December 22, 2020
I have had a dry cough since Sunday morning. My father insisted I call my doctor to see if I had pneumonia and would need a chest x-ray. As the dutiful daughter I contacted the VA on Monday. One stupid symptom is all it takes. I understand the criticality of it. It just stinks. I had my nasal swab this morning at the VA clinic. Results won’t be known until AFTER Christmas. Until then I am required to isolate for 10 days from the first symptom. This means I’m isolating until the 30th.
I talk to my daughter on a regular basis. She advised me on some of the specifics of isolation. (She’s had to do it twice because of exposure, not symptoms) and she’s sending me a tool to measure my blood oxygen along with instructions.
My light switch has never been so clean. Hydrogen Peroxide Clorox wipes. My father’s compulsion. My lifeline to the family members downstairs.
Plus – I have never gotten so much reading done. Wow! Magazines, periodicals, books!
Texted my husband to refill my drink. Better than a little tinkling bedside bell, I think. He showed up right away and even replaced my mixer of choice (Dr. Pepper)
December 23, 2020
Brian loves me. He won’t say it but he just came into our shared office with his glass of orange juice. He knew how upset I’ve been about being isolated and unable to hang out together, even though he’s my “caregiver” so to speak and brings me meals and stuff.
We’re properly social distanced (we share an office but we’re at least 6 feet apart) AND he’s wearing a mask. I love that man.
I’ve just now left the room and disinfected all of the surfaces I’ve had to touch (the light switches, the handrail on the stairs, the kitchen faucet) and have switched back to the bedroom so that he doesn’t have to wear his mask.
After everyone is up I’ll wash the bed linens and the bathroom linens. Shared spaces mean extra vigilance. Don’t want him or Daddy to catch this thing that I’m sure I don’t have (but you just can’t be TOO safe right now.)
December 24, 2020
December 25, 2020
Been in isolation since the VA insisted on swabbing me. Had a dry cough on the 20th (a Sunday). Papi said “call VA ’cause it might be pneumonia” so I did – on the 21st – and they said “get your tail in here tomorrow morning to be tested for COVID and isolate stat” so I did. “Your tests won’t be available until after Christmas. Hunker down and make yourself scarce.” ER nurse daughter called me every day and talked me off various isolation/quarantine ledges. Checked MyHealtheVet yesterday. No news. This evening – Christmas evening, no less – checked it again, on a whim. No COVID detected! Sweet. The mask is off. All bets are off. The chains have been loosed. This Tasmanian Devil is gonna storm the gates! Merry Christmas InnerHippie!!!!!!!
And, yes. I’ll contact them on Monday to update on my cough. Meanwhile, party central in this home office. New office chair. New standup desk. New HP 17″ computer. I’m a lucky, lucky girl. I will still continue to follow the state’s health department’s guidelines but, yes. I’m quite relieved.
I’m glad you did the thing and that no one else was infected. Will you be getting vaccinated, when offered? Daddy said he’d been offered but then they ran out, or something? Hopefully, he’ll get his soon. (My rights holder is waiting for round two but also waiting for a home visit for his homebound wife).
I’ll be in phase 1C here, the last round of offerings. I’ve signed up for updates… I’m expecting to get it by my birthday!
Daddy’s was put off until the next round. He’s only 77 and right now they’re vaccinating 85 and up. The VA has a 7 tier system. I’m pretty sure he’s in the next group. I intend to get mine but I’m like group 6 or something, I think.