1. < Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19

62 years old, living alone and I have COVID-19, no family or friends

Posted by potterylady @potterylady, Apr 3, 2020

I am on day 2 with the virus and I am concerned because I live alone, what if the symptoms become more than I can handle. I hear that it can get bad fast, so I am reaching out here in the forum for suggestions.

I am 62 years old, with otherwise good physical health except for my obesity. I am bipolar 2, more depression than mania, and severe anxiety disorder. I receive SSDI due to my mental illness

I haven't had the flu in more then 10 years, and I only get minor colds about once a year. I don't run fevers when I am ill, my normal temp is 97.1 to 97.4. This is the first year I have had a flu shot.

Currently I am having general body aches and chills, bad joint pain, occasional headaches, some throat congestion, minor sore throat some pressure on my chest and curiously I am experiencing a feeling like water in the ears from swimming(?)

Of course I am not allowed to be tested, since my symptoms aren't severe enough and there aren't enough tests, but I will call my doctors office today to request a telehealth appt so they will have a record of this.

Any ideas for me being alone through this with only family support over the phone?
Thanks and Stay Safe

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

Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 3, 2020

Hello @potterylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I know it can be scary when you are alone and afraid. We are here to help. There are some COVID-19 discussions that may be helpful for you. Also, Mayo Clinic News Network has some really good information to hopefully provide information to help answer some questions you may have.

Mayo Clinic News Network COVID-19 -- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/
How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19? -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anxiety-7/
Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Music Helps Me -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/

I've always had a problem with weight and recently found a promising alternative to all of the lose weight programs. I belonged to Weight Watchers for many years and tried other diets with temporary success. I learned of intermittent fasting from reading a health journey blog by @LeeAase. He has shared some really good tips that he has learned on his journey to better health -- https://social-media-university-global.org/my-health-journey/

@potterylady, can I ask what worries you the most?

REPLY
2 replies
Merry, Alumni Mentor | @merpreb | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @potterylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @potterylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I know it can be scary when you are alone and afraid. We are here to help. There are some COVID-19 discussions that may be helpful for you. Also, Mayo Clinic News Network has some really good information to hopefully provide information to help answer some questions you may have.

Mayo Clinic News Network COVID-19 -- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/
How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19? -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anxiety-7/
Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Music Helps Me -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/

I've always had a problem with weight and recently found a promising alternative to all of the lose weight programs. I belonged to Weight Watchers for many years and tried other diets with temporary success. I learned of intermittent fasting from reading a health journey blog by @LeeAase. He has shared some really good tips that he has learned on his journey to better health -- https://social-media-university-global.org/my-health-journey/

@potterylady, can I ask what worries you the most?

Jump to this post

@potterylady- My mom was a potter! John has given you some great links to information. If you begin to get worse call your doctor immediately. This is the only way to get additional help. Did you call your dr.? Here is another discussion that you might be interested in.
- Just want to talk: What are other seniors doing while staying home https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/just-want-to-talk-1/

Will you let us know what your doctor advises?

REPLY
1 reply
potterylady | @potterylady | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "Hello @potterylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I..." + (show)
@johnbishop

Hello @potterylady, Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. Thank you for posting and sharing with us. I know it can be scary when you are alone and afraid. We are here to help. There are some COVID-19 discussions that may be helpful for you. Also, Mayo Clinic News Network has some really good information to hopefully provide information to help answer some questions you may have.

Mayo Clinic News Network COVID-19 -- https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/category/covid-19/
How are you handling anxiety in this time of COVID-19? -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/anxiety-7/
Visual Escapes and Daily Inspirations: Share Yours -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/visual-escapes-and-daily-inspirations-share-yours/
Music Helps Me -- https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/music-helps-me/

I've always had a problem with weight and recently found a promising alternative to all of the lose weight programs. I belonged to Weight Watchers for many years and tried other diets with temporary success. I learned of intermittent fasting from reading a health journey blog by @LeeAase. He has shared some really good tips that he has learned on his journey to better health -- https://social-media-university-global.org/my-health-journey/

@potterylady, can I ask what worries you the most?

Jump to this post

Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living alone, there is no one to ask how I am doing and if I need anything, and that if I get worse,I might not be able to get help for myself.
It's only the second day and already it feels worse then I remember ever feeling.
I did call and report my symptoms to my doctors office, and they said they would pass the info to my doctor and I may hear from her later and that I should report any additional symptoms to them.
I have called a friend, my sister in Cleveland and my mom, and asked them to check in with me during the day by phone or text, and I am keeping track of my temp and symptoms in a document on my Kindle.
I feel like I have covered all the bases that I can think of

REPLY
4 replies
Mentor
John, Volunteer Mentor | @johnbishop | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @potterylady "Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living..." + (show)
@potterylady

Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living alone, there is no one to ask how I am doing and if I need anything, and that if I get worse,I might not be able to get help for myself.
It's only the second day and already it feels worse then I remember ever feeling.
I did call and report my symptoms to my doctors office, and they said they would pass the info to my doctor and I may hear from her later and that I should report any additional symptoms to them.
I have called a friend, my sister in Cleveland and my mom, and asked them to check in with me during the day by phone or text, and I am keeping track of my temp and symptoms in a document on my Kindle.
I feel like I have covered all the bases that I can think of

Jump to this post

@potterylady, I like the member name you chose. It gave me a visual picture - I can see you spinning a pottery wheel and shaping clay into something beautiful 🙂 Another thought I had depending on where you live there may be a social services type organization that helps deliver necessities and groceries to folks that are shut in. Have you tried to call any local government offices to see if there may be someone close that can call to check on you and possibly pickup necessities and groceries when needed?

REPLY
1 reply
lioness | @lioness | Apr 3, 2020

@potterylady I was reading your post about pottery This is one thing Id love to get into once we are allowed to go out again. As far a grocery delivery I get mine through INstacart . Its a membership of 9.99 a month but deliver from a bunch of stores I have the Express Service with it so it is cheaper for the delivery charge around 3.00 I think . Also Walmart will deliver free if you get over 35.00 of items. I use them for the bigger items I use .

REPLY
1 reply
Moderator
Colleen Young, Connect Director | @colleenyoung | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @potterylady "Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living..." + (show)
@potterylady

Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living alone, there is no one to ask how I am doing and if I need anything, and that if I get worse,I might not be able to get help for myself.
It's only the second day and already it feels worse then I remember ever feeling.
I did call and report my symptoms to my doctors office, and they said they would pass the info to my doctor and I may hear from her later and that I should report any additional symptoms to them.
I have called a friend, my sister in Cleveland and my mom, and asked them to check in with me during the day by phone or text, and I am keeping track of my temp and symptoms in a document on my Kindle.
I feel like I have covered all the bases that I can think of

Jump to this post

@potterylady You seem to have thought of a lot of things and know who to take care of yourself. Here (yet another) article to help you know what you might expect, although everyone is different.
- What happens to your body when you have COVID-19? https://newsnetwork.mayoclinic.org/discussion/what-happens-to-your-body-when-your-have-covid-19/

Here are some of things that I might get set up if I were coming down with a flu and alone:
- Arrange for a neighbor to be on call to shop for food or medication if necessary
- Have plenty of liquids on hand, like water by the beside, tea making items out on the counter, thermos flask to keep tea warm
- Ensure pathways between kitchen, bedroom and bathroom are clear and unobstructed to enable easy mobility
- Have extra blankets on hand if you get chilled
- Keep your phone charged and near you at all times in case you need to call someone or 911

I hope you hear from your doctor today, so that you can create a plan together of what to do if the symptoms worsen and need medical attention beyond what you are able to provide for yourself. Be sure to ask her which symptoms require her attention or emergency attention.

Do you have any previous or underlying lung issues, such as asthma, allergies or anything lung related?

REPLY
2 replies
potterylady | @potterylady | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @merpreb "@potterylady- My mom was a potter! John has given you some great links to information. If..." + (show)
@merpreb

@potterylady- My mom was a potter! John has given you some great links to information. If you begin to get worse call your doctor immediately. This is the only way to get additional help. Did you call your dr.? Here is another discussion that you might be interested in.
- Just want to talk: What are other seniors doing while staying home https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/just-want-to-talk-1/

Will you let us know what your doctor advises?

Jump to this post

Hi Merry,
I did call my doctor and had a video appt with her, she diagnosed my symptoms to be consistent with Covid 19. I will continue to monitor my symptoms and let her know if they worsen.

REPLY
1 reply
fiesty76 | @fiesty76 | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @potterylady "Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living..." + (show)
@potterylady

Hi John, thank you for responding to my post.. My main concern is that with living alone, there is no one to ask how I am doing and if I need anything, and that if I get worse,I might not be able to get help for myself.
It's only the second day and already it feels worse then I remember ever feeling.
I did call and report my symptoms to my doctors office, and they said they would pass the info to my doctor and I may hear from her later and that I should report any additional symptoms to them.
I have called a friend, my sister in Cleveland and my mom, and asked them to check in with me during the day by phone or text, and I am keeping track of my temp and symptoms in a document on my Kindle.
I feel like I have covered all the bases that I can think of

Jump to this post

Potterylady, I'm glad you shared your post about what you are experiencing right now. There are many of us in "like" circumstances and I applaud the steps you've taken.

You sound like another very talented person whom I can admire. Took an elective class once for pottery and to my sorrow, it was not a good match. Smiles.

REPLY
1 reply
potterylady | @potterylady | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @johnbishop "@potterylady, I like the member name you chose. It gave me a visual picture - I..." + (show)
@johnbishop

@potterylady, I like the member name you chose. It gave me a visual picture - I can see you spinning a pottery wheel and shaping clay into something beautiful 🙂 Another thought I had depending on where you live there may be a social services type organization that helps deliver necessities and groceries to folks that are shut in. Have you tried to call any local government offices to see if there may be someone close that can call to check on you and possibly pickup necessities and groceries when needed?

Jump to this post

Hi John,
I did call my doctor and had a video appt with her, she diagnosed my symptoms to be consistent with Covid 19. I will continue to monitor my symptoms and let her know if they worsen.
I am good on groceries for probably 3 weeks, then I will get things delivered from Wal-Mart
Alexis

REPLY
1 reply
potterylady | @potterylady | Apr 3, 2020
In reply to @lioness "@potterylady I was reading your post about pottery This is one thing Id love to get..." + (show)
@lioness

@potterylady I was reading your post about pottery This is one thing Id love to get into once we are allowed to go out again. As far a grocery delivery I get mine through INstacart . Its a membership of 9.99 a month but deliver from a bunch of stores I have the Express Service with it so it is cheaper for the delivery charge around 3.00 I think . Also Walmart will deliver free if you get over 35.00 of items. I use them for the bigger items I use .

Jump to this post

Thanks lioness, I will probably use Walmart delivery when I need groceries

REPLY
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