1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

COVID-19 Coronavirus and Lung Health: What can you do?

Posted by Merry, Alumni Mentor @merpreb, Mar 1, 2020

Good morning- I have hesitated to post anything about this new and dangerous group of viruses because I am certainly not qualified to discuss any science. And certainly not about genetics and viruses. But I can discuss how we can lessen our fears, be as prepared as we can and very simply if we get it, what do we do?

First of all the COVID-19 is the name for many similar viruses. It's not just one. It is believed to have started by bat guana in Wuhan, China. Wuhan is the very large capital of Central China’s Hubei province. It is a commercial center divided by the Yangtze and Han rivers. This virus spread very quickly, perhaps like the flu. And because of travel. it is spreading throughout the world, and it is here in America. This is a group of very dangerous viruses has the potential to kill and has. Many of us with breathing problems must be very diligent to protect ourselves as much as we can.

You can help protect yourself by doing these things:

Keep your hands clean. Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Cover your cough and sneezes to keep germs from spreading to others. Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces routinely. Avoid close contact with people who are sick. Stay home when you are sick.

If you have these symptoms please see a doctor: Fever, Cough, Shortness of breath

I know that a lot of us have at least two of these symptoms already. So if your shortness of breath or your coughs become worse and you feel ill then it is time to seek medical help.

Here are several sites that have addressed the Coronavirus for more information.

If you know of anyone who is ill please stay away from them. Passing along the facts about this group of viruses is the best that you can do to help others avoid getting ill.

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.

JK | @contentandwell | Mar 10, 2020
In reply to @aeg73 "Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since..." + (show)
@aeg73

Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since last May when I returned from Costa Rica . I now believe I was most likely infected in US, October 2018 when I had a strange round rash on my elbow (no bullseye), shortly after got diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder in same arm and was a grueling journey in itself all of last year with those pains/limitations but on top of it other strange symptoms began: pressure headache, neck-ache, hair loss, tender gland near my ear/throat same side as arm, then in late winter of last year in Costa Rica my other arm began to hurt, I had sore quads (more in one same side as frozen shoulder), weight loss, then got weird pulse like twitches that haven't gone away (were worse May until Sept) now lessened a bit. Through all of this and possibly connected, my sleep has been very poor/disturbed. I assume in part due to pains and pulse like twitches so I never feel well rested. Rheumatologist doesn't think it's RA, Lupus or Fibro- not enough pain points, no swelling or red joints, etc. but man I'm not the body or self I used to be. Hoping that is not my forever normal. Getting Igenex test tomorrow, one band shy of CDC positive for Lyme on a different test.

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@aeg73 so you are not yet fully sure that you have Lyme but things point to that, correct? If it does turn out to be Lyme how do they treat it? From what I know the earlier treatment is started the better the results. My niece has Lyme, I think once you have it it is not cured but can be in remission. She does have occasional days when she does not feel well but overall she is fine. She has a daughter, works, and lives a full life. I hope you can get a definite diagnosis soon and move forward with treatment. I hope you will keep us up to date.

@roseofonegarden I’m happy for you that you do not have symptoms. Take precautions and stay healthy.
JK

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 11, 2020

Good morning all- I'm such a curious person that it drives me crazy when I don't understand something! But finally, an excellent article on how this virus "Hijacks your cells" in the NTY appeared this AM! This virus is extremely adept at making copies of itself making it very difficult to fight off for elderly people and those with a compromised immune system.
I have chosen self-quarantine. What precautions have you taken to prevent yourself from contracting this virus?
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/11/science/how-coronavirus-hijacks-your-cells.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

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2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 11, 2020
In reply to @aeg73 "Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since..." + (show)
@aeg73

Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since last May when I returned from Costa Rica . I now believe I was most likely infected in US, October 2018 when I had a strange round rash on my elbow (no bullseye), shortly after got diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder in same arm and was a grueling journey in itself all of last year with those pains/limitations but on top of it other strange symptoms began: pressure headache, neck-ache, hair loss, tender gland near my ear/throat same side as arm, then in late winter of last year in Costa Rica my other arm began to hurt, I had sore quads (more in one same side as frozen shoulder), weight loss, then got weird pulse like twitches that haven't gone away (were worse May until Sept) now lessened a bit. Through all of this and possibly connected, my sleep has been very poor/disturbed. I assume in part due to pains and pulse like twitches so I never feel well rested. Rheumatologist doesn't think it's RA, Lupus or Fibro- not enough pain points, no swelling or red joints, etc. but man I'm not the body or self I used to be. Hoping that is not my forever normal. Getting Igenex test tomorrow, one band shy of CDC positive for Lyme on a different test.

Jump to this post

@aeg73- Good morning. I'm so glad that you are seeing a rheumatologist. Have you been given any antibiotics for this? It does sound as if your symptoms are in line with a lot of what I have read about Lyme? I've had the bullseye and I've had just a rash. I've had fevers and aches and pains like I was hit by a truck. All of my treatments have been immediate. There is another group dealing with Tick-borne illnesses. I'm hoping that you might see some light in some of these discussions. Please let me know how your further testing works out.
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/tick-borne-illness-with-misdiagnosis-lone-star-tick-bite/?pg=1#comment-373864

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1 reply
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 11, 2020

Good morning - Did anyone catch the live Q&A video yesterday about COVID-19? What did you get out of it? Did you have any further questions? Were you satisfied with your answer if it was answered?
https://connect.mayoclinic.org/webinar/video-qa-do-you-have-questions-about-covid-19/

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Barb | @1065408 | Mar 11, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "Good morning all- I'm such a curious person that it drives me crazy when I don't..." + (show)
@merpreb

Good morning all- I'm such a curious person that it drives me crazy when I don't understand something! But finally, an excellent article on how this virus "Hijacks your cells" in the NTY appeared this AM! This virus is extremely adept at making copies of itself making it very difficult to fight off for elderly people and those with a compromised immune system.
I have chosen self-quarantine. What precautions have you taken to prevent yourself from contracting this virus?
https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2020/03/11/science/how-coronavirus-hijacks-your-cells.html?action=click&module=Top%20Stories&pgtype=Homepage

Jump to this post

Hi Merry. The virus has all concerned. Because of chronic lung issues I’m sticking to essential only appointments, and trying to run errands (not many) infrequently and during off-hours to avoid crowds. Living in a senior community with a common dining room does present some challenges. So far dining in the apartment has worked out. Hoping and praying we all stay well.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 11, 2020

@1065408- Goodmorning. Great idea. I have lung cancer and I canceled 2 appointments that were to take place in a hospital setting- waiting rooms are too crowded. I'm glad that you are taking steps to protect yourself. It's all we can do.

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1 reply
Brenda R. | @brigby | Mar 11, 2020
In reply to @aeg73 "Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since..." + (show)
@aeg73

Thanks @merpreb Merry. I've been trying to get the Lyme and/or other mysteries figured out since last May when I returned from Costa Rica . I now believe I was most likely infected in US, October 2018 when I had a strange round rash on my elbow (no bullseye), shortly after got diagnosed with Frozen Shoulder in same arm and was a grueling journey in itself all of last year with those pains/limitations but on top of it other strange symptoms began: pressure headache, neck-ache, hair loss, tender gland near my ear/throat same side as arm, then in late winter of last year in Costa Rica my other arm began to hurt, I had sore quads (more in one same side as frozen shoulder), weight loss, then got weird pulse like twitches that haven't gone away (were worse May until Sept) now lessened a bit. Through all of this and possibly connected, my sleep has been very poor/disturbed. I assume in part due to pains and pulse like twitches so I never feel well rested. Rheumatologist doesn't think it's RA, Lupus or Fibro- not enough pain points, no swelling or red joints, etc. but man I'm not the body or self I used to be. Hoping that is not my forever normal. Getting Igenex test tomorrow, one band shy of CDC positive for Lyme on a different test.

Jump to this post

@aeg73 Girl! I read your description of symptoms And couldn’t believe how many I share in common with you. I have Bronchiectasis, and I have m. Abscessus colonized in my sinuses and lungs, along with an ever growing list of various fungi & bacteria. I was diagnosed in 2015 following multiple pneumonias.

If it’s any help to you, I’ve been able to keep infections to about one per year since by daily use of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory through my Navage nasal rinse device, as well as daily airway clearance using the vest, nebulizer with 7% saline and postural drainage in combination, as well as exercise. I still teach full time.

Like you I have also had the mysterious red ring of small bumps around my elbow, that came and went, they biopsied it and found nothing so called it “granuloma annulare”, the frozen shoulder, (always) neck problems, and now the pulsating muscle twitching/ spasms in my ribs on my sides and in my back non-stop for 1 month! The twitches are certainly not life threatening, and don’t keep me from sleeping, but MAN it gets old, and i have to think it’s a message from my body.

I would add gut issues, I experience at least 6 bad bouts of “gastroenteritis” a year. I started taking at least a Tbsp. of Miralax daily to keep things “moving”, and that barely does it.

- BTW Another patient commented she had the muscle twitches, and they found she had low magnesium. Praying for you and us all, Brenda.

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2 replies
Barb | @1065408 | Mar 11, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@1065408- Goodmorning. Great idea. I have lung cancer and I canceled 2 appointments that were to..." + (show)
@merpreb

@1065408- Goodmorning. Great idea. I have lung cancer and I canceled 2 appointments that were to take place in a hospital setting- waiting rooms are too crowded. I'm glad that you are taking steps to protect yourself. It's all we can do.

Jump to this post

Great minds think alike. Monday I cancelled a doctors appointment for that very reason. Today I’m heading to the surgeon’s office, not an option to cancel. Had a mastectomy in December after a breast cancer diagnosis. I hope you are doing well with your lung cancer diagnosis. We never know what life hands us.

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Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Mar 11, 2020

@1065408- Ah, it's always something, or a doctor's appointment or the computer has to be fixed. Now, this doctor's appointment of yours is a necessity!. How have you been feeling? Are you under any treatment?

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1 reply
Barb | @1065408 | Mar 11, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@1065408- Ah, it's always something, or a doctor's appointment or the computer has to be fixed...." + (show)
@merpreb

@1065408- Ah, it's always something, or a doctor's appointment or the computer has to be fixed. Now, this doctor's appointment of yours is a necessity!. How have you been feeling? Are you under any treatment?

Jump to this post

I’m feeling well but lack the previous energy I had prior to surgery. At 78 guess I can’t complain but find doing one “outing” like today’s appointment is it for the day. I’ve been blessed to have a treatment plan consisting only of a cancer med. I take anastroloze daily. Although it is stage 2 invasive lobular breast cancer, thank the good Lord that the pathology report read more like stage 1, resulting in no radiation or IV chemo. The medication side effects are daily, tired, headache, muscle and bone aches but so far manageable. Thanks for asking. And you? Barb

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