Post Viral Fatigue

[bexVN]

I am after some tips, advice on how to help recover from a viral (with bacterial infection at one point) infection.

4 weeks ago, took children to the park, I may have inhaled some pollen and had bad but hayfever which really affected one side of my face!! (blocked sinus, itchy ear etc)
From this I ended up with laryngitis, completely blocked sinus, phlegmy cough, shortness of breath, general aches esp around chest and constant feeling of pressure on my chest, generally feeling rubbish. I worked through all of this for over 2 weeks but couldn't by 3Rd week when chest and sinus infection diagnosed. Had week off, next week was a holiday week anyway, most of the week just gone has been spent in walk in centre where they picked up on a very high BP, Dr's, had chest xrays (to ck for consolidation), been to chest pain clinic, and Fri ended up with paramedic coming out when I got the most blinding headache and vomiting (still with shortness of breath) He decided I should go to a&e. Spent several hours there, still a sky high BP, ecg's were fine.

I have now been put on amolodopine 5mg and been told that it is mostly due to a very nasty virus and it is going to take time to recover.

Over the weekend my head has continued to pound especially on exertion and I keep having to take naps (lasting a couple hours), my at home BP readings have come down which is good. I have two young children so I have found all this really hard.

So that's the history of how I have come to this point. I really am now after any useful tips to help with recovery. Work is a tough one; they have said I don't need to go in Tues (even though we are really short staffed) but I will try and do my 11-9 shift on Wed, I am dreading it.

Does anyone know of any foodstuffs, natural treatments that can help boost immunity etc I feel so exhausted all the time (almost spaced out) I just feel like my days are just wasting away, I especially feel bad for my children . I've read of PVF lasting weeks and weeks. I really don't want to end up in that group, I can't stand feeling like this anymore!!

[dbroughton]

the key is to take it easy and recover. Be healthy and don't stress. A few weeks in neither here nor there.

I blame pushing myself back to the gym too early as the reason my PVF became ME/CFS 12 years ago.

[bexVN]

dbroughton said:

the key is to take it easy and recover. Be healthy and don't stress. A few weeks in neither here nor there.

I blame pushing myself back to the gym too early as the reason my PVF became ME/CFS 12 years ago.

Thank you for your reply. Sorry to read you ended up with a chronic illness after PVF.

I found it hard to rest and recuperate due to a young family and a job that is full on. I may be part time but I have been doing a lot of overtime (midnight finishes) and we are short staffed and it is an on your feet all day with a lot of rushing about and being pulled in different directions all the time.

I am a lot better though, still getting aches, shortness of breath on exertion. I am still on BP meds, was on antibiotics for a cat bite but appear to have had a drug reaction to then though still getting some weird symptoms several days on (which could be a sensitivity to my BP meds!!) and my eyesight seems to have worsened un the last few weeks!

Anyway I handed my notice in 2 weeks ago so in 6 weeks I will be out of that job (a place I feel has contributed considerably to my poor health recently!!) really going to get back to health soon (seeing a physio now aswell for my joint aches abd pains!)

[Fozziebear]

If your finishing in 6 weeks I'd get the doctor to sign you off, it's pointless going back and killing yourself. You need rest with virus recovery, kids not at any school/nursery? Can partner/family take them during the day for 4hrs so you can rest? I'd look at plenty of green leafy veg, iron rich, try blending them for ease.

[bexVN]

The children are when I'm at work, no staff as it is at my place so not easy to not go in (not an office job) but will consider this (due BP ck soon so will ask then) hubby in new job full time and no local family, friends all work aswell.

I will keep up with the dark green leaf etc (was eating lots of spinach but no so much in last couple weeks, I will definitely keep watching my diet, good tip.

Thank you for your advice I will definitely keep it in mind. Next job lined up is less hrs and working from home, no more midnight finishes (when they should be 9pm!!)

This whole episode has given me the incentive to leave my current job, it is just not worth it.

Edited by bexVN on Friday 9th September 06:56