Post-Covid "Organizing" Pneumonia / Long Term Complications
I'm a 52 years old F - I had Covid pneumonia and was hospitalized for 2 days back in May '22 - went home with steroids for a week, felt fine initially, then started having issues with shortness of breath. Went back to my PC for a follow-up and he prescribed a 2nd round of steroids (12-day prednisone pack), along with an asthma inhaler. Within 48 hours of completing the steroids, started having SOB again, to the point it was a real chore to climb the stairs up to my bedroom. Had a follow-up with a pulmonologist on June 24th, and he sent me straight to the ER because he suspected blood clots - unfortunately he was correct (keep in mind, I had NO pain, swelling, redness in my legs, and no chest pain either, just shortness of breath - I was shocked). I spent another 6 days in the hospital and came home with blood thinners and home oxygen. After a follow-up stress test, they put me on high-dose prednisone and low-dose Bactrim (to prevent a "super-bug" infection) - so far I'm still on oxygen 24/7 (3-4 L, depending on exertion) and I started pulmonary rehab a couple of weeks ago. I can take the oxygen off for small periods of time if I am resting, but if I get up to do anything, my O2 sats drop to the low-mid 80's. Oh, not to mention, the steroids have given me a lovely case of "moon face", ugh 🙁 Just wondering if anyone else has had these types of complications after Covid pneumonia and if there is an end in site - I'm to young to feel this damn old!
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Hoping you find relief and feel better soon!!