Thread by @barkflight

Originally, I wasn't going to say anything about what's been happening. Then I figured, well, maybe it will help someone else.

(thread)

Monday night, I began to have some relatively normal shortness of breath. I thought well, I have severe asthma so maybe it's just a flare. The next morning, I had chills and a headache with runny nose (along with the SOB).

Probably other things I'm forgetting. Nausea. Anyway, I called my PCP and they suggested I do a video visit. The assistant doc (?) said based on your symptoms, we have to treat this as if you're Covid +.

I have ordered a test through the county and FedEx will pick it up. Yesterday I had more SOB, congestion, a wicked headache, a dry cough, and more chills. I used albuterol (both inhaler + neb) and took Advil.

I haven't had a confirmed fever. Early this morning I went outside to see about these cats that were fighting and I was out of breath by the time I made it out to the street. I've had asthma but this seemed different.

This morning, more SOB of course, chest congestion and pain, extreme (for me) fatigue doing anything, the cough, and a sore throat for a time. Some nausea.

My peak flow — how much air you can breathe out — is at about 350 (personal best 550-600). So, about 58% to 63%. I've used both types of albuterol. So tired. I'm waiting for my PCP to get back to me for direction because sometimes it hurts to breathe.

I really, really want to treat this at home, so I want a clear plan for when I have to go in. I've never been this exhausted from lung stuff.

I've been *very, very* careful with protocols — mask wearing, social distancing, handwashing, etc. Aerosolized droplets from someone else not wearing one downstairs (in the building compound)? Who knows.

No gatherings, no one in my bubble, etc. However, I don't want people to think those measures don't matter if I got sick anyway. It's all about *reducing* your chances to get sick and infect others.

I figure this is pretty mild-to-moderate so far. I've been lucky. Please take this seriously. Follow health protocols. You don't want this. Maybe I will test negative. But you should do everything you can to not feel like this. It's not like a cold.

Hopefully, I will have more helpful updates soon. Just take care of yourselves and each other.

- END -

Peak flow last night was 300-350, so a little lower than before. No fever. The prescription cough medicine seems to be helping some. Sats are good at rest. Haven't tried walking.

(300-350 is 50-58% of the top end of personal best.) I have a message in to the lung doc. Will keep taking all my asthma meds.

Resting O2 sats today:

Still, it seemed like taking out the trash was a bit easier today.

94-96

Test taken, boxed up and sealed, and set up to be picked up today.

Tonight the SOB is worse, but my sats are fine. More albuterol. Dizziness and fatigue. Stomach is a mess. The cough still hurts but I think the Mucinex is keeping it in check.