My experience of Coronavirus and Long Covid
Introduction
I’ve been meaning to write about my experience of Coronavirus and Long covid for months now. Unsure whether to write it at all, I asked my friends and the majority said do it. If this article gives information to others or perhaps resonates with someone else’s experience then it will be good. Or perhaps someone can offer some tips on how to get through it? Also, I know there are some people who don’t believe coronavirus is real. The more people write about their own experiences, the more people will realise that it is very real.
I have split this blog post into “The Science” which are facts based on research done by others and the “Personal” bit which is merely my own experience, interpretation, feeling, conclusion which is not based on scientific fact. Also, I know others have suffered from Coronavirus much worse than me so I am focussing this on the Long Covid part of the illness.
The Science
According to Zoe, the covid research programme based at King’s College London there are two broad groups of long covid sufferers. One is dominated by respiratory symptoms as well as fatigue and headaches. The second group was ‘multi-system’, affecting many parts of the body including the brain, gut and heart.
My Virus Timeline
March 2020
I believe I contracted coronavirus in early March, but given that there were no tests available to the public at this time I can only conclude that what I had was coronavirus. Doctors that I have spoken to since March have also concluded that I had coronavirus. I had all the main symptoms of this virus namely cough, fever, lethargy, loss of taste and smell. I also experienced dizziness, stomach upset, heart palpitations, aching lungs, aching kidneys, restless legs and a hoarse voice. At the time when I first got ill I was not prepared. I live on my own and had not stocked up on food or medicine. I had recently moved to Birmingham and didn’t know many people in the area. I was pretty scared. My lowest point was one night when I was dizzy, sick and needed to get to the bathroom. I had to crawl there because I was so dizzy. I ended up lying on the bathroom floor, for I don’t know how long, with the room spinning. I was on the verge of calling the ambulance. After a long while the dizziness subsided and I managed to crawl back in bed. Luckily I felt a lot better the next day.
After 14 days of isolation I felt much better so decided to venture out on a cycle ride. This was a big mistake. I felt ok but was not 100% and I realise now that I overdid it. I relapsed in a big way and was sick again.
April to October 2020
It would be nice to describe this period of time as “recovery time” but it was more like better days and worst days. Since first contracting coronavirus in March I have not felt 100-percent well. This has been coined by many thousands of sufferers as Long Covid. Some days I feel slightly better, some days I feel completely drained and unwell. On a good day I have that feeling that I’m coming down with something. You know the feeling when you don’t feel quite right, you feel a bit unwell not at full capacity? On bad days my main Long Covid symptoms are swollen throat glands, sore throat, hoarse voice, sinus pain, extreme fatigue. I had a relapse during this period and have had to take time off work when I was not well enough to work.
Another persistent symptom, which is annoying rather than debilitating, is altered taste and smell. Some things taste and smell very different, even now, 8 months on. Household cleaning products smell really strong and chemically, quite unbearable. Mint toothpaste doesn’t taste the same anymore. I still get the cool sensation in my mouth but none of the minty flavour, very disappointing. It just tastes weird. I can no longer smell sulphurous things. I use a sulphur based chemical in jewellery making and it smells completely different now. It used to be really unpleasant but now it smells quite nice, almost nutty. It’s very strange.
Now, November 2020
So, 8 months on and I’m still suffering with long covid. At the end of last month and the beginning of this I have done quite a lot. I moved house, went on a long country walk and been busy at work. I believe this has caused yet another relapse. For 3 weeks I have experienced my symptoms (swollen throat glands, sore throat and fatigue) in an extreme form. For approximately 3 days I could not do anything but move slowly around my flat and rest. I feel like I’m through the worst of it but I’m still recovering. I realise now that this long covid is ongoing and I don’t know when it will end. I am learning what my limits are and thinking how to plan my life accordingly.
Personal Opinion
Why did I get Long Covid?
Prior to getting coronavirus my doctor suggested I might have high blood pressure and wanted to investigate more. Alas the pandemic intervened and the investigations couldn’t go ahead. During lockdown I bought myself a blood pressure monitor. I measured my blood pressure every day and as the doctor had suspected my blood pressure was high. Having read the news reports and scientific research in the press it became evident that my high blood pressure could be a cause of my long covid.
Trying to cure Long Covid
Diet
Realising I had hypertension prompted me to purchase several recipe books on the DASH diet, the mediteranean diet and the Doctor’s Kitchen (my favourite). The DASH diet is doctor approved to reduce hypertension. I made it my lockdown mission to eat healthier, lose weight and reduce my blood pressure. I really enjoyed learning new recipes, making delicious food whilst I had the time. I learned how to prepare food to make myself more healthy. To a certain extent the diet helped me feel better and my blood pressure did go down. I did lose weight. I did have more energy. However the diet did not cure my long covid. I must admit I don’t stick to my healthy diet every day but I do try for the majority of the time. Mentally I feel that a healthy diet is helping me a bit even though it hasn’t cured my long covid symptoms.
Recipes from the Doctor’s Kitchen include lots of medicinal spices including ginger, turmeric, garlic & cinamon. The dishes are really tasty but they haven’t cured my long covid symptoms.
Some people with long covid had said that giving up sugar, caffeine and alcohol helped with their symptoms. So I tried to give up processed sugar, reduce my caffeine and alcohol intake. Again I did feel very virtuous for a while but unfortunately it did not cure my long covid symptoms.
I have also been taking vitamin supplements but cannot say that they have made any improvement to my long covid symptoms or not?
Exercise
I got myself a fitbit and started walking. Because of my energy levels and anxiety my first walks were short. I slowly built up to longer walks. When we came out of lockdown I joined the Ramblers and managed some fairly long walks over the summer. Whilst they mentally boosted my wellbeing I felt completely shattered for a couple of days after each walk.
Whenever I’ve felt well enough I’ve continued to do Pilates with Kate on Zoom during lockdown and briefly (whilst we could) in King’s Heath. Kate is a brilliant and supportive teacher and a wonderful lady. She came to my rescue with paracetamol when I was in isolation with Coronavirus. Thank you Kate.
Lymphatic Drainage
I’ve watched many videos on lymphatic drainage self massage and tried it for 2 weeks. I don’t know if I was doing it correctly? Perhaps you’re not supposed to do it whilst you are sick? Anyway, it made me feel worse so I stopped.
Paracetamol
As several doctors have prescribed, I am taking paracetamol 3 or 4 times day to help relieve pain in my glands and throat. I’ve been taking paracetamol everyday now since mid March. That’s 8 months! This is not really something I want to do but it does provide some relief so I will carry on as long as it’s not detrimental to my health.
Mindfulness and Meditation
Stress and anxiety reared their ugly heads during my illness with coronavirus. My anxiety got so bad I had to speak to a counsellor. I feel in a much better place now but it was a scary experience. I don’t know if the anxiety was bought on by coronavirus or by the media? I have put myself on a strict media diet now and this is definitely helping to reduce my anxiety levels. Counselling, meditation, Zen with Kim, gratitude, aromatherapy and reflexology have all helped to get me through the worst. I’m happy to say that now I feel much more able to cope.
Support
I couldn’t have got through the last 8 months without my close friends support network. They have been amazing, thank you to you.
More…
Friends, family and colleagues ALL want to help and offer me suggestions of how to get rid of long covid. These include cold water swimming, Reiki, chakra cleansing and more which I have yet to try.
Long Covid – The Conclusion…?
So, I still have long covid symptoms 8 months on. They haven’t improved at all. I don’t know how to cure them. I don’t think the doctors or researchers do either? I don’t know how long they will last? I don’t think the doctors or researchers know either? Have you had a similar experience and want to share it with me? Perhaps you have some tips on how to improve long covid symptoms?
Please feel free to share this article with anyone who might find it useful.
Please write your comments below, all are welcome. Thank you, Ellie
Keep going Elizabeth, it is a lovely article, I hope the long COVID symptoms disappear soon. I feel lucky, I have not had this virus, but utterly sympathise with you. My advice would be the occasional glass of red wine! Take care and lots of love. Xx
Thank you so much Margaret. I do manage to enjoy the ocassional glass of wine. Stay well.
Ellie, thanks for sharing your story. It’s amazing how much you have done to try and cure/ make things easier and I’m sure these tips will help a lot of people. It is such a difficult illness with no knowing when the end point is and I think you are coping incredibly well and showing such strength and I hope you get some well needed answers to assist you in your recovery. Lots of love xx
Great article Ellie, really insightful and informative. Thanks for taking the time to share your experience. Its a great help to others and also its useful for you to create this timeline and be able to monitor your improvement overall. Stay strong and keep nurturing yourself and giving yourself oooodles of self love. With regard to the lymphatic drainage you can sometimes experience a trauma healing process after and it can make you feel worse before it makes you feel better if you try it again drink lots of water. Sian x
Thank you Sian. I might drop you a private message about lymphatic drainage. I know very little about it but if I can do it right maybe it will help me? x
Thank you for such a beautifully written insight Elizabeth. It sounds like you have had a tough time and I’m sending you healing thoughts that you will continue to feel better and more energetic as the weeks go by. Until then- be kind to yourself and so whatever makes you feel good- that food looks delicious by the way! Warmest wishes to you xxx
Thank you for your healing thoughts Lauren. I will take care and continue making delicious food.
Very interesting article. I’m so sorry you’ve had this experience, Ellie. I really hope you find a way to lessen the impact of Long Covid’s symptoms. So much is linked to the respiratory system and fresh air and exercise does have an impact over time, so fingers crossed your exercise and walking regime will have an impact. Have a read of “sick heart river”. Good story about the impact of fresh air on TB. Unrelated maybe but a great story if nothing else. Sending you big hugs! Xx
Thanks Andrew. I will definitely look up that book. I feel like I need to give myself a break and read a good book. Hugs xx
And the doctor has ruled out everything else theses on going symptoms might be Wots your next steps take care x
Thanks Louise. The doctor referred me to the Ear, Nose & Thoat specialist for tests. They have stopped now during lockdown 2.
Gosh I’m so sorry to hear what you’ve been going through. I suffered severely for years with a post viral malaise ( not post Covid ) and I tried loads of things and my wonderful GP said ‘ I just don’t know which specialist to send you to next . I know you’re really ill , but I’m stumped’ . I tried various things which helped but didn’t cure , then the person that transformed my life was Afifah Hamilton ( it’s such an unusual name , so google her and she’ll come up ) . When you have the energy check her out , she’s remarkable.
Wishing you all the very best and renewed health for your future
Maria
Thanks Maria, I hope you are well now. I will definitely check out your recommendation. Thank you so much for the suggestion. I’ll let you know the outcome.
Great article. Thanks for sharing. People can learn from your experiences. I hope your health improves… X
Thank you Sarah, much appreciated. x
A great article Ellie. No advice to give but wanted to say that I’m sure this will help others going through the same thing. I hope you start to feel better soon and happy to hear you have a great support network. X
Thank you Jo. Take good care.
So sorry to hear how poorly you’ve been Elizabeth. I really do hope this awful long Covid doesn’t go on for too long. It’s horrible, because even in the medical profession they’re in the dark and have no answers for us at this moment in time. My daughter, son and husband all had Covid back in August and all had very different symptoms. My son, luckily didn’t have any, my husband who is 66 had fever, lethargy and terrible headaches. My daughter suffered the most. She is asthmatic and the most frightening thing for her was the breathlessness, dizziness, fatigue, aching limbs and like you, loss of taste and smell. Thank goodness taste and smell has returned but sadly she now has long covid. She recently suffered dreadful chest pains, along with tiredness all the time and insomnia! She has had an ECG and chest x-ray and after blood tests proving fine, thank goodness she does need to see someone about her heart. Hopefully antibiotics can be given and she will be fine. My daughter is 33. A friend of ours, being a doctor is convinced at some point I’ve had Covid, three negative tests at the time made me wonder, perhaps I contracted it earlier on in the year, February, when I felt dreadful, mainly a very sore throat and just feeling awful and slightly breathless. Still not sure. When you mentioned Elizabeth about still having sore throats, I’m the same, continuous sore throats plus suffer more with sinuses, tiredness, no energy at all and aching limbs! I kept thinking, is this another cold coming but now I’m wondering, especially when you mention about the sore throat. I wish you well Elizabeth, you are amazing, trying all these different things to help you. Take care, keep safe and sending lots of love 😊
Thank you so much for your detailed comment Jo. I’m so sorry to hear about all your family suffering in different ways. I’m pleased that you shared this though because maybe others, like yourself with realise that what they have is Long Covid. My throat, sinuses and tiredness are the main symptoms on and off all the time. I really hope there is an answer and that you and your family get will soon. Take care.
What a wonderful post Ellie, I’m so sorry I didn’t know you had been and still are suffering this much. Let’s make a date for a chat and big ups to you for sharing your experience. Loads of love ❤️
Thanks Sarah. I’d love a catch up soon. I’ll message you. x
I know that I don’t really know you but I bought one of your beautiful turquoise rings a few months ago and I have to say I love it so so much. Having just read your post I just wanted to say thank you for sharing and I am sorry that you have been suffering like this for so long. But you seems an amazing positive soul and I wish you all the best. Stay strong! You will beat this. Much love and hope to you. x
Thank you so much for your kind and encouraging words Sarah, much appreciated.
Thank you Ellie, what you have written can be of great use for people who have similar synthoms, there is really not much information about long COVID around. I really hope you get better soon my dear. A special, big, huge hug!
Hi Miki, so lovely to hear from you and thank you for your kind words. I’m sending a big virtual hug to Italy for you now. xx
What an interesting post – but so sorry you are having such a crappy time of it. Hope things improve for you and you can get back to your normal self asap. Sending big hugs and positive vibes your way xxx
Thanks Muna, much appreciated. I hope so too. xx
So sad to read this Elizabeth! We had no idea you have been feeling so poorly for such a long time. It sounds like you are doing everything you possibly can to self-care, and we are sending you huge positive healing vibes. We met through purchasing your lovely jewellery, but always felt like we were talking with a friend, such was your kindness and care in everything you have made for me. So please take care of yourself, and don’t over do things on the days you feel better, as it sounds like you then have weaker days after doing too much.
We are thinking about you, and hoping you start to feel stronger. XX
Thank you so much for your lovely words Faith. I also feel we are friends who have never met (yet!). I will take care and hopefully I’ll visit Shetland one day. xx
Ellie, thanks for sharing your story. It’s amazing how much you have done to try and cure/ make things easier and I’m sure these tips will help a lot of people. It is such a difficult illness with no knowing when the end point is and I think you are coping incredibly well and showing such strength and I hope you get some well needed answers to assist you in your recovery. Lots of love xx
Thanks Tara, I hope so too. x
This is a good read Ellie. I’m friends with Caroline.
I do have a suggestion, and have no idea whether it will help. There’s quite a lot of evidence linking gut bacteria to immune system and to health in general. The easiest way I’ve found to try and keep it healthy is to make my own greek yoghurt and eat it regularly (I know Caroline has started to make hers too)
Also look up prebiotics and resistant starch, which are substrates for bacteria to feed on.
Just a suggestion!
I hope things go better for you soon.
Dave
Thanks Dave, I appreciate your suggestions. I do take prebiotics and have bio yoghurt every day. I will look talk to Caroline about her yoghurt making. and read up on resistant starch. Thanks.