Connect
Omicron COVID symptoms
I had acute shortness of breath (I also have asthma) and went to the ER. My oximeter showed reasonably normal O2 levels but I could barely breathe. I thought I had pneumonia (I had tested negative for COVID 2 day’s earlier) but it turns out I did have COVID. They gave me IV steroids and 2 respiratory treatments which helped but I had to stay for 2 more day’s observation. Something else really odd…my glomerular filtration rate was well above average (I have no history of kidney issues) and of course went even higher after receiving Remdesivir. I was sent home home paxlovid and decadrin but this is a much slower recovery than I anticipated. My really question is this….how could my O2 sats look okay and yet I could not breathe? The nurses said this is what they’ve seen in COVID patients but it doesn’t make sense. I kept thinking I was imagining being short of breath but I know I wasn’t
Like
Helpful
HugInterested in more discussions like this? Go to the Post-COVID Recovery & COVID-19 Support Group.
Connect
HI rita,
Hope you are feeling better.
This is such a weird and awful illness!
I think it took about 80 years for science to figure out why the 1918 Flu killed young people more than old people. I hope we don't have to wait that long for answers about Covid, but we may have to be patient. That thought makes me want to scream.
I think I read that Covid can cause some inflammation in the brain. Maybe that inflammation is confusing our brain, so we think we are feeling things in our bodies that aren't really happening? I dunno. Just thinking about my breathing makes my breathing weird-but that's just me.
Let's hope this stupid Covid crap all goes away soon.
But if that’s the case, the steroids and breathing treatments wouldn’t have helped and they did. And surprisingly my brain seemed to be functioning
It is a very strange illness, isn't it?
I look forward to reading what other people think about it.
As a 40 year ICU nurse, I assure pulse oximetry oxygen levels are almost always correct but not always. That is why nurses have to look at the patient, not just the numbers. I had the same experience in ‘22 in an ER. I finally yelled, “I don’t care what the numbers say, I can’t breathe.” I was admitted for 6 nights.
I too ended up in the ER with COVID last year. My 02 levels were excellent (97-98), but, my asthma was out the roof and I had double pneumonia, asthmatic bronchitis & sinus infection. My rescue inhaler did not work for me at home for prior diagnosed asthma and my chest hurt and I couldn't get full breaths. I felt like I was smothering. YOU CAN"T ALWAYS GO BY NUMBERS.....My bloodwork numbers were all over the place with COVID. After I got better, I had them all redone and guest what...they were all normal. COVID affects everyone so differently. I pray things get back to normal for you. Blessings....
Wow! Thank you for posting your experience. It makes me glad to know I wasn’t crazy!!! And I’m so glad you are doing well now!!! Thank you!