Well, it’s been an eventful time since we last talked. I was diagnosed with Covid a week ago and I’m on the downhill slide of that now. Thankfully, no one that I was around before getting sick has gotten it and Davis has managed to stay well even though he’s been in the same house- keeping a far distance. He has O positive blood, which they say may help keep Covid away, but are we really sure about anything when it comes to this crazy virus? For the lack of anything else to write about -considering I’ve not been anywhere or seen anyone for 9 days- I thought I’d tell you about my week.

Late last Monday night, I got a little dry, tickly cough. Fall in the South is prime time for allergies and sinuses to get stirred up so I just assumed it was more of the same stuff that I’d dealt with since September. By the time I went to bed around midnight, my throat was scratchy, which followed my normal allergy pattern, so I took some allergy meds and went to sleep. I slept restlessly and kept waking up enough to realize I was aching all over. I woke up the next day feeling really achy and my throat was hurting. I thought I certainly had a fever, but the thermometer numbers didn’t match all the aching I was having- just a smidge of temperature. I had an appointment to meet a friend at her house, that morning, to help her with some Christmas projects, but I decided I’d better play it safe and cancel until I knew if I had anything contagious. Dr. Fauci would’ve been so proud. 

I got up and got a shower and put on my makeup. I was going to be productive during my day at home and I was. I felt good enough to do a lot of things that I wanted to get done. I got up again on Tuesday and felt the exact same way. Body aches, back aches, sore throat, low temp, and a stuffy head. Not too good, but certainly not too awful, so I stayed at home again to be safe and got so many other things accomplished with the help of Tylenol. I was supposed to meet some friends for dinner that night and some girls from church on Thursday night, but I let them know I’d have to cancel. I was sure it was all sinus related, but I wanted to be cautious about it. Again, proud moment for Fauci. 

I woke up again on Wednesday and felt like I was starring in Groundhog Day. Same stuff- different day. I decided I’d give it one more day and, when I woke up Thursday feeling no better, I called my doctor and went for a test. They came out to my car- it was all very convenient. I never realized that a stick could go that far back into your sinuses. I’m not sure a brain biopsy could have been any more invasive. They called within a couple of hours telling me I was positive. The nurse explained the quarantine rules and gave me advice on what to do and what to take and when to call for help. 

They informed me that anyone I’d been around within the last 48 hours would need to quarantine, too. Thankfully, our outdoor family gathering was just outside that 48 hour frame and I’d kept myself at home since I’d started feeling bad, so I held my breath that I’d not given it to anyone. We’d not gone to church that Sunday because we’d had company so late, the night before, and I was just exhausted. That is one church absence that I believe God’s nudge may have inspired. I did let my family know in case something came up with any of them. That’s a group text you don’t want to have to send. “So, about that great party we had. Um, I just tested positive for Covid. Y’all feeling good?” At times, it may take a while to hear back from texts that you send out about different things, but that one will get you some expeditious responses. Ding. Ding. Ding. 

Over the next couple of days, my symptoms continued to be pretty mild. Aching was the main thing and a fast heart rate. I was aching like I had a high fever, but I didn’t. People would call to check on me and I’d describe it as a mild, mild, mild flu. I couldn’t insert enough milds. I bragged about having a light case and how I was still up and doing things. All the advice I’d heard since March on what could help, I started doing them. I walked slowly on the treadmill, each day. I sat outside in the sunshine. I took high doses of vitamin C, and supplements of D and zinc on top of my usual krill oil, Goli apple cider vinegar, and beet powder. It looks like a GNC over here, right now. On Friday night, I ate supper and was so thankful I’d not lost my taste or smell. A couple of hours later, I went to get a snack and realized I couldn’t taste my Oreos or smell them either. It had all left that fast. 

On Halloween, day 5, I woke up feeling awfully witchy. My head was pounding horrifically. My sinuses were throbbing. My ears hurt. I was in pain from head to toe. My fever was higher and pretty much constant. All the bragging I’d done about my mild symptoms had backfired. So much for real clothes and makeup. I was looking the part for Halloween. The only thing that would give me relief from the pain was standing in a really hot shower, so I did that a few times a day. All of that energy that kept me busy, the first couple of days, had disappeared and I did very little except when I’d make myself walk laps inside the house. I had that weak feeling that comes when you’ve been sick a while. I tried to stay up and out of bed as much as I could. And food brings so little joy when there is no taste, but I still wanted to eat. And I craved certain things even though I couldn’t taste them. It’s never affected my appetite- I really think I’ve been even more hungry than usual, which has been odd. 

Day 6 and 7 were repeats. I was feeling bad with so much sinus pain and my shoulders hurt. Naps were a must to get through the day. I’ve lost some weight even though I was eating. My aches were better, but my stomach was feeling nauseous and my sleep was just awful at night. The mornings have been the worst time of the day as far as feeling bad. 

Day 8 brought sweet relief. I finally woke up with no fever and felt some better. It was Election Day and I’d been worried about how I could vote. I was told they’d allow you to vote curbside if you were sick with Covid, so the two poll workers came out geared up- looking like they were headed to defuse a dirty biological bomb and I don’t blame them. I pressed my driver’s license against the window so they could check it and they slid the ballot through a tiny crack in my window. Hats off to the poll workers for that extra mile. Anyway, I stayed fever free until night time and even then, it was low. For the first time, I slept so good that night.

Today, day 9, I’ve felt pretty good except a slump this afternoon, but a nap got me back on track. Those are still a must to get through the day. It’s so strange that it waxes and wanes like it does, but I’m really improved over all. I walked around the yard in this beautiful weather we’re having. And I felt good enough to cook for the first time and I made soup. I have no idea if it was good or not, but I ate it. While it was simmering, I thought I could barely catch a brief whiff of its smell, so I’m hoping my taste buds will come back alive soon. Taste buds play quite the important role in my life. I can be freed from this solitary confinement prison on Friday if I stay fever free until then. 

After watching the news and hearing other people’s stories, it’s weird to experience the thing that’s dominated so much of our 2020. It’s such a strange and random disease that, sometimes, kills people you wouldn’t suspect and barely brushes up against those you’d think wouldn’t do well. I talked to friends who’d had it and we’d compare notes, but I’ve learned that it doesn’t do any two people the same way. I had a couple of times when I’d have an episode of feeling like I couldn’t get a deep breath but they never lasted very long- well, except for Day 9, but that was more of an Election Day shortness of breath than Covid. 

I have no idea where I got it. I get out and shop and eat out and go places that I’ve always gone. I’m careful and wear a mask and wash my hands, but I’ve basically gone on about my business, so I’ll never know- like most people. I’m most thankful that I didn’t pass it to anyone- that I know of, at least. I just want Covid, the election, hurricane season, and, frankly, 2020 to find a good end soon. They’ve all been doozies. 

Until then, let the Golden Rule be our guide. 

With our words and our germs, be kind. 

Y’all have a good day! 

Joni