Well after the festive period I seem to have caught the dreaded virus despite living with my daughter and not going out. My body feels like its on fire and I can not breathe very well without stopping to pause for a few seconds. My chest hurts and I am a little scared. Can I still take biologics and steroids? Feel so flipping ill that I am scared to call ambulance.
Tested positive for covid🥵: Well after the festive... - NRAS
Tested positive for covid🥵
Oh dear poor you. Have you had a test so that you know for sure it’s Covid? I think you should call 111 immediately to tell them about your symptoms, you RA and medications and ask for advice. Hope you can get help quickly
So sorry to hear this, I would do as below and call 111 and first thing speak to your rheumatology team as they will be able to advise re your meds. I hope you’re okay
I can’t believe this has happened you have been so careful...
right .... no1 ...ring 111 for advice they can help.
No2 ... contact your team . Do they have an answer phone? If yes leave a message tell them you have tested positive . If not ring your GP.
Take paracetamol drink lots of water and stay calm . Easier said than done try not to panic and worry your daughter. Treat it like a bad dose of flu.
Oh I wish I could help more xxx
This all I needed. I have not gone out since I broke up last week but as daughter had a cough I thought it was just a bug as no other symptoms and I joked at the testing site if I can get a reward card as been there 4 times since September lol. Little did I know that I was going to catch it. Damn schools. I managed to get some sleep but feel like a huge train has hit into me.
I have called both the hospital and my GP to get some advice. Waiting for a call back. Will keep you posted.
Thank you for the message. Very sweet of you hun x
Sorry to hear about catching covid, they really should close the schools, my daughter is a teacher, it’s rife in her school and she has to keep working, they shud be in the first lot to be vaccinated as well. If she has to go back to work before the pupils, I will have to watch my grandson as he is in primary school. I will have to either bring him down to me or stay with her, I don’t live near her and she doesn’t have anyone else. They have to close both primary and secondary schools to try and stop this second wave getting out of control. Another one of my friends daughter caught covid and passed it to four of her family, she is also a teacher. I think I am more worried this time round, we are so near to getting this vaccination but yet so far.
I totally agree with you. No matter how safe you are this virus is airborne so you can get it in your eyes still. Its not just breathing it in. Hope things work out for you hun x. Its a tough situation and teachers are expected to put lives at risk. Kids education is messed up but it will be worse if they go back and more loved ones are killed or seriously ill.
I'm really sorry to hear this Ms-D. I agree with Lola - I think you should ring 111 and ask their advice. I hope all will be well and that you have a mild dose. 🤞 Take care. x
Please don’t stop your meds until you have had medical advice., preferably from Rheumy. In particular, if you are taking Prednisolone or any other steroid treatment DO NOT STOP it as it’s dangerous to stop abruptly.
Hope 111 are able to advise you and you feel better soon. X
I’d echo what Lola said. Call NHS 24 and get some advice.
It is likely you’ll need to be tested to make sure it is covid - please don’t be scared. I know there are risks but medical staff are working round the clock to ensure patients safety when admitted to hospital.
Please take care of yourself xx
Sorry - didn’t read below and now know you’ve tested positive. Take good care of yourself and rest up x
Definitely call an ambulance for professional help. Get better soon xxx
For sure ring 111 and call your rheumy whatever 111 does or doesn’t do. Let us know how you are. Gentle hugs to you. ❤️
Hi I had the virus in October and was told to stop taking my meds until it had passed, I am not going to lie I felt like I had been hit by a truck whilst not on them. Like all the advice above stay calm and listen to your body and rest as much as you can. Take care
I feel like that know. I feel like I have been hit by a train and a really bad hangover. I do not even drink lol.
Best wishes for a speedy recovery, I really hope you have a mild version of it. X
OMG! I'm so, so sorry to have read this, this morning - poor you! Definitely call 111 - they are there for you. Tell them your meds and ask whether you can take them. Tell them what condition/conditions you have and current symptoms. Tell them how you actually feel - don't hold back. I'm hoping that by now you've done that as others have already advised you? I agree about trying not to panic because we all know that will exasperate your RA symptoms; as much as you can - rest, drink water, take paracetamol regularly and have small snacks. Definitely leave a message with your rheumatology team - they will get back to you. Sending you a gentle, distant hug 🤗 Take care and keep in touch - we're here for you x
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Thank you so much hun. I was so careful and didn't even venture out anywhere since this new strain has come out. I really wish Boris and his team make the right choice and close schools as I have known so many colleagues and loved one catching this and they have suffered so badly. Kids are passing it and will pass on the new strain a lot more if they do not contain it now. Rant over. I need some caffeine lol.
Hi Ms-D,
Get medical advice ASAP - I was told to stop my MTX immediately for 2 weeks by rheumy help line (my only med). I doubled my vit D supplement, enjoyed loads of onion soup as I could cut onions without crying for once in my life!! And rested lots.
It’s ok to call 111 it’s what they’re there for and they’d sooner be speaking to you rather than some numpty who’s called because they’ve burnt their toast or the cat has brought a mouse in!!!
All the best and hoping that this passes sooner rather than later for you
Ali
I had covid recently and am on leflunomide. The Rheumatology team told me it was ok to continue with leflunomide, but had I been on biologics it would have been different, so yes make contact with them for advice.I filled in a questionnaire in the 111 website and a few mins later a doctor called me and sent out an ambulance team to check me over. I wish you much better soon.
The advice I was given was to take paracetamol every six hours through day and night to control the temperature and to keep drinking fluids. Then wait it out.
I appreciate the advice. Will update more when I hear back from them. Just wish I could breathe without taking my asthmas pump. Feel so rough.
So sorry to hear that you have caught this horrible virus, I really do hope that you have a mild version. Just goes to show that as much as you have taken all the right precautions it somehow still got to you. Don't let it get really bad before you call 111 for some help. Time for you to rest up and like everyone else I really wish you well. I hope that it soon passes for you.😟😟
Thank you hun. Working in a school with 5-6 year olds I have been super careful and so far was lucky. But unfortunately with this new strain it is harder to contain. I really wish this is a mild phase as I can not sit here and watch TV all day as I have seen all the Christmas movies there lol
No choice but to take it easy no returning to work till your a 100%. Hubby off for a test as we speak had a temperature during the night and has a sore throat 🙄. We have started to watch the eighties movies we made our son watch trading places and overboard 😂😂😂
OMG i watched that last night before i got my result ping on my phone then i was in a bad mood lol. I hope your hubby tests negative hun. This is some year hey?
🤢🥵
HiI hope things haven't worsened today. I see you're waiting to hear back from the consultant/team so I hope this happens quickly . Take very good care of yourself , rest, fluids etc. Here's hoping this will pass speedily. Keep us updated if you're up to it. Xxx
Thank you you much hun. I appreciate all the love and advice from everyone since last night. It makes this more bearable. Hopefully they call back soon as I do not think my joints can handle a day without some relief. Being asthmatic does not help me either.
I'm sure it doesn't, poor thing! If they don't call back very soon now, I'd be on the phone to them again. You need answers soon as to what you're supposed to be doing!
So so sorry to read this.
Think everyone above has given really good advice, sending out a big hug and hope it buggers off soon
I expect your daughter is really upset too to see you ill, hugs for her too x
She feels awful as she is my trail to getting it but it is not her fault. She is in high school and as much as year group bubbles were meant to shut they did not and since October half term 16 kids and teachers had caught the bug in her year. This still did not shut saying there was minimal contact. That is rubbish as they all eat in the canteen and mix during home time. This is a mess.
My eldest daughter is a high school too and it's just not possible to social distance there. I'm very mad about it.
Take care x
I am so sorry to hear that you have caught this wretched virus and just wanted to send you my heartfelt wishes and hope that it wont be long before you begin to feel better. Take care and keep as calm as you can, hydrated, co codamol and take advice from 111 or similar. Take care xx
I will do hun. Thank you for the loving messages x
Hope you have a better day today - lots of fluids and rest.
Just seen this:
Please don't follow it blindly! Maybe ask your rheumatology team about it when they get in touch.
So sorry to hear this Ms -D, hope you make a quick recovery. It just goes to show how difficult it is to keep this virus away, you have been so careful. If you are able to take ibuprofen as well I have always found it useful to use both ibuprofen and paracetamol (or cocodamol in your case) alternatively say so that they overlap a little to stop the temperature spiking in between doses. Rest up and take care, sending a big get well hug 🤗
I appreciate the virtual hugs. My head is spinning and got weird pain in my feet like they are burning. This is all so weird
COVID does seem to bring with it an array of strange symptoms, although having said that I often get a burning pain in my feet when I am flaring, so it could be that being unwell has triggered a flare also? Either way it’s rubbish! Just don’t try to hang on being brave if you feel you are getting much worse, get some medical help, especially with being asthmatic much better to be on the safe side.
So very sorry to hear your news. Out of interest were you told if it’s the new variant strain? Truly hope you get some medical advice very soon and it doesn’t cause you any bad symptoms. Hoping a speedy recovery.
So sorry to read your news Ms-D and hope that you get a call back quickly with advice. Rest and fluids, small snacks. Hope you start to feel better very soon xx
I am so sorry to hear that you have tested positive for COVID and are feeling so ill too. I am so relieved to read messages from you this morning. I hope you can get in touch with your rheumy team for some further advice. Sending lots of gentle hugs. x
Oh sending you my very best wishes. As a secondary school teacher myself I am totally feeling your daughter's experience. Take care, and don't think twice about phoning NHS back again if you are in any doubt.
Will be thinking of you xx
Do not stop your medication until told to do so., particularly the steroids. If anything a high dose of steroids might be more appropriate. Why do I say this? because I had the virus in March. During the first week of my illness I had multiple asthma attacks and my GP put me on 40mg. Then again the following week then antibiotics etc etc. The A&E Drs later on think that the steroids may have saved me. I have severe asthma, as well as RA. Get help immediately. Be persistent. This virus knows no boundaries. I have had pneumonia, multiple chest infections, a pulmonary embolism, pleurisy, it has had a party in my brain. I now have long Covid. I do not want to frighten but you need to get help as quickly as possible. The virus seems to love those of us with autoimmune problems. Please take swift action. I really hope and pray you do not follow my path. Good luck.
Hi Ms-D,
I am sorry to hear that you got the virus. I hope you are one of the people that don’t suffer too much. Let us know what the Rheumi team tell you.
I have had Shingles all through Xmas and slowly getting better and the Rheumi took all medication off, (biological and Hidroxy) except Prednisolone, that I have to continue taking it. It is very important that if you take steroids and you are taken to hospital because you get worse (I do hope not!) that they are aware straight away. Have you got the NHS steroid card?
I do work also at a school and I am CEV and as you say it is impossible to socially distance with 4 to 5 years old. I am shielding now until the 18th or maybe longer but I do hope that the schools do not open until this wave is going down.
Let us know how you are getting on. x
Biologics strong immunosuppresants. Daughter finished school on 17th and hasn't been out of the house except for walks in the park with me. I have no seen anyone since I broke up from school. I clean and sanitise hands, wipe all shopping and all clothes in wash as soon as I get home.
I am a secondary school teacher in Scotland on biologics, methotrexate. Have had 4 joint replacements and awaiting another 2 due to RA. Have had anaphylactic shocks to previously taken infliximab so had to change medication. In my experience all teaching staff have been in during these times regardless of their health conditions. It's so frightening. I doubt going out in the park you will have caught it, far more caught via school classroom with full capacity of pupils. Take heed of the advice above. Have you heard anything as yet? X
Sending love and best wishes 💕💕
Only just read this hope you soon feel better sending love and virtual hugs xxxx
Oh no, so sorry to read this. Sending love and hope for a swift recovery xx
Thought I would update everyone. I have spoken to my hospital and told to take steroids but stop biologics till I'm better. I had a oximeter delivered to me from the hospital and the covid hub doctor has been calling me every two hours to check up. Thats nice but annoying as everytime I close eyes phone rings. My temperature is spiking and oxygen levels are 95 and heart beat 106 - 112. My body is aching so much and I am so so sleepy. I fell asleep eating whatsit lol. No fun ride x
Thanks for the update, had been wondering how you were doing. When my sister-in-law had it she was a bit freaked out by the fast heart beating sensation but the Dr told her it was a good sign as it indicated the body had kicked up a gear to fight off the virus? Take care xx
Sounds like everyone is doing the right thing for you. Can you ask your daughter to man the phone? Rest when you can...you'll get through this x
Wish you hadn’t have had to go into work when you were/are on a biologic, steroids and are asthmatic. You are classed as CEV - clinically extremely vulnerable on this combo of meds and a comorbidity - your asthma. Keep resting all you can and we’re all behind you sending huge healing vibes. x
Sending lots of love and virtual hugs. ❤️🤗🌈
Hi Ms-D
Sorry- a bit late to the post. I haven't got anything helpful to say I'm afraid, but I'm so sorry you have caught the dreaded lurgy, and I hope you are being well monitored.
Also, I truly hope you will start to feel better very soon. Sending warm wishes xx
Hoping this morning is seeing you strong.
Good to hear staff are checking up on you. Is someone from NHS physically coming in to see you? Its good your daughter is with you x
The covid hub call in every two hours on phone and check stats online. All very high tech for me. My daughter is living with her dad this week as we are divorced. I told him to get tested too but being a pain he's reluctant. Can not help everyone. My partner tested negative which is so bizarre x
Your partner perhaps should get tested at a later date too? He may get it later. Glad you are getting checked by specialists. Don't play anything down, ie say "I am OK" when you are not. Just saying that as that's what us Arthrirus folk are like eh? Making the best of things X
No need to reply as you're bound to be exhausted, but just to say I've been thinking of you and hope that you're alright and ,at the very least ,no worse. Xxx
Quick update...all my stats are looking well and they could have taken my hospital for more tests but waiting 4-5 hours on a ward didn't appeal to me. If my oxygen or pulse rate drops or chest hurts more than I need to call 999.
Thank you so much to everyone who has messaged me. I truly appreciate all the love and support from you all. It means the world to me knowing there are some amazing people out there who don't know but reach out to you. I love you all xxx
Oh gosh, I’m just catching up Ms-D, sorry to hear of the latest. Glad you got the rash checked, hope you can get some rest and are managing to eat something. Xx
I am so glad they came to check. 🥰
That's good. I don't blame you not wanting to go in and hopefully you won't have to. Get plenty of rest and take very good care. Xxx
Flippin Nora you could write a book .. a horror story. Keep being proactive your doing the right thing . Reassurance is a great medication. Keep in touch with everyone it often just gives you a boost.
Your doing really well xx
Sending you love x
My body feels like its on 🔥. I feel like the mitchlin man all swollen and fluffy lol. I hope tomorrow is a better day. I feel like its about to get worse before it gets better xx
One day at a time no point worrying about tomorrow until it’s here .. boy I’m full of cliches 😂x
That made me giggle. I needed that x
Always seems wrong to like something that you really want to send a hug to. Just try not to watch the clock - distract yourself with some rubbish telly, nap, graze and drink plenty 🤗
I've been doing that. I have seen the good doctor back to back and then flaked out. I want to get out for fresh air and go to the local country park but scared so will wait till next week. Thanks for always checking in on me. It means alot x
Hey Ms-D - just saw your message and just want to send you prayers for a swift recovery - you can beat this wicked virus! Many people have caught it now - it’s just a matter of time I guess, and we are all going to have it. I hope things are feeling better for you; it’s a slow process. All the best now - Hessie5
Hello Ms-D, just checking in to see how you’re doing. It sounds as though the Covid Hub are keeping a close watch on you. Hope you turn a corner and start to feel better very soon. Big hugs xx
🥴 hope you are coping well
How are you doing this morning Ms-D? 😀
Hope you managed to get some sleep? How are things today, any improvements?
I'm burning up with a fever of 38.8 and in agony. Was mobile yday but spent night in shivers and hot again. I am like a yoyo of feelings and heads killing me. I just want the pain to go. My joints are all so swollen and its burning. Fun times ahead.
That’s not good Ms-D, you’re bound to feel awful with a temp that high. 🤞for a better night tonight. Big hug 🤗
I'm so sorry, the night times are always the worst for some reason. I want your pain to go too and it will, hang on in there, you're doing so well.❤
I am hoping you had a better night?
Happy new year. Sorry for being off radar but I took a turn for the worse yesterday with my temperature spiking past 38.7. Ambulance came and said the worst is yet to come but keep taking co-codamol to lower fever. Will update you more when I can but right now I'm feeling really weak and so so tired. Thank you for checking up on me. Love to you all x
It is really good to hear from you. I hope he is wrong ... sometimes they can say things that are not necessarily as it is?? Rest well Ms D ❤️ 🤞🏻 super crossed here. ❤️
Poor you 😢 That must have been very scary! You can do this - rest, drink, snack and move around every now and then - when you can. Cool flannels on your forehead and drivel on the telly. We are here for you ❤ xx
You poor thing! Have been thinking of you. As bubblyalex says, hopefully they will be wrong! You're really doing so well and you will get through this. ❤ Xxx
Well wasn’t he/she a reassuring paramedic?! Thanks for the update, we are all thinking of you and sending get well wishes your way. 🤗
Finally got temperature 🌡 down to 36.9 but I feel so tired. Walking as much as my legs can take and eating when hungry. I feel like I'm one the 7 dwarfs lol
Seems to be going in the right direction, thank goodness! May tomorrow bring you even more improvements. Xxx
That is good to hear, easy does it Ms-D. Keep us updated when you can. Sending good wishes and hugs 🤗🙏❤️🌈
Oh good news .. I’ve been thinking about you today x
Thank goodness your temperature is being better behaved! Sounds like you've turned a corner 😘x
Your love and continuous support has helped me through this. So much strength from you all. I truly am lucky to have so many people who I don't know care so much to check in on me and just see how I am doing . Thank you all so very much xx
I didn’t see your update last night so pleased to read your temperature has dropped, hope you had a decent night. 🤞I love the seven dwarfs, which one are you currently?! Hoping you feel more like Snow White soon xx
I'm all of them right now but mainly sleepy lol. Temperature spiking again to 38.6. This is driving me insane. My glands and joints are swollen and I've got a bowl of grapes 🍇 and lucozade to keep me going. I don't want anyone to get this virus and those who are careless and making it harder for people who need the help really need to think about the consequences.
Mmm I think I’d be more like Grumpy with the last few days you have had. When my sister in law had COVid a few months ago her temperature kept spiking up and down for about a week before she finally turned a corner with it, so hopefully if you can ride out the next couple of days may be the same for you. How is your breathing? Hope the COVID hub are still keeping an eye on you. Xx
Hang on in there... you will be up and down . Just sleep if you need to . Your body needs you to rest. Xx
Morning 🙂Just checking in 😘How are you diddlin'?
Ditto to what Moomin8 asks 🍀
And ditto too! 🙂
And ditto three! Hope you’re feeling brighter now x
Hi my lovelies. Ive not had a good 24 hours as I am in agony and feel lousy. I have no get up and go and just want to sleep. I think I'm sleeped out to be honest. How are you?
It sounds awful! ☹ Don't push yourself too hard, rest, rest and more rest!💕
Oh I’m sorry to hear that Ms-D, this stupid COVID just can’t tell when it’s not welcome can it? It’s like the most annoying house guest EVER. You will beat it though. Keep checking in with us won’t you? 😀
I really wish there was something other than 'like' doesn't seem right 😔xx
I know!
You guys are keeping me going. Thank you. My family keeps telling me to suck on liquorice like its going to help argh. Dont think they realise its a respiratory virus so liquorice or clove are not going to help x
I have posted some ideas of recovering from Covid. But I've had to screenshot a pdf - 3 of them actually, so apologies for overkill with the posts 😊Please, I'm not asking anyone to follow any if these, but a friend of mine find some of the tips helpful. I am not medically trained.
I think I'll delete the posts now. I wondered for a while whether to or not. I'm not up for giving either false advise, or upsetting anyone. I'm quite sure some of it is common sense and I have also said do not follow blindly - ask a medically trained person. Anyhoo... 🤷🏻♀️
Checking in, how are you doing today?
Agree must feel scary .Don't take risks either call 999 rather than carry on if you worsen.
Checking in. How are you? X
Same as HamHammy, wondering how you are doing this morning? Xx
Me too, how're things going?
Thinking of you Ms-D. Hope you’re doing ok x
Hi Ms-D. Just to say still very much thinking of you and really hoping things have not been any worse. Xxx
I keep coming back and checking, I hope you’re okay?
Checking in, we are all quite worried as we haven't heard from you and really hope things haven't taken a turn for the worse. Really hope not! But totally understand if you are just not up to coming on here and just want you to know we are still very much thinking of you.
Just read that you are not well. Everyone here is hoping you get better soon so vibes coming at you over the airwaves to combat those covid critters. When this is over plan for a super holiday somewhere you have always wanted to go. You have been brave and steadfast and you deserve it my lovely. 🌺
Hi my lovelies I got admitted to hospital yday as temperature spiked to 39.5 and I couldn't breathe on my own. my lungs are covered with covid so they are keeping me here till I am able to fight this. Will keep you posted when I can. Sorry for not replying earlier but I have been too weak to reply. But I appreciate all the love and support you have given me in the following two weeks. I love you xx
OMG Ms-D😔I'm so sorry to hear this sad news. Hang on in there. You know we have you in our thoughts and hearts 💕You can do this xx
I’m so sorry to hear you are in hospital Ms-D, but glad to know that you are being taken care of instead of being at home on your own. Sending lots and lots of love and get well soon wishes your way. Don’t worry about updating us, just know we are thinking of you. Xx🤗
You’re in expert hands and being taken care of. We’re thinking of you and willing you better. You can do this 💙you are strong xxxx
Oh dear, you poor poor thing! We were so hoping this was not the case! J1707 put on a post yesterday asking about you too. Please don't be worrying about replying, we know how absolutely awful this is and you need every ounce of strength to fight this thing,but fight it you will!!! Sending all the virtual strength in the world. 💜💜💜💜💜
Sending hugs and thoughts 😘
I’m so sorry to hear this Ms-D. I wish there was more that could be done or said. Please seek the advice of your physician and make sure you drink plenty of fluids. I know you may not feel your best, but try getting up and walking around your house or room as much as possible. I pray that you feel better soon.
Hoping you managed to get some sleep and that today will bring some improvements. Xxx
Any news ... I do hope you’re managing ok 🌺