London December 2023

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.