Thursday 29 September 2022

That Time I Got COVID


 

Two-and-a-half years in, and the virus finally gets me. Symptom-wise, I had chronic fatigue and a horrible head-cold at the worst, then just felt kind of blah. Not good, but could've been much worse from what I've heard!

Earlier this month I was feeling like crap. I took a COVID test and it immediately came up positive. My sister, drawing on two years of experience teaching in the pandemic, was quick to help and tell me what to do. I was also lucky enough to quickly get a hold of my family doctor, who went above and beyond to reach out and consult with my Respiratory specialist in order to get me a specific medication. Work was notified (thankfully I had my laptop) and home care postponed.

With that accomplished, the isolation had begun!

I got my own bathroom for the duration, and my sister was great at setting up part of our kitchen and basement exclusively for me. I had what amounted to my own mini-bar of water, snacks, and ginger ale. Meals were quickly and safely delivered or, when it was fast food, basically thrown to me in the bag.

When I wasn't sleeping, I was watching A LOT of television. So, so thankful for streaming services! In about three weeks, I've made it through:

  • The entire fourth season of Stranger Things. Done on evening/night two of isolation with Wendy's takeout (the first time since testing positive that I was able to relax!)
  • The whole first season of something called The Imperfects
  • Two seasons of Samurai Rabbit
  • A marathon of pro-wrestling documentaries
  • Two or three Disney movies
  • Every episode, so far, of House of the Dragon
  • 1.5 seasons of Avengers: Earth's Mightiest Heroes
  • Countless amounts of cooking shows, history documentaries, PVR'd stuff, and reruns of Friends and The Big Bang Theory

After a week, I was still unwell, but was beginning to feel a little more like myself; well enough to do a little work from home (coworkers were all very understanding). Week Two, the mini-gloves I'd been wearing for extra protection came off and I was able to go outside for brief walks.

Week Three, I was still faintly congested, but able to move out of the basement and be around family. This past weekend, some time at our cabin provided me with fresh air, good sleeps, and a change of scenery. 

I finally, and thankfully, tested negative last night, and treated myself to a much-needed stack of comics!

It's been a heck of a month, and I'll be glad to, very cautiously, get back to a sense of normalcy. 

Again, thanks to my doctors, folks I work with, parents, et al for helping me. And another massive thanks to my sister for helping, getting things for me, putting up with me, and banishing me to our basement!

Cheers