I want to share my #COVID19 story. During the week of March 13, I developed some throat pain. As a current Brooklyn resident, I paid attention to what was going on and my symptoms. I quarantined myself. Around March 15 I developed tightness in my chest and shortness of breath...

... I went to the ER. Bloodwork came back relatively normal. Negative for Flu A/B and Strep. Chest x-ray showed nothing amiss. Sent home with inhaler and naproxen. The weekend of March 20 I was feverish, was convulsing, no appetite, had trouble sleeping. Switched to Tylenol...

... Around March 23 I still wasn't getting better so went back to the ER and called around for hours (including telemed with @ro ) and was able to get a swab through @INOVA. Bloodwork came back normal, CT scan normal, elevated HR. Around March 28 I was negative for COVID19...

... the swab I received was just in the back of the throat for maybe ~3 seconds, no nasal swab. Around March 29 my "severe" symptoms had subsided but chest pain/shortness of breath still an issue. I've been resting, fluids, 500mg tylenol every ~5 hours, breathing exercises...

... it's now April 15. Was put on methylprednisolone (steroid) for 6 days, new prescription for inhaler. I still have difficulty breathing, chest pain, + elevated HR. It has been over a month since onset of symptoms. While OVERALL I'm better, this thing is still kicking my ass...

... so those initial "2-3 weeks" accounts of #COVID19 may just point to the "severe" or "worst of it" symptoms. The lasting effects may take much longer to dissipate or improve. All I want to do is be able to walk our dogs for ~20 mins w/o being winded. I'm tired and frustrated.

Updates: went back to the ER on April 16 due to severe shortness of breath after a minor flat .5 mile walk. Vitals fine, x-ray fine, got another negative #COVID19 test (nasal swab 60 seconds each side). Went back to primary care yesterday to go over everything...

... checked lungs, checked vitals, all okay. Was told "based on the science + technology now, two negative tests is the best we have." While we know that there numerous articles and reports out there that there's roughly 30% false negatives and faulty test procedures...

... it doesn't change how my body and mind feel. The second large "wave" of sickness I've experienced seems to come in smaller waves throughout the day. Breathing issues, chest pain, nausea, headaches. Some parts of the day are better than others. But this is debilitating...

... I'm trying so very hard to stay positive and keep my mind from spiraling out of control whenever I feel especially sick. But it's hard. Very hard. Today is day 40 since onset of a minor throat soreness around March 13. Somewhere in between week 5/6 now.

... also should add that I was prescribed a Flovent inhaler to try to mitigate the tightness in my chest and shortness of breath that usually hits the worst between 2–8PM most days. Just started it last night, so hoping it helps.

Day 43. Shortness of breath/chest pains seem to be improving. On reduced pain reliever intake now to try to lessen impact on liver. Bloodwork from Monday came back fine. Flovent for the last 4-5 days seems to be helping. However I've developed sharp, dull, and numb pains...

... in my left arm that seem to emanate from my chest (left side), presumably near my heart. It feels like a tourniquet is loosely tied to my left arm. Dull/numb feelings in my legs. I'm attributing some of this to lack of exercise, though I've been up and moving more lately...

... taking 1500mg C, 3-4 D3 pills, magnesium, garlic pills to help bloodflow. I'm still not better. I'm very concerned about my health. I'm elated that my breathing and chest pains have improved, but numerous accounts of bloodclotting in #COVID19 patients has me worried...

... again, I'm on Day 43 since onset of throat pain symptom, or Day 41 since onset of chest pains and SOB symptoms. Going back to the doctor today to get some more answers. Also, forgot to mention the oppressive headaches in the evenings and tightness in my jaw...

... back from dr. Told me to rest, more fluids, no strenuous exercise, let my body heal from the trauma from the virus. Though no doctor has said it, my two negative #COVID19 tests were likely just an anomaly, as I've had all the symptoms. For now, following the doctor's orders.

Update: two pretty good days back to back. Light bouts of chest pain and SOB, but nothing too bad. Two small .5 mile flat walks with HR at 86, the best it has been in weeks. Dealing with abdominal pains now.

Update: the last two days have been damp/rainy, which apparently exacerbates symptoms for people with asthma, surgeries, etc due to barometric pressure change. Overall, I feel at about 80-85% strength. Just trying to shake off these SOB and chest pains. https://health.clevelandclinic.org/3-health-conditions-that-stormy-weather-can-make-worse/

I believe today is day 47 since onset of symptoms. Small lingering body aches (not pain med worthy) and fatigue. But feel like I'm at 85-90% strength. Not about to go for a run, but a small win nonetheless.

Nice, slow, steady walk with my wife and dog today. ~1.25 miles, HR 84. Slight discomfort with chest tightness but great overall. Still on Flovent until these symptoms dissipate.

Day 49. Pushing it too hard over the previous 48-72 hours resulted in setbacks yesterday. Shortness of breath, chest tightness, and some pains in my chest that felt like it was try to recover from tears or damage. Still on flovent, albuterol for emergencies, and ibuprofen.

Day 52, I think. Last few days have experienced bouts of SOB, chest tightness, and dizziness. It comes and goes but is pretty persistent. Today, especially, the SOB and chest tightness has been bad. Tree allergies are moderate/high so could be contributing...

... mostly, I think, I'm just tired of all of this. Tired of not feeling well. Tired of not getting answers. Tired of not having more than two good days in a row with minimal or no symptoms. Tired of not feeling like I have the energy or focus to do anything fun for 4+ hours...

Mild SOB and chest pains most of the day yesterday which improved around 3PM and returned a bit in the evening. Woke up today with more of the same. Not awful, but still a present symptom. Appointments with pulmonologist and cardiologist next week. Rest, meds, and fluids now...

Last four days I've seen gradual improvements with my SOB and chest tightness. Used Albuterol 2x Thursday/Friday, 1x Saturday, none yesterday. Using this Qi Gong breathing technique when my chest is tight. https://www.qigongforvitality.com/pushing-the-qi-simple-qigong-exercise-for-chest-tightness/ ...

... more diligent documenting my symptoms and activity lately. Woke up the last two days with only mild chest tightness. Antibody test this AM, cardiologist this PM. Still resting and taking it easy but enjoying the improvements.

Last few days have been decent, overall. Had a good Sunday/Monday symptom-wise, may have exerted myself too much and had heavy chest tightness on Tuesday evening. Two puffs of albuterol, controlled breathing, and an hour later I was okay. Very fatigued, though...

... spent most of the day Wednesday in bed, with exception of trip to cardiologist for echocardiogram (results Friday) and EKG (good). Rested, minimal physical activity. Thursday AM some mild chest tightness, primary care for vitals (good). Pulmonologist tomorrow. More rest...

... primary care thinks there is some lung compromise or damage based on my symptoms. Pulmonologist will hopefully be able to diagnose what is going on and prescribe therapies or treatments to resolve this. The mild fatigue, chest tightness/SOB, mild dizziness is what remains...

NO ISSUES WITH MY HEART! Got the results from the the echocardiogram and EKG. Now to speak with the pulmonologist today and figure out what is still causing my chest tightness and SOB.

Pulmonologist put on a higher dose steroid inhaler called Breo. I go back in to the pulmonologist in a week for some lung function tests. I also found this rehabilitation resource which I started today.

https://rehabmed.weill.cornell.edu/sites/default/files/post_covid_rehab_-_patient_guide_0.pdf

Still fighting through chest tightness and SOB episodes. I'm doing the above rehab exercises 3-4x a day, taking Breo Ellipta daily, and Albuterol as needed. Hard to tell if I'm improving. This chest tightness and SOB just won't go away...

Today is Day 61? Yesterday the chest tightness/SOB improved. Had a few small windows of time where it felt bad, so used the inhaler. Lung rehab exercises 4x. Slightly elevated HR. Slept really well. Woke up to virtually no chest tightness...

... my HR seems to have normalized a bit today. I had a call with my cardiologist who is not concerned about the HR, given that I haven't really been active in ~2 months and my body is still recovering from inflammation. For now, continue my meds, supplements, rehab, and rest.

Had a relatively active day yesterday. Worked 9+ hours, ran some errands (mask/gloves ), cooked dinner, 4x rehab exercises, 3k steps. Slight chest discomfort this AM but my HR is normalized. Think today will be more convalescence so that I don't relapse.

I would rate the span of the last ~5 days at a B- grade. Some pockets of fatigue, chest tightness, and shortness of breath. Went back to my primary care dr for bloodwork (only doing thyroid test). Reassured me that my vitals and health are on upward trend...

... tomorrow I go to pulmonologist for pulmonary function tests. My inspirometer has consistently been between 3250-3750 during daily lung rehab exercises, Breo Ellipta inhaler seems to be helping. My HR is still more elevated than normal. But will take a 30,000 foot view and...

... can finally say that week by week, my health *has* improved. It's not where I want to be, but I'm living better days than bad. Maybe every 3.5-4.5 days out of 7 are good. I'm in week 10 since first symptoms. It's clear the @WHO and @CDCgov need to update their guidelines...

... so please sign this petition for the @WHO and @CDCgov to amend. There's a lot of data that needs to be accounted for. 1000s of sufferers still dealing with symptoms 4+ weeks out. https://www.change.org/p/world-health-organization-who-others-please-revise-covid-19-guidelines-to-accurately-reflect-recovery-periods?recruiter=1090980332&utm_source=share_petition&utm_medium=twitter&utm_campaign=psf_combo_share_abi&utm_term=psf_combo_share_abi&recruited_by_id=5eb7cd70-990d-11ea-9ce1-a1b1140098fd

Pulmonary function tests came back clear. Pulmonologist believes what I have now is combination of the following: recovery from inflammation from viral infection, mild resurgence of asthma (had it as a teenager), stress, and allergies. No apparent cause for concern with lungs...

... going to continue my inhalers, lung rehab exercises, and try to get some longer walks in. Taking a trip to the store to pick up more vitamin C/supplements/greens to help my body continue to fight this off.

First day in a week that I woke up feeling semi-normal. Feels like health anxiety has lifted a bit. Not going to get cocky, though. Will continue convalescing throughout the day, taking my meds/supplements, and eating ALL THE GREENS.

Yesterday was Day 69, and I would grade it at about a B+. No noticeable breathing or chest tightness for most of the day. Was able to do a .6 mi walk with only mild SOB. Unfortunately around 8PM some acid reflux started which is a common symptom of #COVID19. Back on prilosec...

Today is Day 70. Acid reflux is still apparent, so going to space out my meals, supplements, and fluids. Going to rest more today. Still fearful of any minor relapses of the other symptoms, and don't want to get cocky after having such a good day yesterday.

Yesterday's grade: B-. Acid reflux persisted, which pushed some SOB symptoms to the surface. Was able to get some reprieve last night after picking up tums. Slept well. Today is Day 71, started out with prilosec, celery juice, and a .5 mile walk. A little tight, but manageable.

Yesterday’s grade: B. Did three heavy walks over .5mi each. Topped out 6k steps. The most activity in over a month. Spent the remaining time working/relaxing on couch and bed. Today is day 72. Mild SOB with reflux issues. Managing okay, though.

Last couple of days’ grades: B/B+. Averaging ~5k steps, mild chest tightness with SOB, HR above normal. Stopped eating after 8pm, changing diet, heavier meal in AM, and prilosec to try to help reflux issues. Today is Day 74. Gastroenterologist on Tuesday.

Yesterday's grade: B. ~6k steps without even realizing it. Only mild SOB, elevated HR, and mild fatigue. Today (Day 76?) I'm back at work, but resting as much as possible. Only experienced a few small "twinges" of SOB, minimal exertion. May go for a small walk later...

... spoke with gastro dr who prescribed higher dose prilosec and wants me to try to ween off ibuprofen (taken off/on for last 2 months to manage inflammation and pain). She feels it may be causing some of the digestive issues. Diet and lifestyle changes seem to be helping reflux.

Day 77, I think. Would rate it around B+. A few mild episodes of SOB. Fatigue has been the symptom of the day. I'm also still dealing with a few urinary tract issues, hoping for answers tomorrow with urologist. Very hopeful that things will improve even more within next week.

Last 4 days have been B/B+ days. A few mild episodes of SOB and fatigue. I’m dealing with what appears to be a bacterial infection with inflammation of my urinary tract (on antibiotics). It’s pretty painful at night but seems to be improving.

Monday and Tuesday (Days 82/83) were B days. Again more mild episodes of SOB and fatigue. My urology imaging tests came back clear with exception of a small absess in bladder that doesn’t allow me to fully empty. Upped dosage on meds to fight off presumed inflammation of...

... the urinary tract and presumed bacterial infection. This is not a coincidence. This is definitely related to #COVID19. SOB and fatigue are manageable. This dull pain during day and waves of pain in my bladder at night are quite unbearable. Does seem to be improving last 24hrs

... on a positive note I'm able to walk longer distances with no noticeable repercussions, and my heart rate has normalized quite a bit. Though, I want to avoid any risks of #ChronicFatigueSyndrome or #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis so I need to rest more.

Losing track of the numbers, but I believe yesterday was Day 84 and today Day 85. My old friend acid reflux popped his head up again. Haven't seen him in a week. No noticeable SOB/chest tightness episodes both days, though. I'd rate Day 84 at B+, and today so far as a B.

Day 85: B. Today is Day 86. Blood results came back clean, with exception of slightly low red blood cells and lymphocytes and indication that I had mono at some point in my life. Going to increase B12 and iron rich foods. Also, another negative SARS-CoV-2. Negative for lyme

... still dealing with acid reflux issues (script for pepcid, continuing prilosec) and urinary tract inflammation. On positive note, my breathing has improved immensely and I haven't had any noticeable chest tightness or pain in almost two weeks.

Last few days were B days. Acid reflux is persisting, and my chest got tight out of nowhere on Saturday (still tight today). It’s not debilitating but definitely tighter than it has been in weeks. On + note, my urinary tract inflammation seems to be improving.

Day 88. Chest just feels like there's a tight strap ratcheted onto it every fifth or sixth breath. My inspirometer and peak flow meter numbers are great. This is just so confusing...

Got my days mixed up. June 8 was actually Day 89, yesterday was Day 90, today is Day 91. Last few days again were "B" grade days. Acid reflux persists, chest is tight, but my inspirometer and peak flow numbers are . So bizarre. Fatigue seems to have lifted.

Yesterday, Day 92. B+ day. Tired, not fatigued by 5PM after a long day of work and over 6k steps. Minimal SOB, chest tightness, and acid reflux. Found this breathing exercise for my esophagus (acid reflux issues lately) which helped:

Friday, Day 93 and Saturday, Day 94. Both days I'd say were B+/A- days. Minimal SOB, tightness, and fatigue. Some hours I completely forget I'm not feeling myself and allow myself the space to live. Other hours the illness beats me up physically and then emotionally...

... again, my pulmonary numbers are great. Why is my breathing labored sometimes? Why does it feel like my mind forgets to breath sometimes? It seems to "pause". Why does my chest feel like it's been constricted by a snake? Is this neurological/nerve-based? So strange...

Yesterday, Day 95: A- . Another relatively active day. I only had 2 or 3 mild SOB or chest tightness episodes which lasted less than 15 minutes each. Tired from chores and driving, though. Today is Day 96.

And just like that, the neurological stuff came back. Slight face/cranium/mouth numbness on right side. Muscle/nerve spasms in right arm and near right knee. Seemingly tired all day today, not sure why.

Yesterday: Day 96, B- grade. Tired most of the day, weird neuro symptoms. Slightly tight chest in evening. ~3k steps, fewer than other days. But slept really well...

Today: Day 97. Went back to pulmonologist for more function tests. 5-10% improvement in lung function, which was normal a month ago. So this is a positive trend. Had a long conversation (mostly me with a list of questions). No official diagnosis, but admits they know little...

... about the long term effects of the virus. He won't say I had it because my tests were neg. But what else was it in the middle of a pandemic? So theory is my breathing issues are post-viral, reflux-related, asthma resurgence, and anxiety. Staying on breo (steroid inhaler)...

... then dialing the dosage back, and will gradually ween off of it. Mentioned that I'm taking NAC and Liposomal Glutathione, but said nothing about it. Prescribed no medication or additional therapy besides telling me to exercise moderately again to build lung function up.

Yesterday: Day 97, A- grade. Ended up being a pretty good day. I topped out at ~7k steps, ran errands, went to the doctor, worked all day. Only one noticeable SOB/chest tightness episode which I believe was tied to reflux after a large dinner. Lesson learned. Today is Day 98.

Day 98: B+. Yesterday, Day 99: A-. Fairly active days. Chores, errands, working, etc. But still get pretty winded with moderate activities. Finding that I do have more energy, though. I remember a few weeks back, I dreaded climbing stairs. Now, I climb them with no fear...

... it's hard to believe it, but today marks 100 days with this virus/disease. It has been the most challenging time in my life, outside of my father's death when I was 10 y/o. I'm still here, and I'm still fighting. Seeing a lot of victories and recovery posts keeps me confident

Wow. So yesterday was Day 100. Not an A- or A+ day. But I can confidently rate it at an "A" grade. I did the longest continuous walk without stopping in over 3 months: 1.75 miles. I had only one noticeably difficult SOB episode. I worked and ran errands; busy day. Sleep was great

Today is Day 101. Woke up feeling the most normal I have in a few weeks. I'm hopeful that I'm truly on the upswing here. I know not to get cocky, though. Still resting, eating greens, taking my meds and supplements. I'm not symptom-free. But I feel good.

After a good stretch of 6-7 days, the chest tightness is back and is really bad. My wife and I were on the road for the last few days, totaling over 14 hours of driving. Maybe the stress and fatigue of this wore me out? Super bummed out.

Attempted to call @MountSinaiNYC about their Post COVID care program ( https://www.mountsinai.org/about/covid19/center-post-covid-care) but could not get through to anyone tonight. Going to try tomorrow.

I think today is day 106. Last 4-5 days are somewhere in the B- to B+ range. Felt like a mini relapse with chest tightness and GERD popping back up. May have been triggered from humidity and a lot of activity over the weekend (heavy, long, stressful driving)...

... can't get through with any post COVID19 care centers in NYC area. All are requiring positive PCR or antibody test. Spoke with a @MountSinaiNYC DR who told me they're seeing people with T-cell responses who don't develop strong antibodies. Going for antibody test at Mt Sinai

Last 5 days are between a B and an A- grade. Today is day 111. Fluctuating symptoms: urinary tract inflammation, occasional shortness of breath, mild acid reflux, and a new one: tinnitus/excess earwax/head pressure. Seeing more folks ahead of me recovering, staying positive...

... also, unsurprisingly, my third antibodies test was negative. More reports that T-cells may be the defender we need. https://www.ecdc.europa.eu/en/covid-19/latest-evidence/immune-responses

Today is day 117 in the #COVID19 diaries. The last ~6 days have been relatively good. Hardly notice the symptoms. A few flare-ups of acid reflux, a few small shortness of breath episodes, a small bit of fatigue here and there. The days are between a B and A-. Feeling like I'm...

... resuming a lot of normal activity. Haven't felt fatigue like I had somewhere in days 80-90. Most days I just feel tired after working, running errands, packing up for our move, staying up late, etc. Haven't returned to resistance, weights, or cardio other than walking...

... I feel confident that I'll get back to "normal". I don't want to assign a timetable, for fear of jinxing it or relapsing. But I haven't had a really bad relapse of symptoms in over 4 weeks. The last memorable shortness of breath episode was on May 5 where my chest was...

... super tight after a long day, marked with fatigue. I think I've learned that the symptoms relapse if I push too hard and don't listen to my body. Resting is so crucial. I've always been someone who can't stay still, pace around the house, cleaning up. #ADD or #anxiety?...

... I've never been diagnosed but I definitely have trouble staying still. This has been a test of my mind, my soul, and my body. I try to meditate when I remember, and find outlets like @Lego, @90DayFiance, and reading tend to help me stay still. Hoping for full recovery soon.

July 6: B+, July 7: B grades. Acid reflux continues to wax and wane. Fatigue has improved. Still have pockets of shortness of breath. Today is July 8, day 119 since symptom onset. Had a coffee this AM, acid reflux started up, and breathing issues started. Seem to be connected.

Been awhile since I continued this thread. July 16, day 127 in the #COVID19 #longcovid chronicles. Exerted/stressed myself too much over last week with a big move from Brooklyn -> Atlanta. Setback last few days with painful and tight chest. Easing up last night + this morning.