COVID and ms

Hi ,

I too have PPMS and I just got over Covid. I only had one shot of Modera a couple of years ago so, depending on who you talk to, that kinda made me un-vaxed or under-vaxed.

I did not like having COVID. I'm one of those people with a lonnnngggggg comorbidity list. Heart problems? Check. Kidney problems? Check. Blood sugar issues? Check. Pushing 60? Check. And yeah, MS of course. What can I say, I have the morgue on speed-dial.

But, aside from being horribly sick and feeling like I had been hit by a train, nothing terrible really happened. Over a series of 5 or 6 days I would wake up and my wife would ask me how I felt. Day 1 was like being hit by a train, day 2 was like being hit by a tractor-trailer, day 3 was more of a Ford half-ton, day 4 was a Honda Civic, day 5 was a punk kid on a scooter, and day 6 was a tennis ball. All in all it took me about 2 weeks to feel human again.

If your course is anything like mine was you are going to feel awful. You'll have the headache from Hades, and a fever, and you won't be able to figure out if you're hot or cold. And OMG, the night sweats. I'm still contemplating burning my mattress and starting anew. Make sure you drink lots so you don't get dehydrated and eat the odd Tylenol to make sure your fever doesn't get out of control.

Covid sucks, no doubt, and for some people it's a Very Big Deal. That said, my experience with it suggests it's more bark than bite. I felt like I was dying, but I didn't. I watched all the episodes of The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and then Teenage Bounty Hunters. I also listened to 2 Audible audio books and read some tree books when my eyes didn't hurt. Covid was the universe's way of making me take a break.

Don't worry, @brnfirst33, you're probably gonna feel sicker than you ever have, but if your experience is anything like mine, you're gonna come through it with nothing more than some soggy sheets and a big Amazon bill.

Be well.

, first, I am sorry you have covid! I think it's pretty normal to feel scared! offered some great personal insight into having covid and MS. The facts show that, despite how serious covid can be (and it can be VERY serious), the majority of people fully recover over time. I had covid myself and though my situation doesn't match yours, I can say being sick was no fun. That said, I did fully recover (it took a few weeks to fully shake the fatigue, though).


And, you can combat your fears with some facts. The fact is, you are getting covid at the best possible time in history. Ok. That sounds lame, but the truth is, we know SO much more about it than we did 2+ years ago. We have treatments, therapeutics, vaccines, etc. People with MS have gotten and survived covid and doctors and researchers have learned from that.


That said, I know facts and figures are cold comfort when you already are a bit of a 'exception to the rule' by being diagnosed with MS, if that makes any sense. I would definitely stay in contact with your physician and follow all the protocols we've learned thus far -- ie, move a little bit every hour or so that you're awake if you can, stay hydrated, try to sleep and rest as much as you can, etc. If (and only if) it will offer you peace of mind, you can pick up a pulse oximeter at any drugstore or super store (Walmart, Target, etc). We have one, but I never used it, as I didn't feel like my breathing was compromised all that much, despite having a stuffy nose and a cough.


I, too, was pretty scared when I got covid, especially after avoiding it for over two years. But, as someone on the other side, I can tell you my fears were just that -- fears. My family weathered it just fine, despite our own lists of comorbidities. But, I don't want to minimize your feelings and concerns here, either. It's ok to be scared. But, hey, you deal with MS. You and your body can endure pretty tough things.


Take it easy, rest and indulge in some creature comforts, and keep us posted on how you are doing, if you feel comfortable doing so.


Best, Erin, MultipleSclerosis.net Team Member.

How you feeling?

Covid can definitely be scary, , but the antiviral medication should help shorten the duration of it for you. I found it helpful to take Mucinex or a generic expectorant throughout my bout with Covid and even after for a while because I was still a bit congested. An expectorant can help keep your lungs clear and prevent pneumonia. I hope you take some comfort in knowing that many, many people in this community have had Covid and have pulled through unscathed. Be cautious and get lots of rest, but try not to stress if you can. Distraction is your friend. This is a great time to binge watch your favorite kind of show. Do you have any support at home? If not, is there someone you can call everyday who can come check on you if you fail to call? Knowing someone is ready to come to your aid she anything happen might help reduce your stress. Keep us posted if you feel comfortable doing so. Sending lots of healing thoughts and positive energy your way. - Lori (Team Member)