Have you been tested?

mugsymugsy · 29-03-2020 07:51AM

iguana wrote: »

I don't know if it's been mentioned on this thread. But if you have symptoms it mightn't be a bad idea to jot down a brief diary/timeline of symptoms. That way if you get a positive test result or find out retrospectively that you had it, you will have a record of of how the illness went just incase it's ever helpful for the purposes of future study. I typed everything into a draft email, so on the off chance it's ever useful to anyone I have it all saved. (Or I have a little diary of that time I got through a pandemic by being a hypochondriac with delusions of grandeur!)

Also a good idea to have names and numbers for people you have been in close contact and dates you were in contact with them. Hopefully it's not many (if any) as you have been in self isolation.

sean29 · 29-03-2020 11:59AM

Just came back from Tallaght (Shamrock stadium) There were a few people there waiting to be tested but the place looked deserted. Rang HSE and was told that there will be no testing there today as they were out of testing kits. No text, no email, nothing! I was told to wait for another appointment

sean29 · 29-03-2020 12:02PM

Also, a friend of mine has symptoms, rang GP and he was charged 65 euro for phone consultation! Is this legal?

https://www.thejournal.ie/coronavirus-gp-charge-5049102-Mar2020/

Cork Boy 53 · 29-03-2020 02:30PM

sean29 wrote: »

Also, a friend of mine has symptoms, rang GP and he was charged 65 euro for phone consultation! Is this legal?

https://www.thejournal.ie/coronavirus-gp-charge-5049102-Mar2020/

If it was just a consultation without a prescription being given then your friend has been ripped off.

Washout · 29-03-2020 03:33PM

sean29 wrote: »

Just came back from Tallaght (Shamrock stadium) There were a few people there waiting to be tested but the place looked deserted. Rang HSE and was told that there will be no testing there today as they were out of testing kits. No text, no email, nothing! I was told to wait for another appointment

sean is the test centre a drive thru one?

Lisha · 29-03-2020 06:24PM

Hi I’m on day 8 since symptoms very high temps, can get to 39.8 during night. I’m alternating panadol, solpadeine, and nurofen. I’m so exhausted. Literally didn’t leave bed til 4pm today. Sore throat, dry cough but only if I talk n walk. I’d sleep 27/7 at minute. Can’t watch Netflix or read I’m useless. Doc gave me antibiotics n steroids Wednesday as I felt it was sore throat thing I often get. Felt better Thursday but by yesterday evening I’m worse than ever.

Was tested Friday so hoping for results by Thursday... I still don’t think it’s covid as my lungs are ok bar the cough. But whatever I have it’s evil.

I’m actually scared at times as can’t even put a brave face in front of my children. Very unlike me. I feel
Like a shadow

tringle · 29-03-2020 06:31PM

Hi all, still waiting on test results, 10 DAYS now. GP says to call HSE. HSE says to call GP. Still coughing, off work and self isolating now for 3 weeks almost. Any suggestions???

CruelSummer · 29-03-2020 06:45PM

I read Dr Ciara Kelly’s article in the Independent today and found it very informative. One interesting piece of information from it was that herself and her daughter got tested on the same day last weekend. Because she is a doctor, her test was prioritised and she got her results quickly which turned out to be positive. Her daughter’s results took much longer to come back despite being tested on the same daywith similar symptoms. Her daughters test also tested negative...which led to her question are there a lot of false negatives out there...

CruelSummer · 29-03-2020 06:50PM

Lisha wrote: »

Hi I’m on day 8 since symptoms very high temps, can get to 39.8 during night. I’m alternating panadol, solpadeine, and nurofen. I’m so exhausted. Literally didn’t leave bed til 4pm today. Sore throat, dry cough but only if I talk n walk. I’d sleep 27/7 at minute. Can’t watch Netflix or read I’m useless. Doc gave me antibiotics n steroids Wednesday as I felt it was sore throat thing I often get. Felt better Thursday but by yesterday evening I’m worse than ever.

Was tested Friday so hoping for results by Thursday... I still don’t think it’s covid as my lungs are ok bar the cough. But whatever I have it’s evil.

I’m actually scared at times as can’t even put a brave face in front of my children. Very unlike me. I feel
Like a shadow

Could you speak to a GP or a medical professional today? Best to seek some advice and see what they might recommend. Hope you feel better soon x

jrosen · 29-03-2020 07:20PM

CruelSummer wrote: »

I read Dr Ciara Kelly’s article in the Independent today and found it very informative. One interesting piece of information from it was that herself and her daughter got tested on the same day last weekend. Because she is a doctor, her test was prioritised and she got her results quickly which turned out to be positive. Her daughter’s results took much longer to come back despite being tested on the same daywith similar symptoms. Her daughters test also tested negative...which led to her question are there a lot of false negatives out there...

wouldnt you think she would have the sense to shut up. As if we need more hysteria and worry amongst society. Now we will have people thinking their negative test isn't negative after all.

LashingLady · 29-03-2020 07:26PM

jrosen wrote: »

wouldnt you think she would have the sense to shut up. As if we need more hysteria and worry amongst society. Now we will have people thinking their negative test isn't negative after all.

Do you think knowing the truth is akin to hysteria and worry?

And if there is a high rate if negative tests people need to know rather than thinking they are safe to resume contact with vulnerable members of their family or the public that they care for?

As someone who is on day 12 of an intense, strange viral respiratory illness I will have a lot of questions if my test comes back negative

expectationlost · 29-03-2020 08:05PM

tringle wrote: »

Hi all, still waiting on test results, 10 DAYS now. GP says to call HSE. HSE says to call GP. Still coughing, off work and self isolating now for 3 weeks almost. Any suggestions???

are you in an essential line of work?

tringle · 29-03-2020 08:27PM

expectationlost wrote: »

are you in an essential line of work?

Yes. Once im well i can work from home after i visit the office to collect some stuff. But whole household in isolation till i get all clear and cough cannot be treated either. Hse helpline said 10 days seems too long waiting on results.

Akabusi · 29-03-2020 08:30PM

DaaaaaaaaaaN wrote: »

Has anyone experienced an eye infection as one of their symptoms? One of my family members has suddenly got one out of the blue today, based on my reading online it seems that a very small number of the cases in China experienced something similar. They currently have no other symptoms but we're obviously concerned.

Yes that was one of my symptoms. Along with the dry cough and tickly throat. I was in Spain and developed this 5 days after returning. I was tested on the 20th but haven't got results yet. On Thursday my 6 year old son came down with a sore throat, and fever.
We are still isolating.

jrosen · 29-03-2020 08:38PM

LashingLady wrote: »

Do you think knowing the truth is akin to hysteria and worry?

And if there is a high rate if negative tests people need to know rather than thinking they are safe to resume contact with vulnerable members of their family or the public that they care for?

As someone who is on day 12 of an intense, strange viral respiratory illness I will have a lot of questions if my test comes back negative

No one who has tested negative is going to be retested though unless they have a reoccurrence of symptoms. So I think by her coming out and implying that her daughters negative test may be positive will just make people more anxious. She is throwing out an opinion into the public domain with no back up whatsoever. Given she is a doctor people will take what she says on board.

Away With The Fairies · 29-03-2020 08:43PM

For those that are waiting, I presume you've been in touch with your doctor by phone. Did they give you advice on how to ease the symptoms?

I have paracetamol, so I'm good there. But what about cough medicine? I'm trying to be prepared and have things in the house.

LashingLady · 29-03-2020 08:56PM

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

For those that are waiting, I presume you've been in touch with your doctor by phone. Did they give you advice on how to ease the symptoms?

I have paracetamol, so I'm good there. But what about cough medicine? I'm trying to be prepared and have things in the house.

You might want to ask your GP - i.e. I’m not implying any medical advice! But:

I felt like my chest was getting congested after a few days so got Exputex.

Doc gave me an antibiotic when he referred me in case it was a chest infection. I started taking that as a precaution also. Generally I’m not a fan of taking antibiotics when it might be a virus but in this case with risk of secondary lung infection I thought what you need.

I also had an awful night of chills/sweats snd gastric symptoms and found diaoralyte helped the next day.

Rest is the main helper though

Away With The Fairies · 29-03-2020 09:15PM

LashingLady wrote: »

You might want to ask your GP - i.e. I’m not implying any medical advice! But:

I felt like my chest was getting congested after a few days so got Exputex.

Doc gave me an antibiotic when he referred me in case it was a chest infection. I started taking that as a precaution also. Generally I’m not a fan of taking antibiotics when it might be a virus but in this case with risk of secondary lung infection I thought what you need.

I also had an awful night of chills/sweats snd gastric symptoms and found diaoralyte helped the next day.

Rest is the main helper though

I'm not asking medical advice. But it's a bit late to be going out getting things once I catch this. And I don't want to be wasting doctors time by asking this when I'm not even sick.

amadangomor · 29-03-2020 09:34PM

Lisha wrote: »

Hi I’m on day 8 since symptoms very high temps, can get to 39.8 during night. I’m alternating panadol, solpadeine, and nurofen. I’m so exhausted. Literally didn’t leave bed til 4pm today. Sore throat, dry cough but only if I talk n walk. I’d sleep 27/7 at minute. Can’t watch Netflix or read I’m useless. Doc gave me antibiotics n steroids Wednesday as I felt it was sore throat thing I often get. Felt better Thursday but by yesterday evening I’m worse than ever.

Was tested Friday so hoping for results by Thursday... I still don’t think it’s covid as my lungs are ok bar the cough. But whatever I have it’s evil.

I’m actually scared at times as can’t even put a brave face in front of my children. Very unlike me. I feel
Like a shadow

Wishing you well!

An expert on this virus in South Korea was saying steroids were not a good idea with this virus as they suppress the immune system.

Not advocating you stop them/giving you advice but talk to your doctor about it.

Video is here with his comment https://youtu.be/gAk7aX5hksU?t=475

Prospectors · 29-03-2020 09:44PM

tringle wrote: »

Yes. Once im well i can work from home after i visit the office to collect some stuff. But whole household in isolation till i get all clear and cough cannot be treated either. Hse helpline said 10 days seems too long waiting on results.

House mate is in day 11 with no results. Same thing, GP says to contact HSE. HSE say to keep waiting.

Dante · 29-03-2020 09:45PM

Akabusi wrote: »

Yes that was one of my symptoms. Along with the dry cough and tickly throat. I was in Spain and developed this 5 days after returning. I was tested on the 20th but haven't got results yet. On Thursday my 6 year old son came down with a sore throat, and fever.
We are still isolating.

Good to know, did all symptoms come at the same time or did you develop the eye infection first?

Hope you're feeling better!

29-03-2020 09:52PM

I have been very frighteningly unwell literally gasping for air and sweating profusely. However I was in a remote part of an African country with almost nil medical services, so had to weather it out. That came upon me fairly suddenly, and thankfully I pulled out of that bad few days, and was improved enough to travel home as the country was being evacuated of tourists. Upon arriving home I phoned the local GP service who told me I was in great danger at the time (my little Aldi pulse oximeter showed 82% oxygen level and less at time’s) but they asked me “what do you expect us to do now?” I replied that I was doing what I thought was the responsible thing by notifying them, and they told me to phone Ian GP on Monday.

It is always very difficult to connect with my own GP, and confusion arose when I emailed as one of the receptionist’s first language is not English. I was told my GP was away and would be back next day. However a retired GP from the practice phoned and “mechanically” took details to put me down for testing. There was no such thing as asking how I was etc, or offering advice. She always sounded utterly bored by her job, so I used not to go to her.

Recovering very well in isolation alone in my apartment. I feel fortunate that I probably now have great antibodies against it

which is the very best place to be. I doubt if I will ever be tested for the virus, but if a test for antibodies becomes readily available I will go for that and hope to be able to prove I can be a useful and helpful member of society again

iguana · 29-03-2020 10:16PM

Away With The Fairies wrote: »

I have paracetamol, so I'm good there. But what about cough medicine? I'm trying to be prepared and have things in the house.

Some types of over the counter cough medicine are actually contraindicated with lower respiratory tract infections, so I would advise holding off on taking cough medicine without first consulting with a doctor. Sometimes the cough is the body's way of fighting the virus, so taking something to suppress it can do more harm than good. Easing the pain of coughing with lots of warm drinks, a spoon full of honey or sucking on a soothing sweet could be a better option in lieu of medication.

iguana · 29-03-2020 10:18PM

Deleted User wrote: »

I feel fortunate that I probably now have great antibodies against it which is the very best place to be. I doubt if I will ever be tested for the virus, but if a test for antibodies becomes readily available I will go for that and hope to be able to prove I can be a useful and helpful member of society again

If I knew for sure that I had it, I'd be straight onto the volunteer service once I'm recovered, to find a way to be more helpful than I am just sitting at home.

Akabusi · 29-03-2020 10:27PM

DaaaaaaaaaaN wrote: »

Good to know, did all symptoms come at the same time or did you develop the eye infection first?

Hope you're feeling better!

Thanks, fully recovered.

The eye became sore first and it wasn't like a normal eye infection where your eyelids would be stuck together after waking up. There was a dull ache in it and the eye and surrounding area was sore to touch. The eye was like this for 2 - 3 days and within that time the cough and tickly throat also developed.

Dante · 30-03-2020 01:12AM

Akabusi wrote: »

Thanks, fully recovered.

The eye became sore first and it wasn't like a normal eye infection where your eyelids would be stuck together after waking up. There was a dull ache in it and the eye and surrounding area was sore to touch. The eye was like this for 2 - 3 days and within that time the cough and tickly throat also developed.

Glad to hear you've fully recovered, I suspect my house may be in for a difficult time ahead by the sounds of things!

Tilikum17 · 30-03-2020 08:03AM

tringle wrote: »

Hi all, still waiting on test results, 10 DAYS now. GP says to call HSE. HSE says to call GP. Still coughing, off work and self isolating now for 3 weeks almost. Any suggestions???

Hi, are you including sat & Sunday in those 10 days? I’m waiting since last Wednesday.

DisneyLover · 30-03-2020 08:12AM

Tilikum17 wrote: »

Hi, are you including sat & Sunday in those 10 days? I’m waiting since last Wednesday.

I'm waiting 8 days now and I'm hospital staff needing to get back absolute joke I was told cause I'm in HC it would take 2 days max.

LashingLady · 30-03-2020 08:31AM

DisneyLover wrote: »

I'm waiting 8 days now and I'm hospital staff needing to get back absolute joke I was told cause I'm in HC it would take 2 days max.

It is a joke! 10 days here, 8 days there... someone up-thread said they called and were told there was no record of being tested...

I’m starting to wonder if they MISLAID a load of tests....

DisneyLover · 30-03-2020 08:39AM

LashingLady wrote: »

It is a joke! 10 days here, 8 days there... someone up-thread said they called and were told there was no record of being tested...

I’m starting to wonder if they MISLAID a load of tests....

Feic off there will be war to pay if they lost them!!!! Hospital I work in started testing it on Thursday so prob better off sending my dad in there with a swab !!

I know they're busy but I was in London have an underlying illness and I work in HC I can't even sleep I'm so anxious about not being in work !

Have you been tested?

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