My coronavirus journey from the cold to the sunshine, as the seasons pass in a blur
Greetings! I am a rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patient and was positively diagnosed in 2004. I reside in Austria. I have no family support here and a small group of friends and amazing colleagues. As someone with an auto-immune condition orally taking Methotrexate and Rheumalef to keep it under control and retard its progression, I was acutely aware of the Covid-19 virus sweeping through Europe and monitoring the news closely. So, it came as a huge shock when I was diagnosed with the virus, given I was not experiencing any of the traditional symptoms known at that time: fever, cough and shortness of breath. Living on one’s own, one doesn’t always react to signs of ill health as speedily as one should – not being sure if you are imagining symptoms or just “looking for sympathy”.
On 11th March, I showed the first symptoms of sinusitis and started taking steps to control it. Despite an unremarkable headache, on 12th March, and in line with the protocol established in my office, I reported to my boss that I have some “cold or sinusitis symptoms”. I emphasised that it wasn’t serious and that I am only speaking to him because of the established protocol. He then suggested that I go to the doctor. I must admit I was afraid he thought I was malingering – we all know that many people don’t take RA seriously because the effects of the disease are not usually visible to the layman’s eye. My GP concurred with my own conclusion that I did not have Covid-19 because my symptoms did not correlate with the limited list known at the time. Nonetheless she agreed that the best way forward under the circumstances was for me to stay away from work due to a sinus infection. She also prescribed an antibiotic (which at the time was believed to be a possible treatment for Covid-19).
On 16th March, I still felt dreadful and saw my GP again. By now the Austrian authorities were on the verge of declaring a nation-wide lockdown and the country was frantic because of the Covid outbreak. The GP therefore decided to extend my sick leave as a precaution because my RA places me in the high-risk category. She also prescribed some naturopathic supplements to strengthen my immune system. Incidentally, I also have asthma, fibromyalgia, ankylosing spondylitis and high cholesterol and I had started to exhibit a dry cough, which the GP and I ascribed to a sinus drip. Because of my asthma the GP prescribed a non-steroidal asthma inhaler (which I became very grateful for later). As expected, the government announced a strict lockdown which entered into force later that same week. By now I had started to develop overwhelming fatigue (which I thought could be my RA/Fibro). However, as the week progressed, the fatigue worsened, on a level I had never experienced before. I then started to experience intense body aches all over, which was unlike RA and more related to the flu. It was so bad that I thought my skin felt as if it was highly inflamed. I lost my appetite so completely that I could not even drink coffee (my favourite beverage). I still had no fever or shortness of breath, but I decided to test for Covid-19 “just to be sure” I don’t have it. I called the hotline number that my GP provided and had to wait a while before they scheduled an appointment – the authorities by now were overwhelmed with possible cases.
On 23rd March, a government doctor arrived at my flat to conduct a Covid-19 test and I advised him that I have RA. It turned out that he was a rheumatologist and advised me to stop taking the Methotrexate and Rheumalef. He arrived in full PPE and took nose and throat samples and explained that a positive result normally shows up quickly in the cultures whilst a negative test takes up to 48 hours to be confirmed. As the week progressed, I heard nothing. Three days later I called the hotline to enquire about my result but was told to wait as they had overwhelming numbers of tests to finalise and that I will be contacted. In the meantime, my mother and I had convinced ourselves that I did not have the disease, because: a) I never developed a fever; and b) the results were taking very long to come out.
I was therefore stunned when on 30th March I was informed that I tested positive for Covid-19. It turned out that the test took so long because of the very high number of tests that Austrian authorities had to conduct. I informed my GP who was equally shocked, she also confirmed the government doctor who said there was nothing to be done but to ride out the course of the virus. I confirmed this with my rheumatologist as well. She also advised that I had to stop most of my RA meds because they aim to suppress the immune system and under these circumstances, I need a stronger immune system to attack the virus. This included Vimovo, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory I took twice a day to prevent inflammation and swelling of my joints, leaving only the Salazopyrin.
I don’t remember much of this time, except that I was very tired and battled to get up in the morning, I had no appetite and no interest in anything. I had to inform my employer, who had to report my diagnosis; and I informed the colleagues I work with the most so that they can keep an eye out for symptoms. Fortunately, the protocol instituted by our employer meant that I wasn’t at work for long after the first “symptom” showed up, and to date no other person in our offices has tested positive – as far as I am aware. I am very grateful to my colleagues and our CEO who remained in touch with me to make sure that I have all that I need, such as food, supplies and meds. I also speak to my mother daily which in the end helped me to monitor the progression of the disease. By now I had developed a tightness in my chest and more severe coughing, which was addressed to some extent by the inhaler whilst the body aches and loss of appetite continued. At some point I had developed overwhelming nausea, but no vomiting, and for a day or so I had diarrhoea. By now the disease had ground the whole world to a standstill and all sorts of “treatments” did the rounds. My rheumatologist sent me a very interesting article about the benefits of chicken soup, which I shared widely and started to force myself to eat. I am sure that it helped a great deal. I also received advice, through my mother, to start drinking lemon in hot water and I added honey to it. I drank this cocktail often during the day. I still had no headaches or fever (I was measuring my fever twice a day since I fell ill). I remained incapacitated by exceptional fatigue, something I am still suffering from to a degree. My physio in South Africa sent me some breathing exercises to open the airways thereby curbing the tightness of breath, one of which was to lie on my stomach with a cushion/support under my hips for short periods (around 20 minutes). The reason for this is that it relieves tension on the lungs and lets them hang suspended which allows the lungs to recover.
I did not realise how alone I really was as I am a single woman and accustomed to living by myself, but with hindsight, it would have been helpful to have someone with me, if for nothing else to have someone you can measure your “health” against, or someone to check in with so that you can measure if you are being stupid, somaticizing or really experiencing something. The company I work for and our CEO gave me wonderful support, including him informing our Human Resources Employee Wellness Centre, who have been checking in with both my mother and me throughout this period. I am very grateful for this support. I know that many people will lose their employment in this world, regardless of where in the world they are. It is unusual to have caring companies/institutions and I count myself lucky that I have such a supportive CEO.
The government doctors also checked in regularly, in addition to sending me questionnaires on my symptoms twice a day. After 2 weeks, they informed me that I may re-enter society. However, I did not feel that this was the right thing to do. I again asked for advice from my GP who insisted that before I do so, that I test for Covid-19 again. I did this test on the Thursday before Good Friday and at a private laboratory – it was great to be outside my apartment again, but also surreal because the streets were empty a day before a major public holiday and long weekend. I did not expect to receive the results over the weekend, but late on Saturday evening I received the email that informed me that I was still infected with the coronavirus. This was almost a bigger shock to me for some reason. I think I stupidly decided that the virus adheres to our timelines (two weeks and you are out). I had also started to feel better.
The cough was slightly improved, but the extreme fatigue remained prevalent and still no fever. I immediately shared the results with my GP who was disappointed but advised me that it is to be expected because of the RA and the fact that it weakens our immune systems. She further advised me that our focus must now be to boost my immune system as much as possible and to this end she advised me to start taking “Golden Milk”. This is a supplement powder containing turmeric, cinnamon, black pepper, ginger, cardamom and liquorice. I mix mine with warm milk and a little honey. Turmeric content (curcumin being the active ingredient) is known to boost the immune system and to combat inflammation. Throughout this time, I was also pumping saline into my nose for the sinusitis and steaming with Vicks or peppermint oil, both of which helped. I also started drinking chocolate milk, because I love it, but also because when I was younger and healthy and used to do sport it was widely used as a recovery drink (this is before Gatorade, etc.).
Two weeks later, around 20th April, the government doctor checked in again and cleared me to re-enter society, which I was grateful for, but the responsible thing to do is to be tested again before doing so fully. The reason for this is that scientists don’t know how long a patient remains contagious and we bear responsibility to do everything we can to prevent the spread of a disease that we cannot control or treat. I went for my third test on 24th April and the following day I finally received a negative test result. I am feeling much better and my appetite and “need” for coffee have returned. However, now I am battling a RA flare (which is to be expected). I remain fatigued and have no stamina. Even a short walk is difficult. Luckily, my rheumatologist gave me the go-ahead to start taking all my meds again.
When I go out (which is only when it is absolutely necessary) I have to wear a mask – this is the case for all Austrian residents and citizens. I have decided to also wear gloves. So little is known about the disease, for example scientists don’t know if you are immune after you have had Covid-19 or whether you can catch it again.
My focus now is to try and gain some semblance of normality. My house is a disaster, but this was the last thing on my mind over the past few weeks. My studies took a knock as well, but I hope to resume them sooner than later. I am not sure when I will return to the office. It may be better if I start working from home first before returning to join my colleagues at the office.
I am so grateful to feel so much better, and I encourage you all (ladies in particular, because we often feel that we are not believed when we feel ill) to trust yourselves as you know your body best and go and see or speak to your GP or rheumatologist. I only now realise that I was very, very ill and probably should have gone to hospital. Please react immediately. Get tested. Ensure you have people who will support you emotionally and physically, as well as motivate and encourage you. Try natural supplements and immune boosters but only after consulting your doctor. Additionally, obtain some breathing exercises from a physio. I believe these helped a lot. Be kind to yourself. Take time to recover. This is not mickey-mouse, but Simba the lion.
What I regret the most is the time lost. I remember going into my house on a cold cloudy day still wearing a coat and now it is warm and sunny. It feels like I lost a whole season. Unfortunately, this is a state familiar to RA patients. The disease steals much from us, especially time, do everything that you can to avoid this pandemic to also steal from you. Follow the government’s guidelines for isolation for people with underlying conditions. When you do have to go out, wear a mask, use gloves and sanitize everything!
Stay healthy. Stay safe.
Regards
Monica
I bought “Golden Milk” on Amazon or you can also purchase it on Azafaran.com. There are also many recipes of how to blend your own.
COVID-19 articles sourced from various authors.
