Positive, antivirals and so so worried - please talk me down :(

[Senso21]

Firstly I have suffered with anxiety (especially health) for as long as I can remember

I have covid, day 5. Im CEV so was sent antivirals (Paxlovid) and and 2.5 days in on a 5 day course.

I just don’t feel right. Covid wise I feel fine, started the meds because I had full blown flu symptoms and wanted to stop in it’s tracks before it went to my chest. Well now I just have a blocked nose, and no sense of smell.

But getting progressively worse over the past couple of days is a dizzy/light headed feeling and thumping racing heart. If I’m sitting or laying down I feel great, perfectly normal. But the second I get up to do something basic (I.E. hang some washing out) I feel spaced out, feel like my heart is going crazy, shaky. I have a fit watch and can see that my heart rate is pretty much as it would usually be day to day, maybe very marginally raised. But I just feel horrendous whenever I try to do anything.

Im home alone with my children and I’ve just had a complete freak out. I’m scared that the Paxlovid is doing something dangerous to my heart. I spoke to the issuing pharmacist who said that it’s not listed on side effects but it’s a new drug so doesn’t mean it doesn’t happen. On let advice she could give was to ring 111 if I’m worried something is not right. Which I don’t want to do as I find they always say go to a&e which I don’t want to do with my little ones in tow! And I can see my heart rate is ok.

im just in a terrible state. Feel like the cure might be worse than the cause and that I’m having some adverse reaction. I’m full of panic.

anyone had any similar experience with antivirals? Or with covid itself? Sorry that post must sound so hysterical. I feel like I’ve hit a wall!

Hi OP,
I'm CEV as immunosuppressed (chemotherapy) and I've had Covid twice, the first time took me ages to shift it, but the second one I practically skipped through it, I honestly thought it was just a mild cold, I didn't take antivirals on either occassion.

Get as much rest as you can but just don't put extra pressure on yourself.

Hope you feel better soon :) x

Thanks @MayMoveMayNot thats really positive! So glad you were ok both times
I’m immunesuppressed too but due to autoimmune meds, I think maybe that’s where the panic lies, part of your brain doesn’t let go to all shielding letters, emails, texts that were bombarded in 2020 basically telling you that you were a death sentence!!

Oh I know!

I was terrified that year (2021) as recently diagnosed, going through chemo and other treatment and all with having germ factories (kids) at school! So I knew I would end up getting it at one point.

It's taken me a long time but step by step, even the small ones, I know feel quite happy to go out and live life again.

Hi@Senso21 I have had Covid last week (still positive) . I had the same antivirals as you and sailed through my Covid . You need to relax , and let the meds do their job . Xx

I'm not a doctor, but I am someone who has incredibly high anxiety and what you described sounds like a severe anxiety attack. I'm really struggling at the moment and it's so hard feeling like this with children. I hope you start to feel better soon.

I also lost my appetite with Covid because everything smelled too strong and tasted weird, the opposite of losing your smell! Crossed fingers for feeling better soon.

How are you doing this morning @Senso21 ?

Same really @WiseUpJanetWeiss no better no worse.
although saying that I’ve stripped the bed this morning and had a tidy up so I must have more energy than I have had!
how are you?

Same here minus the bed stripping! Still feel really spaced out.

I had covid last year, whilst on immunosuppressants- and your systems are pretty much how I was on day 4-8 without antivirals. I couldn’t get out of bed without feeling like I was going to pass out. Days 8-10 I can’t really remember, but dp (who had covid as well but wasn’t ill with it) says I slept most of it and he struggled to get me to eat or drink anything. Then I woke up and felt a bit better, but it was still a week before I could get downstairs without feeling weak and breathless.

So you probs have just standard covid, and you need to rest and it will pass.

do you have an oximeter- you can get from Amazon and monitor blood oxygen- and call 111 if it gets low

I’m on avs permanently for something else, I have to take them at night or I get those feelings. They are very powerful drugs.

@MrsMcGarry oh really, it still wiped you out that badly even on the antivirals.
it’s annoying because i actual feel fine. But it’s like my body isn’t playing ball with any strength or energy X