I speak openly about my experience with Covid-19. I am honest because I want you to know the story how a healthy 34 year old woman caught Coronavirus. Here is my 32 day update of life with Coronavirus.
It’s been 32 days since I had my first Coronavirus symptom and I’m still in quarantine. Daily I’m asked about my symptoms and how I’m feeling: it’s become a bit like Groundhog’s Day.
I have spent thirty two days waking up wondering how a virus can take over my body and life. Every day feels a little like the one before since I tested positive. If you’ve been following me for awhile, you know I speak openly about my experience with Covid-19. I am honest because I want people to know my story, my TRUTH, and how a healthy 34 year old woman could catch Coronavirus when she was practicing social distancing.
How are you feeling?
Mornings are my favorite. I open my eyes around 6:30-7:30 a.m, not quite remembering we are in a the midst of a global pandemic. My dreams have been so vivid, usually very pleasant since I became sick, so I reflect on them for a few minutes. I officially wake up once I’ve scrolled my phone for a few minutes and go downstairs. The first burst of energy kicks in once I cough a few times. Mornings are my favorite because I feel most normal.
This virus take ahold of my body like clockwork. The afternoon is when I’m reminded that I’m not healthy. My headache sets in, a tension headache I’m now fighting with medication. Sometimes I have a sense of uneasiness in my chest, one that I can describe as a feeling of anxious butterflies in my lungs. Afterwards, I develop an overwhelming sense of fatigue. I usually feel tired, so tired my eyes hurt, but I can NEVER fall asleep.
This is MY Experience with Covid-19
The fatigue lasts for a few hours, and then something will come over me where I feel the urge to get up and moving. After a few coughs, I’m back! My second burst of energy is used with the kids or around the house.
Evenings are always the worst, especially around the time we get our daughters ready for bed. I still feel scared at night – while I lie in bed and my lungs seems to settle from a day of activity. The heaviness in my chest goes without notice and is sometimes accompanied by burning. If I’m lucky, I have a coughing fit, hopefully brought on by laughter. My children or husband will do something silly and next thing I know I’m gasping for air.
My doctor says my lungs are weak and most likely inflamed. I use an Advair inhaler twice a day for Asthma and a rescue inhaler, Albuterol, for coughing/wheezing episodes. There are days I cough less than others, but I have yet to go one day without coughing.
I am not me. Despite the way I may look or sound, I don’t feel like ME. The worst symptoms of Coronavirus have been gone for a few weeks, but I’ve been robbed of my energy and spirit.
I’m always thirsty, but mostly at night. It’s funny b/c I’ve always gone to bed with a giant Yeti of ice water. However I have to bring two to my bedside, and sometimes need to refill one before I can ever fall asleep.
Speaking of sleep: I can’t fall asleep before 11pm unless I take anxiety medicine, a large dose of CBD oil, or some form of sleep medication. My mind wanders to dark places: Will I ever feel normal? Is this Coronavirus or do I have cancer? Is my family safe? What happens if someone else gets sick? Are my children ever going back to school? I could go on and on, but I’ll spare you my neurosis.
“When does your Doctor say you will get over Coronavirus?”
Every day I am asked, “When does your doctor say you will feel 100% again? How long are you going to be sick? What does you doctor say about WHY you are still sick?”
My doctor don’t know. NO ONE KNOWS. Sure you might read an article that states, “The virus lasts two weeks,” but this is a situational statement. Every Covid-19 case is different, which is why some people die and others do not. Even though I have not been hospitalized, it does not mean I haven’t been fighting every day for my health.
For thirty two days I’ve stood toe to toe with a virus no one knows enough about. There is NO prognosis for how long I will be sick, but I pray every day the end is near. I don’t know why it’s lingering – maybe allergies? But we just don’t know.
Check the CDC website for most accurate information.
When will you be tested again?
Every doctor has to follow a different protocol. My primary care physician states I must have three symptom free days before I can be re-tested for Covid-19. I have not had ONE symptom free day yet.
Do you have antibodies protecting you from getting Covid-19 again?
No clue. There have not been any published studies confirming anything. “The immune response, including duration of immunity, to SARS-CoV-2 infection is not yet understood. Patients with MERS-CoV are unlikely to be re-infected shortly after they recover, but it is not yet known whether similar immune protection will be observed for patients with COVID-19.” Visit the CDC website for any more information.
Even though this is MY story, I am not writing it. If I were the author, I could tell you what’s in store for the next chapter. Even though I know I will recover from Covid-19, I can’t construct a timeline as to when that’s going to happen. Every day is different except for one consistency: Coronavirus will not be my ending.
Kim says
Thanks for sharing and being so honest. I hope and pray you will get over this hurdle very soon! I hope the rest of your family stays well???
Mary Thrall says
I’m praying for you to 100% recover. I like your strength. Keep fighting and thank you for sharing this. The world wants to know more about this disease.
Judy says
Wow
Auntie M says
I pray for you that it will not be Day 64, rather sooner, much sooner, that you feel like your former self. Thank you for sharing.
Ann Marie says
Thank you for being a voice of what it actually does to someone. Long distance gigs to help you feel better.
lauren says
thank you for sharing your journey, caitlin.
this has been hellish for you but we are all thinking of you and sending our most positive thoughts of strength and healing. 🙂
Carrington | Chaos and Coffee says
My heart hurts for you girl. I pray you will get to feeling better soon and you will be healed. I’m so sorry you’re having to go through this, but you are handling it like a trooper. So proud of you and keeping you in my prayers. Xx.
Stephanie says
I’m so sorry you’ve had to experience this virus. I know it’s been different for everyone, but it sounds like you’ve really had to deal with some terrible symptoms. It’s awful that you truly don’t feel like yourself. I hope recovery is on the horizon and that you’re back to “normal” again soon. Sending virtual hugs.
Sarah Lindner says
I’m so sorry you are going through this and cannot begin to imagine all the challenges that have come with it. Wishing you well and that you find relief and your spirit back soon! xoxo, Sarah
Em says
so sorry for all you have been through! thinking of you
Laura Leigh says
Ugh I hate this so much for you gal! I am thinking of your and praying for you. Thank you for sharing all of this with us.
xo Laura Leigh
http://louellareese.com
Kileen says
Thank you so much sharing and I’m so sorry to hear about this. This must be extremely hard and scary. I will be praying for you during this difficult time!
Kileen
cute & little
Amanda says
Oh my goodness, I’m so sorry to hear that you’ve been going through this! My thoughts are prayers are with you! I truly hope you start feeling better than normal, soon!!
Lizzie says
I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Praying for your health and for you and your family!! Hope you feel better soon <3
Lizzie
http://www.lizzieinlace.com
Adaleta Avdic says
WOW. Just WOW. I really appreciate you sharing this, and giving the perspective because I didn’t realize all these symptoms. Burning in the lungs? Gosh, I am so sorry. 32 days into it? AHH. Thank you so so much for sharing, this has given me additional perspective I needed.
Greta says
I’m so sorry to hear you’ve been sick! I hope you feel better soon and get back to your old self.
Anna English says
I’m thinking about you girl, and pray you fully recover soon!
Kelley Mathers says
Caitlin,
I love ♥️reading your blogs…
I hope you are feeling better & please stay safe… Hugs