Been ill for 5 days. Is it corona? - Atrial Fibrillati...

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Been ill for 5 days. Is it corona?

fallingtopieces profile image
66 Replies

I haven’t posted for a while as I haven’t suffered AF or even tachy for some time.

I thought I’d tell you all this though:

I’ve been very unwell since Sunday.

I do work in an independent primary school where Children cough on me daily and travel all over the world in each school holiday

I have not gone into a shop, restaurant or similar for 3 weeks. Food delivered. The most I’ve done apart from go to work is put petrol in and take shopping in off the step.

My husband and 26 yr old son live here with me and are both self isolating (son) working from home(husband)

It’s important to tell you now that I have an annual flu jab and have not had a single day off for over 18 years so I’m no wimp.

I’m 60.

I’m on no meds.

On Saturday my throat and mouth felt a bit ‘fiery’

On Sunday I was laid up with 38.5 temp and the sorest throat I’ve ever experienced. A banging head, achy and a hot face. No cough of the kind spoken about. Just a little cough here and there.

I didn’t/couldn’t go to work on Monday.

Can’t concentrate on much, no reading, no tv. But I still mostly ‘have’ control Of my head, if that makes sense.

My temperature was 37*C for a short while this morning but back up now in the 38s again.

My HR(have Kardia) has been 20-25bpm over my normal.

It’s been 92 ish and regular, no palps that i can sense.

Usual HR 65 ish.

I’m still at least as ill as I was on Sunday and cannot remember being this unwell.

Have I got it. I would like to know as if I get ‘it’ while I’m low from this it’ll be a double whammy.

☹️

Pat

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66 Replies
jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

So difficult to say isn't it! I think I've read or heard somewhere that if it's coronavirus, it can suddenly get worse around 5 days. I'm sure with the way you're feeling I too would be thinking I had it.

Is it affecting your breathing?

Jean

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to jeanjeannie50

No Jeannie, not my breathing -yet.

I have seen online, people who have tested positive(when they were testing) with very sore throat and barely little or no cough.

I’m thinking I have it but wish I knew.

Pat

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to fallingtopieces

It's nonsense that people like you can't be tested, but then how long would that result take to come back! Have heard of people waiting a week. Be poised to call 111 for help if you get any worse, or don't start feeling better soon.

Keep us informed how you are please.

Wising you well.

Jean

Lilypocket profile image
Lilypocket in reply to fallingtopieces

Here in France if you have a fever you can be tested. However I think they are really concentrated on people who have difficulty breathing AND a fever. Have you still got your tonsils? It could be tonsilitis which is very painful and gives fever.

Hope you get better soon! xx

bantam12 profile image
bantam12

Could be normal flu but who knows 🤷‍♀️

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to bantam12

I have had flu in the past, 25 years ago. I was hallucinating with that. Not with this. 🤷🏻‍♀️

Pat

bantam12 profile image
bantam12 in reply to fallingtopieces

Flu viruses change all the time so won't always give exactly the same symptoms.

Truckerclark profile image
Truckerclark

You should call 111 and tell them your temp and how you feel they will advise you then ,,,anything over 37 is normally saying fever / infection of some kind ,,,, you may just need antibiotics but best check ,especially if underlying health issues

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

111 says only get in touch if you have breathing difficulties

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to fallingtopieces

I can see why for fear of being overwhelmed but I also think someone, somewhere should be tracking people in your situation.

Truckerclark profile image
Truckerclark in reply to fallingtopieces

Call your doctor ,,, they still need to check others as well as corona virus , if your I’ll you need help ,,especially high temp ,,

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Truckerclark

Thanks Truckerclark but the message is not to contact them unless you’re having difficulty breathing and I’m not. I know what to do for a high temperature and if I couldn’t get it down myself by any means, I’d definitely phone 111.

All’s well today. No high temperature at all.

Pat

Truckerclark profile image
Truckerclark in reply to fallingtopieces

That’s great I’m just concerned your not getting checked out ,,,, but hopefully your on the mend take care and stay safe all ,,,,

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer

Only real way to know is by testing & that doesn’t seem to be generally available.

Personally I would err on the side of caution which according to recent announcements means your whole household needs to self isolate for 14 days.

My sympathies & hope you recover very soon. Do keep in touch & let us know how you go & very encouraging that whatever you have had hasn’t triggered arrythmias for you.

Take good care of yourself. X

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to CDreamer

Thank you.x

This is exactly what we’re doing. No one going anywhere. Husband and son going out for separate walks, keeping away from other people.

My son is a barber and although he has a permanent contract, he’s being ‘laid off’ til work picks up.

My school is in north London and there are many children off. Some unwell, others self isolating.

I just want to get better now without this mutating.

Pat x

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to fallingtopieces

Hope it does very quickly 🥰

sotolol profile image
sotolol in reply to fallingtopieces

Hi feel for you. It’s the not knowing. I forgot about hair dressers and barbers. I’m due to go soon!!!! Maybe not now.

I hope you feel better as soon as possible. Scary times and confusing. Wishing you and family the best. Hope you get some good helpful advice.

Finvola profile image
Finvola

So sorry you are facing this illness and uncertainty Pat. It sounds as though you are doing all you can at the moment - remember to keep well hydrated and rest. Best wishes. 💐

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

John, since posting I had a temperature of 39.3(sorry although I’m old I’ve got used to Celsius now) took 2 paracetamols which took it down to 37 for half an hour only then I could feel it was back up and it was 39.3 I then laid in a very cool bath for a while and kept adding cold water. That made me feel so much better. Temp still high at 38.5 but I feel a bit better.

I’m used to colds, coughs and other viruses but I plod on with them, this feels different.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to fallingtopieces

You know your body best, cool bath sounds like a good move. X

LMor profile image
LMor

I hope you feel better very soon. Can I ask you if you’ve had a burning sensation in your chest and throat (not heartburn). I have lots of symptoms like you, but not heard anyone say this one. I feel like I’ve smoked 100 cigarettes and I don’t smoke lol

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to LMor

It began with a sort of burning feeling in my mouth/throat. I don’t get heartburn so wasn’t that. I feel lucky up to now that my breathing and chest feels ok. I am coughing a bit now but I think it’s because I’m avoiding swallowing as it’s soooo painful, like razor blades, then that triggers a coughing spell.

I’ve looked this up and 60-80% have the dry continual cough, not everyone.

Had a bad sweaty night last night, very uncomfortable . Bed covers and hair all wet.

Day 5 today.

Pat.

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to fallingtopieces

The fever is nature's reponse. The raised temperature is the body's reaction to kill viruses and bacteria. Taking paracetamol to reduce it actually prolongs the body's battle with the virus. Before the days of paracetamol and ibuprofen the response to fever was cool cloths on the head and sponging the body with cool water so your idea of a cool bath was probably the best response.

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Auriculaire

I know this. Luckily I’m well aware of all you say. Only taken 6 paracetamols in total and that is saying something for me as I am an avid no tablet taker. I Won’t take ibuprofen.

Ibuprofen dampens immunity. As do steroids. I know many on here take ace inhibitors but there’s a connection with them being unhelpful with coronavirus.

Luckily I have kept my head and knew to have a cool bath.

I would rather my body fought this by itself and do not want to mask symptoms with medication. Know your pain.

Pat

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to fallingtopieces

Sorry for telling you something you already know! Many people don't know this including it seems doctors as bringing fever down with meds seems to be universally recommended these days. As a floxie I regard ibuprofen as poison anyway and only succumb to paracetamol when my hip arthritis pain is unbearable. I read a French website that is basically a gang of heretic docs and they have just put out an advice article in which they point the finger at the "sartan" class of blood pressure drugs as well as the "prils". They also say low dose aspirin should not be taken either. They have unearthed some interesting figures out of Wuhan showing that patients with very low LDL cholesterol did worse than those with higher LDLc. Even more interesting a study done pre covid 19 that showed that those who had flu jabs were 36% more likely to be infected with the existing coronaviruses that cause colds and upper RTIs !

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Auriculaire

Oooo... that’s all very interesting.

Forgot to say, I do have a flu jab😐 I pay for one. Self employment was the decider there.

I too have hip arthritis and like you, still resist the dreaded ibuprofen despite dreadful pain sometimes. Incidentally, staying in bed has not been good for it. I’m better when active.

Pat

Auriculaire profile image
Auriculaire in reply to fallingtopieces

Just before lockdown I went to my GP for the referral letter for the surgeon to get a hip replacement. I have not rung up for the appointment as though medical visits are permitted I do not fancy sitting in a waiting room and anyway the hospitals need to be kept free for covid 19 patients. I will not die of an arthritic hip and I can still garden though I have to be very careful as my balance is not very good. Walking is not much fun so I tend to count my 2 + hours a day gardening as my exercise. I haven't had a flu jab since 2011 and rely on a very high level of vit d and n acetyl cysteine. Since taking the NAC I have not even had a bad cold ( 4 years).

sotolol profile image
sotolol in reply to fallingtopieces

💕💕💕

Buffafly profile image
Buffafly

After a lot of changes of information it seems that the one definite symptom of CV is a very high temperature. Trying to cool yourself down is good. The advice is to seek help from 111online if no improvement or getting worse after 7 days. Best wishes 💜

It’s difficult to say. You can get some flu even after the flu vaccination, but it is usually mild. On the other hand, you don’t appear to have any respiratory symptoms. So I would think that even if it is coronavirus it might be a mild form of it.

Rubymurray25 profile image
Rubymurray25

I know they have taken on extra staff at 111 surely you should ring them, your history of not having time off work etc speaks volumes!! We are all reading and hearing different things, I heard that not everyone gets a cough, we are all so very different so why shouldn't it affect in slightly alternative ways. My doctors surgery sent an email last night saying we now have to use the online LIVI ( speak to a doctor on line ) as they have 5 doctors off in self isolation, maybe that might be worth checking out. Hope you feel better soon.

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Rubymurray25

I can’t see what 111 can do for me.

Incidentally my doctors surgery sent a no reply text to say there are no coronavirus cases in the area🙄

dedeottie profile image
dedeottie in reply to fallingtopieces

How do they know that if no tests are being done?

I would assume you have it and if you don’t improve or get worse by 7 days you must phone 111.

Hope you feel better soon whatever it is. X

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to dedeottie

Thank you, I will. I think it’s wrong that tests aren’t available unless you’re hospitalised.

If I knew for sure I had it then got over it, I’d be immune and that would be very reassuring

FancyPants54 profile image
FancyPants54 in reply to fallingtopieces

They don't know if we gain immunity from it. So not worth assuming we do at this stage. 111 won't do anything for you because there is nothing to do but rest and stay home. It only kicks in if you get breathing difficulties. You are doing the right things. Let the fever burn to do it's job and avoid the Ibuprofen meds which they are telling us can make Covid-19 worse.

Amy2805 profile image
Amy2805

Hi, I have been exactly the same. I am 29 have AF and narrow complex tachycardia. I started with a sore throat and high temp Saturday night. I was really poorly on Monday and Tuesday feel much better today and my temp has calmed down finally. I have had 2 palpitations and a few dizzy spells. I have got a slight cough it’s not horrific but it’s there. My husband said I was breathing funny on Monday night whilst asleep. But luckily I am much better today so I’m over the worst.

I did phone 111 and they told me to self isolate so it’s not worth phoning if you have the symptoms you just have to self isolate the whole household for 14 days. She said if my symptoms got worse to phone straight away. There is a phase 2 of CV after around 5 days apparently but most people don’t get this which is breathing difficulties. So I’m convinced I have had it and sounds like you may have too.

Hope you feel better soon x

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

Thank you Amy. You have age on your side which helped you shake this off.

I’m as sure as I can be that I have it, without really knowing. Just hoping I get better and this doesn’t evolve into another phase. I’m day 5 today.

When an antibody test is developed and widely available, I’ll have it (if I’m still here)

Pat

DueNorth profile image
DueNorth

This is the downside of school 'closures'. My wife is in a similar situation to you. Effectively pressganged into 'babysitting' some children so that services can go on and grandparents are not exposed to infected but symptom-free children. However, her school is in a deprived area where many grandparents are in their 40s / early 50s and she's almost 60.

We are having to consider living in separate bits of the house as I'm knocking on 70 with persistent AF. To add to the mix we have a 15 year old son who will now be pretty much confined to the house for months to come with just an electric guitar to console him from only being able to see his mates and girlfriend by facetime/instagram. What joy that will bring...

I would stress that, normally, my wife would be the first to volunteer, and refuses to take the 'self-isolating family' option as she feels part of a team and will not let her colleagues down.

I know this will come across as a whinge but it really isn't. We're very public spirited and I know we're in difficult times and desparate needs prompt desparate measures. I'm just trying to stick up for teachers whose dedication and commitment are only obvious to their families, and who face hostility and abuse daily. After last night's announcements my wife and her colleagues feel like 'cannon fodder' and were all dreading going in this morning and facing the hoards of parents who have been trained over recent years to view them as scapegoats by a government which has no real respect for public sector workers. Perhaps the next few months will help rebalance that idea.

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

How are you today? I've been thinking and your symptoms do sound like like you may have the coronavirus. Just been telling my sister about you, she just has a cough.

Jean

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to jeanjeannie50

Thanks Jean. I had a bad sweaty night, duvet wet, hair wet, drinking lots. I’ve had a nice bath this morning and my temperature has been normal all morning. It does this though and can then go high suddenly. Throat as bad as ever. Coughing is not a big thing for me, I’m only coughing if I haven’t swallowed for a while( so painful) hot drinks are less painful to swallow I’ve found. Day 5 today. Thought yesterday was day 5 but decided not to count Saturday when I felt fairly good, not laid up.

Just hoping I don’t get another stage of it- the one with impaired breathing.

Hope your sisters is ok.

Think the big thing with this(if it is this) is the high temperatures- up then down-all over the place. I was worried yesterday when paracetamol didn’t work

Pat

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50 in reply to fallingtopieces

Strange how your temperature keeps varying and that paracetamol don't appear to bring it down for long. It sounds like you're symptoms may be a little better today, but I guess time will tell. Please let us know how you get on.

Wishing you well.

Jean

doodle68 profile image
doodle68

Hi FTP :-) good to 'see' you. I hope you are feeling better today.

I have a really bad chest infection and now sore throat which started about 2 weeks ago and I know exactly where I caught it.

If I get any bug it seems to exaserbate my P-AF and I keep getting short runs of AF when I cough a lot. I had a full-blown episide last week lasting many hours and don't want another so soon.

The instant I get these little runs I lay on the floor and begin diaphragmatic breathing (lots of tutorials on this in the web) and they stop though it doesn't stop a full-blown episode but helps . Maybe something to consider if you suspect an episode is starting :-)

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to doodle68

I’m vagal too. The coughing works both ways I suppose. You may or may not remember but I’m an avid magnesium taker. 800mg daily without fail for 7-8 years now-along with other supplements. I swear by them and put my very long spell with no AF, tachy or ectopics(the odd one only) down to them.

You sound very vagally sensitive so take care x

Pat

doodle68 profile image
doodle68 in reply to fallingtopieces

...i'm still taking the magnesium too :-) I think with lifestyle changes it may have helped to slow the progression of P-AF but like time it is still progessing..

Pat :-) I wish you a speedy rcovery and continued freedom from AF ...xx

Jennifer53 profile image
Jennifer53

Ring your GP. If you are in Ireland the GP will assess you over the phone and if they think you are at risk they will refer you for testing. Nobody on here can tell if you have it cos we are not medical people. I am currently waiting for a call to tell me where to go for test. Our national stadium have opened their drive through tunnels for testing. You stay in your car and the staff will swab you through the window. Most importantly you need to self isolate now. Im sitting here at my kitchen table working my normal job. We have been sent home last week as we are a frontline service. Dont panic. this will pass.

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Jennifer53

Not the same here in England. No testing, only for hospital admissions. I Think this is wrong.

Yes I’m isolating. Not capable of doing anything anyway. 3 of us here with one bathroom. Other 2 are fine but also self isolating. Plenty of hand washing, Spraying dettox everywhere,keeping towels, toothbrushes and toothpastes separate and I’m eating from a paper plate but washing my cutlery and glass in the bathroom and keeping in my room. Doing as much as I can.

Pat

Amcech profile image
Amcech in reply to fallingtopieces

I’m not a doctor but your symptoms sound like strep to me. You may need an antibiotic.

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Amcech

Not strep throat. No white patches, tonsils don’t even look swollen, just very red back there. Glands are swollen too.

Amcech profile image
Amcech in reply to fallingtopieces

Have you called your doctor?

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to Amcech

No. Already had texts from the surgery telling people not to be in touch unless you have breathing difficulties. I can’t see what they could do for me.

Janith profile image
Janith

Why aren’t you in an emergency room? Omg, l would go to the hospital so fast if l had those symptoms ... what are you thinking? You need professional guidance.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to Janith

The advice here is no, in no circumstances go to an emergency room - that will only spread the virus & as Pat says - no treatment available so unless you have serious respiratory problems - in which case you ring for help which comes to you - you and your whole family self isolate for 14 days. I think we need to be ready to be self reliant & fall back on old fashioned treatments such as cooling the body rather than reliant on pharmaceuticals. It’s going to be some time before treatments & vaccines are going to be available.

There are not enough medical staff and resources to treat anything other than the sickest patients so we must be mindful of others who really need these services.

We are near lockdown here with many self isolating and social distancing - all schools closed, all sport cancelled, busy cities are empty & life as we knew it had changed completely.

My 9 year old grandson has just developed these symptoms which means whole family are now housebound & daughter in law has been told not to bother going back to work - because there may not be work to return to.

I hope you all fare better in the other side of the pond. Best wishes CD

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

No, why? What emergency treatment do I need? I’m self managing Just fine at the moment. Just have to sit this out unless it affects effective breathing.

Pat

Janith profile image
Janith

I’m in America ... we go very easily to see a doctor ... l wish you well.

CDreamer profile image
CDreamer in reply to Janith

If this virus hits your area you may find that changes very fast. You cannot see a doctor face to face in my area - all consultations are telephone or email or video conferencing and I completely agree and support those decisions as we cannot afford for our doctors to have to go into quarantine for 14 days.

S11m profile image
S11m

My friend died of virus pneumonia a few months ago - I fought it off without really succumbing to it. My resting heart rate (from my Apple watch) went down for a few days 54 to 50 bpm - and then went up to 60 for three days.

I have had a slight headache, tickling the throat and very slight chestiness for a week or so - but my resting pulse has been low.

I lent my digital medical thermometer to my late wife - and now I cannot find it.

If we are asymptomatic, we get no symptoms - but I suspect that raised pulse rate and temperature might be first or least symptoms.

My AF is in remission, my pacemaker stops my pulse-rate going much below 50, I am 70. I like to think that losing five stone, not having diabetes, being a life-long non-smoker, walking 30 to 40 km a week and fasting 20:4 for the last two years might make me resistant to covid-19?

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to S11m

Sounds as though you’ve been doing all the right things, especially the losing weight and never having smoked.

I’ve never smoked either.

As for having a high temperature, if you don’t have a thermometer you have to go with how you feel. When my temperature was at its highest, my head was banging and I felt very hot in the face.

Keep well.

S11m profile image
S11m in reply to fallingtopieces

I am feeling better today - and my sight is much better (I can read the scale on my bathroom scales).

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

I’m feeling much better today!

Normal temperature all day again.

Sore throat still but bearable now. I don’t have to brace myself to swallow.

Still feel weary and am now coughing but not the cough they describe. Just in bouts, not constant by any means.

Now I need to know if I’ve had/got it.

Pat x

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Pleased to hear you're feeling better. Sounds like you did the right thing sitting it out, but I'm sure you must have wondered how this episode was going to turn out. You are a good role model for us all. Stay well. Jean x

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to jeanjeannie50

Thanks Jean!

I’m hoping this is the end part but I have been coughing a lot 😐 .

Ocado arrived! Lots of substitutions.

I’m still in my room so asked husband to FaceTime me from the kitchen to show me it all. He’s my reluctant but necessary gofer.

I’m in the London area so supermarkets are empty I believe and do not really have the small shops.

Pat

Faraday954 profile image
Faraday954

Glad to hear you are feeling better today! Hope your cough is better soon, keep us updated!

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

Are you still getting better? Jean x

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces in reply to jeanjeannie50

Yes I think so Jean🤞🏻

No high temps and sore throat 98% gone.

Briefly had a 38.4 temp last night- I could feel it in my face/head. 10 mins later it was normal.

Isn’t that strange?

Still feel weary and tired just doing nothing.

Yesterday I thought sore throat was gone but today I can feel the roof of my mouth, right at the back, is sore on swallowing.

I’m still waiting for a few more days before thinking I’m over ‘it’.

Worried in case it’s not ‘it’ and I’m yet to get ‘it’.

The awful thing is I have to go back to work, possibly next week😟 a key worker.

School have made a 2 week staff rota to be in 5 full days one week then a week at home.

We have 23 key worker children in school as from today. Supposed to carry out Social distancing somehow, at the same time.

This is worrying me, I don’t want to do it but can’t get out of it.

To top it off, Our boiler stopped working yesterday. We have an emersion heater to use and a couple of oil filled radiators, but our house is self isolating- plus, I don’t want anyone coming in to fix it anytime soon.

Might have to stay this way til this is over.

That would only have been a small thing to deal with a couple of months ago.

Good news is I have 3 Ocado deliveries in the pipeline.🤗

How’s your sister?

Patx

jeanjeannie50 profile image
jeanjeannie50

You've had bit of a nightmare time and it certainly sounds like you had the virus. Take care that it has really gone and doesn't go to your chest now.

My sister is fine, think she just had a normal cough and cold, but who knows! It was her workplace that told her to go home and not come back for 14 days because of her coughing. She lives in outer London and works for one of the Priory clinics where they had a patient with Norovirus. She had part of a lung removed because of cancer about 4 years ago, so would be vulnerable if hit with the virus.

Hope you soon fully recover. Jean

fallingtopieces profile image
fallingtopieces

I have just posted back an antibody test(a lab one with 100% sensitivity) to see if I have covid 19 antibodies🤞🏻. It’s not a scam or a ‘stick’one and I’ve paid what I think is a huge amount. At least I should know one way or the other if I’ve had it or at least whether I have the antibodies. I would feel so much better back at school if I have them.

I will post my results when I get them which could be by the end of the week.

Pat

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