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COVID-19 Long Haulers: Symptoms lasting 30 days plus
My name is Lindsay I’m 38 and a physician assistant. I most likely contracted Covid from a sick patient I was caring for. I started off symptoms wise with a sore throat and burning chest pain. This followed by almost a week of feverish chills intense body aches and headaches. These symptoms then lessened and the shortness of breathe started. The breathing was worse at night. On the worst night I sat up struggling to breathe all night long which prompted an ER visit.
I am seeking discussion and support here because my symptoms have not yet entirely subside after 8 weeks.
The shortness of breathe improved slowly over two weeks. I am left with fatigue, dizziness with exertion at times and a racing heart usually every night followed by breaking out in a sweat and chest burning. These symptoms have been present since the shortness did breathe started and only slightly lessen with time. Just when I feel better I will have a rough night. This is how the symptoms have been all along.. a roller coaster.
I have had the million dollar work up meaning general labs a ct of my chest an echo of my heart and even wore a heart monitor.
My pulmonologist, cardiologist and PCP all have not much to say. Other than to rest.
I have overall been very healthy and now find myself unable to get through the day with out lying down and am up many nights with a racing heart and sweats and recurrent mild sob even.
I’m seeking to hear from medical professionals or individuals who find themselves with lingering symptoms. I’m not sure what to do next and am worried. I have young kids who I want to live for and my job after 8 weeks grows impatient with me to return to the field of caring with sick Covid patients.
I am torn not knowing if it’s wise I return with not feeling 100 percent.
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@lmspencerpac @ccbelle - Since this discussion first started, there is more mention in the news and other media about the long term illnesses that continue after the acute phase. We are only a few months into this pandemic and I feel the focus so far has been on saving the acutely I’ll and trying different treatments.
The next step is to help everyone with continued symptoms. I can’t see anyone returning to work with fever and extreme fatigue. The immune system is still challenged and added stress of working could set you up for other problems.
Not everyone has disability insurance either- big problem with job security then.
It is clear that our country has to take care of the long term haulers - but how?
I read the daily Swedish news on line and they have the same problems there- and nobody knows what to do.
My advice for now is to stay home as long as there is fever and major fatigue.
Let’s keep talking about it so information can be shared.
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5 ReactionsI realize your post was from ages ago. I hope you are feeling better by now. Have you joined the Slack group Body Politic? There are many of us from all over the world with symptoms well over 90 days. There is even a Private chapter for the medical community.
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2 Reactions14 weeks in a new symptom, sinus tachycardia, rapid resting heart rate, went from 62 bpm to 118 bpm just brushing my teeth....know it is not uncommon with COVID-19, but startling nonetheless
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2 Reactions@ccbelle - That must be unpleasant with that change in heart rate! If it continues you probably should have it checked out- this virus can land anywhere in your body.
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2 ReactionsToday resting bpm went from 64 to 157 just walking at snail like pace from one room to the adjacent one ...kind of freaking me out, although many long haulers have the same thing
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1 ReactionI feel so sorry for you--they want you to come back only to take care of more patients. I think you should pray a lot asking God for guidance. I wouldn't want to work with people with CoVId ever again. You have children to care for and they come first. Perhaps you should look into another job. I know I am being selfish because I may the patient who needs you. This is my first response. God bless and heal you. Jesus is the great healer. You are in our prayers.
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