COVD and Paxlovid

[Carolina]

Hi, all.

On February 20, Monday, joined the ranks of those who've contracted Covid.  Since I'm severely immune compromised was was prescribed the anti viral medication Paxlovid.

I got Covid from my husband.  We don't know where he got infected.

I am amazed that I'm already better.  Three years ago, when Covid started I knew I would probably die if I got Covid. My immune system can't mount a defense..   Now I have had two vaccinations with Moderna, and 3-4 boosters.

And I had Paxlovid the very first day I tested positive.

We have used so many home Rapid Tests.  They are wonderful.  You can get them free from Medicare and most pharmacies if you're on Medicare.

I cannot believe I got Covid, but of course I couldn't isolate from my husband, so it was pretty much inevitable.

Now it's time to do my daily rapid test.

Elaine

[Nomad]

Im so sorry. With your particular set of circumstances. Covid is extra scary.

I caught Covid from my husband. The Paxlovid was very helpful for me too.

But did you find it very hard on your mouth? Extra dryness and a terrible taste?

It did drop my fever down to 99 extremely fast.

[meirish]

Caroline, sorry that you got the Covid but glad that you were able  to get the Paxlovid.  had Covid last June and had an appointment for other issues but had started feeling not the best night before my appointment. Got up in morning and took my temp which was 101.6. I never have a temp much over 100 as I have the immune issues and don't raise a fever or even show much for elevated white cells when I am sick. Have had diagnosis of severely low T-cells and I have never had a normal count but it went up immensely from getting the IVIG for my myasthenia gravis...so I was thankful.

My doc took care of my problems that I had made the appointment for and then she did the covid test which was pos and put me on the paxlovid also. I knew I had the flu. I was not 14 years old
and had the Hong Kong flu. This was back in another century---literally...and 66 years ago. I had to be quarantined for 10 days and that is miserable after you start to feel better. It really gives a person claustrophobia.

So glad that you are doing better. Don't be surprised if you have a lot more fatigue after this. Miine lasted for months. Stay warm as it is such a crazy winter. We just had a whole lot of snow but little wind. meirish

[Nomad]

Very similar...my fatigue lasted for months. For me, I would estimate a good 5-6 months. I'm always prone to fatigue anyway, but found myself experiencing more problems for several months afterwards.

[Carolina]

Thanks to everyone that posted support, advice, and caring.

I got bacterial pneumonia the week after Covid tests were negative.  My oxygen level went to 90 and I called the EMTs and was admitted to Duke Raleigh Hospital.

I was in the hospital for 4 days.  And I am sooo tired, some time 'anxious' which isn't like me at all.  My PC prescribed an anti-anxiety medication.

When I was admitted to the hospital I tested POSITIVE to Covid! and was put in Covid isolation.  face mask, face shield, gown and gloves required for everyone who entered my room!

When the CT scan results came in it looked like I 'might' have a blood clot in my lungs.  They did a ultrasound of my legs to check for Deep Vein Thrombosis.  No sign of clots or problems.  They want me to take Eliquis  (anti coagulant) for 3 months.  I'm not going to do that....too many possible complications.  I'm always 'compliant' but not this time.

I am incontinent so had to have a Primafit to carry away my urine.  THEN I had two days of diarrhea from the antibiotics.  as some of you know I cannot walk without braces and walker.  I had to be 'cleaned up' every two hours, sometimes my bedding had to be changed.   Any shred of dignity I had was gone.

My cough was horrible, I was miserable.  BUT I'm better now.  This is the FIRST time I've had pneumonia in my 81 years.   Covid AND pneumonia: 2 firsts.

I imagine my recovery will be slow.  I'm having both OT and PT here in my Senior Living Community.   Soon I'll go back to the Dining Room.

Thanks again!

[MarieB]

Elaine, I'm so sorry you've been through so much.  Take care -- and hoping your recovery is solid. 

Marie

[Nomad]

I'm so sorry. <3

[Carebear]

Oh, Elaine. My dear, you have been through the wringer.

I so hope you are feeling better since your last post.  And that you are indeed back visiting in the dining room.

[Deb 27]

Elaine, you have always been a trooper. Best wishes to you for a complete recovery! Sorry you had to go through that.

[Kathy57]

Elaine,

I haven't been on this site in quite awhile but just checked it today.  So sorry to hear about your hospitalization and medical issues!  You have been such a source of good advice. 

I sincerely hope that you are feeling much better

Kathy

[meirish]

Caralina, I haven't been on the site for a couple of months either so I missed out on your pneumonia and hospital misery. So glad that you are doing better. The Paxlovid saved your life that is for sure. I ended up with some cough and bronchitis with my covid and know that the Paxlovid saved me also.

I have just stopped wearing the mask so much but It makes me so nervous. If I get the covid I will probably have to take the Paxlovid again. I have Stage 3b kidney disease and the drug is hard on the kidneys. My DIL who is a nurse and had worked with covid patients over these years just had Covid for the 3rd time in spite of being vaccinated. She said she is taking no more vaccinations. Her husband (my son) had the Covid for the 2nd time. After all these times of covid my DIL started out with not so bad a case and overnight she developed the bad cough and they put her on Paxlovid. She was negative in 5 days and was able to go back to work in a week. Just goes to show who iffy this covid is and how we really can't trust what it will do to our body no matter what our age. Take care girl. meirish