This article COVID19 A Humbling Journey was inspired by my experience with this horrible disease and no clue where I might have gotten from.
The Beginning
I am an RN living in Arizona and have 5 biological children and 1 beautiful stepson. My life is just like the next family.
When Covid came out, all I can remember is the panic and fear that was instilled in us about the virus.
As usual, the news media was showing us all of the people dying in China. Of course, our president is saying that we will not be affected here in the United States. (which we all know that was a lie, just like other lies that were told).
Moving Along
Fast forward to March, New York was hit hard with the virus, spreading like wildfire as the rest of the country watches in horror. The CDC had no clue how it spread so fast. The medical community undoubtedly could not figure out how to treat it, so that all of these people wouldn’t die. That in itself started a frenzy around the rest of the country.
The Shutdown
Then as time went on the rest of the country was hard hit with the disease. We were told that we have to shut down the cities in order to quarantine. People started working from home, Kids were being home schooled and it slowed people down tremendously.
In some ways that was the best thing that happened to families. Society moved so fast that we forgot what family and love were about.
Parents were able to reconnect with their children, spouses had time to work out differences and listen to one another. Because after all what else was there to do, Everything was closed except the essential places.
Learning More
As the CDC started to learn more about this disease we were told to wear masks, social distance, wash your hands, cover your cough, and sneeze.
Some people even decided that they were not going to comply because their rights are being infringed on despite the fact that, that would be the right thing to do for humanity. (Go figure)
To top it off we have a leadership that is not taking this pandemic seriously and shortening the curve. Politics are being intertwined in what is really the right thing for this country. He’s not supporting the wearing of mask, which is causing faster spread. (My personal opinion)
Despite the imminent danger to society the decision to open back up to save the economy was made. I know that I am leaving out the stimulus checks and an increase in unemployment pay. (That is another topic of discussion)
In the meantime, the death toll and infection rates are increasing and the country where all of this started is decreasing, because of guess why? they are practicing social distancing, wearing masks, and has limited movement.
Back to Business
So the economy opened back up. The hospital census was low. Elective surgeries were put on hold and people using the emergency room as their primary care doctor came to a halt.
The position I held as an RN was float pool and most of us were unaware that our position was at the bottom of the labor pool, so there were no hours for us.
A good friend called and offered me a job where she works and then at that orientation, I found another job. I was very blessed.
I thought that being in the thick of everything and possibly bring COVID back to my family would be devastating. (so I thought.)
My Personal Journey
On Monday July 06, I woke up with a terrible headache. I had to work that night, so I fiddled around the house and went back to sleep so that maybe it would go away and going to work wouldn’t be so bad.
At work, I felt really bad. My insurance offered telemed, so I did that to get antibiotics thinking my tooth was infected. The medication allowed one good day of feeling good, but I worked the rest of the week.
That Saturday morning after work I was starting to feel like I had the bad flu. Later that afternoon I took NYQUIL and slept for 2 days.
Monday, July 13th I decided to go get tested. I was told 5-10 business days before the results are back. About 3 o’clock in the morning I stared to have chest pain thinking I was having a heart attack. I laid there and just tried to rest. All the while I’m thinking the worst.
I wake up the next morning still feeling horrible. Right before noon, I tell my son that he is going to have to drop me off at the emergency room as the chest pain started to come back.
On the way to the hospital, I get a call that my COVID test was positive. You can only imagine the horror I felt, and not hardly being able to move because I was so ill.
When I get to the ER my blood pressure spiked so high I could feel the pressure in my head. At that point I did not have a runny nose or stuffy nose, but I could feel the congestion building up behind my eyes with an occasional cough.
The Results
My blood work came back showing that there might be some clotting going on. I was terrified, because I understood what all of that means. A CT angio was performed and while I was waiting for the results all of the worst scenarios start to manifest. Luckily the results came back negative and I can go home and recover the best I can.
Being Home
This is a real quarantine from the entire family. I am in my room with the door closed and feeling like I’m going to die. All I could think about is if I die who will take care of my children, they need me.
The hot and cold flashes, nausea, horrible headaches, fevers that won’t go away. the occasional cough was what I was experiencing the first 5 days. I could hardly get out of bed or feed myself.
My Support Team
My support team was my husband and 17 yr old son. They made sure I had water and food and took my meds when needed.
My long-distance support was my mother, 19 yr old daughter, and my brother who is studying to be a Nurse Practitioner and able to tell me all about the latest developments and what I should be doing to help my situation. Also, a great sister-in-law that blessed us with groceries and snacks for the kids. The thing that made me smile the most was seeing videos of my grandson and son while they play around.
My meds consisted of Tylenol, Mucinex, Vit C, Zinc, Magnesium, Fish oil, aspirin, Brain by VELOVITA and a whole host of other vitamins I can’t remember at this time.
Fast forward to that Saturday I started to see a light at the end of the tunnel and I started to feel somewhat human again.
My amazing husband scheduled for an IV infusion company to come in and give me an IV full of fluids and a big dose of vitamins.
Sunday was a setback. My fever came back along with a headache and the feeling of malaise. I was so discouraged. The thought of this being over seemed so far away.
I slept most of that day and around Wednesday is when I can say I started to feel normal. The thing that really sucked tho was although I felt better I still could not interact with my family like I wanted to.
LIGHT AT THE END OF THE TUNNEL
Everyday before bed I would pray that the next day will be better. I was scheduled to retest until Monday of the following week.
Each and every moment for me was spent in prayer, more so than I had done in the past. The prayer was for other people as well as thanking him for sparing me.
Monday July, 27th is when I retested. I held two jobs, so one of them I could go back as long as I was symptom-free for 72hrs. However, the other one required me to have a negative test. I was symptom-free and went back to work the next day.
Wednesday, July 29th is when I found out I was COVID negative. I felt like at that moment, I got a second chance to figure out my purpose.
Like I said previously I left the hospital setting and ventured into mental health and substance abuse. I am finding out that this population of people needs a caring soul and I do believe that this is where I’m supposed to be.
Healthier Lifestyle
Prior to this COVID scare, I didn’t eat horribly bad, but I also did not take care of my immune system effectively. Being a nurse you would think I would know better.
Now my vitamin regiment consists of Vit C, Zinc, and a whole host of other vitamins specifically made for me through this company called Care/of. If you are considering researching this company use this code RT683R for a discount.
Another supplement that I use is called UUTH Not only is it designed to boost your immunity it also gives you a kick start. The UUth and Brain mentioned previously is used on a daily basis. Its purpose is to support your immunity, decrease inflammation throughout your body. all the while supporting joint health. I do believe this is why my recovery was successful.
This journey has been so humbling and being able to hug my kids and my husband again has been a blessing and will never be taken for granted.
Response Magic