Wonder why I’ve waited so long to write a post about my life after Coronavirus? It’s because I can’t escape the affects of the virus. After finally testing negative in May, my life didn’t go back to normal as I had secretly hoped. Aside from changes everyone is experiencing (i.e. face masks, limited capacity, travel restrictions) – my health is not what it used to be. Sometimes I feel like the virus refuses to let me go back to me feeling like me.
Post-Coronavirus Symptoms
The majority of the symptoms from Coronavirus have faded since I was first diagnosed at the end of March. However there are a few lingering memories, such as random periods of exhaustion, asthma, and a distorted sense of smell and taste. The sensory issues are new and accompanied by sinus pain and pressure. I’m prone to sinus infections due to my allergies so we are trying an antibiotic to treat both. Our hope is that weird smell and taste issues clear up with the sinus infection.
Many people ask me about my asthma – well it’s now a regular part of my life. I use a regular inhaler twice a day and an emergency inhaler as needed. I used to believe asthma was triggered by exercise but now understand humidity and poor air quality are what set me off. A few hours outside in the summer heat can send me right to bed for the day.
My team of doctors don’t necessarily blame Covid-19 damage for how I feel, but it’s hard not to believe the virus is the culprit. Especially when I know there are other victims of the virus describing the same lingering symptoms. I have access to thousands of people surviving Coronavirus across the country as a member of a wildly popular Covid-19 Survivor Corps group.
As time goes on I hope to experience less and less remnants of the virus.
Life After Coronavirus is…
Often fearful. My Antibody Test results are positive, but there is no guarantee that I will never catch Coronavirus again. For some time I was able to let go of the fear that the virus could return, but studies are proving this theory incorrect.
Very anxious. My anxiety is at an all time high with the addition of skin cancer to my health report. Weekly therapy appointments help in processing my anxious thoughts, but there is still a little voice in my head whispering, “Wait until you see what’s next?” Our state has seen a serious decline in Covid cases, but we all know I was one of the first in our area to have it. Who says I can’t be the first to get it again?
A rollercoaster. Every day is different. Two of my uncles are very sick and I’m not allowed to see them due to Coronavirus. The protocol for patient visits have changed drastically and it’s so difficult to not be able to see the ones you love.
Hopeful. I am so hopeful for our future since 2020 has been filled with more turmoil and grief than I can handle.
Filled with gratitude. I appreciate the little moments more than ever and feel eternally grateful for my body’s strength to overcome the virus. I am proud to be a Coronavirus survivor after defeating the quiet virus.
It has been so interesting to follow along your COVID journey for the last few months! I admire you so much for sharing about all of it here. So thankful you are now negative and hoping that the other lingering affects will subside soon!
xoxo A
http://www.southernbelleintraining.com
You will feel good again. I believe that totally. I am glad you share the updates. Keep working on your anxiety. It is hard to get beyond stories we are continually fed 24/7. Our body’s immune response is amazing once an exposure has occurred. No one knows 100% certain, but a strong immune response is launched by a healthy immune system following exposure. I may have told you i used to teach this very topic. When the alarm sounds, so to speak, a healthy immune system responds by revving up to mount an attack against the invading organism. You have asthma, but there is no reason to believe you are immunocompromised. You are not obese, you are not diabetic, Type 1 or 2. Age is on your side! Remain positive, which aids your immune system and do not get sucked in to all the media scare tactics. Remember top pediatricians from universities around the country have no qualms sending their children to school when interviewed.
How is your husband taking this? I would have left you years ago. I can only imagine how miserable he is living with you. I knew as soon as the virus broke out, you would have it have to do with you in some way and of course there you go again. Ever since I read your blog when you lived in Baltimore, something is always wrong with you. Have you thought of therapy (hopefully you are doing that) and a psychiatrist?
Wow… I guess you havenโt been reading my blog at all, because I am in therapy. Intensive therapy at that. And I really hope you never get the virus because itโs not easy, nor is recovery. Iโm sorry you felt so horrible today you had to leave such a hurtful comment on my blog. I wish you well in your endeavors.
Way to take the high road Caitlin! This wouldnโt have been my response at all. Itโs sad this person is so unhappy with themselves and their life that they have to lash out on you. If you have nothing nice to say, shut your mouth.
Thank you for sharing this update. I am always in awe of how you fought this nasty virus. All the while being a mom and wife. Thank you for being real and being someone that others including myself can relate to especially when it comes to anxiety. I know this year has been as you put it โa dumpster fireโ but there will be a rainbow. Remember God doesnโt let us have more than we can handle. You are one strong mama!! xoxo
Thanks for sharing! Hoping all symptoms disappear-you seem to be one of the ones who got it severe. Love seeing you do what you love again!!
I remember you writing that HCQ (plaquenil) and a Z-pac finally helped you to feel better. How come you didnโt mention it here?
My doctor said she can’t confirm it helped so I don’t want to make any false claims. I still had symptoms for weeks after I took it… I know its not on the treatment plan anymore too!