I believe there are some good options on Amazon, that is if you are looking for additional options on top of what you are already doing/using. I am wondering if that is something you've ever considered trying?
Dear @amandajro, Yes, I have a steamer, and it does help. Right now, the concern is when the Dexamethasone runs out. I was on it for one month...which is a long time to be on this powerful steroid. When the last pill ran out, my breathing became impossible. now, I am back on it for another few weeks, and the thought of it running out again is in the back of my mind. Is there anything that can help a person transition, besides tapering? I just found out that unless the hospital infuses a "Wham Pack" which is Remdesivir (a Covid drug) within 10-days of a Covid diagnosis, it does no good. Therefore, I am too late on that timeline. What is a person that can't get over the life-threatening, breathing issues suppose to do? Is this a slow death sentence? Obviously, a person can't stay on dexamethasone endlessly....Thank-you, for your inquiry, it is appreciated.
I have had Covid twice now. The second one started April 5, and has totally knocked me for a loop. My breathing is very bad, with SOB and severe congestion, plus fatigue. I was put on Dexamethasone for 10 days high dose, then tapered down to one pill per day ending yesterday. The medicine greatly helped, but made my ankles swell up. This was prescribed by another Pulmonologist 100-miles away, that deals with Covid, and was recommended by this site, and I am thankful to have found him. So, today I went to my regular Pulmonologist with a follow-up appointment, and you can hear me gasping for air through thick congestion and wheezing. I told him that since the steroid has run out, I feel like I am suffocating. He told me I should go see a Psychiatrist! What the heck? Here I am in this horrid condition, and he says that to me. He said he suggests this to his patients periodically if he feels the client is having a panic attack. This is NOT a panic attack! It is a Covid attack! I left there very upset, in fact, my entire family is now upset, and for that I am sorry. Maybe he is mad that I went to another doctor? All I know is that today has not been a good one. He won't prescribe Prednisone, which is something most doctors prescribe for Covid and breathing difficulties. I have called the other doctor so far away, hoping he can help me. Thank-you, for listening, and hoping no-one else ever gets treated this way, especially when they can hardly breathe!
Dear @amandajro, Yes, I have a steamer, and it does help. Right now, the concern is when the Dexamethasone runs out. I was on it for one month...which is a long time to be on this powerful steroid. When the last pill ran out, my breathing became impossible. now, I am back on it for another few weeks, and the thought of it running out again is in the back of my mind. Is there anything that can help a person transition, besides tapering? I just found out that unless the hospital infuses a "Wham Pack" which is Remdesivir (a Covid drug) within 10-days of a Covid diagnosis, it does no good. Therefore, I am too late on that timeline. What is a person that can't get over the life-threatening, breathing issues suppose to do? Is this a slow death sentence? Obviously, a person can't stay on dexamethasone endlessly....Thank-you, for your inquiry, it is appreciated.
I would look for a Covid long-hauler practice near me. Someone at the nearest medical center with a Covid ICU can probably point you in the right direction. New strategies for managing long term symptoms are constantly emerging, and the practitioners are working closely with one another and many specialists to develop effective treatments.
Sue
I would look for a Covid long-hauler practice near me. Someone at the nearest medical center with a Covid ICU can probably point you in the right direction. New strategies for managing long term symptoms are constantly emerging, and the practitioners are working closely with one another and many specialists to develop effective treatments.
Sue
I've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
I've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
Hi @kberm005, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear that your COVID reinfection has been so much worse. What symptoms were you having that caused you to be tested so much?
I've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
Hi @kberm005, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear that your COVID reinfection has been so much worse. What symptoms were you having that caused you to be tested so much?
I've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
This was my exact experience. The first time I contracted COVID was March of 2020 at a funeral. I came home quarantined, recovered and did not pass it on. Symptoms lasted about 5 days. The next time I contracted COVID was at a wedding in August of 2021. I came home quarantined, recovered, and did not pass it on. Symptoms were exactly the same with more severity and lasted approximately 14 days. I’m honestly curious what my immunity is at this point because I’m not looking forward to a third infection? I’m also wondering if this virus is similar to the flu virus we are all familiar with and most have had several times? I guess time will tell.
I've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
My mom was fully vaccinated with Moderna March 2021. She contracted covid May 24, 2021. Was rough for about 2 weeks but life went back to normal. She also tested negative every week thereafter…. She then contracted covid again August 18, 2021. 86 days or 2months 25 days apart. she tested positive the second covid infection for 13 days straight. She has been negative but this round of covid has been debilitating. She still has yet to return to work & she is going crazy not being able to be there and living out her life mission as director of an ALF for adults with mental disabilities/mentally challenged. We have tried so many different treatments and nothing has worked. She sleeps 12+ hours with a 2-4 hour nap in the afternoon. My mom is a go to bed around 8-9pm and up coffee made 5am and ready to go- type personality… Now She can’t stay awake and has a long list of symptoms that are still present to this day. She is my best friend and when she struggles & hurting I feel her pain too… I’ve spent hours and hours researching to try and discover treatments that are working for others similar to her…Just know they are getting closer and you will make i through this incredibly challenging time.
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Dear @amandajro, Yes, I have a steamer, and it does help. Right now, the concern is when the Dexamethasone runs out. I was on it for one month...which is a long time to be on this powerful steroid. When the last pill ran out, my breathing became impossible. now, I am back on it for another few weeks, and the thought of it running out again is in the back of my mind. Is there anything that can help a person transition, besides tapering? I just found out that unless the hospital infuses a "Wham Pack" which is Remdesivir (a Covid drug) within 10-days of a Covid diagnosis, it does no good. Therefore, I am too late on that timeline. What is a person that can't get over the life-threatening, breathing issues suppose to do? Is this a slow death sentence? Obviously, a person can't stay on dexamethasone endlessly....Thank-you, for your inquiry, it is appreciated.
Get another doctor
I would look for a Covid long-hauler practice near me. Someone at the nearest medical center with a Covid ICU can probably point you in the right direction. New strategies for managing long term symptoms are constantly emerging, and the practitioners are working closely with one another and many specialists to develop effective treatments.
Sue
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4 ReactionsDear @sueinmn, Thanks for your advice.That is exactly what I needed to hear, and will do. Hope all is well with you.
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2 ReactionsI've had it twice. I had it in June was tested again mid July and was negative and several times after all with negative results some were several days in a row to ensure I was negative, until November. I had problems afterward that never went away but were manageable until my second positive that one has destroyed my life as it was and was so much worse then the first. I had no underlying health conditions other than a little overweight, but had a very active life and a sharp mind but all that's gone for now. Good luck to you.
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3 ReactionsHi @kberm005, welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect. I am so sorry to hear that your COVID reinfection has been so much worse. What symptoms were you having that caused you to be tested so much?
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1 ReactionHave you connected with a clinic or medical center specializing in long-haul Covid patients?
Sue
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2 ReactionsIt wasn't my symptoms for the retesting it was my place of employment and close contact exposure. We have a large active family... or did.
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2 ReactionsThis was my exact experience. The first time I contracted COVID was March of 2020 at a funeral. I came home quarantined, recovered and did not pass it on. Symptoms lasted about 5 days. The next time I contracted COVID was at a wedding in August of 2021. I came home quarantined, recovered, and did not pass it on. Symptoms were exactly the same with more severity and lasted approximately 14 days. I’m honestly curious what my immunity is at this point because I’m not looking forward to a third infection? I’m also wondering if this virus is similar to the flu virus we are all familiar with and most have had several times? I guess time will tell.
My mom was fully vaccinated with Moderna March 2021. She contracted covid May 24, 2021. Was rough for about 2 weeks but life went back to normal. She also tested negative every week thereafter…. She then contracted covid again August 18, 2021. 86 days or 2months 25 days apart. she tested positive the second covid infection for 13 days straight. She has been negative but this round of covid has been debilitating. She still has yet to return to work & she is going crazy not being able to be there and living out her life mission as director of an ALF for adults with mental disabilities/mentally challenged. We have tried so many different treatments and nothing has worked. She sleeps 12+ hours with a 2-4 hour nap in the afternoon. My mom is a go to bed around 8-9pm and up coffee made 5am and ready to go- type personality… Now She can’t stay awake and has a long list of symptoms that are still present to this day. She is my best friend and when she struggles & hurting I feel her pain too… I’ve spent hours and hours researching to try and discover treatments that are working for others similar to her…Just know they are getting closer and you will make i through this incredibly challenging time.