Jelly legs in the morning, long covid, early in recovery

[natswright]

My legs are very unconditioned after a month in hospital, and I seem to have jelly legs this morning, they are feeling very wobbly.

Hope this improves as I get up and move a bit.

Anyone else get this?

[Hidden]

Yes it’s inevitable after being ill and bed bound. The muscles lose condition and strength. A little bit of walking and slowly building up with some strengthening exercises. Lots on You Tube. Gradually getting better is the thing. It’s like climbing a long slow hill.

[natswright in reply to Hidden]

Yes! I could manage flight of stairs in hospital! But at home I seem to get breathless more easily. I think I need to focus on more exersise. I wanted to take the first week out of hospital easy, so have scooted around on a wheely chair mostly. This may have made my legs weaker. So starting later today I will walk to the kitchen.

[Hidden in reply to natswright]

You aren't an invalid and shouldn't treat yourself as one. You are a normally healthy young person who has had a truly awful experience. This has left you shocked, scared and weakened. Of course it has. Hopefully you will get help with this mysterious thing called long covid. In the meantime you help yourself as most of us on this site have to. Every little step forward that you take will give you a great sense of achievement and lessen your anxiety. Just don't be tempted to overdo it. I am 71 with a lifelong serious lung condition and heart failure. I lead a normal life. In June I nearly died during a procedure to insert a pacemaker when the surgeon punctured my only good lung. My children were told I had 10 mins to live but to everybody's amazement I fought my way back with minimal ventilation. When I left hospital 12 days later I could barely walk but my daughter slowly walked me up the long corridor out of there. The medics, GP included have left me to get on with it. I have spent the last months doing a bit more every day and was delighted to find that I can now climb the stairs in the building where I am a guide.

It is possible. We are all with you and I am sure that somebody will suggest some strengthening exercises. Be kind to yourself. One day at a time. X

[natswright in reply to Hidden]

Aw thanks. I had such a bad sleep last night, tired this morning so resting.

[Hidden in reply to natswright]

💖 X

[peege]

Covid affects the lungs so you're bound to feel breathlessness also feel wobbly due to loss of muscle tone. You probably had loads of antibiotics and anti-virals which will have walked you out of sync in every way.If I were you I'd be doing lots of VERY gentle muscle stretches as one might before and after a workout at the gym to recondition your muscles. Start from toes and flex every muscle on the way up to the neck & head - this is also good for tension & anxiety.

Breathing exercises I think you do already, I cant rate deep diaphragm breathing highly enough though, the diaphragm is a muscle after all & supports the lungs.

Baby steps to regain your former health and stamina. Lots of videos on youtube for both breathing techniques and gentle exercises, several of 10 minute regimes.

I've not had covid (some of my family have & the then 6 yr old granddaughter had long covid and has caught it again at 8 from school . She's doing well.

I've previously had pneumonia 5 times in less than two years,if only I'd known then what I know now I'd had looked after myself better, not gone back to a stressful job and have followed all the advice from all of the above.

Personally, I'd be taking plentiful vitamins - particularly C, minerals & prebiotic to rebuild my immune system.

You'll get there, it'll take time that's all. Peege

[Karenanne61]

You have had a scary experience and will feel nervous about so many things. After being in an an induced coma and on mechanical ventilation I had to relearn so many things. After a few days of walking up and down the lounge I ventured out. I rang my husband at work to tell him of my great achievement . . . I had walked to next doors drive, we live in a semi!🤣 Now I am on my way to my pilates class. Just do a little more each day and it will come back. You have to be bloody minded but we are all behind you. 💪❤

[natswright in reply to Karenanne61]

Wow, thats amazing! I'm feeling much better this afternoon, have done my exersises and walked 500 steps around the house according to me new fitbit!

[Karenanne61 in reply to natswright]

Well done! It can be SO frustrating if you're used to being active but do a little several times a day and you will get there.

[Alberta56]

I use my trekking pole as a walking stick when I've got the wobbles. ( What a comedown for the pole.) Be active when you feel good, but take it easy when you don't. 500 steps sounds good.

[Caspiana]

Hello Nat. 😊

I have been reading your posts about your recovery from Covid. I have not had Covid but I have had the unwelcome flare ups from both the Cytomegalo and Epstein Barr viruses as I am very immunosuppressed. The first thing the hospital wanted to do when I was admitted was a CT scan of my brain. Involvement of the brain is one of the most serious consequences of a viral infection. I had "Jelly legs" and severe shaking as a consequence of the CMV virus so bad I could not walk and had to be placed on a stretcher at the hospital doors. I also had headaches so severe I could not move my head at all. All I can say to you is do not try and rush your recovery . It cannot be rushed and if you do , it is likely it may take even longer. I understand the eagerness to go back "to normal" but truly you are not over it yet but you will be better as long as you take it easy. Your body has been through trauma and it may be there will be things that won't completely be as they were, but we adjust to the new norm and carry on. Best wishes and hope everyday brings you small steps to better health.

Cas xx 🙋🐕

[Bingo88]

Good morning natswright. Blimey you look so young to be struck down with this. I too was diagnosed with needing a pacemaker and having severe copd just over 2 years ago and I am doing ok at present can manage the 1st floor in a building and get about on the flat. Hills depends how steep they are. Just hope you continue to feel better and improve your mobility. Take care and enjoy your weekend Brian

[Ergendl]

To strengthen leg muscles without weight bearing, while you sit, hold an elastic exercise band or a long strap or belt with one end in each hand. Put your feet in the middle of the band, and push against the strap while your hands pull against the pressure.Wishing you all the best as you recover from this jelly feeling. I've had to learn to walk again several times. It takes determination, patience, and wisdom to know when to stop and rest.