I had COVID
I Had COVID
In April, I tested positive for COVID and had symptoms that made me ill.
I was fatigued, suffered from headaches, body aches, and some days had difficulty breathing. Two mornings I awakened to soaked sheets and PJ’s.
Adhering to CDC guidelines, I isolated for five days in our master bedroom; my husband used a separate bathroom and slept in the spare bedroom. The days I had to change sheets alone were so exhausting. Most days I was only awake long enough to eat and go right back to sleep. The exhaustion was unreal.
After day five, a PCR test revealed the COVID virus was still in my system, even though the symptoms had subsided. I wanted it all to be over.
The sixth day, I decided to get up out of bed, get a shower, and put on a sweat suit. I felt a need to will myself to get up and move around. The bed was reinforcing the exhaustion I was already having.
On Sunday while watching virtual worship, I noticed my breathing seemed labored. With COVID being a respiratory illness, noticing this caused me to panic. I felt like I was having a panic attack. I took a few deep breaths, and my breathing began to return to normal.
Now months later, I am back to working out and things seem normal. It’s taken a couple of months to get here.
I know others who have gotten it and no two cases are exactly alike. But this is what I know for sure!
- GET VACCINATED – Although I suffered through symptoms of COVID after being vaccinated and boosted, my body could have responded much worse had I not been vaccinated. Instead of being isolated in my bedroom, the alternative could have been in a hospital room with a ventilator, or I could be dead.
- DON’T VERBALLY COMPARE YOUR CASE TO SOMEONE ELSES – When I was sick, I heard multiple times, “After five days you should be fine to work (CDC guidelines).” That may be true but if I still have a headache and am exhausted, I don’t think I will be able to be productive. DUH. Or I heard, “I had it and I was fine.” This wasn’t fun for me. I missed being with family over Mother’s Day and participating in my other day to day activities. If you need to say anything to someone, I suggest, “Wow, I’m sorry that is happening to you. This virus affects people in so many different ways.”
- CARE FOR YOURSELF IF YOU GET SICK – This virus forced my body to rest and recover. As much as I tried to fight it, it didn’t happen. Listen to your body and the advice from the doctors. I’m glad I rested when I was tired. Even though it felt like I only slept and ate for two weeks, that is exactly what I needed to heal.
Many are continuing to contract the virus and succumb to its symptoms. If you get it, take care of yourself, and follow your doctor’s advice. If you know someone, who has it, pray for them and encourage them as they heal.
