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I've had a persistent cough, occasional tight chest since I flew back. I just want to know if I'm a carrier. I'm self-isolating but roommates are NOT taking this seriously.
Ofc 811 healthline is conjested and tests are backed up to the thousands.
Now my roommate has a fever.
Ofc 811 healthline is conjested and tests are backed up to the thousands.
Now my roommate has a fever.
Should have stayed my ass in Asia. This system is failing its people.
Sooo, pretty sure I'm a carrier. Chest feels like there's a brick in it. On the borderline of low grade fever and fortunately 97% blood oxygen from my oximeter (under 90 and you need to get in a hospital).
811 is still
woohoo
811 is still
woohoo
Everyday since exposure with sick ppl in flight/airport, I tracked my symptoms. Sharing them here in case it's helpful to others.
Started getting suspicious around day 6/7. Before that, I thought I caught my roommate's lingering cold and the symptoms were combined with jetlag.
Started getting suspicious around day 6/7. Before that, I thought I caught my roommate's lingering cold and the symptoms were combined with jetlag.
Sharing this for 2 reasons:
1. Process for your benefit. Seeing as my family is from Wuhan, I think I'm well prepared physically and mentally.
2. In the case that
hits the fan & the health system can't get to me or my roommate, this will be a public record.
1. Process for your benefit. Seeing as my family is from Wuhan, I think I'm well prepared physically and mentally.
2. In the case that
hits the fan & the health system can't get to me or my roommate, this will be a public record.
This is what happens when I follow their self-assessment, be told to call this number to speak to a medical staff.
I'd expect a long queue, which is at least is a promise of someone picking up/calling back. Nope, they straight up play a clip to tell me to call later and hang up.
I'd expect a long queue, which is at least is a promise of someone picking up/calling back. Nope, they straight up play a clip to tell me to call later and hang up.
Staff is overloaded, I get it. It seems like if we're not close to dying, they don't want us anywhere near.
What about everyone on my flight AC-18? No chance of initiating contact tracing. Let's not pretend all 250+ of them are self-isolating rn b/c an airport kiosk suggested it
What about everyone on my flight AC-18? No chance of initiating contact tracing. Let's not pretend all 250+ of them are self-isolating rn b/c an airport kiosk suggested it
Partly my own fault for choosing to fly back from Asia b/c I wanted to work with my client in-person and line up projects for Q2. Well, surprise, a teammate is also sick with covid19 symptoms after biz travel from Europe and SV.
You better believe Canada is underreporting cases.
You better believe Canada is underreporting cases.
I have anxieties about telling my grandparents, who will freak, worry incessantly and lose sleep. It's just what Chinese families do...
That's not helpful especially when they are far away and need to focus on caring for themselves. So I'll tell them I'm okay for now.
That's not helpful especially when they are far away and need to focus on caring for themselves. So I'll tell them I'm okay for now.
My body jolted awake earlier. Guess I can't sleep on my back. Chest felt constricting. WTF. Nothing like what I've ever felt before.
Chugged hot water and calmed down after 1.5hr.
On hold with 811. They've escalated my case and transferred me to a nurse. It's 2:30am.
Chugged hot water and calmed down after 1.5hr.
On hold with 811. They've escalated my case and transferred me to a nurse. It's 2:30am.
It was traumatic. My HR elevated for an hr while I waited on the line for 811. My immune system at war. I felt scared that if I fall back asleep, I'd never wake up again.
This is much more than "just the flu". Please don't underestimate it just because you are normally healthy.
This is much more than "just the flu". Please don't underestimate it just because you are normally healthy.
I got on the line with a nurse after an additional 45min wait. She was kind and very informative. I told her all my symptoms and stats readings. She tells me not to wait and go to ER. Called around, going to the ER in Richmond now. They told me I will also get tested there. Good.
I'm glad I came here in the wee hours of the morning where there's few patients because this hallway is eerie af
So according to the ER nurse (every nurse tells me s/t different?) I'm a borderline test case due to my travel history but it's up to the doctor to determine if I can get tested. I got this handout though.
..it's no wonder that community spread isn't reported in official numbers
..it's no wonder that community spread isn't reported in official numbers
Doc won't test me. Says there's not enough supply right now because their kits are ordered from the same supplier that services the US and that's where they are going atm. She wishes they can do what Korea does.
"But treat yourself as if you have the coronavirus", I'm told.
"But treat yourself as if you have the coronavirus", I'm told.
I asked another doc about the sudden chest pain, which is still painful when I breath right now. He ordered a CT scan, so at least I can find out if there's some damage.
Waiting for that right now.
Oh, this is the "you might have it but we won't be testing you!" hand-out.
Waiting for that right now.
Oh, this is the "you might have it but we won't be testing you!" hand-out.
Phone died earlier... so I waited the whole morning for my results. 
The closer it got to noon, the more ICU patients rushed in :(. At this point my chest felt much better, Dr had more urgent cases to attend to, so I left.
And that concludes my sleepless adventures in ER.
The closer it got to noon, the more ICU patients rushed in :(. At this point my chest felt much better, Dr had more urgent cases to attend to, so I left.And that concludes my sleepless adventures in ER.
A passed out for a whole 12hrs and now I feel HEALTHY! Temp @ 36°C Blood oxygen @ 96% resting 99% sitting. Lungs are sore, like a day after a long run.
Today is Day 10: around the point where patients recover or worsen. My immune response said a huge fuck you and fought it off!!
Today is Day 10: around the point where patients recover or worsen. My immune response said a huge fuck you and fought it off!!
Was it worth the trip even when I didn't get tested or my results? I think so. Last night I couldn't breathe lying down, needed to do s/t to avoid suffocating.
My mom always taught me that getting clarity of an imperfect reality is better than hanging on a thread of empty hope.
My mom always taught me that getting clarity of an imperfect reality is better than hanging on a thread of empty hope.
What did I learn:
1. They've given up treating community spread, unless you need an ICU. I was hoping I could get some oxygen.
2. Testing is now limited to medical staff, senior home folks, and hospitalised patients.
3. Drs don't agree but their hands are tied by the system.
1. They've given up treating community spread, unless you need an ICU. I was hoping I could get some oxygen.
2. Testing is now limited to medical staff, senior home folks, and hospitalised patients.
3. Drs don't agree but their hands are tied by the system.
In an country that prioritizes covid19 from the beginning. The following would have happened, and I would have been in isolation instead of home, awaiting test results: https://twitter.com/johnnytong/status/1241067729140035589?s=20
My roommate came out.. she was shaking. Going through the same symptom I had last night. I sat with her.
We talked about social support, how it's hugely lacking to reach out b/c the "stay home" combined with "it's not a big deal for most" message is fundamentally isolating.
We talked about social support, how it's hugely lacking to reach out b/c the "stay home" combined with "it's not a big deal for most" message is fundamentally isolating.
For me, I'm very thankful for my network of friends and strangers who know better than to minimize. They showed up ans offered support. TY for checking in while I was waiting in ER, for sharing your symptoms & best practices.
If anyone is showing symptoms and feel alone. DM me.
If anyone is showing symptoms and feel alone. DM me.
A big reason why I was hoping to get tested this morning is that I know my body is strong enough to face covid19. I want the confirmation of having immunity.
...So that I can take care of my ppl. I can run errands and go to places where vulnerable ppl can't. Now I'll never know.
...So that I can take care of my ppl. I can run errands and go to places where vulnerable ppl can't. Now I'll never know.
Special thanks to @johnnytong for passing my situation along to Air Canada staff. Contact tracing is unfortunately bottlenecked by a positive test result - and this is why we need more stringent travel screening, testing early & often - but at least now they are aware.
Cooked for my roommate and it's the 1st fresh meal we've had in a day. If our predictions are correct, she's about a day behind me in infection, so today is her critical day.
She hadn't slept due to the tightness of breath and elevated HR. Let's hope she can fight off pneumonia.
She hadn't slept due to the tightness of breath and elevated HR. Let's hope she can fight off pneumonia.
Aside from that chest pain, all her symptoms are more serious than mine. I'm prepared to take her to the hospital and fight the whole system again if need be.
Ppl, I'm srs, don't blindly believe in wash your hands and hope for the best. At times like these prepare for the worst.
Ppl, I'm srs, don't blindly believe in wash your hands and hope for the best. At times like these prepare for the worst.
Here's what's helping us:
- Use nasal irrigation/steamer to help loosen mucus and flush it out before it get into lungs
- Drink hot water, moves mucus away from lungs into stomach (to be killed)
- Check for fever daily
- Check spO2 via oximeter when shortness of breath kicks in
- Use nasal irrigation/steamer to help loosen mucus and flush it out before it get into lungs
- Drink hot water, moves mucus away from lungs into stomach (to be killed)
- Check for fever daily
- Check spO2 via oximeter when shortness of breath kicks in
It's worth repeating the course of infection:
Day 1-4: Infects the throat. If symptomatic, you'll have sore throat, dry cough.
Day 4-10: It moves down the trachea and into lungs. Onset of pneumonia.
It is at this point that the body begin to fight it off, or condition worsens.
Day 1-4: Infects the throat. If symptomatic, you'll have sore throat, dry cough.
Day 4-10: It moves down the trachea and into lungs. Onset of pneumonia.
It is at this point that the body begin to fight it off, or condition worsens.
If anyone reaches out with symptoms, please don't respond with "don't worry, stats say... / hope it's just the flu" or even empty [thoughts and prayers].
Ask them what they *need*.
Even after recovery, people may sustain damage to the lungs. https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-survivors-lung-damage-ards-fcim-intensive-care-research-2020-3
Ask them what they *need*.
Even after recovery, people may sustain damage to the lungs. https://www.businessinsider.com/coronavirus-survivors-lung-damage-ards-fcim-intensive-care-research-2020-3
I hate to call out people who mean well, but building a strong social fabric is something that individualistic cultures need to get on board with to get through this.
Besides, minimizing other people's symptoms may discourage them from seeking critical care when it is necessary.
Besides, minimizing other people's symptoms may discourage them from seeking critical care when it is necessary.
Went to bed with heart palpitations ...I'd never gotten those before.
3am Day 12: woke up with a very sore throat. Had hot water immediately and rinsed out nasal pathway with warm salt water. Also tried to induce gag reflex to clear out the inflmammed lump in my throat.
3am Day 12: woke up with a very sore throat. Had hot water immediately and rinsed out nasal pathway with warm salt water. Also tried to induce gag reflex to clear out the inflmammed lump in my throat.
I realize mine and roommate's symptoms are diverging.
I have localized inflammations along the respiratory tract. They're more jarring, as if my immunity is isolating and attacking. My roommate experiences a more gradual, persistent weakness, with sweats and shortness of breath.
I have localized inflammations along the respiratory tract. They're more jarring, as if my immunity is isolating and attacking. My roommate experiences a more gradual, persistent weakness, with sweats and shortness of breath.
I know I'm not well yet, and there's a chance of relapse. I've heard those stories of younger patients in Wuhan who got better then worse and ended up dead.
The infection could flare up in my lungs again. I have to do everything I can to buy my body time to fully eradicate it.
The infection could flare up in my lungs again. I have to do everything I can to buy my body time to fully eradicate it.
Oh I know that wouldn't fit the neat narrative, but this is real life and this wretched thing happens to be a persistent mf...
Let's take this battle one day at a time. Back to sleep to help my immune system assemble an army of antibodies.
Let's take this battle one day at a time. Back to sleep to help my immune system assemble an army of antibodies.
My chest hurts. I have no appetite but forcing myself to get nutrition into my body. (thanks @petersiemens for groceries 
)
Mostly, I'm heartbroken. Is this the fate our frontline medical staff have to face? The inaction of our politicians has blood on their hands.
)Mostly, I'm heartbroken. Is this the fate our frontline medical staff have to face? The inaction of our politicians has blood on their hands.
Today there's no sharp pain, but a dull, grating pain down my trachea. These symptoms seem to show up early in the evening, and during the 
, my body goes to battle. By the morning the inflammation clears.
I know where it will put up a fight tonight and I'm going to be ready.
, my body goes to battle. By the morning the inflammation clears.I know where it will put up a fight tonight and I'm going to be ready.
You know how fighters psych themselves up before entering the ring? That's me. Hannah vs. Virus round 3.
Only I'll be showing up in PJs & hot water.
It's cheesy but mentally it gives me strength/agency to visualize this as a battle and not just some sickness happening to me.
Only I'll be showing up in PJs & hot water.
It's cheesy but mentally it gives me strength/agency to visualize this as a battle and not just some sickness happening to me.
Woke up feeling good! Sore lungs, but no pain or itch. 
SpO2 back up to 97%! Was at 94% last night. Okay, looks like doing what I can to stay asleep through discomfort is a good strategy. One sleep cycle short but I'll make it up at noon with a nap. :)
SpO2 back up to 97%! Was at 94% last night. Okay, looks like doing what I can to stay asleep through discomfort is a good strategy. One sleep cycle short but I'll make it up at noon with a nap. :)
Strategies
- Hot shower, irrigate congestion
- 10mg melatonin
- Turn heater off, it irritates the throat. Layer up duvet
- Config pillows for max breathing. Sleeping on the side, I hug them to take pressure off chest. I've heard 2x pillows is good for sleeping on the back!
- Hot shower, irrigate congestion
- 10mg melatonin
- Turn heater off, it irritates the throat. Layer up duvet
- Config pillows for max breathing. Sleeping on the side, I hug them to take pressure off chest. I've heard 2x pillows is good for sleeping on the back!
With the exp so far and from talking to others, it seems like this virus comes in waves 
, could take up to 3 weeks to get better.
Ofc, I'm doing all this to try to rid of it sooner. Every wave it seems to get a little less painful. The body's defenses is a wonderful thing.
, could take up to 3 weeks to get better.Ofc, I'm doing all this to try to rid of it sooner. Every wave it seems to get a little less painful. The body's defenses is a wonderful thing.
"Don't worry! It's just a flu for young ppl!"
As a fighter, you can show up, passively respond to opponent's strikes, or you can use strategies, dominate center ring and put an end to it, minimize injury and be back at the gym tomorrow.
Ya'll know which type of person I am.
As a fighter, you can show up, passively respond to opponent's strikes, or you can use strategies, dominate center ring and put an end to it, minimize injury and be back at the gym tomorrow.
Ya'll know which type of person I am.
My roommate's doing ...okay. I can't tell anymore. Her panic and anxiety is getting in the way of assessing symptoms objectively.
This is why I find the denial/panic dichotomy to be fragile when it comes to dealing with all this. This attitude robs you the ability to prepare.
This is why I find the denial/panic dichotomy to be fragile when it comes to dealing with all this. This attitude robs you the ability to prepare.
Story about panic and stupidity:
I talked with my mom, she told me she went into office on Friday to pick up her laptop to WFH and she masked up, wore gloves etc.
The younger folks at front desk, who were NOT social distancing, said "you are scaring us" so she removed them...
I talked with my mom, she told me she went into office on Friday to pick up her laptop to WFH and she masked up, wore gloves etc.
The younger folks at front desk, who were NOT social distancing, said "you are scaring us" so she removed them...
...2 hours after she got home, she gets an email from workplace re:someone in her building had tested positive. Infuriating. Now she's concerned, on 14-day isolation.
Don't let panic-mongerers shame you into not protecting self. It scares them? Lol. Let them deal with that.
Don't let panic-mongerers shame you into not protecting self. It scares them? Lol. Let them deal with that.
My mom has a sore throat since last night. She didn't leave the house all last week besides that trip to retrieve her laptop (& her manager was late to preparing it). I'm furious at those irresponsible staff at her workplace. My mom has diabetes and high blood pressure.
I spent the afternoon giving my mom detailed information about what to expect, leaving out my trip to ER to not make her anxious.
It's funny how our family works: I kept my sickness from her until I'm certain that I'm recovering, now she's keeping hers from my grandparents.
It's funny how our family works: I kept my sickness from her until I'm certain that I'm recovering, now she's keeping hers from my grandparents.
Earlier today, my roommate finally got on the phone with her doctor and they confirmed that based on our current symptoms, we are both at the tail end of this virus's course.
Tonight is the first night in last few days where I can breathe normally while lying on my back!
Tonight is the first night in last few days where I can breathe normally while lying on my back!
Tomorrow will be Day 14.
On the other side of the curve, there isn't really much conclusive data. Some studies say people are not very infectious past 10 days since onset of symptoms, others say longer. CDC defines recovery as 3 days after fever.
On the other side of the curve, there isn't really much conclusive data. Some studies say people are not very infectious past 10 days since onset of symptoms, others say longer. CDC defines recovery as 3 days after fever.
In regards to immunity, serological tests which picks up virus antibodies are currently in trials. I didn't get tested for covid19 but I hope to get tested for its antibodies - that's going to play an increasing role in clearing folks to go back to work. https://leapsmag.com/breaking-the-first-u-s-test-to-detect-if-a-person-has-potential-immunity-to-covid-19-was-just-developed/
Day 15! Yesterday, I was still getting that grating sensation in my chest as I exhale. Today the feeling is less noticeable.
I'm thankful that my appetite is returning, and the body is getting antsy to exercise beyond stretching and power walking.
I'm thankful that my appetite is returning, and the body is getting antsy to exercise beyond stretching and power walking.
One of the things I'd like to do when I'm coughing a little less is to run my usual 5k to get a VO2 max reading. Normally, I hover around 44-45. It would be interesting to see if I have reduced lung capacity now and whether/how long I'll recover from it. https://twitter.com/herlifeinpixels/status/1079003247921192962?s=20
Lessons learned in mentally getting through covid19 sickness:
Fighting symptoms while isolated can get lonely! Invite support from those who ask you what you need and want to help
Reach out and connect with others who are going through the motions. Check in with them!
Fighting symptoms while isolated can get lonely! Invite support from those who ask you what you need and want to help Reach out and connect with others who are going through the motions. Check in with them!
Be realistic about severity. It can play out differently in your body. I only take advice from medical experts or ppl who have been thru it
Have boundaries with ppl who ask about you b/c they themselves are anxious. Your job is to take care of yourself, not their anxiety.
My personal favourite is to approach sickness with a warrior mentality. With no vaccine available, our immune response is the best and only line of defence. Do everything to aid your body in raising an army of antibodies and make it hostile for virus invaders.
Took at 45min fast walk w/ my roommate - she's getting better too! We went uphill on the way back and man, the air felt like molasses.
Now we're both sitting, a bit light-headed. Still felt good to push ourselves to get blood flowing. Gotta stay under ~125bpm to avoid coughing.
Now we're both sitting, a bit light-headed. Still felt good to push ourselves to get blood flowing. Gotta stay under ~125bpm to avoid coughing.
Day 16
I knocked out early yesterday for 9hrs and this morning my lungs feel a little more spacious. It seems like going on these longer walks can induce faster recovery time. Today we'll try for a bigger hill.
Energy levels are back too. Time to clean everything!
I knocked out early yesterday for 9hrs and this morning my lungs feel a little more spacious. It seems like going on these longer walks can induce faster recovery time. Today we'll try for a bigger hill.
Energy levels are back too. Time to clean everything!
I'm working on a more concise and sharable symptom logger.
We know that it shows up differently in people. I'm hoping that by having more day/day logs as comparison, others can be more prepared.
DM me if you have it, are recovering/recovered and want to share your symptom data.
We know that it shows up differently in people. I'm hoping that by having more day/day logs as comparison, others can be more prepared.
DM me if you have it, are recovering/recovered and want to share your symptom data.
Spent some time this morning talking to my gym and answering questions about my experience. It's sad, there's still lots of old misinformation floating around and people are paranoid about every symptom.
I found this symptom triage to be helpful.
Source: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/coronavirus/list-of-coronavirus-cases-in-the-bay-area/2248581/
I found this symptom triage to be helpful.
Source: https://www.nbcbayarea.com/news/coronavirus/list-of-coronavirus-cases-in-the-bay-area/2248581/
How can we move beyond "stay home wash your hands and" to:
"Do these things to reduce viral load"
"If you are showing symptoms, here is a day-by-day play of what to expect given your demographic and health condition"
We have more data, and we need more ppl to tell stories.
" to:"Do these things to reduce viral load"
"If you are showing symptoms, here is a day-by-day play of what to expect given your demographic and health condition"
We have more data, and we need more ppl to tell stories.
Day 17
I passed out, again, for nearly 12 hours. I suppose that the body is trying to clear out sleep debt.
During the worst days, I was only asleep for ~4hrs a night. More checking in today w/ friends and client. I can now laugh in meetings without getting into a coughing fit.
I passed out, again, for nearly 12 hours. I suppose that the body is trying to clear out sleep debt.
During the worst days, I was only asleep for ~4hrs a night. More checking in today w/ friends and client. I can now laugh in meetings without getting into a coughing fit.
Grandma's level of worry has cranked up to spamming us with GIFs.
Btw my grandma is v proficient w/ tech. Her hobby is writing for local news so she's well connected. Ppl like her are important during epidemic - she helps to spread awareness to other seniors in her community.
Btw my grandma is v proficient w/ tech. Her hobby is writing for local news so she's well connected. Ppl like her are important during epidemic - she helps to spread awareness to other seniors in her community.
Day 18
Batch cooking while checking-in with more friends. Making a hearty daikon soup w/ kombu, dried shrimp, goji, ginger, carrots. Daikon is supposed to be good for the lungs according to grandparents.
So thankful for friends and community for dropping off food this week.
Batch cooking while checking-in with more friends. Making a hearty daikon soup w/ kombu, dried shrimp, goji, ginger, carrots. Daikon is supposed to be good for the lungs according to grandparents.
So thankful for friends and community for dropping off food this week.
My mother is on day 7/8 since she went into office and ppl peer pressured her to take off her mask & gloves. She's had shortness of breath since yesterday - that's a dead giveaway for covid19.
Her building has had 2 more tested positive during this time.
Her building has had 2 more tested positive during this time.
I need to wait until my symptoms disappear before I can fly home to take care of my family. I hope I can make it on time before this city goes on full lockdown or the gov't completely shuts down domestic travel.
It's shitty, I don't have a test result to prove that I am clear.
It's shitty, I don't have a test result to prove that I am clear.
Every generation of my family is dealing directly with covid19:
My grandparents & aunt in post-quarantine Wuhan
My mom just entering the most critical days of infection (Days 7-10)
And me, fighting the tail end of symptoms and trying to show up for us all.
My grandparents & aunt in post-quarantine Wuhan
My mom just entering the most critical days of infection (Days 7-10)
And me, fighting the tail end of symptoms and trying to show up for us all.
This is all happening in real-time and none of it is filtered through the lens of panic or denial or fake positivity. No BS. Systems that were supposed to protect us have failed / are inadequate.
People have to rely on each other. It's ALL hands on deck to get through this.
People have to rely on each other. It's ALL hands on deck to get through this.
Phew.. Stewed, soaked, washed, chopped, divided and organized enough nutrition for the next 4 days.
Trying to stay on the phone with my mom as she's waiting for the local healthline to pickup. Her English isn't that great. Her office building has 2 additional confirmed cases.
Trying to stay on the phone with my mom as she's waiting for the local healthline to pickup. Her English isn't that great. Her office building has 2 additional confirmed cases.
At this point her entire building should be tested. You know what's ironic? She contracts for a department in the federal gov't that is at the 1st line of response for this pandemic. It shows how dangerous panic-fearing leadership is. Infrastructure is weak from the inside.
Shortness of breath is back this afternoon - this persistent virus!
I've told anyone who has symptoms to be alert because it attacks your body in waves. One day you think you are fine and the next day the symptoms return. It's a recovery journey unlike regular flu.
I've told anyone who has symptoms to be alert because it attacks your body in waves. One day you think you are fine and the next day the symptoms return. It's a recovery journey unlike regular flu.
It's one thing to be awake shaking in cold sweat for hours struggling to breathe and wonder if you can make it until the morning.
It's another kind of fear to be watching your mother's blood oxygen levels dip from afar as she struggles to breathe.
It's another kind of fear to be watching your mother's blood oxygen levels dip from afar as she struggles to breathe.
I'm past the crisis point, but I'll never forget how it felt like on the worst nights - my mother is persisting through it now with high blood pressure. So worried.
Even at Day 18, fighting this thing is draining, tonight I kept spitting out white phlegm with specs of blood.
Even at Day 18, fighting this thing is draining, tonight I kept spitting out white phlegm with specs of blood.
I was supposed to have a video-chat dinner with some friends in SF. SF folks being SF folks, they pushed back by an hour. I canceled, no energy as night drags on.
If you are supporting someone with this virus, know that their condition is volatile. Check-in, don't just assume.
If you are supporting someone with this virus, know that their condition is volatile. Check-in, don't just assume.
Day 19.
Woke up coughing, at least it's the upper respiratory tract this time! This morning I walked my mom through steaming with a drop of peppermint (can also use other herbs). My roommate first showed this to me and it does help to breathe easier. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/how-do-i-use-steam-for-congestion
Woke up coughing, at least it's the upper respiratory tract this time! This morning I walked my mom through steaming with a drop of peppermint (can also use other herbs). My roommate first showed this to me and it does help to breathe easier. https://www.webmd.com/cold-and-flu/qa/how-do-i-use-steam-for-congestion
We just did a mass clean of the house with Lysol on most surfaces, alcohol in bathrooms, steamed floors and couches. Boy does it feel nice. It's also sunny for the first time in days!
Gotta remember to take it easy during the day. Need energy to fight this thing off at night.
Gotta remember to take it easy during the day. Need energy to fight this thing off at night.
Reading a study tonight that shines a light into what goes on in the lungs with #covid19
tldr: the virus steals resources from hemoglobin for survival. Less hgb that can carry oxygen leads to CO2 poisoning while lung cells experience inflammation.
https://chemrxiv.org/articles/COVID-19_Disease_ORF8_and_Surface_Glycoprotein_Inhibit_Heme_Metabolism_by_Binding_to_Porphyrin/11938173
tldr: the virus steals resources from hemoglobin for survival. Less hgb that can carry oxygen leads to CO2 poisoning while lung cells experience inflammation.
https://chemrxiv.org/articles/COVID-19_Disease_ORF8_and_Surface_Glycoprotein_Inhibit_Heme_Metabolism_by_Binding_to_Porphyrin/11938173
It's also interesting to me the way people react differently to their sickness. My roommate is more the "don't tell me what this virus is doing to my body right now it'll make me anxious", while I'm like "okay, I'm suffocating, but how??"
She eventually did get her own oximeter!
She eventually did get her own oximeter!
My roommate swears by Vicks VapoRub (sold out) for steaming. I'm gonna reproduce these dilution ratios by sourcing direct ingredients from my soapmaking supplier. Leave out the emulsifiers / thickening agents in the non-medicinal section - don't wanna breathe in petroleum jelly!
If these chest symptoms do drag on despite not being infectious (some studies say 6 months to heal lungs), I'll at least have an entire summer's worth of spa-like shower and steaming experience.
If not, my next batches of soap will smell like a coniferous forest so win / win.
If not, my next batches of soap will smell like a coniferous forest so win / win.
My #covid19 symptom logger is more robust.
Wondering what data storytelling can I do with this. Want to help more be prepared. Ideas welcome!
rn I'm organizing all the at-home care that has worked for my roommate and I, plus advice from others who have gotten through this.
Wondering what data storytelling can I do with this. Want to help more be prepared. Ideas welcome!
rn I'm organizing all the at-home care that has worked for my roommate and I, plus advice from others who have gotten through this.
A note about these SpO2 thresholds - blood oxygen can be more telling than fever and is cheap to monitor at home with an oximeter.
96%+ healthy
94-95% stay vigilant, can escalate fast (see screenshot from Italian MD)
90-93% hypoxemia. I was referred to ER
<90% severe
96%+ healthy 94-95% stay vigilant, can escalate fast (see screenshot from Italian MD) 90-93% hypoxemia. I was referred to ER <90% severe
Ah yes, today is Day 20.
Still a deep cough. Though it feels more like regular pneumonia now. Has it finally stopped harassing my poor hemoglobin??
Felt like I had mental energy so I worked
for a bit earlier and it was draining. Ok, the body prefers more movement and airflow.
Still a deep cough. Though it feels more like regular pneumonia now. Has it finally stopped harassing my poor hemoglobin??
Felt like I had mental energy so I worked
for a bit earlier and it was draining. Ok, the body prefers more movement and airflow.
Day 21. Finally feeling normal and lucky, because this could have been a lot worse - it's been 3 weeks with an ER visit, and I'm considered a mild case. That's how potent this virus is.
Hiked a higher hill today! It seems to be helping me clear the lungs.
Hiked a higher hill today! It seems to be helping me clear the lungs.
Day 22. Cough is really taking its sweet time to go away! (ty @Loh for warning me about this weeks ago)
WIP a @NotionHQ board of practical home care for surviving mild-moderate covid19 symptoms. I'm transferring all the knowledge from this thread into something more sharable!
WIP a @NotionHQ board of practical home care for surviving mild-moderate covid19 symptoms. I'm transferring all the knowledge from this thread into something more sharable!
I'm also grateful to have chatted w/ @sxywu. We talked about our dilemma to share data as non-medical professionals. For me, knowing frontline is v busy treating critical patients, I think there is an opportunity to help the rest of us be more prepared & stay away from hospitals.
Day 23. I'm ok aside from a cough and soreness. :) Roommate is still fluctuating but doing her best.
I see this aggro relapse/recovery cycle when I check-in with others too. It drains the morale and makes fighting off this virus a mental health battle as well as physical one.
I see this aggro relapse/recovery cycle when I check-in with others too. It drains the morale and makes fighting off this virus a mental health battle as well as physical one.
My last daily update to this thread.
I've been fully functioning for 3 days in a row, so I'm more sure that I'm out of the relapse cycle.
What a journey, I've never been sick like this before. Really appreciated the check-ins and kind words.
Look out for a link soon!
I've been fully functioning for 3 days in a row, so I'm more sure that I'm out of the relapse cycle.
What a journey, I've never been sick like this before. Really appreciated the check-ins and kind words.
Look out for a link soon!
