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← Return to COVID, Paxlovid and other treatments for COVID
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COVID, Paxlovid and other treatments for COVID
Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 | Last Active: Jun 18, 2023 | Replies (63)Comment receiving replies
I went to the Mayo ER with a severely swollen throat and choking cough after a positive Covid home test, later verified with a PCR. I am double-vaxxed with one booster last September. They gave me Paxlovid due to my age (over 65) and history of asthma and I finished the entire course, but had no relief from my symptoms - symptoms progressed to worse coughing, bad headache, and lots of sinus (not nasal) and ear congestion. I have read that Paxlovid was tested on earlier versions of Covid, and am wondering if perhaps it is not so effective with the current Omicron variants.
I completed my Paxlovid course on 6/1 and now 6 days later I still have the sinus and ear congestion, headache, and lots of postnasal drip leading to coughing when I lay down, along with feeling lightheaded and dizzy when standing. I also have no appetite, and can only eat a few bites of food at a time before I feel a knot in my stomach that does not allow me to eat any more.
I feel like I have plateaued and am not recovering. I don't know what to do and do not want to go back to the ER, and currently do not have a primary doc.
Has any one else had a similar issue with Paxlovid? Others I know did well with it and have now recovered. Thank you for any suggestions to help with my symptoms and recovery.
Replies to "I went to the Mayo ER with a severely swollen throat and choking cough after a..."
Get a primary doctor or start one via telehealth. Er bills are expensive and that’s not how you can get quality, consistent care at this point. Ask for additional bloodwork baseline and tests. I took paxlovid and even with rebound it helped me significantly. It did upset my stomach, and on week 6 post infection I’m still experiencing lingering symptoms. But symptoms are improving for me. No one gets back to 100% after Covid acute infection immediately. It takes time and you need to be patient. My primary said he’s now seeing more patients with lingering symptoms that take 3 months to 6 months to clear up. I also have lost weight and low appetite. I try to drink lots of water and ginger and chamomile teas. Peppermint teas have also helped me. I am also on a low histamine diet now which is helping my leg and arm pains.
I would continue to log your symptoms in journal to help track. Things you can do are keep mind relaxed with funny shows, sleep when tired, take temp/oxygen measures to make sure you are on top of symptoms, and get and share info with primary dr. Even if waitlist for new patients is long get to primary. It’s imperative for overall health regardless of Covid.
I wish you continued healing.
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Please go get your self a doctor. This does not seem to be something an OR is primarily tracking or treating. The question really isn't whether Paxlovid has helped others, but what you now need to do.