Care Opinion

Getting sick post-Covid

Posted By aferg

"Getting sick post-Covid"

About: Crosshouse Hospital General practices in Ayrshire & Arran NHS 24 / NHS 24 (111 service)

(as a service user),

I was diagnosed at covid positive on May 10th after contact with a confirmed patient at work (nursing home). I was mainly asymptomatic for my weeks isolation, maybe some tiredness. 

Around the 20th May I developed a dry cough and a tightness/burning across my chest. I contacted my GP as I had completed my 7 days isolation. I was told I would not be assessed and to contact nhs24. I did so and was told to attend the Covid hub at Crosshouse hospital. I did and was told that because I was apyrexial and my sats were fine I would not be assessed and to go home. This cycle has continued. 

I am now 18 days post positive covid result. I am exhausted. I have hot sweats and cold shivers although I am apyrexial. I have a dry cough and burning in my chest but my sats are satisfactory. I am feeling very unwell and exhausted.  I am concerned regarding secondary infection or a hormonal/thyroid issue.  I cannot get seen by my GP due to current covid concerns. I cannot get seen at the covid unit as I do not meet their criteria. I would like to know where patients can go to be seen by a Dr and examined if they are sick post covid. 

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Responses

Response from Claire Gilroy, Specialty Doctor, Emergency Department, University Hospital Crosshouse, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 4 years ago
Claire Gilroy
Specialty Doctor, Emergency Department, University Hospital Crosshouse,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Emergency

Submitted on 28/05/2020 at 16:34
Published on Care Opinion at 16:34

picture of Claire Gilroy

Dear aferg,

I am sorry to hear that you have been feeling so unwell. COVID-19 is a debilitating virus. It is not unusual to have extreme fatigue and persistant cough for several weeks after contracting COVID-19.

I would like to help get you the advice you require. If you feel able, could you email me your contact details including phone number and the name of your GP surgery? This will allow me to discuss your case with them and see where the best place to obtain medical advice would be. My email address is claire.gilroy@nhs.net.

Claire

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Response from Shona Lawrence, Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care, NHS 24 4 years ago
Shona Lawrence
Clinical Governance Lead, Nursing and Care,
NHS 24

Submitted on 28/05/2020 at 16:47
Published on Care Opinion on 29/05/2020 at 09:38

picture of Shona Lawrence

Dear aferg

Thank you for sharing your experience on Care Opinon. I am very sorry you remain unwell and appreciate how concerned you will be.

I understand you will be frustrated at the situation you have described in your story.

I would suggest, in the first instance, further contact with your GP during the 'in hours' period when GP surgeries are open.

However, if helpful, you can re-contact NHS 24 on 111 when we can re-assess your symptoms and provide advice.

I sincerely hope you feel better soon.

Take care

Shona

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Response from Claire Gilroy, Specialty Doctor, Emergency Department, University Hospital Crosshouse, NHS Ayrshire and Arran 4 years ago
We are preparing to make a change
Claire Gilroy
Specialty Doctor, Emergency Department, University Hospital Crosshouse,
NHS Ayrshire and Arran

Emergency

Submitted on 02/06/2020 at 14:29
Published on Care Opinion at 16:23

picture of Claire Gilroy

Dear aferg,

Thank you for getting in touch off line. I am pleased you have managed to be reviewed by your GP since your original post and that you are slowly recovering at home.

You clearly articulated that some of the processes that we have put in place for the greater good of our whole population have, at times, resulted in a less than patient centred pathway. We now have an opportunity to look at that and see whether there is anything we can change moving forward. Thank you for taking the time to share your experience with us.

One of the best things about being a clinician who responds on care opinion is getting to hear the whole story behind a patient experience, good or bad. You highlighted that an information leaflet would have been beneficial so that you would have known what symptoms were common following a COVID diagnosis and which symptoms to be concerned about. This is something we are looking in to further. Clearly, a diagnosis of COVID is frightening and being provided with information at an earlier stage may have reduced some of your anxiety.

You have also given me insight into how difficult this virus is for patients who are not sick enough to need hospital admission but who are still very unwell and unable to have family help to take care of them or their children. This virus is unusual as it has robbed all of us of social support and interactions that usually aide recovery. I am not able to change this for you but as you work in a nursing home I have been able to provide you with a number for our staff care line.

I wish you a speedy recovery and thank you once again for sharing your story.

Claire

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