What helps post COVID shortness of breath?

Posted by kcstokes @kcstokes, Jul 17, 2021

Hydrochlaquid: Spelling is iffy at best. I wonder if this drug would provide relief from post COVID shortness of breath?

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

@welchllb

https://www.dolphinmps.com/dolphin-vagal-nerve-stimulation-for-covid19-2/
This is the website the Therapist sent me. I would appreciate your feedback. Thank you.

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This looks very interesting, Lucy. I'll be interested to hear if other members have been offered or told about vagus nerve stimulation as a potential effective treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory dysfunction originated by Covid-19. There are several clinical trials underway https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=vagus+nerve+stimulation+COVID&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=

Has your therapist discussed with you how this might help in your case? Is this something administered by the clinician?

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@giguilar

I would like to know. At this point I've been told I will be having oxygen 24/7 for my life remaining.

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my 37 yr old daughter was told this on discharge after a week in hosp with covid pneumonia. she did go home on oxygen but then her PCP said she will recover 100%. she's trying to wean herself down while waiting for her 1st pulmonologist virtual visit end of this month. not sure how old u are but hope u will get a better prognosis.

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@welchllb

Pulmonary rehab did not work. I could go through the routine with good oxygen and HR but later that day or the next I would have a breathing episode. The following is an excerpt from my COVID journal which is now 37 pages long.

I don't look sick - bags under my eyes only occur when I push myself, so most people have a hard time knowing I'm sick. My husband is really the only one who understands my disability. Getting dressed, walking to the mailbox, taking a shower, climbing stairs, getting pans out of cupboards, doing laundry, walking from the car to a restaurant result in windedness and legs that feel like they're going to collapse - like I've run a marathon. If I push myself after becoming winded and do not rest, I end up with scary shortness of breath, blurry vision, dizziness, major brain fog, headaches, feel like my heart is racing but it's not. Pre-Covid, I participated in Aerobic dancing 3 days a week, walked 5-6 miles 2x per week, gardened for hours, played golf, and more. Now, I can't go to a big grocery store - too much effort. (I went once with my husband and he had to walk me to the car in the middle of shopping.)

You are the first person in all my research and doctor visits who has asked me to describe my "episodes". Thank you!!!

Incidentally, I am on a waiting list for the University of MI Post-Covid Clinic. I hope to get an appointment in May. No, I hope I do not have to go by May. Mayo is not taking new post-Covid patients either......long waiting list.

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my mom got that comment all the time of "you don't look sick". she lived with bronchiectasis for over 40 yrs. once she started oxygen I think is when folks took her seriously. I'm so sorry...

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@colleenyoung

This looks very interesting, Lucy. I'll be interested to hear if other members have been offered or told about vagus nerve stimulation as a potential effective treatment for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome (ARDS) and respiratory dysfunction originated by Covid-19. There are several clinical trials underway https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/results?cond=vagus+nerve+stimulation+COVID&term=&cntry=&state=&city=&dist=

Has your therapist discussed with you how this might help in your case? Is this something administered by the clinician?

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Hmmm, interesting trials but none fit my situation. I did have acute COVID pneumonia but was not hospitalized. My biggest complaint is shortness of breath from doing minor activities. I am going to try VNS with a clinician here in FL. I will report the outcome, if any. Thank you.

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I have had shortness of breath and weak muscle anyone else?

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I have MCTD and have been on hydroxichloroquine (aka plaquenil) for over twenty years. I am just recovering from covid although I was even boosted. Shortness of breath is with me; hoping it will pass. I use a pickle (flutter valve) that is available on line to keep things loose. My oxygen levels, per oximeter (good to own, not expensive), are in the 90s. Stretches to open chest, like arms over the head; intentional breathing--hold breath for 10 sec or do the 8-4-8 breathe in, hold, breathe out. Sitting up rather than lying down is helpful. Your Dr might prescribe an inhaler.

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2 weeks out from COVID-19. Shortness of breath, continued coughing, and constant nasal discharge. Is there a pill that's prescribed for treatment?

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@jackal

2 weeks out from COVID-19. Shortness of breath, continued coughing, and constant nasal discharge. Is there a pill that's prescribed for treatment?

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Hello!
I am 5 weeks post Covid and my symptoms are lingering, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches and irritability. I am also recovering from pneumonia from Covid.
When I was first diagnosed with covid the Doctor at the Urgent Care advised me to seek the monoclonal antibodies before my symptoms got worse. I addressed this to my Primary Care Doctor and he said “NO” no explanation.
Well…I got worse-pneumonia…
I believe there is only a short window in the beginning of Covid when you can receive treatment.
I could be wrong, because I’m not a professional. I only know from my experience, and in my city as of the beginning of 2022 the antibodies were not available from one of the major healthcare systems I’m affiliated with.
I’ve been in the ER with an abnormal EKG as well. I’ve been on 3 rounds of steroids and I’m on an inhaler which causes me to have tacacardia.
Im still unable to work and I’m starting to feel depression because there is no treatment and I’m told to rest and I’ll feel better soon.
Are you on any steroids or an inhaler?
I hope you can pull through start to feel better.

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@ellfran

Hello!
I am 5 weeks post Covid and my symptoms are lingering, extreme fatigue, shortness of breath, brain fog, headaches and irritability. I am also recovering from pneumonia from Covid.
When I was first diagnosed with covid the Doctor at the Urgent Care advised me to seek the monoclonal antibodies before my symptoms got worse. I addressed this to my Primary Care Doctor and he said “NO” no explanation.
Well…I got worse-pneumonia…
I believe there is only a short window in the beginning of Covid when you can receive treatment.
I could be wrong, because I’m not a professional. I only know from my experience, and in my city as of the beginning of 2022 the antibodies were not available from one of the major healthcare systems I’m affiliated with.
I’ve been in the ER with an abnormal EKG as well. I’ve been on 3 rounds of steroids and I’m on an inhaler which causes me to have tacacardia.
Im still unable to work and I’m starting to feel depression because there is no treatment and I’m told to rest and I’ll feel better soon.
Are you on any steroids or an inhaler?
I hope you can pull through start to feel better.

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Hi
I am 11 months post covid, still missing air, lungs capacity abt 40%, as had bouth side heavy pneumonia, dificult with stairs, walking only very slow, but no any info how long IT will take to recover to kind of normal condition. Belive how is the progress IT will take minimum year and half

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I am 5 months post Covid. I now use a daily inhaler and rescue when needed. This has helped. A lot. I can get through my day by day. But if I do anything ‘extra’ l need the rescue inhaler. I did have some baseline seasonal asthma. I am trying to push a little bit to build up. It has helped. I used to get short of breath around the house. I now can walk a mile slowly. Recovery is a slow slow crawl.

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