“If you can’t convince them, confuse them.” ~ Harry S Truman
On the last day of a two week long MS related hospital stay, I got a visit from an infectious disease doctor. He told me I was at risk. I was immunocompromised.
But that’s nothing new. I’ve been that way for years. So, what’s different now?
He said the cases of coronavirus (COVID-19) in New Orleans were increasing. And because I had a suppressed immune system, I was a candidate to contract the virus. I needed to stay away from large crowds of people.
I was confused.
From my perspective the infection didn’t seem that bad. I had been stuck in a hospital bed. Doing nothing but reading books and watching television. I really had no idea how far reaching the virus had become. I was mainly entertained by Golden Girls reruns, Oprah recommended Kindle books and Big Bang Theory marathons. I think Sheldon is hilarious.
Also, I watched some news reports and comments from politicians. But their statements implied the coronavirus was no worse than the flu.
Besides when I entered the hospital, it was Mardi Gras time. The hospital was on a parade route and I could hear people partying outside my window.
How did things change so fast?
Since I was in a high-risk category of developing the virus, I asked the doctor if I could get a COVID-19 test? He said only a limited amount of test were available. But I should be fine because I had no symptoms. So, there was no need for me to take a test.
That reassurance was short lived when my husband mentioned seeing reports about professional basketball players and whole NBA teams being tested. Most players said they had no symptoms but still were tested.
Wait! I’m confused again.
Asymptomatic healthy world class athletes can get the test but immune compromised hospital patients cannot?
During my discharge, the doctor came back and instructed me to go straight home and stay in the house. And that is where I have been. Staring at my four walls. Isolated from the world. No visitors.
My husband has gone to the grocery store and the drug store a couple of times. Every time he gets back home, I ask him to immediately take a shower. When I say it out loud it sounds crazy. But I’m scared of what he has picked up from his outings.
My fear of the coronavirus might be irrational. But it is fueled by my lack of information and conflicting messages from the media.
So, I guess for now, all I can do is stay at home confused and compromised.
Confusion is the new normal for everyone in the new covid era. I am in the same category as you and have been no further than the garden since March. The good news is how much there is to see in a garden when there is no distraction I am really pleased to have met you !
Praying that everyone remains safe and healthy. Nicole wishing you the very best. Your blog has helped me so much through my journey.
Stay in. I can only imagine how you feel being isolated. We want you to stay healthy, so if that means remaining inside, please do. You can call or FaceTime people. Love ya.
Glad you are home. Would rather be home then in a hospital.
I can relate, Nicole. I live in Seattle, about 9 blocks from where the first confirmed COVID patient in the U.S. was hospitalized. I’m immune compromised by MS and meds (and 2 other immune disorders) and my husband is immune suppressed to preserve his kidney transplant – plus he must go to a dialysis center 3x weekly. It’s tricky.
With docs’ direction we’ve been self-isolating at home, keeping 6 ft of distance from each other at all times, separate rooms, glove up, mask, wipe surfaces, wash clothes when return…You are doing it right! Yeah, thank god for cellphones, bingewatching, social media and writing. Husband is a professional political journalist. We both keep our spirits up through the fatigue, pain, sorrow, loss of function by keeping a sense of humor, and working on his daily political column together (currently focuses on daily COVID-19 updates, impacts). And I also watch Golden Girls, Luther, Mindhunter, Marvelous Mrs. Maisel. About ready to fall down The Big Bang rabbit hole for awhile.
MS is already so isolating in some ways. So glad we who are vulnerable are not alone during this. Thank you, as always, for your fantastic writing.
So true Nicole. And so confusing!!! Virtual hugs being sent as always.
Hi Nicole, me and David are quarantining because he had pneumonia 2 months ago!! It’s no fun, but we have a yard that will keep us busy for a month.
Reaching out and thinking about y’all during this weird time. Sanitizer has become our friend; we wipe everything that comes into house. Be safe and take care of each other.
I totally understand how you feel Nicole. I fave been staying in other than taking my dog for a walk once a day where I avoid people. My husband goes out to get groceries and showers as soon as he gets home. I would rather overreact than under react because I am immune compromised from being on Ocrevus. I have been doing video chats with people and hosting live chats on my blog Facebook page. It has been keeping me going. I hope you can find ways to still connect with people through this. I think of you so often from Canada. Much love, Christine.
I am glad that you are staying inside. I am teleworking so I am not going to work at the moment either. I hope this passes sooner than later. Then we can go back to seeing movies and going to events.
Hugs and smiles!!! We will get through this. Google memes for pandemic (some killer ones, pun intended). With the sense of humor we’ve (MS patients) had to enhance, we have a head start over “normal” people. Just go out on your porch for some vitamin D. Some neighbors have taken to physical distancing but socializing at end of drive ways. Check you good deeds on YouTube. As Mr. Rodger’s would say ‘Look for the helpers’.
Much love and humor.
Bless you, Nicole! You’re in my thoughts! Deb