Update on lockdown

[Ettavb]

I can’t believe it’s been almost 5 months since I last saw mom in person. I remember trying to talk myself into patience of waiting just 3 weeks until everything would return to normal! (I now don’t think we are ever going back!)

Mom appears to be stable from the few live chats I’ve had with her, her facility has really gone the extra mile to create a fun environment and to create opportunities for connections and to coordinate everything in the absence of family members participation.

Her facility set up courtyard visits for July, but just this week has canceled due to an uptick in our state of covid cases. I wasn’t planning on going anyway because I seem to be in the category of having a protracted bout of covid. I’ve had so, so many of the odd symptoms that you read about, and I have yet to string together a full week of feeling better in over 4 months! It’s been maddening. Just last week I had a full relapse of lung difficulties, but no fever! (Along with headaches, aches and pains and a chronic sore throat). I’m getting enough oxygen (according to my home pulse/oximeter), but it feels like my lungs/bronchial tubes have been scorched. I’m chronically exhausted (I’m lucky enough to be able to take 2-3 hour afternoon naps because I don’t have many responsibilities at the moment - and am truly grateful that mom is in a facility given these circumstances). I have tried every home remedy and have only found juicing somewhat able to alleviate symptoms for a few hours at a time when they get really bad. (Turmeric, ginger, garlic, citrus, carrots, apples, etc.) I’ve spent too many nights awake and worried about what the heck was going on.

Mom doesn’t totally understand all the fuss over the pandemic. I’ve had a few calls from the facility re:behavior. I’m always saddened and disheartened for those because I feel sorry that the outbursts and preservations cause the staff grief, and I’m sorry for mom for acting in a manner she wouldn’t normally.

My brother has made a few window visits (I’m so glad she’s on a first floor!), and continues to not follow rules and guidelines from the facility (like, don’t bring food to residents), which I then hear about from the staff (like I have any sway over a 50 year old man! He didn’t listen to me when we were kids growing up and nothings changed on that front!). I am grateful though that he is well enough for live visits.

I’m sure my experience with the pandemic and this disease (CBD/PSP) is not unlike others; I’m trying to remain optimistic for when this is all behind us.

[Hidden]

I had pneumonia (not Covid-19) last November. I didn’t feel “right” until about April of this year. If you have the persistent COVID-19 infection it is going to be some time before you feel well enough again.

[Ettavb in reply to Hidden]

April - Recovery just in time for a global lockdown! 🤪😄 Glad you’re feeling better and yes, I’ve had pneumonia (2x) and it did take me months (3? Maybe?) to get over. I guess that perspective makes this current illness less “way out there” in terms of experiences (but still rather annoying!).

[SewBears]

Yes, I remember thinking that we would be fine for a 3 week lockdown. It was strange to wear a mask and wait outside of a grocery store, 6 feet apart to be let inside, one person at a time. Who knew the trend would continue into months on end?

I’m sorry that you’re suffering with symptoms. Can you get tested? I haven’t tried, but I think it would be nice if we could. Mostly for peace of mind.

Stay safe and I hope that you feel better soon!

❤️ SewBears

[Ettavb in reply to SewBears]

Thank you SewBears! I can get tested but given it’s been this long, I’m going to wait for the antibody test. (Thankfully I don’t have it severe enough to be admitted, just enough to be annoyed and exhausted by it!). I’ve assumed I had/have based on reading countless descriptions that match my experience and take appropriate precautions not to expose others - I can and do remain housebound. My husband has shown no symptoms, but he rarely goes out and suits up appropriately when he does.

[Marilyn_cbd12]

Hello, Ettavb,

Yes, this must be so hard on everyone in your family, and I admire your patience with your brother; I have found, as we live in close and restricted quarters, that patience with each other is more important than ever.

I am a little concerned about your description of health problems. Please forgive me, but I may have missed some information about chronic conditions from which you suffer, and wonder - have you checked in with your own physician about this prolonged period of ill health?

Marilyn

[Ettavb in reply to Marilyn_cbd12]

Thank you Marilyn for your concern; I have been in contact with my doctor via phone. There isn’t really much they can do (other than to confirm it), and have only asked me to come in if symptoms are severe. They have noted a sub group of folks with the virus are taking a much longer time to recover past initial infection/fever etc. I had a mild fever back in March bug haven’t had one since - so I’m probably in that sub-group.

Thanks for the acknowledgement of patience with my brother! We just give each other a wide berth.

[ninalulu]

I am goin to