protect DDs.

@AlexaShutUp youve pretty much summed up how I feel following the vaccines. I think what will be will be, I just hope it isnt too bad for either of us Smile

OP posts:
user1493494961 · 08/10/2021 10:13

Glad you're feeling a bit better, sending best wishes to you and your DDs.