My husband just tested positive...

[MissMolly]

I have developed cold symptoms as of yesterday - slightly stuffy, runny nose, and a pretty good cough...keeping my fingers crossed!!
Sigh...

Stuffy/runny nose is not considered to be a common symptom of COVID-19, so hopefully, just a plain old cold. But keeping fingers crossed never hurts. Hope it's just a cold and you feel better soon

 

[Poopycat]

Glad he is doing better. But keep monitoring him...I have read that many people think they are through the worst and then suddenly BOOM, it’s back and very serious. Keep monitoring the pulse ox.

 

[Maidensong]

I just read through the entire thread, hopeful that I'd hear the good news that your husband is on the mend, Cindy Blue. I'm so glad that's the case. Like many others who've commented, we know dozens of people (including some family members) who've had the virus and recovered without complications. And several of them had co-morbidity risks. Despite what you hear from the media, there is every reason to be optimistic even if you get a positive test.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, NSIP-the least virulent of all the fibrotic lung diseases (and no, I've never smoked), so an oximeter is my friend. If you get a low reading (anything under 92) try a different finger. That can also make a difference sometimes, as well as rubbing your hands together before you take a reading. Cold fingers lead to low numbers. Controlled breathing (In for 4 counts, hold 4 counts, release for 4 counts) can bring your O2 saturation up as well. Change your posture for better breathing. It helps whether your Covid positive or not. Oxygen is your friend!

I have had an all time low O2 sat of 73 once when I was flying. It feels terrible. I could almost hear my brain cells dying. But I quickly fired up my portable O2 concentrator and was back in the mid 90's within a minute or two. Now I know that flying even in a pressurized cabin is the same as being at 8000 ft elevation, 10,000 ft for longer international flights. For most people, this is no problem, particularly while remaining seated, but I need a little help at that elevation.

The danger of low oxygen is that your organs will be damaged from lack of proper oxygenation, most notably your brain and your heart. But that is a long term deterioration, not something that happens with one dip.

I think the thing for all of us to keep in mind, whether it's covid or the flu or the common cold is to protect your airway and do all you can to keep the gunk from creeping into your lungs.

We're off to sing in our very abbreviated Christmas cantata this morning, all masked and distanced and only 10 singers. I know, I know, singing is supposed to be bad, but I'm a classically trained soprano. I'm more afraid of not living than I am of dying. If this is my last Christmas on earth, I'm not going to go through it without popping off a few high notes!

Wishing you all good health!

 

[statsman]

Stuffy/runny nose is not considered to be a common symptom of COVID-19, so hopefully, just a plain old cold. But keeping fingers crossed never hurts. Hope it's just a cold and you feel better soon

I would agree, especially if the OP was under stress during the time of dealing with her husband having COVID-19. Next to hygiene issues with young kids, stress is right up there with making someone susceptible to getting sick.

 

[Rianne]

I just read through the entire thread, hopeful that I'd hear the good news that your husband is on the mend, Cindy Blue. I'm so glad that's the case. Like many others who've commented, we know dozens of people (including some family members) who've had the virus and recovered without complications. And several of them had co-morbidity risks. Despite what you hear from the media, there is every reason to be optimistic even if you get a positive test.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, NSIP-the least virulent of all the fibrotic lung diseases (and no, I've never smoked), so an oximeter is my friend. If you get a low reading (anything under 92) try a different finger. That can also make a difference sometimes, as well as rubbing your hands together before you take a reading. Cold fingers lead to low numbers. Controlled breathing (In for 4 counts, hold 4 counts, release for 4 counts) can bring your O2 saturation up as well. Change your posture for better breathing. It helps whether your Covid positive or not. Oxygen is your friend!

I have had an all time low O2 sat of 73 once when I was flying. It feels terrible. I could almost hear my brain cells dying. But I quickly fired up my portable O2 concentrator and was back in the mid 90's within a minute or two. Now I know that flying even in a pressurized cabin is the same as being at 8000 ft elevation, 10,000 ft for longer international flights. For most people, this is no problem, particularly while remaining seated, but I need a little help at that elevation.

The danger of low oxygen is that your organs will be damaged from lack of proper oxygenation, most notably your brain and your heart. But that is a long term deterioration, not something that happens with one dip.

I think the thing for all of us to keep in mind, whether it's covid or the flu or the common cold is to protect your airway and do all you can to keep the gunk from creeping into your lungs.

We're off to sing in our very abbreviated Christmas cantata this morning, all masked and distanced and only 10 singers. I know, I know, singing is supposed to be bad, but I'm a classically trained soprano. I'm more afraid of not living than I am of dying. If this is my last Christmas on earth, I'm not going to go through it without popping off a few high notes!

Wishing you all good health!

Thank you for that positive, informative post. It helped me understand so much about the lungs, oxygen and how organs are affected.

 

[Buckeye]

I agree, I hope I don't need to be more concerned than things seem to indicate. It's going well so far - he feels only mildly ill - and most people have it as a mild form.

I have to reach out carefully as to how he feels about it, to not make him think about it too much and just worry - and more likely, make him worry about me.

I find it all hard to even comprehend. All sorts of thoughts passed through my mind in a heartbeat when I read those words on the test result email. We have a well thought out plan and everything is in place. We are well prepared.

It's just that he is my life.

Thank you for listening...

The precautions you have taken should hopefully ensure his exposure was a low dose of the virus. It is understood the viral load a person is exposed to is one aspect of how sick a person can get. I'm curious if your volunteering for the food bank was in an enclosed area and how long you are there. I know shopping is also in an enclosed structure but it's generally of short duration.

 

[CindyBlue]

I just read through the entire thread, hopeful that I'd hear the good news that your husband is on the mend, Cindy Blue. I'm so glad that's the case. Like many others who've commented, we know dozens of people (including some family members) who've had the virus and recovered without complications. And several of them had co-morbidity risks. Despite what you hear from the media, there is every reason to be optimistic even if you get a positive test.

In 2010, I was diagnosed with a chronic lung condition, NSIP-the least virulent of all the fibrotic lung diseases (and no, I've never smoked), so an oximeter is my friend. If you get a low reading (anything under 92) try a different finger. That can also make a difference sometimes, as well as rubbing your hands together before you take a reading. Cold fingers lead to low numbers. Controlled breathing (In for 4 counts, hold 4 counts, release for 4 counts) can bring your O2 saturation up as well. Change your posture for better breathing. It helps whether your Covid positive or not. Oxygen is your friend!

I have had an all time low O2 sat of 73 once when I was flying. It feels terrible. I could almost hear my brain cells dying. But I quickly fired up my portable O2 concentrator and was back in the mid 90's within a minute or two. Now I know that flying even in a pressurized cabin is the same as being at 8000 ft elevation, 10,000 ft for longer international flights. For most people, this is no problem, particularly while remaining seated, but I need a little help at that elevation.

The danger of low oxygen is that your organs will be damaged from lack of proper oxygenation, most notably your brain and your heart. But that is a long term deterioration, not something that happens with one dip.

I think the thing for all of us to keep in mind, whether it's covid or the flu or the common cold is to protect your airway and do all you can to keep the gunk from creeping into your lungs.

We're off to sing in our very abbreviated Christmas cantata this morning, all masked and distanced and only 10 singers. I know, I know, singing is supposed to be bad, but I'm a classically trained soprano. I'm more afraid of not living than I am of dying. If this is my last Christmas on earth, I'm not going to go through it without popping off a few high notes!

Wishing you all good health!

Thank you for this very comprehensive information! I read it to my sweetie and sent it to a couple of friends who suspect they have covid. Thank you!

 

[CindyBlue]

The precautions you have taken should hopefully ensure his exposure was a low dose of the virus. It is understood the viral load a person is exposed to is one aspect of how sick a person can get. I'm curious if your volunteering for the food bank was in an enclosed area and how long you are there. I know shopping is also in an enclosed structure but it's generally of short duration.

Our experience at the Food Bank shouldn't have gotten us exposed to the virus any more than the store (we hope!) There are 6'-8' tables next to large (approx. 8'x8'X3' large produce bins (we've done apples, potatoes, oranges, squash, carrots, broccoli so far.) We each have our own table and our own bin. The tables/bins are a good 15' or more from any other tables/bins. There are probably 10 to 12 tables in each of two areas (I'll have to count when we go back) which two are either the outdoor area or the area under a large canopy tent with no sides. We have always worked together at "our" table which is right next to the edge of the tent, so one of us is outside and one in depending on which side of the bin we are using to fill the bags. They always end the shift early and we have to wipe down the tables with the antiseptic wipes they provide. Masks and gloves are required.

But you never know...sigh...

 

[CindyBlue]

Ok, I think I have it now...sigh...

I started cold symptoms a few days ago, but no fever, and nothing else that would indicate anything except a cold (though where I'd have gotten a cold since we haven't left the house in over two weeks (hubby finally was able to go out on Friday), I don't know!)

But this morning, when I put on my perfume (I love perfume and rotate between four or five different scents every few days to keep the scent fresh in my brain - and yes, I'm careful about when and where I wear it!), and all of a sudden realized I couldn't smell it. Thought maybe the bottle was out or the sprayer had jammed, so I spritzed again on my wrist - very wet spot...and i still couldn't smell it. I tried a different perfume on a card - soaked it - still couldn't smell it.

Then went to the kitchen and opened a big jar of peanut butter, which I absolutely hate, and stuck my nose in...and cannot smell it at all. That confirmed it for me.

Aww...

My hubby hasn't had a good "smeller" for the past 20 years or more. I am the one who smells the "something" burning in the oven, or, especially around here the last few years, the smoke outside that indicates a big fire somewhere near.
I don't like that I can't smell anything right now...it's a safety thing for me.

Plus, it's pretty much a confirmation that I don't have just a cold...sigh...

I signed up for a covid test for tomorrow morning.

I feel fine otherwise - it just feels like the cold I used to get once every year from my students when school got back in session in the fall (smile!)

My hubby had to go out and shop for me today. since now I'm REALLY stuck here..I needed peppermint syrup for my "Christmas Mocha." It might end up begin a wasted trip...I can taste it but it's not very "pepperminty." But at least I can taste it somewhat. I am calling my hubby my "cabana boy" and he is at my beck and call since he gave the virus to me (grin!) Lucky for me he is very sweet and very willing to take care of my every need (guilt is a good thing (wicked grin!))

 

[audreyh1]

Oh no! So sorry about that!

So glad your hubby is up to shopping for you.

 

[Dtail]

Hopefully it will be a minor case, if indeed it is Covid.

 

[Maidensong]

There are other causes for a lost sense of smell. The DH and I shared a particularly nasty virus with no name that lasted through the fall of 2019 up through April of 2020. It wasn't flu. We were tested for that. Neither our GP or the ENT we went to see could tell us what it was. My DH lost his voice for two months. Coughs, congestion, reduced O2 sats for my DH (this was before we'd even heard of Covid-19) It went into my ears and everything sounded like I was underwater for a couple months. I had to have tubes put in like a toddler to drain it. Then in May 2020, I realized I could no longer smell. Now, seven months later, I still have days when I can't smell a thing. (I count myself blessed when I catch a whiff of garlic while I'm cooking. And the occasional scent of bleach from a Clorox wipe makes me ecstatic!)

But it was not Covid-19. Too early onset for one thing, and the DH gave blood after he recovered to see if he had Covid antibodies. Nope. We've both been tested since then. Nada.

I guess the moral of this story is there are lots of wicked little beasties out there that can make us miserable, but we came through it. I'm confident my sense of smell will return in force eventually. In the meantime, I can still remember the scent of ... freshly cut grass, wet wool, a pine forest, Tahitian vanilla, dusty autumn leaves, a slice of an orange, warm peanut butter cookies, coffee, my husband's aftershave...

Sorry, I wandered off into some nose porn there. It's amazing how much you miss smells when they're gone.

Be well, Cindy Blue. I hope it's not Covid. I don't know if it helped us when we were dealing with the Virus Who Must Not Be Named, but we upped our zinc intake, and the local health food store recommended oil of oregano pills. Along with high-test decongestants prescribed by our doctors, we figured a few extra homeopathic things wouldn't hurt.

 

[braumeister]

There are other causes for a lost sense of smell.

Alas, very true. I lost mine about 6 or 7 years ago, very suddenly and mysteriously. No known cause; it just happened. Lasted for about six months and then started coming back gradually. Even today it's only about 75% of what it had been, but I'm OK with that.

 

[rk911]

i haven’t had most of my sense of smell for several decades now. i can still detect pungent odors but there has to be a lot of it, natural gas and propane for instance. but i still have ny sense of taste.

 

[CindyBlue]

There are other causes for a lost sense of smell. The DH and I shared a particularly nasty virus with no name that lasted through the fall of 2019 up through April of 2020. It wasn't flu. We were tested for that. Neither our GP or the ENT we went to see could tell us what it was. My DH lost his voice for two months. Coughs, congestion, reduced O2 sats for my DH (this was before we'd even heard of Covid-19) It went into my ears and everything sounded like I was underwater for a couple months. I had to have tubes put in like a toddler to drain it. Then in May 2020, I realized I could no longer smell. Now, seven months later, I still have days when I can't smell a thing. (I count myself blessed when I catch a whiff of garlic while I'm cooking. And the occasional scent of bleach from a Clorox wipe makes me ecstatic!)

But it was not Covid-19. Too early onset for one thing, and the DH gave blood after he recovered to see if he had Covid antibodies. Nope. We've both been tested since then. Nada.

I guess the moral of this story is there are lots of wicked little beasties out there that can make us miserable, but we came through it. I'm confident my sense of smell will return in force eventually. In the meantime, I can still remember the scent of ... freshly cut grass, wet wool, a pine forest, Tahitian vanilla, dusty autumn leaves, a slice of an orange, warm peanut butter cookies, coffee, my husband's aftershave...

Sorry, I wandered off into some nose porn there. It's amazing how much you miss smells when they're gone.

Be well, Cindy Blue. I hope it's not Covid. I don't know if it helped us when we were dealing with the Virus Who Must Not Be Named, but we upped our zinc intake, and the local health food store recommended oil of oregano pills. Along with high-test decongestants prescribed by our doctors, we figured a few extra homeopathic things wouldn't hurt.

Thank you for this!
Wow, you and your hubby went through hell with whatever it was that you had! Poor things!
I feel the same way right now about not being able to smell things...though I think I got a whiff of perfume this morning - I hope it's not just wistful thinking. You description of the smell of new mowed grass and coffee hit home (sigh...)
I had heard of the Zinc, too and started that along with upping my C and D and Calcium.
Took the test today - now the wait for the results. Still don't feel that badly - just as if I have a cold. I almost wish I had it - at least I could get it over with, with minor symptoms!

 

[TNBigfoot]

I tested positive this past Saturday. I had a touch of fever (99.5) 4days prior for only 12 hrs and then normal afterwards. Thursday evening, felt like a sinus infection coming on through Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, I got tested and was positive. Symptoms have been very mild 7 days since symptoms by the grace of God.

Great way to lead into retirement 12/31. Be careful out there folks. Wear your mask, wash your hands!

 

[CindyBlue]

I tested positive this past Saturday. I had a touch of fever (99.5) 4days prior for only 12 hrs and then normal afterwards. Thursday evening, felt like a sinus infection coming on through Friday. Out of an abundance of caution, I got tested and was positive. Symptoms have been very mild 7 days since symptoms by the grace of God.

Great way to lead into retirement 12/31. Be careful out there folks. Wear your mask, wash your hands!

You are retiring 12/31 this year You are right, a heck of a way to lead into retirement! I hope you are using sick time right now!

But congratulations on your retirement! I am so glad for you - my DH and I retired together last year and even though we could not figure out what we'd ever do with all that time, and even thought the pandemic has really messed up our travel plans, we love it. Thank goodness for the people here on this forum - I'd have never made it without the advice and, frankly, the reassurance I received here. I hope you will love, as I do, the languid, quiet mornings when you sit with your cup of tea or coffee and know you don't have to hurry to get ready for work (very big grin!)

Your symptoms sure sound like mine. I pray that you never get any worse than you are right now!

 

[Sue J]

i haven’t had most of my sense of smell for several decades now. i can still detect pungent odors but there has to be a lot of it, natural gas and propane for instance. but i still have ny sense of taste.

I've never had a sense of smell. DH is in charge of telling me that something is burning, or something is rotten, or that a skunk has sprayed, or our grandson has a loaded diaper or for a natural gas leak.

At all these health checks with the question about having recently lost your sense of smell or taste, I don't go into details, just answer no.

 

[CindyBlue]

I've never had a sense of smell. DH is in charge of telling me that something is burning, or something is rotten, or that a skunk has sprayed, or our grandson has a loaded diaper or for a natural gas leak.

At all these health checks with the question about having recently lost your sense of smell or taste, I don't go into details, just answer no.

You and I get to be the "scent trackers" in our households (grin!)

 

[Buckeye]

I started cold symptoms a few days ago, but no fever, and nothing else that would indicate anything except a cold (though where I'd have gotten a cold since we haven't left the house in over two weeks (hubby finally was able to go out on Friday), I don't know!)

But this morning, when I put on my perfume (I love perfume and rotate between four or five different scents every few days to keep the scent fresh in my brain - and yes, I'm careful about when and where I wear it!), and all of a sudden realized I couldn't smell it. Thought maybe the bottle was out or the sprayer had jammed, so I spritzed again on my wrist - very wet spot...and i still couldn't smell it. I tried a different perfume on a card - soaked it - still couldn't smell it.

Then went to the kitchen and opened a big jar of peanut butter, which I absolutely hate, and stuck my nose in...and cannot smell it at all. That confirmed it for me.

Aww...

My hubby hasn't had a good "smeller" for the past 20 years or more. I am the one who smells the "something" burning in the oven, or, especially around here the last few years, the smoke outside that indicates a big fire somewhere near.
I don't like that I can't smell anything right now...it's a safety thing for me.

Plus, it's pretty much a confirmation that I don't have just a cold...sigh...

I signed up for a covid test for tomorrow morning.

I feel fine otherwise - it just feels like the cold I used to get once every year from my students when school got back in session in the fall (smile!)

My hubby had to go out and shop for me today. since now I'm REALLY stuck here..I needed peppermint syrup for my "Christmas Mocha." It might end up begin a wasted trip...I can taste it but it's not very "pepperminty." But at least I can taste it somewhat. I am calling my hubby my "cabana boy" and he is at my beck and call since he gave the virus to me (grin!) Lucky for me he is very sweet and very willing to take care of my every need (guilt is a good thing (wicked grin!))

Like you, I am the one in the house who can smell even the faintest smells. I never thought about it until you mentioned it that it is a safety skill. It would be very disorienting to lose my sense of smell, possibly permanently, as a lingering effect from getting COVID. It is one of my greatest fears about getting COVID.

 

[ImThinkin2019]

You are retiring 12/31 this year You are right, a heck of a way to lead into retirement! I hope you are using sick time right now!

But congratulations on your retirement! I am so glad for you - my DH and I retired together last year and even though we could not figure out what we'd ever do with all that time, and even thought the pandemic has really messed up our travel plans, we love it. Thank goodness for the people here on this forum - I'd have never made it without the advice and, frankly, the reassurance I received here. I hope you will love, as I do, the languid, quiet mornings when you sit with your cup of tea or coffee and know you don't have to hurry to get ready for work (very big grin!)

Your symptoms sure sound like mine. I pray that you never get any worse than you are right now!

Hi Cindy thank you for posting this. It is very helpful since I see retirement close at hand.

I am in the tapering off period of my job. Am one of the high paid old employees being forced out for younger cheaper models. (Bet there are many others on in this group.) I am wrestling with whether to get another job (I like people and can sell.) post vaccine or not. We have enough money so I'm just not sure.

As you can imagine, I am worrying about what to do with the time. OTOH yesterday I painted the bathroom trim, refilled our firewood supply, and helped our granddaughter string lights in the trees outside. All very enjoyable to do.

 

[CindyBlue]

Like you, I am the one in the house who can smell even the faintest smells. I never thought about it until you mentioned it that it is a safety skill. It would be very disorienting to lose my sense of smell, possibly permanently, as a lingering effect from getting COVID. It is one of my greatest fears about getting COVID.

Yep, mine, too. I can live without it by being more vigilant in other ways, but it's sure would be inconvenient...and I'd sure miss the smell of new mowed grass, as Maidensong said...

That said, I caught a whiff of my perfume yesterday...that's a very good sign!

 

[CindyBlue]

My test result is in...

...and it's positive for the virus.

Luckily, my symptoms have been mild up until last night, and then only chills and a fever (103.8.) Oxygen level 97, which seems to be normal for me, since it's been either that or 98 every time I've taken it. I took NyQuil, aspirin, and a half a codeine (for the headache) and went to bed at 6. Slept solidly through the night, (sweating like crazy, judging from the condition of my sheets this morning!) and woke up this morning feeling good again, no fever, oxygen level 97.

We were looking forward to donating blood for antibodies (something good from the bad!) once I'm allowed out of here, but are now wondering if they will need it anymore, now that the vaccine is coming.

 

[38Chevy454]

103.8 is a pretty good fever, but good that you seem to have gotten over the worst part of that. Also good that your CV symptoms seem to be fairly mild. You and your husband are on the upswing now.

 

[Time2]

My wife and I probably have good but equal ability to smell, but she has a much more negative effect to smells. People smell really bothers her, yet she cooks a fish and eggplant dish that has a horrible smell yet she eats it. She admits it smells and calls it smelly fish.
I see to be keyed into something burning and pick that up quicker.
I recently had a few day period where I kept smelling something while setting at my computer, (I don't recall it to name the smell but it was a familiar smell) I don't believe it was anything physical on my computer desk that caused it. I think it was nose/brain thing.