On a normal day I deal with seasonal allergies; stuffy nose, drainage, coughing, sniffling etc., that's with daily nasal spray and nightly Benadryl to help me sleep and assist with the allergies. I now wonder if I have had COVID before. The weather in my state has been back and forth. A few weeks ago we had three days of beautiful warm weather...mid to high 70s and mid 80s, then after three days the temps dropped down to mid 30s with highs in the low 50s. When this happens I tend to have more issues with my allergies. I usually feel okay, other than a plugged nose and additional trouble sleeping. Depending on my day I can get headaches from certain smells or from stress, pain that sits behind my eyes or the back of my head. Sometimes, if I can get my neck to crack it releases some of the pressure I feel and the pain lessens or goes away.
Day 1 - On April 25 I tested positive for COVID. I did two tests at home, notified my supervisor between tests. I was given a number to call and then went into work to get a test that my work would accept, plus going in to get tested meant it was free. After waiting for what seemed like hours I was tested, signed a couple papers and then got my results. I notified my supervisor that I was in fact positive and would need to quarantine for at least 5 days. I was told that the first two days would be covered by PTO and after that EIB or FMLA would be used. As long as I can get my bills paid, I don't care where the money comes from.
My day started with chills when I woke up. I checked my temp throughout the day, the highest it got to was 101*, the lowest was 99*. I took Tylenol at different times to help bring my fever down. I had chills or was to hot throughout the day, blankets on and off based on how I was feeling. I went to bed early, after taking some Benadryl to help me sleep.
Because I have Asthma I have been very concerned about how this is going to affect me. I did get the first two shots but I have not had any of the boosters. I have been paying attention to my breathing, how my lungs feel and if there is any rattling. I also have a stethoscope so I'll try listening to my lungs, to make sure they sound clear.
Day 2 - I woke up and was feeling stiff and sore but more because I was in bed for so many hours. I was able to eat and noticed that taste was not as strong, this makes me sad. My temperature has been at normal levels today. I've been able to do a few things around the apartment but even the small things seems to wear me out fairly quickly.
I will spend this day resting and doing what I can do to ensure the apartment stays fairly clean. Since I live alone I don't have help with anything and don't want it to get so messy that depression sets in and makes it harder to get things done. Head hurts a bit today, could be from anything though. I don't want to automatically contribute everything to COVID because so many symptoms I have are also allergy related. I don't like this at all.
Day 3 - I woke up after being in bed for 10 hours, sore again but otherwise feeling okay. Temperature is normal so far for today. I spoke with someone in HR at work. I cannot return to work until May 1 and only if I cam fever free without the use of fever reducers for 24 hours. I'm still stuffy and coughing but I always deal with that, between the Asthma and allergies. I am feeling a little more tired than usual but at this point it is manageable. I have things to do around the apt., laundry and dishes, but I can take my time getting it done. I have three more days at home, I like being home but not what it's forced on me. I will do my best to use this time wisely and rest as much as I can. I keep trying different drinks and foods to test my ability to taste. My grape crystal light is pretty weak. I think I've lost enough to be annoying.
I spoke with a work friend, we were planning to go to the Van Gogh Exhibit on May 3 but with my COVID and more residents have tested positive, we have decided to wait for 2 more weeks. I wanted to have a bit more time to get better and they would like time, incase they get it too and will have time get through it and recover.
Day 4 - Today I woke up way to early...that's like normal, unfortunately. I was awake for a little while but went back to sleep as I was not feeling ready to be awake. Today has felt like a long day. I had to go to the post office for a money order, to pay my rent, I wore a mask and kept my distance from others, it was not busy at all. Rent was dropped off and talked with a neighbor for a while, from a distance and I was still wearing my mask. I paid the rest of the bills that were due so that's a good thing.
I realized that I have not eaten anything today, I don't feel hungry at all, I don't think I've had anything to drink either, I should probably do that so I can avoid dehydration. Today has felt like a long day but fairly normal. I'm feeling a little sore, but no more than usual. I do need do a bit more keep active, but a little bit of exertion hits me kind of hard right now. Otherwise, today has been a normal day. I have 2 more days off before returning to work.
Day 5 - Today I slept in again, sleeping in for me is anytime past 10am. I woke up feeling pretty good, less body aches than what I have had over the last few days. I have put a couple loads in the washer, emptied and refilled the dishwasher and wiped down the kitchen. I also placed a grocery order and have most of that put away. My temperature has maintained normal for the last couple of days. My taste is still diminished, I did eat a Nutty Bar and could taste the peanut butter a little bit. I also ate a marshmallow, got no flavor from that, which is very sad.
I have not eaten much over the last 5 days, I have not felt hungry, today, while going downstairs to dump the trash and wait for my grocery order to be delivered (mask worn and distance given), my stomach actually growled. My fluid intake need major improvement as well as my food intake. I worked on a list of meal items I have already in the freezer and what I purchased today. I still feel tired after doing a little bit of stuff but part of that could be from lack of constant movement so I won't say it's all because of the COVID.
Day 6 - Today has been a sleepy day. I have spent the majority of today sitting in my recliner, falling asleep. Another day of being fever free. I did not get anything done around the apartment though, I feel bad for that but it is what it is. I still cannot taste food and my sense of smell is not all that great either, which could be okay in some instances. Back to work tomorrow.
