Is it normal that after 2 weeks with covid symptoms I started to have a bad pain to my ribs on both sides

[Sunflower_2017]

No cough only temperature and extreme fatigue but today I have this bad pain to my ribs if I push myself to cough. What it can be, chest infection ? I took more inhalers 4 times a day, Fostair 100 ml Paracetamol and I changed it to Lemsip 4 times a day. Please help thank you so much.

[Bevvy]

You really should contact gp or because this is weekend think you should contact 111. They can arrange out of hours gp or get paramedics to assess you. The fact you have new symptoms after 2 weeks is slightly concerning. When I have had significant pain it has been due to chest infections. Hopefully in your case is absolutely nothing serious. Maybe just sore ribs due to Covid cough but you should be checked out in case you have developed a secondary bacterial infection.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Bevvy]

Thank you very much Bevvy, very kind of you. I called 111 and after the assessment I waited for a call back from a Dr. but nobody called. I’ll try tomorrow again. No cough luckily during these horrendous 2 weeks of covid.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Sunflower_2017]

I’ve been called by a consultant a little bit later and she sent the ambulance and I ended up at the A&E. I met the most fabulous medical staff who supported me. I received IV, paracetamol and antibiotics and also prescribed medication of coamoxiclav and augmentin to be taken every 8 h. The last one they couldn’t offer me because there wasn’t in the stock. I’ll have to wait till Monday. I’ll try to call 111 tomorrow if there is any chance to have it issued somehow by a pharmacy. Still feel the fatigue. Hopefully I’ll get better soon. Thank you for all your contribution dear Bevvy. My best wishes of health.

[Poobah]

Totally agree with Bevvy. Don't hesitate to call 111 and seek an assessment and treatment...don't wait till Monday. The sooner you start treatment, the better.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you very much Poobah for your kind reply. I called 111 but nobody called back as they promised. I’ll try tomorrow again. Thank you so much.

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

If you can, try as early as possible in the morning - you may get ahead of the morning rush. But if you suddenly feel worse I wouldn't think twice about calling 999, at least they can assess the situation and make the right decision. I say this as sometimes when we're very poorly it's difficult to make reasoned decisions. Take care.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you Poobah, that’s a very good point to call them earlier. You’re right it’s difficult to explain in details everything when you are poorly. No clear judgement. Thank you again for your kindness.

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

You're welcome. Keep us posted.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Just to keep you updated. Late in the night a consultant called and again put me through all the assessment and finally she decided ok it’s time for the ambulance. They turned up many hours later but they decided right away to take me the hospital, where I met the loveliest adorable doctor Nichola and nurse Lucy, also other high class professionals. I received IV antibiotics and paracetamol and prescribed antibiotics to take home, co-amoxiclav 500mg and augmentin which is missing currently every 8 h. for 1 week. I still feel weak hopefully tomorrow I’ll notice a change, God help.

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

I'm so pleased to hear you got the call back and they took good care of you. I suspect it will take a couple of days for things to kick in, and I hope you make a full and swift recovery now you have treatment. Take care & take it easy.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you Poobah very kind of you. I changed the antibiotic, awful experience with co-amoxiclav. Never again. Stomach pain, nausea, loss of appetite, pain to abdomen. It says on the prospect to stop taking it straight away if colitis is present. I’m on amoxicillin and full dose of vitamins. Wow what an experience the last few weeks. Thank you for all the support❤️

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

Some antibiotics are worse than the infection, thanks to side effects. Glad you got all that sorted though and you're on the mend. 🤗 Take care.

[Burghy]

I had a bad back pain as well it is part of it so painful get well soon

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Burghy]

Thank you very much Burghy for confirming.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Sunflower_2017]

No more rib pain today which is sooooo encouraging. I just had to go through this bad experience about the side effects of my antibiotics. Change the co-amoxiclav to amoxicillin. Felling much better today. God bless.

[Rlbee1974]

Hi hope you manage to get through and speak to someone on 111 to get checked out . I had covid December 2020 and I still get bad rib pain on and off that lasts for a few days and the drs all blame it on long covid . The consultant for my asthma did some bloods at my last appointment and I’ve not heard there was anything untoward on them yet so just thought I’d let you know it is a thing but you do need checking out to eliminate infections first . Hope you feel better soon x

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Rlbee1974]

I have indeed the rib pain let me see for how long. It’s a bit scary. I’ll keep you updated with this long covid. Test was negative today but this chest infection I really don’t need more complications neither long or short term. For 2 weeks I was struggling with paracetamol, sweating and extreme fatigue. Enough is enough. Next time I won’t wait that long hopefully no more next time because I’ll built up an exercise plan gradually and use the nebuliser meantime and Buteicho ex. Really good feeling afterwards. My best wishes of health Rlbee1974

[Hidden]

It sounds very much like you have developed a chest infection - definitely contact your GP or call 111 if out of hours - hope you feel better soon.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Hidden]

Thank you Ballerina57, I’m already on 2 antibiotics hopefully I’ll get better tomorrow. Thank you for your kind input.😘

[Sunflower_2017]

I still feel very weak no appetite and antibiotic is making me very sick. Call the gp

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

Definitely talk to your GP today. It's important to be able to keep your fluid intake up and be able to tolerate the antibiotics. I've only ever had one bad reaction to antibiotics but my GP was happy to change the prescription on that occasion. It's not good to feel nauseous as you're unlikely to keep your fluid intake up and you don't want to get to the stage where you're vomiting up your meds and getting dehydrated.

The GP may even prescribe an anti-sickness medication if they want you to continue with the same antibiotics. It's not unusual for anti-sickness meds to be given if antibiotics are making you nauseous.

If you do get a prescription then it may be helpful to buy some electrolyte sachets from the pharmacy just in case you're dehydrated.

I've also used Ensure protein drinks if I'm not eating because of illness. They're best chilled and come in a few flavours. I get mine from Amazon but pharmacies will sell something similar. I was put on them by the hospital after surgery and I've used them ever since, whenever I get a bad bout of illness and can't eat. In addition, I stick to fizzy water instead of other fluids when nauseous.

Hope you start to feel better soon. Take care.

[Sunflower_2017 in reply to Poobah]

Thank you Poobah for the advice. I changed the antibiotic to amoxicillin. I felt much better today after stop taking the co-amoxiclav. No more chest pain, better breathing.Use of nebulizer with saline water, feeling the difference. My appetite is back very slowly, I’m so glad. I’m taking B complex and Ca, Mg Vit D. I’m just hoping for the sunshine to shine again on my street. God bless.

[Poobah in reply to Sunflower_2017]

Really good to hear that you're on the mend now you're on the right antibiotic. Sounds like you're doing all the right things. Take care & take it easy. 🤗