Made it through the other side of Covid

[Investigator1]

Hi everybody, I submitted a post a couple of weeks ago explaining I had tested positive for Covid and the following Day I had received Monoclonal Antibody treatment (Sotrovimab) in hospital the following day. All was going well until last Sunday (3rd) when still positive I started getting body pain in my abdomen, by Sunday night they were getting worse and after no sleep on Sunday they hit a peak on Monday night, all down my right side, ribs, chest, shoulder and arms I was crying out with pain. Tuesday slightly better (tested negative) but still in a lot of pain, Wednesday again a bit better (tested negative again), yesterday another improvement and today I can actually lie on my back. I called my GP in desperation on Monday to try and get some heavy duty pain killers as I can’t take Ibuprofen so I was only taking Paracetamol. She said it could be that as I had an infusion of Rituximab in May and then Sotrovimab in June it’s like a double whammy, and it probably got into the damaged vessels caused by the GPA in 2019. Please be aware, I wouldn’t wish my experience on my worst enemy. Take care all. Nick.

[May7]

Oh what can I say, this sounds absolutely awful, but so happy you made it through. I'm not on Rituximab myself, but value the information, and glad for everyone who is, to hear first hand someone's experience. All the best with your recovery.

[Grizzly-bear]

Thank you for sharing. I’m glad you’re coming out on the other side, I’ve been thinking about you! Hopefully you keep improving and don’t experience any more symptoms.

[Investigator1 in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Tough times mate, I can say my wife has been brilliant and I said “look! I need to get out the house this morning, still in a bit of pain but we went nice and early to the Supernarche. There we were masked up and sanitising and as we stood there one of the other customers (a man in his 50s) growled at as shouting “you don’t have to do that now” I told him to go forth and multiply and don’t judge us by your selfish standards, these are for our protection now. Sorry to be so expletive but it really got to me. Nick.

[Grizzly-bear in reply to Investigator1]

People are ridiculous. They’re all about personal choice as long as your personal choice matches theirs.

Glad you’re out and about.

[Johndeeregreen in reply to Grizzly-bear]

Ditto!! People really chap me saying things like that. I told told my wife a want to make a mask that says” I’m on chemo and mask up to live”. Or at least that’s the polite version and not what I’d like to reply when someone has the nerve to judge me wearing a mask after 2 hospitalizations to pneumonia this year and getting covid 3x and still seeing patients as a physical therapist.

[Grizzly-bear in reply to Johndeeregreen]

You sound like you’ve had a rough year! I hope your patients are masking up around you.

Rituximab during covid is pretty rough. Hoping campaigns for Evusheld pick up pace though not a lot of hope with this government organising absolutely anything.

[Galaxy2]

Sorry haven’t been on here for so long so weren’t aware you had had covid, good to hear (despite a pretty rough time), you’re on the road to recovery and out and about!

[Investigator1 in reply to Galaxy2]

Thanks Jenny, like these things usually happen Covid was a breeze really, the Sotrovimab did it’s job 100% in that respect and I am grateful for that it was just what it did to me for 4 days. If I was totally honest would I have the treatment again or take my chance if I caught Covid? Taking into account the total embarrassment of catching it again and expecting treatment, taking into account the unknown by not having the treatment the answer will always be yes I would have it but I say this, I will do my damnest to try so hard not to catch it.

[Hairbraid]

Thanks sharing hope you continue improving yes I had Ritixumab in January covid on March was so I’ll had same infusion as you day after positive but still had heavy duty antibiotics as chest so bad and breathing your right would not wish it on anyone take care cxxx

[Mooka]

Thank you for letting us know how you are. Sounds pretty grim for you but it’s good you are on the mend. I have to say people in supermarkets do look at us like we’re from another planet with our face masks on. Take care of yourself I’m sure you know how to pace yourself.

[Chris-Bromsgrove]

Sounds like you had a rough ride Nick but really glad to hear you got through it. It could have been a lot worse without the anti viral. I must say I have tended to let my guard down a bit of late but I know Covid is still rampant out there. It's difficult when you look after grandchildren (also known as disease magnets 😀). The last thing I want to do is get Covid but it is at least reassuring that there are drugs to help us. Chris

[Investigator1]

Hit the nail on the head there Chris, we were touring Scotland in our own bubble, went down for breakfast with masks on, everyone was so packed in, these little lads were coughing and sneezing everywhere, over the food the lot, I was eating and put my mask back on straight away. Too late. It can’t have been anywhere else as we were in a cottage and looked after ourselves. Let my guard down once. 5 days later………Positive. Was really impressed though at the speed the NHS got me treatment. Within 24 hours.

[Johndeeregreen]

I had a similar experience with covid but luckily none of the severe side effects you experienced. I had my regular rituximab infusion then 3 weeks later got covid. I previously had also received evusheld monoclonal as a preventative. My infectious disease doctor asked me to then get sotrovimab since I contracted covid the second time. I guess it helped but I actually felt slightly worse but did recover without hospitalization. So tricky to navigate this disease but add in stupid covid. Hang tough.