Catnapper Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 (edited) I'm happy to say I've survived coronavirus! I dodged a bullet as I am high risk due to my age (60), being morbidly obese, and having exercise-induced asthma, so if I had developed respiratory symptoms, this story probably would have had a different ending. The illness lasted two weeks, and although I haven't had any symptoms or fever since Monday, April 20, I'm still sleeping more than the average house cat. I had fever and chills starting on Monday, April 6, and Tuesday night I started having chest pains so called my doctor's after-hours number. He didn't think I was having a heart attack based on my description, but he wanted me to go the next day and be tested for the flu, and possibly coronavirus. The flu test only took a few minutes and was negative, so they did a coronavirus test, and on Friday, April 10, they called me to tell me I was positive, and to stay home. I called everyone I had been in contact with, and I'm glad to say as of this writing, they are all fine. It's terrible to think I was infecting people before I knew I was sick. It was like a bad flu; it wasn't the sickest I've ever been, but it lasted a long time. I had fever, bad chills, bad body aches, headaches, GI issues, and occasional chest pain. Towards the end I got these strange and intense coughing fits that came on suddenly, lasted about 15 minutes, and then went away. I was having a couple of those every day, and throughout the whole time my chest felt really tight if I took a deep breath, but it's all over now. The chest tightness was the scariest to me as I was worried it was the harbinger of more severe respiratory issues. A nurse from the county health department and a nurse from my doctor's office called me every day to check on me and find out my temperature and hear of any symptoms I was having. I thought I had kicked it a week ago, but then that night the symptoms all came back, and it took until Monday of this week (it's Thursday) till I was fever and symptom free. I'm glad it's behind me, and I hope no one else catches it. I contacted the local university medical school today to see if I can donate some plasma, now that mine is presumably filled with antibodies. Other than that I'm just resting and trying to get my strength back. Edited April 24, 2020 by Catnapper {edited for typos} 3 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jarn Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 I'm so glad you're okay! I've been wondering. It makes sense you're exhausted, it sounds awful. I think donating blood is great. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Will Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 I'm glad you're better. And thank you for being proactive in offering to donate plasma Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
echolocation Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 thank goodness you're feeling better! sounds like you really went through the wringer. i'm glad you're still getting plenty of rest, you still need it. i think it's really kind of you to try and use your experience to help others by donating plasma. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Unstrung Harp Posted April 24, 2020 Share Posted April 24, 2020 Glad you're better. Donating plasma seems potentially really helpful right now. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Catnapper Posted April 25, 2020 Author Share Posted April 25, 2020 Thanks to everyone for the kind thoughts. The exhaustion is taking its sweet time to leave - I've been up for two hours and am going to go take a nap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spiny Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 Wow it sounds like you went through a lot! So glad you are feeling better. Thanks also for the idea about donating plasma after one feels better, that's an awesome thing to do. Glad you are on the mend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dancesintherain Posted April 26, 2020 Share Posted April 26, 2020 So glad to hear the good news. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Gearhead Posted April 27, 2020 Share Posted April 27, 2020 Glad to hear you’re on the mend, and thanks for the first-hand description of what it’s like. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fantod Posted May 3, 2020 Share Posted May 3, 2020 Very glad you made it and are here to tell us your story, Catnapper. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
shesellsseashells Posted May 4, 2020 Share Posted May 4, 2020 I'm happy to learn you are recovering and appreciate your sharing your experiences with us. Here's to your continued good health! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Antecedent Posted September 19, 2020 Share Posted September 19, 2020 late to the party but no less happy for you ✴️✴️✴️ I always get colds in winter and I have IBS so i often have GI stuff so I am really worried that when* i get it it will be a while before I realize it's something new and i have to get tested but yeah I am being super cautious just in case i do have it and don't know *i say when because my job puts me in contact with a lot of people Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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