Long Covid. A support thread for those who take a while to recover from Covid-19

[Annb]

Good evening Annb,

After reading your post I realise that I probably got off light with my dose of Covid - although I did not think so at the time.

I really do thank you for your post - and I also hope that you will be feeling much better very soon. My wife and I will also remember you in our prayers tonight.

God bless.

Thank you @Kyambala. My actual dose of covid wasn't too bad (never diagnosed, it was before anyone was being diagnosed on reporting symptoms unless they were bad enough to go into hospital) but pretty sure it was. I thought I'd got off lightly. However, I'm pretty sure it's done some damage to my lungs. So - long term covid. I pray daily for everyone at risk of whatever danger - might include me tonight!

 

[Winnie-the-Pooh]

Have u got trouble with controlling postprandial bg months after COVID ?

 

[lucylocket61]

I have trouble controlling my blood glucose levels when I have a flare up for a few days. I am now noticing a rise after eating and am alerted that a flare up is coming, so i can rest more then in advance. I get the rise about 36 hours before the flare.

 

[Annb]

Have u got trouble with controlling postprandial bg months after COVID ?

I only know of a few people's experience, but raised BG levels seems to be fairly common during any illness, and some, I know, still have problems long after the actual illness goes. Mine have been high for a long time - worse during the last few months. Only now beginning to get some kind of control back with higher doses of insulin than I want to be using (or my diabetes nurse wants me to use).

 

[Kyambala]

Have u got trouble with controlling postprandial bg months after COVID ?

Good afternoon Winnie,

Normally I am able to control my fasting blood sugars between 4.3 - 5.9 However when I have a "cold" they jump up to between 6.5 - 8 and rarely above 8. FBS today read 6.5 because I have a cold.

I adjust my Insulin according to what I have eaten - but sometimes I get it wrong. I don't smoke nor drink alcohol but do very little exercise - perhaps half mile walk most days. I really should exercise more each day but my armchair is very comfortable and the TV and my Laptop occupy most of my time. I am almost 79 years of age and have a wife that is an excellent cook.

These days my legs just don't seem to want to work - basically I am lazy.

Have a nice day.

 

[Kyambala]

I only know of a few people's experience, but raised BG levels seems to be fairly common during any illness, and some, I know, still have problems long after the actual illness goes. Mine have been high for a long time - worse during the last few months. Only now beginning to get some kind of control back with higher doses of insulin than I want to be using (or my diabetes nurse wants me to use).

Good afternoon Annb,

Are you on Insulin? If so, have you tried increasing your dose by 2 or 4 units "short term" to see if that helps?

I adjust my dose regularly by a few units to keep control - if the go above FBS 8 on 2 consecutive days I add about 6 units in the morning - but I am careful about the evening dose to avoid nighttime Hypos. I have not had a hypo now for about 6 or 7 years.

Keeping "control" is the most important thing to avoid other complications.

Have a nice day.

 

[Annb]

Good afternoon Annb,

Are you on Insulin? If so, have you tried increasing your dose by 2 or 4 units "short term" to see if that helps?

I adjust my dose regularly by a few units to keep control - if the go above FBS 8 on 2 consecutive days I add about 6 units in the morning - but I am careful about the evening dose to avoid nighttime Hypos. I have not had a hypo now for about 6 or 7 years.

Keeping "control" is the most important thing to avoid other complications.

Have a nice day.

Thank you, @Kyambala. I have been on insulin for several years now and gradually the required dose has crept up. Because it was higher than my diabetes nurse liked, she put me onto different ones (basal and bolus) and asked me to start with a much reduced dose because she thought the new ones would be more effective. This was around 2 months ago. The result was that my already high BG went even higher and gradually I have reached the stage where I am, more or less, in control, but still higher than I would like but at a dose at least as high as on the previous insulins. Control for me is around 9 on my meter. The nurse thinks that's very tight control. I would rather see it at least 3 points lower. Oddly, a few days ago I did have all the symptoms of a hypo - at 4.3! So, I am being a bit wary. Sticking with my 48 units before meals just now. Basal dose of 64 units.

 

[Kyambala]

Thank you, @Kyambala. I have been on insulin for several years now and gradually the required dose has crept up. Because it was higher than my diabetes nurse liked, she put me onto different ones (basal and bolus) and asked me to start with a much reduced dose because she thought the new ones would be more effective. This was around 2 months ago. The result was that my already high BG went even higher and gradually I have reached the stage where I am, more or less, in control, but still higher than I would like but at a dose at least as high as on the previous insulins. Control for me is around 9 on my meter. The nurse thinks that's very tight control. I would rather see it at least 3 points lower. Oddly, a few days ago I did have all the symptoms of a hypo - at 4.3! So, I am being a bit wary. Sticking with my 48 units before meals just now. Basal dose of 64 units.

Good evening Annb.

I thought that you were supposed to be Type 2? I would have thought that Humulin 3 taken morning and evening with perhaps Metformin SR in the evening would give you better control. I don't use Basal at all.

Low Carb High Fat diet plus daily exercise I have found to be the best way to control BS - before I started on LCHF my FBS was all over the place and night Hypos were regular. Not eating "too much" food is also important plus limiting alcohol consumption.

If you decide to use Metformin SR please keep an eye on your B12 as it can cause other complications. Whatever you take there will be added side effects - although Metformin SR taken at night only gives you side effects when you are asleep.

Your Doctor might be more knowledgeable than your Diabetic Nurse on these matters.

Good night.

 

[Annb]

Good evening Annb.

I thought that you were supposed to be Type 2? I would have thought that Humulin 3 taken morning and evening with perhaps Metformin SR in the evening would give you better control. I don't use Basal at all.

Low Carb High Fat diet plus daily exercise I have found to be the best way to control BS - before I started on LCHF my FBS was all over the place and night Hypos were regular. Not eating "too much" food is also important plus limiting alcohol consumption.

If you decide to use Metformin SR please keep an eye on your B12 as it can cause other complications. Whatever you take there will be added side effects - although Metformin SR taken at night only gives you side effects when you are asleep.

Your Doctor might be more knowledgeable than your Diabetic Nurse on these matters.

Good night.

Good morning @Kyambala.

I am T2. The insulin I have been prescribed is Toujeo Double Star as a basal dose and Fiasp to take before food. These were prescribed to replace Lantus Solostar basal dose and Humilin S bolus, which did not seem to be working very well. The new ones are no better than the previous ones. I also take Metformin 500 mg after first and last meal of the day. Not sure if that is slow release or not. I've only just gone back onto them after stopping before endoscopy/sigmoidoscopy and blood test to ensure that it was safe to take them again. I have been advised that it is not necessary to take vitamin supplements, other than Vit D (bone specialist re potential osteoporosis). Our doctors simply refer to the diabetes (nurse led) clinic.

It seems that it is all a matter of opinion. One specialist's view is not necessarily the same as another's. Seems to be an art rather than a science. Anyone who has read my posts over the last years or so will know that I don't have a very high opinions of the medical services in Britain. Although much better than in some other countries, it is all a bit like the curate's egg.

As far as I am aware, night hypos don't happen to me. I think I would know since I don't sleep very well and have to wake up, due to arthritic pain, approximately every 2 hours. Day time hypos don't happen very often either, but they have happened - usually after accidentally fasting for too many hours. My problem is high BG levels most of the time.

Exercise also doesn't happen - arthritis is to blame for that. The best I can manage is to shuffle around the house as much as possible. This uses plenty of energy (and certainly makes me puff and pant), but I don't kid myself that it is enough to keep me even relatively fit, or help me lose some of the extra weight I am carrying.

 

[Kyambala]

Good morning @Kyambala.

I am T2. The insulin I have been prescribed is Toujeo Double Star as a basal dose and Fiasp to take before food. These were prescribed to replace Lantus Solostar basal dose and Humilin S bolus, which did not seem to be working very well. The new ones are no better than the previous ones. I also take Metformin 500 mg after first and last meal of the day. Not sure if that is slow release or not. I've only just gone back onto them after stopping before endoscopy/sigmoidoscopy and blood test to ensure that it was safe to take them again. I have been advised that it is not necessary to take vitamin supplements, other than Vit D (bone specialist re potential osteoporosis). Our doctors simply refer to the diabetes (nurse led) clinic.

It seems that it is all a matter of opinion. One specialist's view is not necessarily the same as another's. Seems to be an art rather than a science. Anyone who has read my posts over the last years or so will know that I don't have a very high opinions of the medical services in Britain. Although much better than in some other countries, it is all a bit like the curate's egg.

As far as I am aware, night hypos don't happen to me. I think I would know since I don't sleep very well and have to wake up, due to arthritic pain, approximately every 2 hours. Day time hypos don't happen very often either, but they have happened - usually after accidentally fasting for too many hours. My problem is high BG levels most of the time.

Exercise also doesn't happen - arthritis is to blame for that. The best I can manage is to shuffle around the house as much as possible. This uses plenty of energy (and certainly makes me puff and pant), but I don't kid myself that it is enough to keep me even relatively fit, or help me lose some of the extra weight I am carrying.

Good afternoon Annb.

I have to be careful not to advise you because I do not know your medical history. Also, I am not medical. I can only tell you of my own experience - especially now that I seem to have my FBS reasonably under control. I don't advise fasting (although many more experienced people on this site do) simply because it induces "liver dumps" which forces your BS up.

In my case, I had to take control of my medication and tell the "Professionals" what "I" wanted and they reluctantly agreed.

Two months ago I refused my PSA Blood Test because they refused to check my B12 at the same time. The Doctor phoned me up to try and persuade me but she still would not check my B12 so I still refused until December when I have my annual check up. I also refused to continue taking Statins about 2 years ago and refused the "female Hormone" injections before starting Radiotherapy for Prostate Cancer. I listen to their "advice" and then make up my own mind based upon my own research.

I do not advise that anyone else do the things that I have done - but I have found that the information posted on this site from people who "have been there" is better than the "Professionals" who "have never been there" and get their information from their "trainers" who have "never been there either". One Nurse in a Hospital said to me "I have to be careful what I say because I work for the NHS" - then she gave me some "candid" advice to try LCHF.

You could of course make "suggestions" about the "type" of Insulin (eg Humulin M3) and Metformin SR which "others" have found successful - but it MIGHT NOT suit your medical condition - I cannot advise on that - but you CAN ask.

Always remember - you are in "control" and YOU can adjust your dosage depending upon how YOU feel considering your diet - but do it gradually.

Have a nice day.

 

[Debandez]

If anyone is interested in getting a covid19 antibody test i got my latest through 'testing for all' not for profit. 39.99. Home test using lancet to fill a small test tube. Postal system.
They test for igm (the first responder) and igg (occurs later) together and range is between 0 - 200 using Roche
My first test was through Medichecks who used Abbot - they test for igg and the range is between 0 - 8
neither level is designed to tell you your level of antibodies (confirmed when I questioned it), just whether you have them. Apparently Abbot and Roche are releasing new tests designed to give level of antibodies though these will be more expensive.

Just sharing for info.

 

[Rustytypin]

Came across this which may be of interest to those of you who think they may have undetected COVID pre February:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-h...g-in-italy-earlier-than-thought-idUKKBN27V0KF
Looks like COVID has been around a long time.

 

[zand]

Came across this which may be of interest to those of you who think they may have undetected COVID pre February:
https://uk.reuters.com/article/us-h...g-in-italy-earlier-than-thought-idUKKBN27V0KF
Looks like COVID has been around a long time.

Thank you, that confirms what some of us thought already.

 

[zand]

Sorry I haven't posted much on this thread since starting it. I am depressed with the situation in UK and can't understand why the government haven't done a proper lockdown this time.

I have come to realise that as a 63 year old diabetic, society considers me, and others like me, useless and not worth hospital treatment should I/we get covid again. And the majority of the country seem fine with that. Too upset to post alot now.

 

[lucylocket61]

Keep posting. We need all the alternative narrative we can get.

Hugs

 

[lucylocket61]

I suspect, looking at my figures from the last diabetic review in late January, before i got covid, that my now high blood pressure may be linked to long covid?

I have gone from 125/80 to 179/90 in the interim, I have always had good blood pressure before this, even in pregnancy.

I have the results of my next HbA1c and diabetic review with the nurse on the 9th dec. it will be interesting to see how things have changed. I will also show her my feet with possible psoriasis, which has also appeared since getting covid.

 

[Alexandra100]

I have come to realise that as a 63 year old diabetic, society considers me, and others like me, useless and not worth hospital treatment should I/we get covid again.

Zand, I'm so sorry you are feeling so bad. I really don't think anyone in this country is thinking we (older diabetics) are useless and not worth hospital treatment. I think in this country we are imbued with the idea that on the NHS EVERYONE matters and deserves exactly the same, sometimes heroic, efforts to help and if possible save them, no matter the cost. I see the problem as being rather that a large proportion of the population don't think at all! They don't reflect that the consequences of their stupid selfish actions will be deaths of frontline workers and vulnerable people. They are just focussed on their "freedoms" and their beer. Asked to donate towards treatments for Covid patients they would likely put their hands in their pockets willingly enough.
I do think the end is in sight now. Just keep your head down for a bit longer, and meanwhile try to find some safe treats to raise your morale!

 

[lucylocket61]

As from yesterday, I am on antibiotics from an abscess. Fortunately my diabetes nurse is always the same one, and moved swiftly.

So, this past month I have had a viral infection, then fungal, and now bacterial. Hopefully this hat trick will now cease.

 

[ruth2]

I also had a mysterious viral infection in March, almost certainly brought it home from school (am a teacher), never got tested, got told it can't possibly be covid since I only had some contact with a pupil who'd been skiing in Italy a few miles north of the hotspots back then, but then again been asked not to take two-year old daugter to hospital (she'd been sick three times a night and refusing to drink or eat for a week and I strugled to wake her up during the day) unless she passes out because it probably is covid. Been struggling with nausea, headaches, tingling in one foot, about once every two weeks, blood glucose all over the place even on very-low-carb, just to get told by GP that it is stress. This time last year I had three toddlers in nappies and a full-time job, now two are at nursery and finally potty-trained, so surely I should be feeling better, not this much worse? Have given up on trying to be understood, taking metformin now and counting days that I'm feeling fine, hoping for a new record.

 

[lucylocket61]

I also had a mysterious viral infection in March, almost certainly brought it home from school (am a teacher), never got tested, got told it can't possibly be covid since I only had some contact with a pupil who'd been skiing in Italy a few miles north of the hotspots back then, but then again been asked not to take two-year old daugter to hospital (she'd been sick three times a night and refusing to drink or eat for a week and I strugled to wake her up during the day) unless she passes out because it probably is covid. Been struggling with nausea, headaches, tingling in one foot, about once every two weeks, blood glucose all over the place even on very-low-carb, just to get told by GP that it is stress. This time last year I had three toddlers in nappies and a full-time job, now two are at nursery and finally potty-trained, so surely I should be feeling better, not this much worse? Have given up on trying to be understood, taking metformin now and counting days that I'm feeling fine, hoping for a new record.

Hugs. I've been like that for months. Your GP should know that long covid is recognised as a condition. I can only suggest test more than you think you need to, where possible, keep a record of how you are feeling, write up when and how it started and try to make a retrospective report to show to back up your proof of long covid.

Battling our GP's is not what we need just now, is it.