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Post by 2PeasNurse on Oct 4, 2022 4:27:17 GMT
Hi everyone!
After taking care of Covid patients since the start of the pandemic, I was diagnosed with Covid 14 days ago. I’m vaccinated, boosted. I am so extra careful, I disinfect everything, including my car. I still wear my mask when I go out. So frustrating!
COVID hit everything on me from head to toe. I took Paxlovid. I was in the hospital for 4 days. I am home now, still testing positive. My oxygen sats are normal, but my cough is so bad I can’t sleep at night, even sitting up in a recliner. Yesterday the cough was so strong, I vomited 3 times.
I have the good cough med with codeine, inhaler, cough drops, etc. I even tried ginger tea.
Today my doctor prescribed prednisone, which I hate. It causes my blood pressure to go sky high and makes me very anxious. I am hesitant to start the prednisone.
I only have cared for critically ill Covid patients on vents, so I haven’t dealt with a “regular” Covid patient and their symptoms.
If you have had Covid, did it take a long time to test negative? How long did you have symptoms? If you had a bad cough, did your doctor put you on steroids? If not, what did you do to help with the cough. My cough is dry now, but I still have drainage coming down the back of my throat.
Thanks! Lisa
ps…please forgive my spelling/grammar, my brain isn’t fully functioning. Lol 😝
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Post by greendragonlady on Oct 4, 2022 4:37:39 GMT
Oh, my gosh...I hope you feel better soon! And bless you for taking care of Covid patients...what a tough job!
I had Covid in January, but fairly mildly.
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 4, 2022 4:58:43 GMT
Hope you feel better ASAP.
I have, fortunately, not had Covid, but I have a friend suffering through it now.
Diagnosed the Tuesday, Aug 30th, before Labor Day. Taking Paxlovid, ended up in hospital Sept 3rd with Covid Pneumonia. There for roughly 2 weeks.
Today is Oct 3rd, she is still home, extremely weak. Two lines of texts is too much, no phone.
She had very bad sore throat, could barely talk when she went to hospital.
Fluids, fluids, fluids..
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
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Post by seaexplore on Oct 4, 2022 5:01:40 GMT
Ugh! So sorry you’ve got it now. Thank you for being on the front line from the start. Hope you’re on the mend soon!
I had it in December 2021 and mine was mostly body aches and a 103 fever. It stayed in my sinuses for the most part but I did have a yucky cough (didn’t take meds but used my albuterol inhaler religiously) that hung on for months. I never tested negative, just waited out the 10 days as I was told before I returned to work.
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Post by 2PeasNurse on Oct 4, 2022 5:12:17 GMT
Ugh! So sorry you’ve got it now. Thank you for being on the front line from the start. Hope you’re on the mend soon! I had it in December 2021 and mine was mostly body aches and a 103 fever. It stayed in my sinuses for the most part but I did have a yucky cough (didn’t take meds but used my albuterol inhaler religiously) that hung on for months. I never tested negative, just waited out the 10 days as I was told before I returned to work. I’m sorry you had Covid! Was your cough so strong it would keep you awake? I just took a hit of my inhaler now…luckily my oxygen sats are good. They have been this entire time. Thank you for your kind words! |
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caangel
Drama Llama
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Post by caangel on Oct 4, 2022 5:14:29 GMT
I had a rough go of it at home but didn't need to go to the hospital. I had a cough for a month. After 2 weeks it was improve each day but still be there. I was still positive after 2 weeks and did continue testing (was running out). I limited my outing and masked up if I did go out for that 3rd week.
Sorry you have had such a rough time. Hope you see improvement quickly.
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Post by 2PeasNurse on Oct 4, 2022 5:19:27 GMT
Hope you feel better ASAP. I have, fortunately, not had Covid, but I have a friend suffering through it now. Diagnosed the Tuesday, Aug 30th, before Labor Day. Taking Paxlovid, ended up in hospital Sept 3rd with Covid Pneumonia. There for roughly 2 weeks. Today is Oct 3rd, she is still home, extremely weak. Two lines of texts is too much, no phone. She had very bad sore throat, could barely talk when she went to hospital. Fluids, fluids, fluids.. Omg! I’m so very sorry for your friend! I will keep her in my prayers! Yep, I’m drinking fluid. That is what got me in trouble early on. In 5 days I ate one banana, a yogurt, a few saltines. I kept pounding the water down, I could not eat anything, I was having diarrhea. My sodium went down to 120! My legs were cramping so bad, I couldn’t walk. I’ve never been this sick. Take care! |
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Post by 2PeasNurse on Oct 4, 2022 5:29:07 GMT
Oh, my gosh...I hope you feel better soon! And bless you for taking care of Covid patients...what a tough job! I had Covid in January, but fairly mildly. Thank you for your kind words! I'm so glad your case of COVID was mild. I feel bad bellyaching after I’ve seen so many people horribly suffer…young and old. I guess that is why I worry, you know…too much knowledge can be a bad thing. I know that a lingering cough is typical post-Covid. I just didn’t know it would be this strong and keep me awake…4th night in a row. I haven’t had a fever since day 5…my highest was 103. I’m still isolating in my den. I feel so depressed. |
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Post by 2PeasNurse on Oct 4, 2022 5:35:52 GMT
I had a rough go of it at home but didn't need to go to the hospital. I had a cough for a month. After 2 weeks it was improve each day but still be there. I was still positive after 2 weeks and did continue testing (was running out). I limited my outing and masked up if I did go out for that 3rd week. Sorry you have had such a rough time. Hope you see improvement quickly. Hi! I’m so sorry you had a rough bout with COVID! Did you take anything for your cough? I’ve had a cough since day 1. It was bad the first few days, then intermittent through day 10, but coughing up icky phlegm. Now my cough has been worse the last 4 days..dry cough, but I can feel the post-nasal drip. Take care! |
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Post by malibou on Oct 4, 2022 6:15:51 GMT
Damn, I'm so sorry it caught up with you and jumped you so hard. I keep hearing how horrible that cough is. Hoping you are feeling better very soon and wishing sleep for you.
I haven't had it, but nearly had a panic attack 2 days ago when I needed to run into the grocery store for 2 things and had forgotten my mask.
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Post by gar on Oct 4, 2022 8:00:40 GMT
I'm sorry you're so poorly  It feels odd saying this to a nurse but have you tried laying on your front to help with the coughing? I do that often with normal coughs that come with a cold and it really helps it settled down. I hope you feel better soon. |
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Post by mollycoddle on Oct 4, 2022 9:20:54 GMT
You poor thing!  No advice, but I hope that you are on the mend soon. |
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Post by elaine on Oct 4, 2022 10:34:07 GMT
I have no advice. My mother was diagnosed and hospitalized for 10 days with COVID on Labor Day weekend and is still very weak.
I am so sorry that it hit you so hard. ☹️
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Post by MissBianca on Oct 4, 2022 11:24:31 GMT
I tested positive on Sept 12, but I’m still coughing on occasion. Once the fever broke I switched from DayQuil/NyQuil to Tylenol severe sinus and allergy pills. At that point the cough was all coming from my sinuses. I used the Vicks vapor tabs in the shower, took the allergy pills at night which helped with breathing while I sleep. And lots of DH’s medicine, he mixes 1 part makers mark, 1 part lemon juice and 2 parts honey. A shot of that warmed really helps calm everything down.
The biggest issue I still have right now if my heart rate is high when I work out. I’m hoping that settles down soon.
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Post by whipea on Oct 4, 2022 12:06:42 GMT
So sorry you are suffering with COVID. I tested positive on September 19. Two days prior developed a sore throat, body aches, extreme head congestion, fever and nausea. Never developed chest congestion. Could not sleep for more than 30 minute periods for three days and forget eating. I tested negative eight days later.
Did not take anything with the exception of Advil and Flonase because anti-congestion drugs make me feel worse and keep me awake. Did not see a doctor because no chest issues and was getting better.
I still have some head congestion and cannot taste or smell anything yet. Surprised it took this long for me to get it as I am constantly around nursing and other health care students who work in hospitals and and other facilities.
Hope you start feeling better soon.
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Post by lisae on Oct 4, 2022 12:10:49 GMT
I'm so sorry you are going through all this. I have no experience or advise. Just hoping you feel better soon.
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peabay
Prolific Pea
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Jun 25, 2014 19:50:41 GMT
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Post by peabay on Oct 4, 2022 12:17:54 GMT
I hope you feel better soon. I'm sorry you're feeling so poorly.
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Post by Really Red on Oct 4, 2022 12:38:13 GMT
You are the best for taking care of such sick patients!
I am so sorry you got Covid. I haven't had it, but have had many friends who have had it. Those with comorbidities seem to make Covid worse. Most people I know (who have been shot and boostered) say that the first couple days are bad, but then you just feel like it's a little cold.
I hope you get better quickly!
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Deleted
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Jun 1, 2024 17:37:30 GMT
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Post by Deleted on Oct 4, 2022 13:57:55 GMT
I am so very sorry! I have asthma so any colds tend to go into pneumonia or bronchitis. Have you tried Delsym for your cough? That works well for me. And making sure I have a humidifier going next to me as well. I know the prednisone is a pain (I hate the side effects, too), but it really will help.
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smartypants71
Drama Llama
Posts: 5,714
Location: Houston, TX
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Post by smartypants71 on Oct 4, 2022 14:00:08 GMT
I tested positive Thursday and tested negative today. My symptoms were pretty mild - just a lot of congestion, sore throat and a 2-day fever. My bigger issue was my blood sugar (type 1 diabetic). It was just all over the place. The first day, it was so high, that my cgm wouldn’t even give me a number. It just said HIGH. My endo gave me paxlovid which helped, I think. Just took my last dose this morning.
I hope you feel better soon!
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Post by Darcy Collins on Oct 4, 2022 14:18:46 GMT
I'm so very sorry you were hit hard. It took me 8 days to test negative, and I went to the hospital when my oxygen levels were in the high 80s and was severely dehydrated. The only thing that helped the cough was steam. When it was really terrible, I'd put the shower on as hot as it would go and shut the door and just lie on the floor. I hope you start to feel better soon!
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Post by bunnyhug on Oct 4, 2022 14:36:50 GMT
I've had covid (in 2020 and then again this spring), but my cough is a chronic one that was just worsened a bit during my covid experiences. It may not help with your nasty cough, but in addition to my regular meds, etc for my cough, I find that plain old Doublemint gum helps a lot with post-nasal drip induced coughing. Probably any mint-type gum would help. I have issues with Aspartame triggering migraines, so I only have a piece or two a day, but it really does calm things if I'm having a coughing jag. Sucking on a peppermint often helps a bit, too. Once my cough really kicks in, it just builds and builds on itself, so it's nice to have something not overly 'invasive' to interrupt the build!
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Post by librarylady on Oct 4, 2022 14:36:58 GMT
My sister was vaccinated and boosted yet got it.
It took 14 days to test negative.
She spent one night in the hospital. Came home with a breathing machine to use every __ hours to help cough etc.
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Post by mikklynn on Oct 4, 2022 14:53:05 GMT
I'm so sorry you have such a bad case. I was lucky and had mild symptoms.
Sending my positive thoughts your way for a quick turnaround!
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Post by revirdsuba99 on Oct 4, 2022 15:03:30 GMT
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seaexplore
Prolific Pea
Posts: 8,466
Apr 25, 2015 23:57:30 GMT
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Post by seaexplore on Oct 4, 2022 15:12:07 GMT
Ugh! So sorry you’ve got it now. Thank you for being on the front line from the start. Hope you’re on the mend soon! I had it in December 2021 and mine was mostly body aches and a 103 fever. It stayed in my sinuses for the most part but I did have a yucky cough (didn’t take meds but used my albuterol inhaler religiously) that hung on for months. I never tested negative, just waited out the 10 days as I was told before I returned to work. I’m sorry you had Covid! Was your cough so strong it would keep you awake? I just took a hit of my inhaler now…luckily my oxygen sats are good. They have been this entire time. Thank you for your kind words! It would wake me up but I'd go back to sleep. I took delsym once and woke up with my entire body feeling "fuzzy" like when your arm or leg goes to sleep. It FREAKED me out so I didn't take it after. Turns out it was most likely my anxiety (never had that happen before with it) but I don't want to repeat that crazy! I never checked my oxygen sats because I figured that if I was breathing I was good. LOL. I know- bad me. I didn't turn blue and at no point felt faint/dizzy/low energy after my fever broke (3 days hovering around 103/104) |
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Post by Lexica on Oct 4, 2022 15:45:39 GMT
I am so sorry. It just doesn’t seem fair to me when a caregiver gets Covid. Yes, yes, I know they are more exposed, but in my fair world, selfless people should be exempt from certain things.
I too have been super careful because I have had so much going on with the repairs on my house and getting it ready for sale and all that was required of me during that time. I’m at the finish line now and will be heading to Oregon on Oct 15th. If I can stay healthy long enough to buy and move into a new place, I will be beyond relieved.
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Post by Zee on Oct 4, 2022 15:54:54 GMT
I'm sorry it finally got you! I'm still a holdout.
Also they have removed the mask mandate at a lot of hospitals including mine (though of course you can still wear one if you want to, and should if they are symptomatic for resp diseases) and I'm living free and unmasked. I doubt I'll ever get COVID at this point but you certainly prove it could still happen.
I hope you're better soon!
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Post by Scrapper100 on Oct 4, 2022 16:29:26 GMT
I'm sorry it finally got you! I'm still a holdout. Also they have removed the mask mandate at a lot of hospitals including mine (though of course you can still wear one if you want to, and should if they are symptomatic for resp diseases) and I'm living free and unmasked. I doubt I'll ever get COVID at this point but you certainly prove it could still happen. I hope you're better soon! It’s hard to imagine no masks at a hospital right now. I go to PT and masks are optional snd there are tons of elderly. |
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Post by Merge on Oct 4, 2022 16:36:37 GMT
I'm so sorry. I hope you're feeling better soon. With my first bout of Covid, I remember the cough was painful and yes it kept me awake. Truly the thing that helped best during the day was hot tea with honey and lemon, as hot as I could drink it, sometimes with a shot of whiskey in it (that helped the most but it seemed like I shouldn't go on a bender with a shot in every cup of tea). And then NyQuil at night because it really knocks me out.
Take care of yourself!
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Mary Kay Independent Beauty Consultant
No advice, but I hope that you are on the mend soon.
