Anyone have long covid?

threescompany · 06-11-2020 12:06pm #1

Just looking for advice.
I'm finding it hard to get over Covid. The rest of my family tested positive around the same time as me and thankfully all bounced back within 10 days, but 6 weeks later and I'm still feeling really bad.
I'm an asthmatic so I got a bad dose and although I'm much improved than I was initially, the lingering symptoms are still there. Muscle aches, headache, sore throat and breathing difficulties /. chest pain. I'm not back in work and feeling really down and out. I'm constantly being asked how I'm doing and I feel like such a moan. I'm sure people are thinking, get over it. I phoned the doctor again yesterday.(I'm on my inhalers and long term mild steroids, just since the covid) and the secretary phoned back to say, all I can do is take over the counter medication and gave me the name of another doctor dealing in occupational return to work.....It was like a polite way of telling me to go away.
Anyway else in the same boat and struggling with this covid recovery?

On the Beach · 06-11-2020 12:21pm

Can I ask, were you hospitalised?

threescompany · 06-11-2020 12:38pm

Hi, no I wasn't hospitalized. I was very bad on the first few days & my GP wanted me to go in and get checked but I genuinely felt that I wasnt that severe. I knew it could be managed at home. So instead I got checked at the Covid hub in DCU and they checked my oxygen, chest etc and I was ok ( well you know, I was fine to go home) and started on steroids/ inhalers. A few days later I went back to the covid hub as my muscle aches were so severe. I will never forget the pain. I sound like a drama queen but its like this virus completely wrecked my body.

3xh · 06-11-2020 12:53pm

threescompany wrote: »

Hi, no I wasn't hospitalized. I was very bad on the first few days & my GP wanted me to go in and get checked but I genuinely felt that I wasnt that severe. I knew it could be managed at home. So instead I got checked at the Covid hub in DCU and they checked my oxygen, chest etc and I was ok ( well you know, I was fine to go home) and started on steroids/ inhalers. A few days later I went back to the covid hub as my muscle aches were so severe. I will never forget the pain. I sound like a drama queen but its like this virus completely wrecked my body.

You’d have to wonder just how much pain a hospitalised case would be in, so! Never mind an ICU patient.

You should have followed the advice being given to you at the time. You’re an asthmatic and were in pain and finding it hard to breathe but didn’t admit yourself after testing positive for Covid?

You’re a prime candidate for this long Covid ailment.

I wish you well. Hopefully that occupational therapist person you were recommended can help, if you go to them.

TonyMaloney · 06-11-2020 1:05pm

Really sorry to hear about your woes. Sounds horrible.
There's a number of posters around that have spoken of lingering difficulties, but your case sounds particularly harsh.

There's a very large facebook group for long covid sufferers
https://www.facebook.com/groups/longcovid

People post advice and support in this group constantly and you're bound to find people out there with similar ailments as yourself.

Best of luck with it all

threescompany · 06-11-2020 1:29pm

Thanks for the info on the facebook group. I will check that out. And I'll have a look for similar posts on boards.

I know it seems silly that I didn't go into hospital, but I was so stressed out at the time. I have young kids and my husband at home ( thankfully their symptoms were mild enough) and I didn't want to leave them. I decided if I went to the hub and they thought I needed hospital too, I would definitely have gone in but the hub doctor seemed to think I could manage at home with the steroids and inhalers. Obviously if my breathing had turned very severe I would have gone in immediately. Thanks for your replies.

On the Beach · 06-11-2020 1:54pm

threescompany wrote:

Hi, no I wasn't hospitalized. I was very bad on the first few days & my GP wanted me to go in and get checked but I genuinely felt that I wasnt that severe. I knew it could be managed at home. So instead I got checked at the Covid hub in DCU and they checked my oxygen, chest etc and I was ok ( well you know, I was fine to go home) and started on steroids/ inhalers. A few days later I went back to the covid hub as my muscle aches were so severe. I will never forget the pain. I sound like a drama queen but its like this virus completely wrecked my body.

I'm no doctor but I would imagine, considering you have asthma, that what you're experiencing with your recovery is normal with regard to a bad virus.

On the long covid...my brother was talking to two clients of his last week. Both doctors who have spent most of their careers in ICU and they were saying they can't understand why the medical profession is going on about long covid. They said what's being called long covid isn't anything new. They said the symptoms they're calling long covid are standard for someone who has had ICU treatment. Chronic fatigue etc. They said the lung damage is standard for people who were intubated, in that the lungs take months to recover. They weren't dismissive of covid or anything but couldn't fathom why there was all this talk of long covid when it's a standard recovery from ICU treatment/ intubation.

biko · 06-11-2020 2:23pm

A friend of a friend got in March and is still not fully recovered. Says she's is about 80% back.

TonyMaloney · 06-11-2020 2:35pm

On the Beach wrote: »

I'm no doctor but I would imagine, considering you have asthma, that what you're experiencing with your recovery is normal with regard to a bad virus.

On the long covid...my brother was talking to two clients of his last week. Both doctors who have spent most of their careers in ICU and they were saying they can't understand why the medical profession is going on about long covid. They said what's being called long covid isn't anything new. They said the symptoms they're calling long covid are standard for someone who has had ICU treatment. Chronic fatigue etc. They said the lung damage is standard for people who were intubated, in that the lungs take months to recover. They weren't dismissive of covid or anything but couldn't fathom why there was all this talk of long covid when it's a standard recovery from ICU treatment/ intubation.

long covid does not require hospitalisation never mind ICU

Those two doctors of yours should be stripped of their licenses to practise medicine, unless of course they're fictional in which case they should be fine.

On the Beach · 06-11-2020 2:38pm

TonyMaloney wrote:

long covid does not require hospitalisation never mind ICU

TonyMaloney wrote:

Those two doctors of yours should be stripped of their licenses to practise medicine, unless of course they're fictional in which case they should be fine.

Yes doctor.

Mrs OBumble · 06-11-2020 3:02pm

[quote="3xh;115196926"

You should have followed the advice being given to you at the time. You’re an asthmatic and were in pain and finding it hard to breathe but didn’t admit yourself after testing positive for Covid?

You’re a prime candidate for this long Covid ailment.

I wish you well. Hopefully that occupational therapist person you were recommended can help, if you go to them.[/quote]

Woefully ignorant post.

The OP attended the DCU covid hub, was assessed and told they could go home. They were not advised to go to hospital. Even if they had gone to hospital, the ER doctor would likely have reached the same conclusion.

And no one can ever choose to "admit themselves". Hospital admission happens because a doctor thinks you need treatment that can only be given in a hospital.

Now they have been referred to an occupational health specialist ie a doctor, not just an OT. Poor form of the GP to do this via the reception rather than speaking to the patient. I'd be seeking a new GP as well.

ZX7R · 06-11-2020 3:46pm

TonyMaloney wrote: »

long covid does not require hospitalisation never mind ICU

Those two doctors of yours should be stripped of their licenses to practise medicine, unless of course they're fictional in which case they should be fine.

There is a growing consensus in Europe that long covid may be psychological rather than medical.

Majority of patients exhibiting symptoms of long covid are clear of the virus medically sound after full medical examination.
Believe is that long covid in the majority of patients presenting with it are in fact suffering with a from of severe post traumatic stress.
But like everything else with covid a lot more research is needed.

woodchuck · 06-11-2020 4:22pm

On the Beach wrote: »

On the long covid...my brother was talking to two clients of his last week. Both doctors who have spent most of their careers in ICU and they were saying they can't understand why the medical profession is going on about long covid. They said what's being called long covid isn't anything new. They said the symptoms they're calling long covid are standard for someone who has had ICU treatment. Chronic fatigue etc. They said the lung damage is standard for people who were intubated, in that the lungs take months to recover. They weren't dismissive of covid or anything but couldn't fathom why there was all this talk of long covid when it's a standard recovery from ICU treatment/ intubation.

The concern is people experiencing long covid who were never admitted to ICU.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 4:31pm

ZX7R wrote: »

There is a growing consensus in Europe that long covid may be psychological rather than medical.

Majority of patients exhibiting symptoms of long covid are clear of the virus medically sound after full medical examination.
Believe is that long covid in the majority of patients presenting with it are in fact suffering with a from of severe post traumatic stress.
But like everything else with covid a lot more research is needed.

Can you provide a link where you found this nonsense??? :eek: Guessing date of publication is January-February.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 4:35pm

threescompany wrote: »

Just looking for advice.

I think the best of all would be to call emergency dept explaining your situation.

ZX7R · 06-11-2020 4:39pm

Thats me wrote: »

Can you provide a link where you found this nonsense??? :eek: Guessing date of publication is January-February.

Goggle is your friend.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 4:58pm

ZX7R wrote: »

Goggle is your friend.

Do you expect me to google the place where you bringing this garbage from? :cool:

bladespin · 06-11-2020 5:00pm

Thats me wrote: »

Do you expect me to google the place where you bringing this garbage from? :cool:

Well, you did ask for it???

Thats me · 06-11-2020 5:09pm

bladespin wrote: »

Well, you did ask for it???

For what "it"?

Not sure why you asking, probably you just have missed this - on previous page I've asked poster for source of their statement below:

ZX7R wrote: »

There is a growing consensus in Europe that long covid may be psychological rather than medical.

bladespin · 06-11-2020 5:11pm

Thats me wrote: »

For what "it"?

Not sure why you asking, probably you just have missed this - on previous page I've asked poster for source of their statement below:

I didn't ask anything, I didn't miss any of this - you asked for the 'source' they they said where you could find it.

Pablo Escobar · 06-11-2020 5:13pm

threescompany wrote: »

Just looking for advice.
I'm finding it hard to get over Covid. The rest of my family tested positive around the same time as me and thankfully all bounced back within 10 days, but 6 weeks later and I'm still feeling really bad.
I'm an asthmatic so I got a bad dose and although I'm much improved than I was initially, the lingering symptoms are still there. Muscle aches, headache, sore throat and breathing difficulties /. chest pain. I'm not back in work and feeling really down and out. I'm constantly being asked how I'm doing and I feel like such a moan. I'm sure people are thinking, get over it. I phoned the doctor again yesterday.(I'm on my inhalers and long term mild steroids, just since the covid) and the secretary phoned back to say, all I can do is take over the counter medication and gave me the name of another doctor dealing in occupational return to work.....It was like a polite way of telling me to go away.
Anyway else in the same boat and struggling with this covid recovery?

Asthma seems to be a general common denominator. I've been in contact with a few similar cases. I had Covid symptoms in February, but wasn't tested. I've also had symptoms that I'd describe as improved, but lingering. I've been to a lung specialist since and most recently I've been put on Symbicort (inhaler) for 6 months from last month. This thing doesn't get better quickly as far as I can tell. But the inhaler has helped. I will say though that while it lingers, it's not prohibitive, at least in my case.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 5:21pm

bladespin wrote: »

I didn't ask anything, I didn't miss any of this - you asked for the 'source' they they said where you could find it.

I'm confused. Can you please clarify, what exactly you are trying to communicate to me?

bladespin · 06-11-2020 5:36pm

Thats me wrote: »

I'm confused. Can you please clarify, what exactly you are trying to communicate to me?

You asked for a source, that gave you one - just explaining that you did ask for the source etc etc, not sure how confusing that really could be but there you go.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 5:43pm

bladespin wrote: »

You asked for a source, that gave you one - just explaining that you did ask for the source etc etc, not sure how confusing that really could be but there you go.

Sorry i still not understand you. I've asked for link to the publication, it was not provided. What made you so overexcited?

bladespin · 06-11-2020 5:47pm

Thats me wrote: »

Sorry i still not understand you. I've asked for link to the publication, it was not provided. What made you so overexcited?

Didn't get over excited, just said you asked for it, btw, you asked for a source, not a link, google is a great source - it has many links.

NSAman · 06-11-2020 5:48pm

Long term damage is real.

I was sick early on in late January, thought it was flu. Doctor couldn’t say I didn’t tested positive for influenza A or B. High fever cough the whole nine yards. Having been to see him this week, he confirms that his suspicions is that it was COVID. Which means my family also had it. Same symptoms etc.

Long term results are in effect even now. Lack of energy to the point of exhaustion some days, lingering cough, pain in the lungs.

Some 9/10 months later this is still happening although to a lesser degree. Same can be said for a brother who got it around the same time.

An uncle who was diagnosed with COVID has exactly the same symptoms 5 months later but much worse. My mother who was hospitalised a week after me though, has bounced back (heart issues were a problem though).

At the time everyone was saying it couldn’t be COVID, as it wasn’t in the country. I travel and my doc has said he has seen cases with exactly the same symptoms as far back as December (I do not live in Ireland ). One patient flew back from Wuhan in December presenting with all the symptoms but was not influenza.

ZX7R · 06-11-2020 5:51pm

Thats me wrote: »

Sorry i still not understand you. I've asked for link to the publication, it was not provided. What made you so overexcited?

You will find all the links you want using goggle firefox ect
Just a heads up the latest published article in relation to my original post is dated 7/9/2020

bladespin · 06-11-2020 5:51pm

NSAman wrote: »

Long term damage is real.

Long term results are in effect even now. Lack of energy to the point of exhaustion some days, lingering cough, pain in the lungs.

Have similar experiences, know a few who came through in a couple of weeks without any recurring issue but know one man in the early 70s who struggled for months, long after getting an all clear.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 6:27pm

ZX7R wrote: »

You will find all the links you want using goggle firefox ect
Just a heads up the latest published article in relation to my original post is dated 7/9/2020

Since you failing to provide link to the publication, i do not see reason in prolonging this discussion. The statement you made about psychological nature of "long covid" is false, quite stupid and refuted by bladespin:

bladespin wrote: »

know a few who came through in a couple of weeks without any recurring issue but know one man in the early 70s who struggled for months, long after getting an all clear.

ZX7R · 06-11-2020 6:49pm

Thats me wrote: »

Since you failing to provide link to the publication, i do not see reason in prolonging this discussion. The statement you made about psychological nature of "long covid" is false, quite stupid and refuted by bladespin:

Let's be clear I never said all long covid is due to the psychological nature of covid I said there is a growing consensus in Europe that most cases that have no medical reason are being attributed to post traumatic stress .
If you're so adamant that my post is false stupid ect.
Post some links of your own to refute my post.
There is plenty of articles reports about it.
I won't be posting any links and if you don't like my post report it I be happy to take a ban

Thats me · 06-11-2020 7:04pm

ZX7R wrote: »

...

This is video from the late September, explaining how Covid impacting body and how doctors mitigating different issues https://youtu.be/bJZcDBTEGio

For general information, not pretending to refute any strange posts.

Hrududu · 06-11-2020 7:08pm

bladespin wrote: »

Didn't get over excited, just said you asked for it, btw, you asked for a source, not a link, google is a great source - it has many links.

If someone makes a claim the onus is on them to provide proof. Telling them to google is not providing the source

gozunda · 06-11-2020 7:20pm

ZX7R wrote: »

Let's be clear I never said all long covid is due to the psychological nature of covid I said there is a growing consensus in Europe that most cases that have no medical reason are being attributed to post traumatic stress .
If you're so adamant that my post is false stupid ect.
Post some links of your own to refute my post.
There is plenty of articles reports about it.
I won't be posting any links and if you don't like my post report it I be happy to take a ban

I'd suggest you may have been some reading dodgy sources tbf.

Post viral syndrome is a medically recognised condition. It appears that Covid infections may cause some additional issues

for some people, contracting a viral infection can be life-altering. It can cause months, years or even a lifetime of debilitating symptoms that drastically reduce their quality of life.

These symptoms, sometimes called "post-viral fatigue syndrome," have been reported by sufferers of many viral diseases including influenza, glandular fever, SARS, and now COVID-19.

https://medicalxpress.com/news/2020-10-post-viral-fatigue-syndrome-condition-affecting.html

bladespin · 06-11-2020 8:11pm

Hrududu wrote: »

If someone makes a claim the onus is on them to provide proof. Telling them to google is not providing the source

This is neither a courtroom or a thesis, it’s a discussion forum where opinions are shared, there’s no requirement for chapter and verse.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 8:57pm

bladespin wrote: »

This is neither a courtroom or a thesis, it’s a discussion forum where opinions are shared, there’s no requirement for chapter and verse.

You have written:

ZX7R wrote: »

There is a growing consensus in Europe that long covid may be psychological rather than medical.

I tried to establish is this is your own opinion having no reason under it or there is tendency in some media sources aimed to incline general public thinking this way or may be you have misunderstood some publication. Having no references, your post is useless if not to say harmful (while OP should contact hospital, your post implies it is just psychological effect and she could relax and wait until it will become ICU case)

bladespin · 06-11-2020 9:03pm

Thats me wrote: »

You have written

Nope, think you’re confused, all I’ve written is that you asked and were given the source.

I have also posted about my own experiences which are contrary to that posters but that’s just how discussions are.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 9:13pm

bladespin wrote: »

Nope, think you’re confused, all I’ve written is that you asked and were given the source.

Sorry, i have mixed you with a poster of this sthi.

bladespin wrote: »

I have also posted about my own experiences which are contrary to that posters but that’s just how discussions are.

Yes, i noted. Sorry again, you're so plug in every barrel that i mixing you with that poster, who prefer to stay silent now.

bladespin · 06-11-2020 9:16pm

Thats me wrote: »

Sorry, i have mixed you with a poster of this sthi.

Yes, i noted. Sorry again, you're so plug in every barrel that i mixing you with that poster, who prefer to stay silent now.

No probs, stay safe no matter the opinions.

Ficheall · 06-11-2020 9:19pm

bladespin wrote: »

This is neither a courtroom or a thesis, it’s a discussion forum where opinions are shared, there’s no requirement for chapter and verse.

bladespin smells like boiled cabbage. Google it :rolleyes:

ZX7R · 06-11-2020 9:36pm

Thats me wrote: »

You have written:

(while OP should contact hospital, your post implies it is just psychological effect and she could relax and wait until it will become ICU case)

Now that's some jump to come to a conclusion like that.

Thats me · 06-11-2020 9:39pm

ZX7R wrote: »

Now that's some jump to come to a conclusion like that.

Why not to say "There is a growing consensus in Europe that's some jump to come to a conclusion like that."?

iguana · 07-11-2020 1:53am

Long covid could be caused by a lot of things, one of the most common, after mild cases, is post-viral inflammation another is CFS. There are viruses that are more likely than others to cause post-viral conditions. Covid may be one of them. Or it may be because as a novel virus, there are more people infected at once, meaning it seems like it's causing a disproportionate amount of post-viral issues. It may be a bit of all of the above.

I had a Covid like virus in mid-late March, I was part of a cluster of people who had illness at the same time but none of us had a confirmed contact nor a relevant underlying condition so couldn't get a test. A few days after I recovered, I developed Pleurisy in my right lung, Costochondritis (chestwall inflammation) post viral subacute thyroiditis, oesophagitis/GERD and oesophagial/oral candida. This meant I had continued shortness of breath, chest pain, lung pain on the right side when I could take a deep breath along with constant sore throats, weird periods which coincided with a worsening of symptoms, tiredness, just a general feeling of crappiness. I needed phenomenal amounts of rest and when I did feel better, I'd do something energetic, feel fine immediately afterwards but relapse within hours. For 3 months I was fairly limited in what I could do. For another nearly 4 I was able to do most things, including most kinds of intense exercise that I could do before I was sick. But I still had lingering symptoms.

Another 4 months on and I still have some costochondrits at times, though I had a fall yesterday and felt the impact through my chest but have not felt costochondritis today which I think is a pretty good sign that most of the inflammation is gone. So it's been about 7.5 months from first having symptoms to being pretty much better. It would be no harm for you to get checked out, especially with your asthma. Ask for your blood to be tested for any clotting, thyroid function, maybe get your iron/vitamin B checked as anaemia can cause breathlessness. See if your doctor would recommend a chest x-ray and EKG, to be on the safe side. Take a vitamin d supplement if you aren't already. And just get as much rest as you can.

speckle · 07-11-2020 2:59am

I do wonder if the majority of those taking longer to recover are the unfortunate ones who got it early on... those who never got to hospital..those more stressed as many unknowns then about it..those who had inapprioate medications/no blame.. those with no access to post covid clinics.. those on the medical card.. those who had gps close their services..those who pushed too hard to recover quickly/ no blame.. etc?

bladespin · 07-11-2020 11:27am

speckle wrote: »

I do wonder if the majority of those taking longer to recover are the unfortunate ones who got it early on... those who never got to hospital..those more stressed as many unknowns then about it..those who had inapprioate medications/no blame.. those with no access to post covid clinics.. those on the medical card.. those who had gps close their services..those who pushed too hard to recover quickly/ no blame.. etc?

The man I know got it very early (March), he would be in a higher risk category- 70s, overweight but otherwise well, he’s well off so medical care wouldn’t have been an issue, he’s a particularly tough guy so may have put himself under more pressure to get going again (also unlike him to exaggerate feeling unwell, more the opposite tbh) from discussing it with him he seemed to recover quickly and felt well soon after the diagnosis but had nagging symptoms for months after, particularly fatigue and some breathing difficulties. He’s fine now btw.

bladespin · 07-11-2020 12:03pm

Ficheall wrote: »

bladespin smells like boiled cabbage. Google it :rolleyes:

Suggest you check with your doctor if you’re googling smells

speckle · 07-11-2020 9:39pm

bladespin wrote: »

The man I know got it very early (March), he would be in a higher risk category- 70s, overweight but otherwise well, he’s well off so medical care wouldn’t have been an issue, he’s a particularly tough guy so may have put himself under more pressure to get going again (also unlike him to exaggerate feeling unwell, more the opposite tbh) from discussing it with him he seemed to recover quickly and felt well soon after the diagnosis but had nagging symptoms for months after, particularly fatigue and some breathing difficulties. He’s fine now btw.

Good to hear he is doing well. Gives hope to people who might just need to give themselves that extra bit of time to recover, or those who have never had a difficult virus or other illness before. I hope that there are procedures in place for those to able to take that time if needed especially if not well off.

I know I have said it before in between illness and health is a phase called recovery. There maybe similaritys to this recovery but we are all unique human beings. TLC yourself those of you that are in this situation.

ShineOn7 · 09-11-2020 8:56am

bladespin wrote: »

The man I know got it very early (March), he would be in a higher risk category- 70s, overweight but otherwise well, he’s well off so medical care wouldn’t have been an issue, he’s a particularly tough guy so may have put himself under more pressure to get going again (also unlike him to exaggerate feeling unwell, more the opposite tbh) from discussing it with him he seemed to recover quickly and felt well soon after the diagnosis but had nagging symptoms for months after, particularly fatigue and some breathing difficulties. He’s fine now btw.

Great to hear that someone fitting that description has eventually recovered. At times, there seems to be no rhyme or reason to how this affects people and how it doesn't

As far as follow up care; I wonder how much having private health care versus not is going to play into recovery time

amadangomor · 09-11-2020 9:13am

Have lasting symptoms from a virus I had in March. Was off work for six weeks at the time as was very breathless then.

Asthma all the time with breathlessness that last for a few days every few weeks now.

Test was cancelled back then as I had no temperature.

So can't say for sure that I had Covid-19, although doctor thinks there's a good chance it was. He said very unusual symptoms at the time. Whatever it has has had lasting effects so far.

Can work away so happy with that. Was only one day where I had to stay in the office all day as was quite caught in the chest.

BruceK0508 · 10-11-2020 5:10am

My brother has asthma and he was diagnosed with Covid last month. He had severe breathing problems and had to be hospitalized for a couple of days. At first, we thought he was having an asthma attack due to bad AQI. But after checking that on Climacell and Iqair, we realized it was something else. He has recovered completely, so I don't think you have much to worry about. Still, it is better to be safe and get the necessary tests done.

wadacrack · 10-11-2020 11:08am

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hnPvw20iH80

Graces7 · 10-11-2020 12:32pm

ZX7R wrote: »

There is a growing consensus in Europe that long covid may be psychological rather than medical.

Majority of patients exhibiting symptoms of long covid are clear of the virus medically sound after full medical examination.
Believe is that long covid in the majority of patients presenting with it are in fact suffering with a from of severe post traumatic stress.
But like everything else with covid a lot more research is needed.

That is exactly what they said to and about folk who developed CFS/ME after a virus infection... Calling it AITM ….

It hasnothing to do with PTSD.

I was reading on the CFS/ME UK sites and there is a lot of active support and info being sent in by these associations to sufferers of long term covid

Anyone have long covid?

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