Omicron variant

[swimmer]

Hi all

I have bronchiectasis (since 2012) and have been super careful during the pandemic. However, I missed my last vaccine (having had 4 over the years as well as both flu and shingles jabs) as the nearest place the NHS website could offer me for the 5th Covid jab was 22 miles away! With no public transport option. I tried and tried to find some where nearer but with no success...

I caught Covid ! And it was the Omicron variety and I have been so unwell - fevers, total exhaustion and difficulty concentrating or doing much at all apart from watching tv. No family or friends to help me.

Coughing loads more which is always worse after, or during, eating.

Since then, my fitness levels (such as they were) have plummeted and I feel very down.

Any words of advice would be very gratefully received.

Many thanks

Swimmer

[Patk1]

I'd rest up till symptoms settle.ru using additional salbutamol? I'd drink extra fluids to help thin mucous .hope u soon recover x

[swimmer in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patkl. I was prescribed a salbutamol inhaler, but it just made feel really tense and shakey. Drinking more sounds like something doable.I am totally alone with no family or friends nearby sadly.

Swimmer

[Patk1 in reply to swimmer]

Yr amongfriends here. Rest up + be kind to yrself .I get carbocysteine on prescription which thins mucous x

[swimmer in reply to Patk1]

Thanks Patk1

Am seeing a nurse practitioner in two weeks so will see if she can prescribe carbocysteine.

Swimmer 🙂

[kflatt]

Maybe you should get your vitamin D levels checked, especially if you haven't been outside much and don't take supplements. Also, make sure you get enough zinc in your diet.

[Biker88]

is your GP keeping an eye on you, if not let them know about your problem. In my area Covid vaccines are done at a main hub which is normally to far to travel to without a car. Also our local GP does offer the vaccine to a select few so if eligible you can get two invites one from the central vaccine office and one from your GP. Normally the GP invite is a few weeks after the central office invite.

[swimmer in reply to Biker88]

I live in a small retirement town so most of the residents are over 65 many in their 80's. My GP only works 3 or 4 days a week so getting an appt with him is very difficult. I do see nurse practitioners from time to time, but their expertise in Bronchiectasis is negligible...

Good to know you have better service where you live.

Thanks

Swimmer

[Musicalways]

Morning. Being ill with no help can be very challenging. Be kind to yourself. You are doing a good job. Try getting intouch with the GP and see if they can arrange a home visit for the vaccine

[swimmer in reply to Musicalways]

I eventually had the most recent vaccine - around Xmas 2023.

I think I would have to be dying before i got a GP visit. The problem is there are too few medics for the huge numbers of over 65's living here.

Thanks though and I will try and be kinder to myself.

Swimmer

[leo60]

I hope you feel better soon xx

[swimmer in reply to leo60]

Thanks, me too

xx

[Izb1]

Are you sure it's covid, my daughter has just had a severe cold and it has taken some time to get over. It's terrible that your gp couldn't offer the vaccine to you at your surgery, perhaps tell them you live alone and don't have transport. I would take a good tonic like Metatone that has everything your body needs to get better. Plenty of rest and stay hydrated. I too live alone and its hard looking after yourself when unwell and dealing with medical issues. I hope you get better soon x

[swimmer in reply to Izb1]

So good to hear from someone in similar circumstances. I still have some test kits left and do tests regularly - it's not Covid, it's the damage the Covid (Omicron) infection has done to already damaged lungs (Bronchectasis)

Not sure there is any cure for that, sadly.

Best wishes

Swimmer

[Daisytime]

That extra jab may not have made any difference, I have had all the relevant jabs but this past week I have slept day and night waking only for a drink or bite to eat. The only other symptom was a running nose and feeling so cold I felt like I was practicing to be a corpse! no cough with slightly discoloured phlegm. Today is day 7 and I am just feeling a little better. Don't know what it was, just don't want it again that's for sure. Take it steady and listen to your body, hoping you feel better soon (I have had COVID twice and it can take time to get better)

[swimmer in reply to Daisytime]

Hi Daisytime

It's good to hear from someone who has had Covid despite being careful and having all available jabs.

It's the coughing that is so frightening - I feel like I'm choking so have taken to carrying mints around with me in case i have a coughing fit in public.

I will try and be more patient.

Thanks again,

Swimmer

[watergazer]

Hope you’re on the mend. My hubby has been ill for over a week. He’s really tired and exhausted and coughing during the night. He doesn’t have any known lung conditions. Take care. Baby steps back to health x

[swimmer in reply to watergazer]

Thanks watergazer

Patience is key.

Best wishes to you and your hubby.

Swimmer