COVID

Hope it goes well for you Thursday-relief, the start to some answers and just being looked after.

I can't offer any help with regards to medical experiences, etc. but I'm a research support librarian with access to pretty much any/all medical literature.  So if you DO get to the stage where you'd like to read up/better understand what's going on and hit a paywall, hit me up.  Librarians love getting information to people!

My GP has since called as well, letting me know that my blood tests were "unremarkable" and was very pleased to hear I'm being seen on Thursday and they plan to drain there and then. 

One question that I had for him was "what should cause concern for me to go to A&E?" prior to the hospital appointment.  He admitted that he's very surprised I wasn't admitted when they did my chest x-ray.  He also warned that it's likely going to be a journey for them to figure out what's going on.  But I'm still very excited for some hopefully symptomatic relief on Thursday.

"Like" as in giving support. Not "like" as in liking the situation.

Definitely hoping you'll get some relief on Thursday.

My GP has since called as well, letting me know that my blood tests were "unremarkable" and was very pleased to hear I'm being seen on Thursday and they plan to drain there and then. 

One question that I had for him was "what should cause concern for me to go to A&E?" prior to the hospital appointment.  He admitted that he's very surprised I wasn't admitted when they did my chest x-ray.  He also warned that it's likely going to be a journey for them to figure out what's going on.  But I'm still very excited for some hopefully symptomatic relief on Thursday.

A few years ago you definitely would have been. The level for admitting keeps getting pushed due to healthcare rationing and a lack of beds due to the social care crisis preventing discharges. I'm quite sure with my connective tissue disease I'm at the bottom of the list now because they can just say that killed me if it happens. (Unless my husband pushes for an inquiry, and I've already told him he should.)

Do you have a pulse oximeter? If yes, O2 dropping and staying around 92 call 111 for advice, below 88 it's A&E (according to Google). My general rule for myself is if I have new severe chest pain, my heartbeat has gone funny for more than a few seconds (feels very fluttery), my blood pressure has dropped below 90/50 or is too high. Never feel bad for seeking advice or just going in if you're not sure, it quite literally could save your life. (Also need to remind myself of that because PTSD means I avoid a&e at all costs)

Hope you feel better soon.

Good luck on the draining. Not fun, but you'll feel so much better afters!

Survived!  Easy peasy really.

So was diagnosed with a loculated pleural effusion.  My right lung was collapsed. 

They drained off about a litre of fluid and stopped when I started coughing uncontrollably which was a sign that my body had had enough. Checked that my lung was starting to fill with air (what the coughing was doing). 

Waiting for a CT scan now and then get to go home. Two weeks of strong antibiotics and I return for all the results.  While often associated with very scary things the consultant feels confident mine will be infection based.

Can’t wait to finish all the tests and go home.

Oh thanks for the update!! Glad it's all going okay! And I do hope it's infection based! Fingers crossed all will be well soon and you're feeling yourself again!

Survived!  Easy peasy really.

So was diagnosed with a loculated pleural effusion.  My right lung was collapsed. 

They drained off about a litre of fluid and stopped when I started coughing uncontrollably which was a sign that my body had had enough. Checked that my lung was starting to fill with air (what the coughing was doing). 

Waiting for a CT scan now and then get to go home. Two weeks of strong antibiotics and I return for all the results.  While often associated with very scary things the consultant feels confident mine will be infection based.

Can’t wait to finish all the tests and go home.

That's just great news. I knew you'd rock it! 

Yay KF!! Hopefully your on your way back to perfect health!


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Glad it's over, and hoping you'll start to feel better really soon! 

Great news KF, hopefully the infection will clear up soon.

Got home a couple of hours ago and had a good sleep. I do feel a bit stiff now!

I have to say I’m absolutely amazed at the NHS since this was picked up. From being told what was happening by my GP on Friday and all testing and relief by drainage - 3 business days. I know we all have our (valid) moans about the NHS. But genuinely, in the US, it would be insurance wanting certain boxes ticked, certain providers only, and I would be surprised if it was as quick. 

I love that I can take a big breath of air in. And when I went upstairs, I wasn’t exhausted at the top. It was only one stair climb though.

Thank you for all the love and support. I have felt it!

I do wish I had taken a picture of all the fluid so if the GP says my chest is clear in the future I can say “ Are you sure all of this isn’t in the way?” 

Yay for being able to breathe! 

Got home a couple of hours ago and had a good sleep. I do feel a bit stiff now!

I have to say I’m absolutely amazed at the NHS since this was picked up. From being told what was happening by my GP on Friday and all testing and relief by drainage - 3 business days. I know we all have our (valid) moans about the NHS. But genuinely, in the US, it would be insurance wanting certain boxes ticked, certain providers only, and I would be surprised if it was as quick. 

I love that I can take a big breath of air in. And when I went upstairs, I wasn’t exhausted at the top. It was only one stair climb though.

Thank you for all the love and support. I have felt it!

I do wish I had taken a picture of all the fluid so if the GP says my chest is clear in the future I can say “ Are you sure all of this isn’t in the way?” 

In the US you would have been admitted with the x-ray and had all of this done in hospital immediately. A friend went through it recently for unfortunately a form of cancer (the tests for that did take some time but that was due to cultures and labs timing for response to chemo/immunotherapy options).

The NHS is on its knees and severely rationing care.

If you have health insurance and can pay exorbitant co-pays

Or have medicare. With a $20 copay.