Post Covid Chest Inflammation + Fatigue

Angelica, I posted this to you and others in a different discussion, but I think it bears repeating here too. It's a blog post from Dr. Vanichkachorn, medical director of Mayo Clinic's COVID Activity Rehabilitation Program, about mental health and long COVID that is both validating and helpful:
– Cognitive Changes and Post-COVID https://connect.mayoclinic.org/blog/post-covid-recovery/newsfeed-post/cognitive-changes-and-post-covid/

Is anxiety new for you with Covid or have you dealt with it before? I like your attitude and am glad that you have such a champion in your corner with your PCP.

Good morning! I've posted in other groups but figured I'd try here too since my symptoms resemble some of those listed here. My story: I'm 51. First, I quit smoking in March of 2012 after approximately 25 years of 3/4 packs per day. For the past 10 years I’ve experienced intermittent chest pains. I’ve had every non invasive cardiac test done and all came back normal. The diagnosis ended up being Costochondritis (chest wall inflammation). In February of 2021, I tested positive for COVID. Symptoms were very mild only lasting 1-2 days. Slight fever of barely 100. F. But I began experiencing intermittent SOB. The type of SOB where I can’t catch a satisfying deep breath that I starve for (sigh breath its been labelled). Eventually I achieve the deep breath and I seem to be satisfied but only for a short period of time. At first, the SOB was sporadic. Every few days lasting for a day or two and then resolving and staying away for a week or longer but it always returned. I'm pretty sure I had COVID again in July of 2021. Once again, it was pretty mild. Runny nose, sinus issues etc. etc. In the summer of 2021, I was diagnosed with mild hypertension. All cardiac tests (CT w/contrast of the chest, ECHO, stress, Holter etc. etc.) were checked and all tests/scans were found to be normal. No plaques or blockages by CT angiography. No acute process in the lungs. Lungs clear. The SOB continues and became more frequent. In November of 2021, I saw a Pulmonologist. Pulmonary Function Tests were performed and I was cleared for COPD and any lung disease, SOB improved slightly for a period of time. In February of 2022, I tested positive for COVID AGAIN. This time the virus seemed to get into my lungs a lil' bit as I had a mild respiratory infection for about a week or so. It took a couple weeks for it to totally clear but the SOB returned much more frequently. In May of 2022, I saw a different Pulmonologist in a different city. He ordered PFT and sleep apnea study. As of the morning of June 22,2022 I was emphatically cleared of COPD and any interstitial lung disease by now two different pulmonologist groups in two different cities. Further, my yearly ECHO done in early June was normal. Where do I stand?!?!? I have pretty consistent SOB (breathlessness, starving for air, excessive yawning). No cough of note unless I force it (rare), some mucus/phlegm, inflamed nasal passages and under control BP and heart rate.
Some sinus pressure perhaps leading to sinus headaches. I try to stay reasonably active with walks, runs and strength training. The NOT KNOWING is really bothering me. I've become increasingly anxious. Anxiety related SOB with some upper and lower back pain??? I’m taking Buspirone. GERD?!? I take AcidPH. I’m 5’9 and weigh 210 lbs. I’m a pretty muscular guy with some extra weight. Could it be I need to lose a few pounds?!? Diaphragm issue?!? I might be going a little crazy but I feel like it's getting worse. I keep reminding myself that the CT of chest in May and in July of '21 and CXR of chest in February of '22 were all completely clear. BTW, I just had another CXR in August of '22 and once again results suggested my lungs are clear. No cardiopulmonary process. I check my O2 sat first thing every morning, it's consistently 97-98. At my last pulmonologist appointment I was given a rescue inhaler, albuterol sulfate. I've tried it. Hard to tell if it's really helping or just a psychological effect. I must admit I'm a lil' concerned about long haul COVID-19 induced IPF?? Although, in each case, my bouts with COVID were mild at best. SOB, chest wall discomfort specifically associated with intercostals and the sternum, headaches, intermittent upper and lower back pain. Although, in each case, my bouts with COVID were mild at best.

I think what he means by chest inflamation is what I am doing. Its muscle or tendons. Muscle skelital, where they attach to the bone gets inflamed. The pain for me is sickening, litterally. wrist hand elbows shoulders chest back thighs shins tops of feet... Fun stuff.

that was me, enjoy, now I cant sleep. the sheer pain keeps me awake. I can no longer lay down...

I was hospitalized November 2021 for one week with Covid. Most symptoms starting going away in May 2022. I still have the dizziness. The tightness I was having was in my chest and in my left arm/leg. The tightest has gotten much better in the last couple weeks. Still dealing with dizziness. Seeing a neurologist. Hoping we all find relief soon!

i have had long covid since June 10th of this year and have had cosdochondritis(sp) several times since having covid. I also had it with Fibro that I have had for over 40 yrs. Try taking antiinflammatories( as much as your stomach can tolerate) . I find naprosyn better on my stomach than ibuprofen. Also try moist heat( heating pad or wet warm towel from microwave) and place over sternum(breastbone) several times a day. Dpnt do too much activity as that can make it worse. Its inflammation of the cartilege(sorry cant spell correctly due to brain fog) that attaches to sternum. Hope that helps. Diane Lindeman Feels like you are having a heart attack right?

Can you say more about the magnesium supplement you took for fatigue? What kind and what was the dose? I have terrible fatigue and muscle weakness. Will try anything to help. Thanks!

Hello!

Of course, I'm taking just regular magnesium that you can find in any pharmacy, one pill after dinner. I take the brand NatureMade; originally, I started with 500 mg, but magnesium also helps with constipation, making my stomach and stool too loose. So I switched down to 250 mg per day, and it's been working well. It doesn't affect my stomach so much and gives me energy. You can take 500mg, 400mg, or 250mg to start depending on how you handle it. I'm also taking Vitamin D3, which is said to help with muscle weakness and energy.

I really hope this can help and that you start feeling better. This recovery is a process and a long journey with no magic pill so it can be incredibly frustrating but trust that your body knows how to heal. Sending you a lot of good and healing vibes.

Hi, I had all vaccines then got covid in June, took the antiviral paxlovid and went about my business but had lingering fatigue and cough, the sciatica and nerve pain. Symptoms were constant and no come and go. Nausea and dry mouth were hell but fading some. I believe in my body as the string body I've always had and feel I can overcome this. I use meditation and, at night, I tell my body (in my mind) that we got this. I send healing down throughout. Not sure if it helps but sure af can't hurt.
Hugs,
Lena

Thanks for the info and the kinds words. This is helpful. How much D3 do you take?