Day 14 and feeling worse than ever. Should I be concerned?

[Stroan]

I first had covid symptoms 2 weeks ago today, tested positive 13 days ago. Was pretty ill for a week and got better towards the end of last week. Made it out of the house a little over the weekend and thought I was getting better.

On Sunday night, I developed a completely different cough. It's persistent, almost constant and feels like I need to cough something up. Very occasionally manage to because coughing deeply is so painful. My chest is very tight but I wouldn't say I had chest pain. On Monday, I noticed that my shoulder blades were aching and my right arm was a little numb - as though I had slept on it. I'm incredibly short of breath, can't take any deep breaths without a coughing fit so my breathing is generally very shallow, I can often hear whistling, cracking or wheezing as I breath. Tonight, I can feel the breath catching in different parts of my chest - I hope that makes sense, it sounds bizarre!

The GP surgery would only let me speak to a nurse yesterday, who insisted that it was just covid and it takes a while. But prescribed Doxycycline antibiotics.

I got an oximeter and last night it was showing readings between 89 and 94. I called 111 after a few hours but by the time I spoke to a doctor, the readings were 95 so she wasn't concerned.

Today, I've rested all day. Find it exhausting just to sit up. The antibiotics haven't made any noticeable difference and all the various pains are much worse. I have to hold my ribs to cough and it's brought me to tears numerous times today.

I'm not sure if I should be pushing to be seen or not? I'd just like someone to listen to my chest and rule out anything sinister. I've heard several stories of people my age (late 30's) developing pneumonia. The nurse made me feel so silly and I'm not sure I have the energy to go back into battle with the GP receptionist again.

Sorry if I sound really neurotic. I've had a lot of health anxiety since having a rough pregnancy with my last baby and I'm never sure if that is clouding my judgement.

Don't fool around with it. It sounds like pneumonia. I would push to be seen.

I’ve had pnuemonia and it sounds exactly like that - I started to feel confused I was so low on oxygen, you need to be seen ASAP

Sounds like you need further advice, OP. I would push to be seen in person.

Please push to be seen OP, is there anyone who can insist on your behalf?

Often we are too polite to insist and it seems wrong to argue with a professional sometimes, but if you are really worried then you should be seen. I hope you start to feel better soon x

From the timing and your symptoms it sounds like a secondary infection to me. Ring back and ask for/demand a face to face appointment tonight

Have you been vaccinated?

I’d also get checked out if you can

As above posters have said, it sounds like pneumonia, I've had it and you've described it perfectly, it's awful and not to be messed with. Push as hard as you can to get someone to take notice, have you family/friends that can help?

I think you need to be seen. I would ring 111 and explain your symptoms and say you’re concerned and ask for someone to check you over. If they refuse I’d actually consider ringing 999 with your chest symptoms and the low oxygen.

Hi, I'm on day 11 of it and also have the persistent cough and the oxygen monitoring thingy. I'm usually around 98/99 and was told to go straight into hospital if I go to 94 or under. So if they're not concerned about a reading of 95 then I'd say that's a bit off. Get checked out.

I would want to be seen with these symptoms. Could be a PE, covid is know to cause clots.

It does sound like you need to be seen in ED. A superimposed bacterial pneumonia is one possibility. PE might be another. There isn’t masses GPs can do to either investigate or treat either so ED’s your best bet. Hope you feel better soon.

Please call 111 OP, it sounds just like when I had pneumonia around the same time as you when ill with Covid. You probably need to be assessed by a doctor. I hope you start to feel better soon.

You sound very similar to someone I know who has been in hospital for a week after a similar amount of time of having COVID. Shallow breaths especially are dangerous. I’d get to a&e to be assessed asap

A&E please OP.

Yes I second A and E.

Let us know how you get on OP. I’d go straight to A&E

How are you OP?

This was me with COVID (first lockdown). 111 sent paramedics to check me out and then liaise w doctors about the right course of action (antibiotics and steriods). Please get checked out. Whether its COVID or a secondary infection there are treatments that can help.

Thank you all so much for not making me feeling silly.

I actually fell asleep not long after posting last night, but called the GP this morning and begged the receptionist to out me on the list. He is fairly certain that I have pneumonia but as I'm halfway through the course of antibiotics, he wants to see me this afternoon to decide if hospitalisation is necessary.

So grateful that someone is finally listening (I knew the GP would be great, but being allowed to speak to them is nearly impossible) and that it's no longer just being waved off as 'covid takes a while to recover from'.

I'm absolutely terrified at the thought of hospitalisation and being away from my children, so hopefully it won't go that far. My Mum has quite literally dropped everything and is on her way which is a huge relief, we don't have much local help.

I'm glad your GP is taking it seriously OP.

Keep us informed on how you are.

How are you feeling now?

I had it badly in the first wave and it was just like this, very similar timing. I did have to go to hospital but not for long. I was extremely breathless, it was horrible. I think getting worse after about 10 days having first seemed to improve is absolutely classic though maybe less common now more people have been jabbed. Were you vaccinated?

Keep us posted Glad you’re getting some care OP.

Hope you’re feeling a bit better

How are you today OP?