My COVID-19* experience
So… I think I’ve had the virus* and the NHS text service I’m signed up to encourages sharing experiences to help others understand what it’s like. If you're interested then here are my answers to FAQs/comments...
How did you get it?
No idea, I’ve only been out for short local walks during lockdown. Other members of my household have been to grocery and pet stores, and we’ve had deliveries. We’ve been very careful, I don’t feel there’s anything we could’ve done differently. We’ll never know.
Why did you need to visit the hospital?
My first symptom was intense chest pain and I rang 111 concerned about my heart. Due to my family history and that I’ve got abnormally low blood pressure, they told me to go to the urgent care centre at the hospital for an ECG. At that point I had no notion of having the virus. I was given a mask upon entering and put in a private room.
While there I became a little breathless and very light headed. The ECG was fine. They checked my vitals and told me I had a high temperature and suspected I had the virus. They were incredibly patient and kind. I was sent home but told to come back if my breathing became worse.
I had two rude, ignorant people publicly criticise me for going (without knowing any facts). My only answer to those people is that I hope that others are kinder and more compassionate to them when they are unwell and vulnerable, than they were to me. I’m a sensible person who’d never intentionally put others at risk.
What symptoms have you had since?
The next day my temperature got even higher (39.9c) and the dry cough began. I had chest tightness and pain, aches all over and felt light-headed, weak and extremely fatigued. The most uncomfortable feeling was a general sense of a heavy weight on my chest and not breathing entirely normally, like I needed a big gasp of oxygen. Days 2-6 were the worst. After that, some days I felt a little better, others worse again. It took about 3 weeks to really feel ‘better’ and even now, I tire easy and feel physically worn out most days.
How about mentally?
It’s a rollercoaster and very surreal to have an illness and read about its daily death figures in the news. I had moments when I felt fed up and sorry for myself, but mostly I’ve been positive. I kept my mind occupied with TV, reading when I felt well enough, and mindfulness techniques like meditation. I visualised my body healing and things I want to do the in future.
A lot of people text me and said: Don’t panic! You’re gonna be ok!
To be honest I’ve not felt panicked... I was quite at peace with riding it out. It’s those who love me that have been worrying and I was sad to hear/see that, while feeling very loved.
My advice for those who get the virus:
Rest, rest, rest. Keep hydrated. Take paracetamol to get your temperature down. Sleep as much as you can. When awake, watch feel-good movies and take care of yourself mentally (see what I did above). The mind and body are very much connected!
Were your hubby and step-daughter ok?
Yes. hubs has been fine. My step-daughter felt a little unwell for 2 days but didn’t develop any bad symptoms. They were positive, caring and wonderful to me throughout.
*Quick disclaimer:
I’ve not been tested... given my symptoms, we’ve assumed it’s COVID-19, but I could’ve had some other flu like virus. The tests are for key workers and rightly so.
Many have said “I hope it’s not that!” ...on the contrary, let’s hope it was, and now I’ve built immunity.
I’d like to say a huge thank you to the people who have messaged/called regularly, sent cards and offered to get us supplies. It’s time like this when you see who really is gonna step up when you’re in need and I’m very grateful ❤️
Stay safe and sane, everyone!