Thursday, June 9, 2022

Breathless

 Something is wrong with me. I'm beginning to wonder if I've had Covid in the recent past and just didn't know it. I did a couple of at-home tests, both of which were negative, but I still wonder. Since April, off and on, I've been having a lot of trouble with asthma flares. Lately it's been mostly "on". 

I've been short of breath and wheezing almost continuously for about two weeks now, despite (over) using the inhaler the doctor prescribed. I have a dry cough that's keeping me up at night and making my days slightly miserable. Walking the dogs in the heat and humidity has been nearly impossible. I wheeze deep in my chest every time I exhale, and the urge to cough is always there. It's driving me crazy. 

I have a doctor's appointment next Wednesday and I'm trying to hold out until then, but if I have another bad night like I had last night, I'll be going to Urgent Care. I honestly think my oxygen levels are fine, but the wheezing and coughing are keeping me awake most of the night and I can't really enjoy anything when I feel like this. I haven't felt totally normal in a couple of months now.

Could this be the result of an undiagnosed Covid infection? What do you think? I haven't had this kind of trouble with asthma in years and years. 

23 comments:

  1. Of course I am not an expert but it is a possibility.
    Like you, I suspect that I may have had an infection with Covid-19 some time ago, when I felt so totally washed out and inexplicably exhausted one weekend that I was here on my own (good job I wasn't at O.K.'s, or he here with me!). I am not suffering asthma or anything like what you describe, and all the time all my tests have come back negative, but we all know that those tests are not all that reliable, are they.
    Hopefully you won't have to go urgent care, but anyway, I hope the doctors can soon help you feel better. You still have all summer to look forward to!

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    1. That sounds daft - of course you have much MORE than just this summer ahead! I hope you know how I meant this.

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    2. Of course I know how you meant it! :) I really want to be able to enjoy my summer vacation, including the trip I'm taking with Marla and Martina next month. I just have to get over this...whatever "this" is!

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  2. Have you had a PCR? They will detect any sign of Covid. I don't trust the antigen tests very much. It sounds like long Covid--hope it isn't!

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  3. I have heard a number of stories of people experiencing a range of problems post-Covid. It would not surprise me if your suspicion is correct. Hopefully, your doctor can help you through this. Roll on next Wednesday!

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  4. Might possibly be pneumonia -- but whatever it is, glad you're getting it checked out!

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  5. I hope you soon find a way through this - don't leave it too long before you get professional advice.

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  6. I'm sorry you are feeling unwell. As to whether it is the result of Covid, I wouldn't know, but maybe it is a possibility. I'm glad you are getting it checked out. I really like having an oximeter at home (not very expensive) just to verify my oxygen levels when things like this happen these days.

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  7. A friend of mine is going through the same thing right now. They put him on steroids. Worry only exacerbates, remember.

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  8. I had something like that when I was younger, turned out to be postnasal drip.

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  9. I imagine COVID in the past is a possible cause or maybe the pollen count is horribly high and you need more help than an inhaler. I had an asthma attack last week--my first in about 30 years! I don't know what triggered it, but I sure hope it doesn't happen again.

    Love,
    Janie

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  10. I cannot comment on why you're experiencing this but it is definitely time to go see a doctor and pursue an answer because that is NOT right.

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  11. If you were here I would suggest that you may have a bad case of hay fever. Could that be the case where you are? I know people who really suffer.

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  12. I agree with Ms. Moon, You do need to see your doctor. Since this is allergy season it could be that is aggravating your asthma. As far as Covid goes, I suspect many of us have had it without knowing for sure or being tested. Long Covid effects are a real problem for many people now and that can worsen things like asthma. I hope you can see your doctor soon!

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  13. Of course it’s possible. No matter what, though, a visit to the doctor is clearly in order since it’s been going on for a while. Take good care.

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  14. I have asthma myself, but for the last five years, I've been pretty good, not needing an inhaler. If you don't feel better before Wednesday, maybe a trip to urgent care would be in order. I hope you feel better soon.

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  15. I have a feeling you're going to need a steroid to kick this. It sounds like you have a lot of inflammation in the lungs. There is nothing worse than sleepless nights. I hope you feel better soon.

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  16. Seeing a doctor should be your next step to help get this under control. Hope you get answers and relief soon!

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  17. I couldn't begin to diagnose you but it's good you're going to the doctor. I've had a problem for many years with allergy-related post-nasal drip that gives me lung congestion. It feels like a need to cough or shortness of breath. You said your allergies were acting up -- my bet is it has something to do with that. (I guess I did diagnose you! LOL)

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  18. vicks all over the bottom of your feet and then in white socks..helps with the cough...see a cardiologist...you may have had covid and if you did it could effect your heart...trust me..I know this.

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  19. Asthma until proven otherwise. This doesn't sound like covid19 as nearly all the time dyspnea from COVID has other matters like cognition and constant fatigue.

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  20. I keep coming back to check on you. I hope you are feeling better.

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  21. I have been unable to get on to anyone's post for a few days - hope there has been an improvement in yout health since i last called.

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