Diagnosis: COVID-19
Day 1 - Living with COVID-19
Today, I was diagnosed with COVID-19. I say diagnosed, because there aren't tests available in Indiana for people like me. I'm not famous, or a professional athlete, or a high-profile politician. I want to tell my story, because one day it could be yours.
I started social distancing way before social distancing was cool. I'm self-employed, and for the most part have always worked from home. I haven't scheduled any face-to-face meetings in the last month, and I've only gone out socially in small groups, or had small group gatherings at my home.
Last Sunday evening, I started experiencing pressure in my chest/diaphragm area - kind of like I had an Ace bandage wrapped tightly around it. I just couldn't get enough air in my lungs - in the same way that I feel when I go to high elevations before acclimation. I was so uncomfortable, I had a hard time sleeping, but I chalked it up to anxiety ... about getting my daughter home from college safely, about my son being healthy ... about the trauma and devastation from this global pandemic.
Over the last week I've taken my temperature multiple times a day, and it's never been higher than 98.7. I've been tired, with ongoing headaches. One day, I went for a walk and couldn't finish it because I was so winded. I just kept thinking I'd get better.
Today, I made a quick and rare trip to get groceries (incidentally, I take antibacterial wipes with me wherever I go, I wipe down everything - and I never get close to anyone). It was raining, and when I dashed out to my car with my cart, I felt like I had completed a marathon. I just couldn't catch my breath. When I got home, climbing one flight of stairs left me winded. I called my doctor and left a message.
The nurse called back and asked lots of questions. I described everything, including the fact that I didn't have a fever. But the chest thing ... and shortness of breath thing ... along with the headache thing ... it all added up. I told her that my lungs aren't in pain, exactly, but they feel sore. "You have Coronavirus," she said. I was stunned, but in some way, not surprised. Because I know that millions of people are out and about without any idea they have it. And they're not getting tested, so they're giving it to others, and here I am. My kids and I are in a 14-day quarantine. We kind of already were, but now I can't even go outside because I'm even more vulnerable. That invisible Ace bandage is still wrapped around my chest, and I'm exhausted. I still have a headache. And I'm really, really angry. I'm certain I'll get better, because my symptoms are milder than many. I'm doing everything I can to get healthy, and protect my children. But our government knew this was coming in January, but they pretended like it wasn't. People will continue to die. At the very least, everyone should have access to testing and treatment. And if you're still in denial and refusing to stay in and away from others, then shame on you. Stop going out. Stop putting your life and other lives in danger. Please, I beg of you, take this seriously. And thank you to everyone in my life who has been so supportive during this very emotional day. I love you.