The new me

[Musicalways]

Im so happy to have found healthunlocked. I have devoloped a a lung condition amongst other health conditions after catching covid19 in March 2020 and agsin in April 2022. Life has not been the same since. I have been prescribed Carbocisteine and Oxygen. I just wanted to be amongst people who can share and speak the same experiences as me. Im 61 years of age. To be frank this is not the life I imagined. I've also got Pots, hip pain back pain osteoporosis, gum disease, all over body pain, dry eyes, haital hernia, acid reflux hypertension and IBS also. Post acute covid

[Liz1234ty]

Hi Musicalways and welcome to the forum. I have had a lung condition almost since birth so am used to that. Having spent every day coughing up gunge from my lungs I have also looked at smokers with some amazement - why do people want to risk that! I also have IBS and agree with you that it changes life and its not the life i thought I'd enjoy when I was younger. BUT to use a terrible overused expression any illness is a journey and hopefully you will get better with time and with IBS many people do find their triggers and helpful diets or medications though trial and error and of course learning through other people sharing stories and experiences.

[Musicalways in reply to Liz1234ty]

Your such a strong person having to live with this from such a young age. I take my hat off to you. I'm just so tired coping with everything takes it out off me, but I'm so glad I've found healthunlocked so I can learn from you all

[Liz1234ty in reply to Musicalways]

That's kind of you to say but I do have my bad days as well as good. I think the main thing is to not give up hope, to share problems with friends and have a supportive family/friendship group and try and find a doctor who is sympathetic and you can discuss possible tests/treatments with

[xjrs]

Sorry to hear what you have been through. There should be long COVID clinics available. Have you been referred to one locally to you?

I am concerned about the fact that the dangers of COVID-19 are not widely communicated. It takes a lot of digging on the internet to find out the risks of catching it (see 500,000 US veteran COVID study), which randomly seems to affect some people and not others (even with the Omicron strain). There's been a recent study that has said that the more times that you catch it, these risks increase further. Again, this hasn't been discussed anywhere in main stream media. At some point this should morph into something more like the common cold, but we are not there yet. Governments want to pretend that it has now gone away and bury their head in the sand, since they are more interested in tax revenues and GDP. I seem to be one of the very few people still wearing a mask when meeting others in person. I think there may be still others out there who would like to, but aren't since the government has told people not to bother (unless they have symptoms, though a person is infectious for 5 days before symptoms can appear or be asymptomatic) and most people aren't and they don't want to stand out. I am not suggesting everyone should, since it is down to what people feel most comfortable with.

What I am trying to get at is that you have been let down by the system putting money before health. I hope that you get the help that you need.

[Musicalways in reply to xjrs]

Thank you for your honest reply. Your right so much has been hidden from us. My life has been robbed. I am now not able to work, I'm housebound and have carers however I'm alive so I try to keep smiling for my family. The fatique and Pots really gets to me. I still wear my mask when I attend appointments. At the end of the day it's about protecting yourself and those close to you.

[xjrs in reply to Musicalways]

I don't normally speak about COVID-19, since it can be a very touchy subject, but your situation inspired me to mention it. The government say that people should use their own common sense, but are not providing a balanced set of information so that people can make informed decisions. Another thing I've only found out recently is that people often don't test positive until after 5 days after having contracted it. This means that people are taking tests, think that they are OK, but they are not. Apparently, you should wait 5 days after coming into contact with it before testing. Again, that isn't mentioned. Many people are walking around saying they have a cold, but actually they have COVID-19 since the symptoms can be very similar.

You are very brave. I really feel for you. Hopefully things will improve over time. Wishing you a good recovery.

[Cornwallgirl]

Hi Musicalways. Oh dear you've got the lions share of problems there haven't you. I empathize. I have IBS, GERD, anxiety, hiatus hernia and had covid in July and haven't felt right since. The fatigue. I've now got what feels like covid but testing negative. Worse cough than when I had covid and extreme fatigue. I think these forums help because you realise you're not alone. I'm 58 and my life is not the same. Can't go out for meals or eat what I want etc..... I hope you get some relief from some of your symptoms.

[Musicalways in reply to Cornwallgirl]

Hi I can relate to everything you say. My body is not the same either and my life is not the same. I've accepted it but somedays are harder than some

[kenta]

I have been on regular Carbocisteine for the last 11 years to help with Bronchiectasis and it does help. Having lung problems at the moment and have discovered that blowing up balloons is a big help with getting rid of this disgusting stuff from my lungs.

[Liz1234ty in reply to kenta]

Hi Kenta, I have Bronchiectasis too since getting flu as a baby and it damaged my lungs. I have not heard of Carbocisteine so will mention this at my next check up. Instead part of each day I spent lying in different positions in bed such as head hanging over the side to help drain lungs. My physio taught me this and it does help but is gross!

[kenta in reply to Liz1234ty]

going to try this tonight!

[Musicalways]

Thank you for the tips re balloons