What is it like to have a Long Covid flare up caused by post-exertional malaise (PEM)?
Day 1: Did not take temperature, severe exhaustion, fatigue, brain fog, and mental distress/guilt/frustration
Day 2: temp 100.4, brain fog, in bed all day and night except to use the bathroom or eat, severe exhaustion, severe body aches and malaise, sleeping the majority of the day, significant mental distress/frustration/guilt
Day 3: bad headache, severe exhaustion/fatigue, brain fog, head feeling heavy, body aches, temp 100.2, heart rate in upper 90s at complete rest, SpO2 per iwatch is at the lowest 89% on RA (room air) when lying down and 93% after gentle ambulation. Shortness of breath, air feels thin, restarted taking fluticasone inhaler (steroid) and albuterol inhaler. Using CPAP and inhalers for SPO2 management.
Day 4: moderate to severe generalized headache with worst pain localized in left occipital region by the left eye. Temp after walking a few steps this AM to let the dog out was 100.2, now seems to be in the low 99s, SpO2 has improved to 97% per iwatch (baseline is 100% on RA), air still feels thin but not as bad as yesterday, feeling a bit lightheaded at times especially when turning my head. Energy immediately bottoms out when attempting any activity. Have been sleeping much of the day. Took Tylenol and Motrin and using ice pack around my head — and switching them out when they are not cold anymore (I have two).
Day 5: very mild headache, quick to become tired with any exertion but brain fog and extreme fatigue has improved. SpO2 has normalized, feeling less lightheaded than yesterday. Able to get out of bed to do very low impact activities around the house.
Long Covid Real Talk Facebook group: https://www.facebook.com/groups/418306020831350
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 1-650-382-2217 (for VM >1 min otherwise use voice messaging available through Spotify)
