When covid-19 first hit the scenes early 2020, it was a bit of a shock, a bit of a worry, but most people (including yours truly) thought it would be over in a few months. So it was a bit of a shock when I tested positive in Dec 2023 shortly after getting back from a trip to London. Strangely, Chris was not affected. After I tested positive, we effectively isolated each other and took precautions.
Back in 2020. we both had bad colds/flu in March 2020 but we will never find out if that was covid or not. I wrote about this experience in a diary I maintained over that period.
After that period and throughout all the national lockdowns, we were very careful and I still have some habits today (not touching handles etc). However, and despite a couple of vaccines under our belts, we both tested positive in the middle of 2022. I wrote about this experience – click here.
We had a lovely time with 3 whole days spent walking, sight-seeing and we occasionally used public transport to get from Crystal Palace (our Motorhome location) into central London. We were outside most of the time but the odd shop, café, restaurant was used now and then. We only encountered a really busy tube (underground) on one occasion.
On return home Saturday 16th Dec. On 17/18th I remember quite a lot of sneezing, that led to me think “head cold”. On 19th Dec, I added sore throat (think swallowing razor blades type feeling). I tested myself and it was positive. Crap. Chris was negative. I hunkered down – I was suffering but literally stayed in bed for 48 hours, most of it asleep. The next phase was coughing – it was loose and I noticed red in the phlegm on every occasion. I have seen this before during many of my past chest infections – normally antibiotics would be required but this was almost certainly viral rather than bacterial. Despite having a letter to say I might be suitable for covid treatment, I did not do that and I now regret it. Everything is always clearer in hindsight.
I soldiered on (albeit isolated inside my house) and eventually tested negative on 24th Dec ……. but I was far from being ‘hunky dory’. As I write this (2nd Jan 2024) I am still symptomatic but with more energy and appetite than before. The main issue is a lingering cough along with a ‘tight’ chest. I have been puffing away with prescribed Ventolin (something I always have as an asthmatic on paper), it helps but does not cure. I’ve been taking an over the counter cough medication for 9 days, again it helps but does not cure. I do sense improvements but very slow. When my GP reads the letter I mention below, I anticipate an appointment will follow, at least the GP can check my lungs using a stethoscope. I don’t believe I’m an emergency case otherwise I would have taken action sooner. This too shall pass.
I survived but we really don’t want to get it again.
It’s great to be on surveillance for Neuroendocrine Cancer, that needs tracking. However, it’s also pretty useful for incidental findings that would otherwise go unnoticed (the pro). It was a shock to discover that my 2022 infection was showing stuff up on my annual CT scans and some research pointed out that was a problem for doctors and patients as they found some pulmonary issues on display. These things can worry a patient with cancer (the con).
My annual NET MDT consultation on 13th July 2022 was basically good news, I remain stable. However ……… my favourite radiologist had authored my latest CT scan report from 22 June. He reported something on my left lung which looked like an infection, my Oncologist showed me on the CT output. He described it as “fluffy” and there was more than one area. His conclusion is that it was most likely caused by covid which further indicated that I may have had covid for a whole week before becoming symptomatic. As I indicated above, I did experience something like a tickly throat for a day or two prior but not for a whole 7 days. My specialist says this was something they are seeing a lot. Read more here or click on the picture below:
My Oncologist ran another CT 3 months after 13 July 2022 (as mentioned above) and it was essentially clear, the GGO issue had stabilised and was on the way out. When I fast forward to my CT scan in July 2023, I find these issues mentioned.”
Previously seen area of “tree in bud” nodularity (GGO) in the lateral basal segment of the right lower lobe has completely resolved and was therefore inflammatory.
There is new small nodularity measuring up to 4 mm in size with some mucus plugging and subtle surrounding patchy ground-glass opacification at two separate foci in the right upper lobe and more subtly in left upper and lower lobes, this is likely inflammatory.
Longstanding minor biapical scarring and linear atelectasis at the basal aspect of left upper lobe is noted. There are several small longstanding lung nodules measuring up to 4 mm in size which are unlikely to be of clinical significance.
The lungs otherwise appear clear. No pleural effusions.”
Scary stuff for the unaware but I have a history of chest infections since I was young and had a mild pneumonia at least twice as an adult. I’m fairly certain this is related on the basis I have no diagnosed lung condition other than mild asthma. My lung nodule(s) were found incidentally when I was diagnosed with NET and they are monitored each CT scan.
My concern is further complications would be showing if I was scanned now (e.g. more GGO) and that may still show at my next annual scheduled CT in June 2024.
I have effectively managed this infection under my own stream. Timings were not good to get attention but I never considered myself an emergency case. However, I will write a letter to my GP (cc my NET MDT) updating on the issue for my medical records.
Edit 3rd Jan 2024
GP has diagnosed regular chest infection caused by the coronavirus. This now makes total sense to me. Antibitoics and steroids have been prescribed and that should clear the issue in a few days.
Stay safe all!
Edit 23rd Apr 2024
Received a booster vaccine today. It was the latest Moderna, all previous vaccines have been Pfizer. Both use the mRNA technology, so there shouldn’t be much difference.
Stay safe all!
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