This commentary is in no way meant to take Covid lightly, but I handle uncomfortable situations with a bit of humor (thanks dad for my weird sense of humor).
Day one of the onset of symptoms, it was a Friday, I had taught several yoga classes the day before and felt fine. I cleaned house and went grocery shopping that morning, was looking forward to a free afternoon and going out for a drink that evening. You know what they say about making plans! That afternoon started feeling like I was coming down with a head cold, a lot of congestion, so decided it was best to stay home.
Day two my ‘head cold’ continued to get worse. Couldn’t believe with social distancing and wearing a mask everywhere that I could catch a cold…WTH? The congestion and headache were getting out of control. I started using nasal spray like an addict going for a line of cocaine!
On day two my husband started showing symptoms as well.
Day three was the doozy! Today I started running a fever and felt like I had been hit by a truck, not just any old truck, but a huge dump truck filled with garbage. If anyone had asked, I would have said just go ahead and put me out of my misery.
By day four (Monday) I was feeling better, still very congested but at least I wasn’t begging for blessed release. And of course this is when I lost my sense of taste and smell, oh Covid you are a wicked bitch!
The next few days went on about the same, not getting better, but thankfully not getting worse.
During this time I couldn’t read a book or sit at the computer, both made me sick, so I think we have watched half the movies on Netflix, Amazon, and Hulu.
On Wednesday we went and got a Covid test, although by now I already knew the answer. Now if you haven’t had a Covid test it is an adventure in itself. First the Med clinic had their thermostat set at 82, I wondered if they were trying to cook the virus from me. Then the special treat of having a long Qtip
inserted up my nostrils to my 3rd eye. I must admit I handled it much better than my husband (at least it wasn’t a needle)! I wish I had been in a better frame of mind and I would have recorded my husband’s reaction to his test, could have provided chuckles for so many. Even as sick as I felt, I couldn’t stop laughing (there goes that weird sense of humor again).
Thursday we got the results and of course they were positive. Now I continued to feel about the same, not better, not worse. So the ‘bitch’ as she is now known in our household, decided to throw a little something extra my way. I can’t breathe due to the congestion, headache, no taste or smell, absolutely no energy, so what could be next you ask???? Now I have developed a rash all over my back and slowly creeping around to my belly. Oh she is a wily little bitch, with her own warped sense of humor.
Now I make it to Friday, exactly a week with this uninvited guest in my home and body. What can she do to mark this special anniversary but bring my fever back. I spent Friday flat on my back, too sick to even want to watch television. Friday night was spent with chills and sweat, I felt like I was being plagued by menopausal symptoms non-stop.
Finally Saturday I started feeling a bit more normal. No more fever, less nasal spray, my taste and smell have almost returned to normal, and my rash has turned into a lot of little scabs (yes, it’s as attractive as it sounds). I am a little sad that most women I spoke with talked about their huge weight loss on this less than desirable diet. I started out losing 5 pounds almost immediately, but that’s where it stopped. The ‘bitch’ was not going to let me get anything good from this experience.
It is now Sunday, I’m feeling pretty good, although I’m afraid to even say it out loud, that the ‘bitch’ may decide to deliver another special treat. I still don’t have much energy but as you can read I am able to sit at my computer for short periods again. This virus is really strange as it delivers different symptoms to different people. My husband and I developed symptoms within a day of one another, yet we experienced very different symptoms.
I don’t wish this on anyone, as it has not been a fun journey. But I am grateful that we stayed out of the hospital and seem to be on the mend. So grateful for my daughter who lives nearby and kept us stocked on Gatorade, thermometers, bread and Nyquil, and for my mentee and friend who made a special delivery of soup broth and fresh squeezed orange juice!
As long as the ‘bitch’ doesn’t decide to rear her ugly little head again, I hope to be back teaching soon.