Your CoVid-19 test queries and observations - the Megathread

IAMAMORON

xalot wrote: »

Late 30's, healthy, Dublin area.

12th - sore throat, headache, chills, metallic taste in mouth like getting a cold. Advised by HSE to self isolate, not suitable for testing.
13th - very tired.
15th - diarrhea and vomiting, really nasty dose
16th - cough
20th - burning chest - referred for test. Told 36-48 hours of a wait.

Since then have been mostly fine, very tired and still have a feeling that I'm getting a cold.

It seems like a very long time to be experiencing what appears quite a wide range of symptoms. No temperature in the last few days?

Were you working directly with sufferers?

JMJR

Deleted User wrote: »

I imagine eventually people will have to start bypassing the waiting on a test and just call an ambulance. Assuming it’s quite serious.

My GP said isolate and wait for the test. This I have done and will continue to do.
Also was told if symptoms became bad specifically breathing difficulties then to self refer to A&E

I understand the need to wait for testing to catch up and to keep away from hospital unless absolutely necessary.

It (the availability of testing) has to be a dire situation if frontline staff have to be in the queue with me. Id gladly be passed over to give my spot to any of them.

My suspicion is that the HSE and Government are way behind in test kits, labs etc. I doubt that they have confirmed delivery dates for kits.
It is the only reason that I can see for the inability to state exactly how the testing will ramp up to catch up the shortfall.

It should be a simple mathematical exercise yet nothing is coming out of the 'experts' on the media.

US2

16th sore throat, burning feeling.

17th starting to cough alot

18th bad cough

19th,20th felt perfect again

22nd extremely cold even with fire and heating on, every muscle in my body acheing.

Since then cough is getting much much worse, back is also getting really sore.

Woke up this morning for a pee and was drowned in sweat, literally dripping off me.

If there is no improvement tomorrow I'm ringing doc, although I'm telling myself this all week

Qwerty Dub

IAMAMORON wrote: »

How did you feel from the 19th to today the 24th?

Have your symptoms abated? Did you get better or worse?

How old are you?

I'm 36.

I felt as well as anyone can with headaches and cough, but nowhere near as bad as some here. Was very bearable.

Thought I was getting better the last 2 days, but woke up this morning like someone was standing on my chest and coughing a lot more again.

Apologies for the detail, but its a mix of dry cough and loose cough today with a lot of mucus coming up. But also getting a real heaviness in my chest every now and then for a minute or so at a time and then goes again.

Sexual Chocolate

JMJR wrote: »

My suspicion is that the HSE and Government are way behind in test kits, labs etc. I doubt that they have confirmed delivery dates for kits.
It is the only reason that I can see for the inability to state exactly how the testing will ramp up to catch up the shortfall.

Aer Lingus are beginning numerous cargo flights to China starting from the 28th of this month bringing in medical supplies, hopefully when they begin things might improve.

GaGa21

Qwerty Dub wrote:

Thought I was getting better the last 2 days, but woke up this morning like someone was standing on my chest and coughing a lot more again.

A lot of reports from positive cases of feeling better before it got worse.
Definitely contact your GP.

Emma2019

michellie wrote: »

You get a text if negative or a phone call if positive. How long ago did you get tested?

I was tested on Friday afternoon. They said 2/3 days for results and it's been 4 days now.

IAMAMORON

Emma2019 wrote: »

I was tested on Friday afternoon. They said 2/3 days for results and it's been 4 days now.

How are you feeling though? What are your symptoms?

IAMAMORON

Qwerty Dub wrote: »

I'm 36.

I felt as well as anyone can with headaches and cough, but nowhere near as bad as some here. Was very bearable.

Thought I was getting better the last 2 days, but woke up this morning like someone was standing on my chest and coughing a lot more again.

Apologies for the detail, but its a mix of dry cough and loose cough today with a lot of mucus coming up. But also getting a real heaviness in my chest every now and then for a minute or so at a time and then goes again.

You mentioned you are Frontline. Gard? Nurse? Army? Doctor?

Are you in direct contact with sufferers?

Is the heavy feeling in your chest abating and then recurring?

Are you sweating profusely? Sorry for asking too many questions but the range of symptoms appearing is astonishing. I respect that people handle infections in different ways.

Qwerty Dub

IAMAMORON wrote: »

You mentioned you are Frontline. Gard? Nurse? Army? Doctor?

Are you in direct contact with sufferers?

Is the heavy feeling in your chest abating and then recurring?

Are you sweating profusely? Sorry for asking too many questions but the range of symptoms appearing is astonishing. I respect that people handle infections in different ways.

Not dealing with known sufferers, no.

Literally felt like someone was on my chest when I woke. Eased as morning went on, but still getting the odd really uncomfortable feeling that is short lived.

Headache not budging at all though despite staying hydrated and taking paracetamol.

Not suffering fevers or chills. Nurse took temp last Weds and came back low at 32.9, but I haven't felt the need to check it since.

xalot

IAMAMORON wrote: »

It seems like a very long time to be experiencing what appears quite a wide range of symptoms. No temperature in the last few days?

Were you working directly with sufferers?

No temperature at all, cold like symptoms come and go the whole time. It's a strange one, reckon I'm just run down.

Dont work with any sufferers, that I'm aware of. One colleague has been off since the same day as me with the exact same symptoms.

IAMAMORON

Qwerty Dub wrote: »

Guard. Not dealing with known sufferers, no.

Literally felt like someone was on my chest when I woke. Eased as morning went on, but still getting the odd really uncomfortable feeling that is short lived.

Headache not budging at all though despite staying hydrated and taking paracetamol.

Not suffering fevers or chills. Nurse took temp last Weds and came back low at 32.9, but I haven't felt the need to check it since.

Paracetemol is excellent at controlling temperatures, keep on it. Most symptoms are at their worst in the morning and the evening, it is how you perceive your symptoms as you are waking and also how they affect you as you tire.

Did you attend hospital?

ShaneU

Referred last Friday, test is on Thursday

IAMAMORON

xalot wrote: »

No temperature at all, cold like symptoms come and go the whole time. It's a strange one, reckon I'm just run down.

Dont work with any sufferers, that I'm aware of. One colleague has been off since the same day as me with the exact same symptoms.

Do you still have the burning chest? Is it painful or like heart burn?

Notsomindful

Klonker wrote: »

Does the GP ask when referring you if you have transport to attend the drive through testing? Seems crazy if not.

No they dont.I dont have a car and waiting for test

xalot

IAMAMORON wrote: »

Do you still have the burning chest? Is it painful or like heart burn?

Yes but not as bad, it's like a sharp tightening sensation when I try to take a deep breath.

Qwerty Dub

IAMAMORON wrote: »

Paracetemol is excellent at controlling temperatures, keep on it. Most symptoms are at their worst in the morning and the evening, it is how you perceive your symptoms as you are waking and also how they affect you as you tire.

Did you attend hospital?

No, didn't attend hospital or GP.

There was a nurse working in the building i was in last Weds who checked me out. Upon checking me out and asking Q's, she advised my supervisor to send me home and told me to contact my GP.

I emailed my GP and she phoned me within the hour. We had a chat and she said I meet the criteria for testing and said she would refer me for same. She directed me to self isolate for 14 days. I got a text a while later from GP surgery to say that my COVID19 test referral had been submitted successfully as she said the system had previously crashed while on the phone.

I've had no contact from anyone. Dropped HSELive a DM on Twitter over the weekend and they just said there is a huge backlog and to be patient.

Just wonder about the structure of it all. Some referred after Weds seem to be getting texts and dates etc, and i have seen some who got texts to say they are in the Q for testing and to be patient and stay isolated, but i have had no contact at all. Wondering are people being prioritised based on symptoms or contact with confirmed cases.

IAMAMORON

I would say the worst bit is not knowing. It is a trying time for everyone. On the positive side ( no pun intended sorry:) ) at least your body is dealing with the virus. As I alluded to earlier in the thread I reckon you will know all about it if you're not handling the virus well. As I also said you will be building an immunity concurrently. I don't believe you can contract the virus twice. The test is not going to cure your symptoms, it will only indicate if you have the virus or not.

Notsomindful

Qwerty Dub wrote: »

No, didn't attend hospital or GP.

There was a nurse working in the building i was in last Weds who checked me out. Upon checking me out and asking Q's, she advised my supervisor to send me home and told me to contact my GP.

I emailed my GP and she phoned me within the hour. We had a chat and she said I meet the criteria for testing and said she would refer me for same. She directed me to self isolate for 14 days. I got a text a while later from GP surgery to say that my COVID19 test referral had been submitted successfully as she said the system had previously crashed while on the phone.

I've had no contact from anyone. Dropped HSELive a DM on Twitter over the weekend and they just said there is a huge backlog and to be patient.

Just wonder about the structure of it all. Some referred after Weds seem to be getting texts and dates etc, and i have seen some who got texts to say they are in the Q for testing and to be patient and stay isolated, but i have had no contact at all. Wondering are people being prioritised based on symptoms or contact with confirmed cases.

I was referred last Wednesday and heard nothing either no texts or dates .

Notsomindful

Qwerty Dub wrote: »

No, didn't attend hospital or GP.

There was a nurse working in the building i was in last Weds who checked me out. Upon checking me out and asking Q's, she advised my supervisor to send me home and told me to contact my GP.

I emailed my GP and she phoned me within the hour. We had a chat and she said I meet the criteria for testing and said she would refer me for same. She directed me to self isolate for 14 days. I got a text a while later from GP surgery to say that my COVID19 test referral had been submitted successfully as she said the system had previously crashed while on the phone.

I've had no contact from anyone. Dropped HSELive a DM on Twitter over the weekend and they just said there is a huge backlog and to be patient.

Just wonder about the structure of it all. Some referred after Weds seem to be getting texts and dates etc, and i have seen some who got texts to say they are in the Q for testing and to be patient and stay isolated, but i have had no contact at all. Wondering are people being prioritised based on symptoms or contact with confirmed cases.

I was referred last Wednesday and heard nothing either no texts or dates .

crisco10

Due to the IT system mess up on the 16th, my referral was delayed until Wednesday 18th (South Dublin), and still no word from anyone.

At this stage, I am 12 days since 1st symptoms and probably about 5 days back "healthy". My wife was also referred and is only a day or two "healthy". I am convinced that by the time we get tested it will be negative, despite our GP being pretty confident that my wife had it.

Seems an unfortunate situation we are in.

LashingLady

I just got the call to schedule test. Referred on Thursday 19th. Test is tomorrow morning at Clonskeagh Hospital they’re doing them in the car park there.

She told me “the results would be posted to my doctor” did anyone else get told that?

Waiting since Friday morning for a 11 month old baby who is showing symptoms.
Havnt heard anything from them.

Sexual Chocolate

LashingLady wrote: »

I just got the call to schedule test. Referred on Thursday 19th. Test is tomorrow morning at Clonskeagh Hospital they’re doing them in the car park there.

She told me “the results would be posted to my doctor” did anyone else get told that?

I thought they used pigeons ?

Seriously though there different methods in how there getting bank to people it seems. Text, phone call or via GP. First I've heard of post though.

dr.kenneth noisewater

Interesting thread on how people are supposed to get their results, doesnt seem to be happening this way by accounts I've heard. Basically you should get a text if negative and a phonecall if positive from the HSE. GP will be told for their records but are not supposed to have the job of notifying patients

https://twitter.com/FergalBowers/status/1242175022137032711?s=20

momum5

crisco10 wrote: »

Due to the IT system mess up on the 16th, my referral was delayed until Wednesday 18th (South Dublin), and still no word from anyone.

At this stage, I am 12 days since 1st symptoms and probably about 5 days back "healthy". My wife was also referred and is only a day or two "healthy". I am convinced that by the time we get tested it will be negative, despite our GP being pretty confident that my wife had it.

Seems an unfortunate situation we are in.

We are the same, 3 of us in household have have... or GP reckoned we did. (Burning pain lungs, cough, flu like symptoms).. My daughter def had cough while they were in school about 12/13 days ago.. We were referred on morn of 16th (Mon) as told we had to wait til then as rolling out new system. 9 days on since referral (Limerick) thankfully we are all recovered but what about all those my daughter was in school with? Re contact tracing we will be at least 2wks on - if we ever get called? .Does test even show that we had it if recovered. Would love to know how Dr.Ciara and Claire Byrne get seen so quickly??

amadangomor

Notsomindful wrote: »

I was referred last Wednesday and heard nothing either no texts or dates .

Time to ring them back I reckon!

_Whimsical_

momum5 wrote: »

We are the same, 3 of us in household have have... or GP reckoned we did. (Burning pain lungs, cough, flu like symptoms).. My daughter def had cough while they were in school about 12/13 days ago.. We were referred on morn of 16th (Mon) as told we had to wait til then as rolling out new system. 9 days on since referral (Limerick) thankfully we are all recovered but what about all those my daughter was in school with? Re contact tracing we will be at least 2wks on - if we ever get called? .Does test even show that we had it if recovered. Would love to know how Dr.Ciara and Claire Byrne get seen so quickly??

Thats a very important question, if it doesn't show antibodies/that you once had it then this level of delay is rendering a lot of tests pointless and is wasting tests that could be used for health workers. In that instance knowing a result is absolutely critical if they are dealing with patients.

amadangomor

_Whimsical_ wrote: »

Thats a very important question, if it doesn't show antibodies/that you once had it then this level of delay is rendering a lot of tests pointless and is wasting tests that could be used for health workers. In that instance knowing a result is absolutely critical if they are dealing with patients.

I'm three weeks to the day since symptoms began.

Was referred yesterday so if it going to take another week it will probably pointless. I will probably show negative with the PCR test even if I had the virus.

Hopefully they roll out the antibody test here soon.

PaddyGannon

This started as a thread about Waiting for a test but like a lot of threads on boards it has turned into something else. If you want to talk about something else, open a new thread.
Just some of it by what I feel is the first person to go off thread but there are more people.

lawrencesummers wrote: »

With all due respect you are posting some complete nonsense and you should stop.

Pot calling the kettle black.

lawrencesummers wrote: »

You can become re-infected.

lawrencesummers wrote: »

I’m not the one making a claim of immunity, I just read a bit

Yes, exactly, you just read a bit not the whole article or maybe just the bit you wanted to read or report on to prove your non-point. Is it as above you can catch it? Or below

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Have a read of this if you want, there is nothing definitive about reinfection, like a flu it’s unlikely you get it twice in one season but it can happen,

Why didn’t you quote Dr Glockman

lawrencesummers wrote: »

https://www.independent.co.uk/life-style/health-and-families/coronavirus-immunity-reinfection-get-covid-19-twice-sick-spread-relapse-a9400691.html

And to answer your first question,

lawrencesummers wrote: »

Also out of interest why are people bothering to get tested? I don’t see the need uNless your high risk or working in essential services.

Because the WHO recommended it.

michellie

Referral sent Monday 16th, I was tested Saturday evening the 21st in the South east. I am hoping I will have my results today or tomorrow.

How long were you waiting for results?

lawrencesummers

PaddyGannon wrote: »

This started as a thread about Waiting for a test but like a lot of threads on boards it has turned into something else. If you want to talk about something else, open a new thread.
Just some of it by what I feel is the first person to go off thread but there are more people.

Pot calling the kettle black.


Yes, exactly, you just read a bit not the whole article or maybe just the bit you wanted to read or report on to prove your non-point. Is it as above you can catch it? Or below

Why didn’t you quote Dr Glockman

And to answer your first question,

Because the WHO recommended it.

Your being very selective, im responding to somebody who thinks hospitalisation reduces immunity and At ever stage I’ve said to err on the side of caution, there are a lot of u knowns in all of this.


And all this talk is about testing, people are not taking into account the limitations of the testing and putting far to much stock in it.



And I could have quoted Gluckman, who said “it seems likely” in relation to immunity, but that only backs up the fact that there are a lot of unknowns in all
Of this.

Solli

Still waiting on a test from a referral on Monday 16th March. Is this a record?

Aoibhinn41

Contacted the HSE today for an update on how long my own testing might take. They said anyone submitted on March 16th was wiped off the system temporarily last week as system crashed.

Apparently details were uploaded again in the last couple of days so these people are getting priority now. Supposedly.

KGLady

Aoibhinn41 wrote: »

Contacted the HSE today for an update on how long my own testing might take. They said anyone submitted on March 16th was wiped off the system temporarily last week as system crashed.

Apparently details were uploaded again in the last couple of days so these people are getting priority now. Supposedly.

If this is true its infuriating. Myself and my 7yr old were referred that morning too and are still waiting. She's great now but I am still quite unwell and GP was very frustrated that we are still untested because she really can't do anything to help me until we know for sure. If I get any worse now its 999 and hospital for me and that in itself is terrifying.

Aoibhinn41

KGLady wrote: »

If this is true its infuriating. Myself and my 7yr old were referred that morning too and are still waiting. She's great now but I am still quite unwell and GP was very frustrated that we are still untested because she really can't do anything to help me until we know for sure. If I get any worse now its 999 and hospital for me and that in itself is terrifying.

Absolutely. Could not believe it when the operator said it.
Disgraceful people are waiting this long.

Unicorn55

Also waiting since 16th. Got text saying sorry for the wait last night.

I'm pretty much better now, still self isolating

momum5

Unicorn55 wrote: »

Also waiting since 16th. Got text saying sorry for the wait last night.

I'm pretty much better now, still self isolating

We're the same 3 of us waiting since the 16th too... and nothing other than the same 'sorry for the wait' text received

momum5

momum5 wrote: »

We're the same 3 of us waiting since the 16th too... and nothing other than the same 'sorry for the wait' text received

Just got called for test tomorrow

baldshin

Partner, who is a surgeon, still waiting having been referred 3 days ago. Symptoms have all but gone but can't return to work until getting the all clear. Would have thought medical workers would be pushed to the top of the queue to get them back to work.

Airyfairy12

Has anyone been to a walk in test center? Ive just noticed that most if not all testing centers are drive through and wondering what those of us without cars can do if requiring a test?
Theres no test center in my town but there is one in the next town. The center is very much off the beaten track, would take about half an hour to 40 minutes to walk there from the nearest the bus stop.

Why are car owners being prioritised?

IAMAMORON

baldshin wrote: »

Partner, who is a surgeon, still waiting having been referred 3 days ago. Symptoms have all but gone but can't return to work until getting the all clear. Would have thought medical workers would be pushed to the top of the queue to get them back to work.

So would I.

What hospital is you partner working in?

michellie

I was submitted on the 16th and called on the 21st

Beasty

Threads merged and title changed

CB19Kevo

Referred yesterday, Anyone else experiencing wheezing.
I have a cough,slight throat irritation and a substantial wheeze.
No fever or other symptoms.

AllForIt

I had symptoms for a good week before I contacted my GP. They were mild, dry cough, increased difficulty breathing. I'm asthmatic and that would usually be with case with a cold or a cough.

I was referred a week ago and since then I just got a text that I was in a queue.

My symptoms are now gone. Cough is gone since yesterday and my breathing is back to normal.

Question now is should I get tested when eventually called. I don't see the point and I think since there is such a backlog it would be better that ppl who don't need to go shouldn't go to free up resources.

wandererz

AllForIt wrote: »

I had symptoms for a good week before I contacted my GP. They were mild, dry cough, increased difficulty breathing. I'm asthmatic and that would unusually be with case with a cold or a cough.

I was referred a week ago and since then I just got a text that I was in a queue.

My symptoms are now gone. Cough is gone since yesterday and my breathing is back to normal.

Question now is should I get tested when eventually called. I don't see the point and I think since there is such a backlog it would be better that ppl who don't need to go shouldn't go to free up resources.

You should go. If the test turns out positive then contact tracing kicks in & they contact you to trace everyone you've been in direct contact with. This is important as it helps map the spread of the disease & allows people to be contacted for self isolation.
This is the model that S. Korea followed that is working and which Ireland is following.

Sexual Chocolate

CB19Kevo wrote: »

Referred yesterday, Anyone else experiencing wheezing.
I have a cough,slight throat irritation and a substantial wheeze.
No fever or other symptoms.

I've had slight wheezing. I had or still have asthma but haven't had a flare up in a good few years. Not even sure if it's something that stays with you or disappears? Used to be bad when I a kid though.

I find my cough particularly worse in the mornings and evenings and there during the weekend it felt like somebody was standing in my chest when I'd wake up.

bigjoe

Well it now looks like any of us that were on the list without an appointment will not be tested without going back to the GP.
https://www.rte.ie/news/coronavirus/2020/0325/1126202-those-seeking-test-must-display-two-major-symptoms/
Pure and utter incompetence be Simon Harris, LEO Varadkar and the HSE heads.

Qwerty Dub

This is an absolute sham. By all means tighten the criteria for testing going forward if need be, but to tell people who have self isolated for over a week waiting on a test that they won’t now be tested is ridiculous.

It won’t change what I’m doing, but some people may abandon their self isolation, within the family home at least upon hearing this, which could cause it’s own problems.

Plus, I’m sure I have seen reports of plenty who tested positive without a fever, so why would they make that a necessary symptom for testing? It just doesn’t make sense.