I probably have COVID19

"Captain of the Enterprise" (justanotherdayinparadise)
04/17/2020 at 19:47 • Filed to: None

I’ve been really sick this week. A couple weeks ago I got a sore throat with painful swallowing and last weekend it got way worse with a lot of new symptoms including chest pain, shortness of breath and difficulty breathing, with shallow breathing and painful deep breathing, muscle aches and soreness, headaches and increased fatigue and tiredness. I don’t have a fever or cough but am also high risk due to the asthma, high blood pressure, weight problems and possible mastocytosis and fatty liver disease.

I called my doctor on Monday and they said I probably have it but that they won’t test at this point but told me to try to manage it at home and if the breathing got to the point that I couldn’t finish sentences or I got a fever that was 103 and wouldn’t go down to go to the ER.

Things were going better on Tuesday and Wednesday with easier breathing and less pain but yesterday and today the breathing has been more difficult and I’m in more pain again and I’ve barely left bed today. The breathing woke me up last night at 2AM.

That said I feel fortunate that it’s not put me in the hospital. I’m hoping that stays the same and I can continue to recover at home.

It’s been horrible for my anxiety but I’m managing and still meeting with my therapist through video conferences which is helping. I’m also trying to finish my semester and only have one assignment left. I took a final quiz and finished a paper on Wednesday and think that I might have overdone it that day putting me back in this state with the increased difficulty breathing.

I’m hoping I can get through this and not spread it to anyone else at my home. I only go to my room, the bathroom and the garage fridge for food. I’m lucky I stocked up beforehand on groceries because my dad and stepmom won’t help with anything and that my pharmacy delivers because I don’t think they would help with that either.

I’m hoping I’m going to get through This and that I won’t need to be hospitalized.

DISCUSSION (31)

Just Jeepin' > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:02

Oh, man, good luck. Your description certainly sounds like those I’ve heard from people who made it through without hospitalization, for whatever that’s worth.

This too shall pass, but it’s gonna suck in the meantime.

Captain of the Enterprise > Just Jeepin'
04/17/2020 at 20:04

Thank you, I really hope so. I’m hoping it doesn’t get much worse.

ttyymmnn > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:06

I too am hypertensive and asthmatic, and a bit overweight. I’m treating both of those conditions, hitting my maintenance inhaler religiously. But I’m pretty nervous about getting sick. Shitty that they won’t test you. Here in TX, they were only testing people when they were admitted to the hospital. Once you get better, see if you can get the antibody test.

Hang in there. Thinking healthy thoughts for you.

sony1492 > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:07

Its “ smooth” sailing after that last assignment

TheRealBicycleBuck > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:12

Dang. Good luck and try not to push it too hard. Don’t be a hero and seek help if it gets bad.

Nom De Plume > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:13

Sounds like you are being responsible and maintaining as good an attitude about the pain as possible.

Make sure you and your ER/hospital are on the same page about how to handle transitioning to their facility if your condition worsens. One would hope this is stated on the front page of their web site or can easily be handled through email/call. At the very least they would want to know you are coming and direct your to a certain area as well as govern your behavior. My concern here is having someone to take you and how that would complicate getting care.

Sending good thoughts your way this passes without any complications.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:16

Dear Captain,

That is absolutely heartbreaking to hear. I will be continuing to pray for you.

Please be careful about moderating your symptoms. The sheer fact that you are trying to moderate anxiety and finishing a semester with contracting a serious illness leaves me with profound respect for you.

What little you have revealed about your home situation does worry me. I am concerned about how your dad and step mom aren’t taking this seriously. I am sure you have talked to your therapist about this but such a difficult home situation is severely detrimental to trying to balance all the other stuff you are going through. Perhaps you could call some friends of theirs or get someone else to help you get them to take this seriously.

Just please please be careful moderating your difficulty breathing and don’t overexert yourself. We are all here for you. Don’t hesitate to vent your frustrations here. I don’t know what else we are here for if not that.

I also would like to tell you that I have profound respect for how you have been handling this. Chronic anxiety is a tricky and dangerous beast and you have shown significant skill in managing it, getting help when you need it. And adding finals in college and frickin COVID makes you a hero and an inspiration for all. Keep it up and keep us informed if you like.

Sincerely,

WitL

*I felt s uch a difficult subject called for a more formal format

Jim Spanfeller > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:26

Man, that really sucks. Know that you have my prayers and this picture of puppies:

Kinja'd!!!

pip bip - choose Corrour > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:28

go to hospital or clinic and get checked properly please.

404 - User No Longer Available > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 20:29

Ouch... take care, man.

themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles > Just Jeepin'
04/17/2020 at 20:53

“This too shall pass.....it may pass like a kidney stone, but it will pass nonetheless”

I forgot where I picked that one up from, but it seems appropriate for times like this.

Just Jeepin' > themanwithsauce - has as many vehicles as job titles
04/17/2020 at 20:54

I have nightmares about those. Thankfully have never had one escape but a friend of mine did, he literally passed out from the pain.

Eury - AFRICA TWIN!!!!!!! > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 21:22

I hate to hear this. Please take care of yourself, and if there is any question go to the ER. This is all pretty terrible, Hopefully you feel better soon.

Khalbali > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 21:26

My wife probably has it as well, just do your best to recover at home but don't wait until it's too late if you need to go to the hospital, I've heard some sad stories of people who were sure they'd be ok because they were younger. My wife's (probable) case has been pretty mild, but she can barely make it up a flight of stairs she gets so out of breath.

WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 21:53

That’s honestly one of the scariest parts of this whole thing. If you told someone 6 months ago about all of the symptoms you’re experiencing, anyone in their right mind would tell you to go straight to the hospital......

Captain of the Enterprise > ttyymmnn
04/17/2020 at 21:58

Thank you, I hope you stay safe and healthy

Captain of the Enterprise > TheRealBicycleBuck
04/17/2020 at 21:59

Will do, I have a plan in place for if I do need the hospital.

Captain of the Enterprise > Nom De Plume
04/17/2020 at 22:00

I am supposed to call ahead if I need the ER so that they know t hat I’m coming. I’m doing everything I supposed to be doing right now.

Captain of the Enterprise > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
04/17/2020 at 22:14

Thank you, I really appreciate that. I’m trying to moderate my symptoms and take care of myself. My professor also is offering an extension if I need it after talking to her about it.

As for my home situation I knew if I got sick it would be like this. They have ignored me telling them when I’ve been suicidal in the past and haven’t changed so I’m not surprised by them but am disappointed. They did bring a microwave to my room so that I wouldn’t go in their kitchen. Which helps with making some food. Our relationship isn’t good. I don’t think they want me around and have asked them that and she didn’t respond and he didn’t say he wanted me here either. They charge me rent even though they are loaded and aren’t helping me financially or stopping rent even though I also lost my job because of this. After I graduate and get a job my number 1 priority will be to move out and I’m considering not communicating with them after that. If I do it will be extremely limited. They don’t support me or try to understand me and have been emotionally neglectful and at times emotionally abusive. I feel that they are narcissists and my therapist has commented about their behavior being narcissistic before. It’s complicated and really hurts. My mom passed when I was 17 and we were e stranged at the time because I broke contact after moving out because she was a bad alcoholic and wouldn’t change. So I don’t have any parental support and haven’t really had that. I’m just putting a lot into trying to graduate and move out. I’m hoping my life can improve after that.

I’m trying to be careful about taking care of myself, today was just a rest day which I think is helping. I pretty much stayed in bed most of the day.

I appreciate your comments about managing the anxiety and everything right now. It really is difficult, I’ve been in therapy since I got myself help My second semester of college and it’s been very helpful and lifesaving. I also take my meds which help and try to apply my coping skills. I meet with my therapist twice a week right now which definitely helps.

Thank you for your kind and caring response, I really appreciate it.

Captain of the Enterprise > Jim Spanfeller
04/17/2020 at 22:14

Thank you!

Captain of the Enterprise > pip bip - choose Corrour
04/17/2020 at 22:17

My doctors office is closed during this and they directed me to the health system COVID line and they are who reviewed my symptoms and told me what to do if it gets worse. I can’t go in unless I need the full ER and they said I’m not at that point. Our medical system in the US and Michigan can’t handle this properly and don’t have enough tests so I’m trying to manage it as well as I can.

Captain of the Enterprise > Khalbali
04/17/2020 at 22:19

Thank you and I’m sorry to hear about your wife. I hope she recovers quickly and well. I’ll get help if I need it. I appreciate your message.

Captain of the Enterprise > WasGTIthenGTOthenNOVAnowbacktoGTI
04/17/2020 at 22:20

Yeah, it’s really scary.

Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 22:30

You are welcome. You can always talk any time. I really admire your ability to assess your situation and respond accordingly - even if it means intentionally doing nothing all day (if you need something to do that free game posted here recently turned out to be surprisingly good).

There is no easy answer to your home situation and the increased risk of exacerbating your anxiety issues clearly makes the situation even more delicate. I never like to say it but trying to move on is almost certainly the right move here. I just pray you can find a community to support you outside of your family.

The present health issues are just the icing on the cake of pain in this overwhelming situation. This is almost certainly going to be one of the most difficult times in your life but hang in there. You will get through it. And most importantly continue monitoring your symptoms. You seem to need a contingency plan for getting to the hospital if you have difficulty breathing so that should be your #1 priority.

I had been very depressed lately, mostly from isolation and overwork (wrapping up school), but a recent series of video calls with my friends really helped. Staying in contact with those you can trust is paramount.

BTW did you take the lead photo in this thread? That is one fine photograph!

OPPOsaurus WRX > Captain of the Enterprise
04/17/2020 at 22:48

just think logically about the hole thing. The numbers are still in your favor. its savagely fucked up they won’t test you. check out your local facebook. I know my town has people offering to do all sorts of shit for people. no t everyone sucks out there. , there are plenty of peo ple trying to help.

Nom De Plume > Captain of the Enterprise
04/18/2020 at 00:05

Just to further awareness of the options available + or if your illness does require hospitalization (or you do end up being tested and are positive (the first of many stringent conditions in place right now for being a recovered donor)).

Your lungs are located predominantly on your back. If it is more comfortable to do so, sleeping on your front can lessen impact on ability to breathe.

This is a nationwide program by the Mayo Clinic. It might be something you would consider or if you recover, donating plasma towards.

https://www.uscovidplasma.org/#why

Captain of the Enterprise > Who is the Leader - 404 / Blog No Longer Available
04/18/2020 at 05:38

Thank you. I could get an ambulance to take me to the hospital if I need it. I hope your depression eases. I’ve been talking to my siblings at least once per week, they have both moved out already so we do video calls. That is my photo too, thank you!

Captain of the Enterprise > OPPOsaurus WRX
04/18/2020 at 05:40

Thank you, I think we don’t have enough tests for everyone so they are still prioritizing. Someone else I know is sick like me and couldn’t get tested either.

Captain of the Enterprise > Nom De Plume
04/18/2020 at 05:42

Thank you, the lung tip actually explains why I’ve woken up a few times on my front even though I don’t typically sleep that way. I’ll keep that in mind. I did notice it seemed easier to breathe that way. Thanks for the info on donating too.

shop-teacher > Captain of the Enterprise
04/18/2020 at 09:45

Oh boy, that's not good! Hang in there man!

Captain of the Enterprise > shop-teacher
04/18/2020 at 10:18

Thank you, I’m doing what I can.