Having Long Covid and COPD

Let's talk long Covid.

Twenty days after our previous Covid test, my husband and I tested positive for Covid-19. This was the third time.

Challenging symptoms and uncertainties in health conditions

When we tested positive, my husband was given medication. They didn’t want to give me anything because of all of the medications that I’m on for so many different health issues.

I was told if I didn't get to feeling better, I should go in. This was the day to make a doctor's appointment and to go in.

I felt so sick. So tired. Low oxygen, diarrhea, coughing green phlegm, flu-like pain throughout my body, very different than fibro, severe headaches, no taste, which has been like this since the first time I had Covid.

Thank God the vomiting stopped. When I could taste food or just the taste in my mouth, it was awful.

I couldn't figure out if it tasted like snot or dirt. Sorry, hoping that you have no visuals.

I gargled frequently and used oxygen when needed, mainly when I slept. My husband wasn’t feeling any better, but he didn’t go to the doctor this time.

Covid can still be a reality. We’ve been told that three viruses have been affecting people: Covid-19, the flu, and RSV.

I know so many people have been sick since most agencies have been following the CDC, the Centers for Disease Control.

When the nurse explained long Covid, she explained it as lasting two weeks, two months, or even two years. I told her that we had never felt so sick.

The Mayo Clinic previously suggested that my allergies were a likely trigger of my COPD. I still wonder what, when, how, and why, yet I am so grateful.

I don’t think that any of my docs know why. My asthma, though, is primary. I have lived in the COPD world for several years. Maybe it’s a component of asthma, but I don’t know.

Importance of rest and exercise in recovery

The PA, Physician’s Assistant, came in. My lungs sounded cruddy. The X-ray was good.

Prednisone, antibiotic, cough medication, and nausea medication. Oh, and she said rest.

I’m going to stop pushing myself and rest. I think that’s what I needed, an order for bed rest.

I didn’t feel as guilty lying around. It seems that’s all we’ve been doing. Even now, it’s a push to get things done.

Yet, I do have to stop. My husband too. Thinking that I’m doing better, I do some cleaning or I sit and write. The coughing begins again, and so does the shortness of breath.

Even my eyes get so tired. Then I’m down again.

Pacing myself is so important, even just baby steps. I can tell that it helps overall.

One thing that dives me crazy is that my attention isn’t what it should be. It’s hard to stay focused, especially when I get tired. This is someplace I have never been before; I don’t like it here.

I do Sudoku, puzzles, and some games. Slowly, I’m hopeful that we are both getting better. Exercise, too, is so important.

One of my favorite sayings is, “If you don’t use it, you lose it.” Exercise is so important for the lungs and overall health.

Importance of lung care and when to call your doctor

Whether you are sick or coping with COPD, taking care of your lungs is important. Be sure to take your medications as prescribed.

This includes oxygen. I can tell when it’s time to neb, use my inhaler, or my oral medications.

Vitamins are so important too. Be sure to discuss these things with your doctor. It’s important to discuss exercise as well.

Call your doctor if you are:

• Sick
• Struggling to breathe
• Wheezing
• Having low oxygen levels
• Coughing excessively, especially if it’s thick and colored
• Running a temperature
• Dehydrated
• Lacking energy
• Weak and lacking energy.
• Noticing weigh changes
• Feeling confused or more than normal
• Having an exacerbation

My hope for you is to find a smile in your day, enjoy a restful night and know that we care.