An Artist Shares Her Journey with COVID-19

On July 13, my husband and I obtain the decision that we’re optimistic for COVID-19. I’m in shock. I consider the statistics, but additionally the every day cleansing and the manic coping mechanisms that I assumed would maintain my family members and myself protected. Now I’m a statistic.

I really feel not nice, however not horrible but. That comes later. I really feel ashamed and embarrassed. I failed, once more. I’ve to close my Etsy store, the place I’d been promoting masks together with my artwork. “I hardly left the home for goodness sake! I did all of the issues and extra!” I believe. Panic begins setting in. I contact household and buddies, all of whom say, “No method! You?!” Everyone seems to be anxious and start sending meals, items and extra.

Then I lose my sense of odor. I’m going round sniffing all the pieces. “Nope! Can’t odor that!” This novel virus is novel. Then it isn’t. A stiff cough, aches and excessive fatigue quickly observe. The sort of fatigue the place you’re feeling such as you couldn’t transfer even when the home was on fireplace. On a name with my physician’s workplace, the nurse’s voice sounds completely different, like she is nervous. She tells me that I have to quarantine individually from my husband. Our shoebox residence is simply too small. The novelty is sporting off.

I can’t style meals. I’m going right into a deeper isolation. Apart from texts from family members, I conceal. I don’t need to even water my crops for concern I may transmit it someway. I quickly discover myself on the ER with an IV in my arm. My first. Dehydration. I ask the physician if my cat can get it. Fortunately, he says no and I’m despatched house with a Z-Pak and nausea capsules. It’s a strong month of isolation and signs earlier than I’m lastly cleared of COVID.

However it isn’t over. I nonetheless really feel sick. I nonetheless have fatigue and unusual signs, just like the ink of my tattoo swelling up as if puff paint on my pores and skin. I began an anti-inflammatory weight loss plan after being recognized and am taking dietary supplements. Slowly, I construct up energy.

I searched Google for optimistic tales and didn’t discover many. I study “lengthy haulers” and suppose I may be one, as I nonetheless have random signs. However I desire a optimistic story—to not low cost all of the horribleness of this virus however to search out some mild on this darkish unknown. Personally, this virus has introduced individuals into my life that I hadn’t talked to as a lot. My sisters and I’ve a gaggle chat and speak virtually on daily basis now. My buddies despatched me items and meals and I felt a degree of caring that I haven’t felt shortly. The journey isn’t over, however I’ll all the time have this mild that wasn’t there earlier than.