COVID-19
When sick, my rule is to assume the worst, hope for the best and always be proactive in my care. Sometimes you must save yourself, becoming your own angel of mercy.
Before I write any further, this post is in response to a recent article I read, Fever Dream: Symptoms, But No COVID-19 Tests and No Results. To the author, I am sorry you weren't tested in a timely manner, and that your results were not readily available. You've been through so much. I am glad you are feeling better.
This article is a provocative read. For me, it's a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Our healthcare system is not going to improve anytime soon, but do fight the good fight, America. Vote for what's right.
Like most, I feel betrayed by our government, especially as it pertains to the lack of pandemic preparedness. There is much debate over Mr. Trump disbanding the pandemic response team. The last defense I read to this was, "...but some of the team members were reassigned to roles that included pandemic response." Well, that's not good enough! (If you think you have COVID-19 and you can't get tested, follow the CDC guidelines and do all you can to get yourself back to healthy.)
I sometimes think people are fools, waiting around for a diagnosis, especially when there is a pandemic in play, and you have the defining symptoms. When you can, and with reason and responsibility as a guide, start treating the basics with hydration and rest. (When you're sick, that's not the time to get angry. Save you anger for a healthier day.)
From what I have heard, there are pros and cons to visiting emergency rooms for COVID-19 treatment. Some say, don't wait to the last minute – go! Others say, wait if you can. I am often inclined to do the latter because I know what goes on behind the scenes, and it’s not always good.
I am not trying to minimize the effects of COVID-19, but I had West Nile Virus (WNV). At the time, there were no test kits, confirmation of diagnosis, but the physicians who followed my care knew it was WNV. Years later my diagnosis was confirmed. For three long months I chased fevers (sometimes reaching 106) ... Headaches (the pain was unbearable) ... Body aches... Swollen lymph nodes... Rashes... Diarrhea... Disorientation... Tremors... Arrhythmia and Convulsions. Oxygen was required, too. I was in and out of the hospital for three long months, but I did most of the treating at home, and it was work trying to stay ahead of the curve! There were times when I prayed for death. Yes, it was that serious! It was a long recovery. I continue to live with the long-term side effects of this disease.
It's hard to muster energy to protect one’s self, especially when you feel beaten down by disease. Sometimes you must be your own nurse, and doctor. (It’s not my intent to circumvent their roles, but in today’s world, there is a level of common sense I wish more people had, especially when making choices to seek care.)
I've worked in the medical field most of my life, primarily in clinical research. I often hear patients say, "I am doing all I can to improve my health." Too many times this is false.
Better healthcare begins with you. What can we do as individuals to better prepare for the next pandemic, because it’s going to happen? Perhaps it won’t hit as hard, if we act more responsibly. Want to talk hoarding? Social distancing? Eating healthier? Must the government dictate commonsense directives? There is a mandate for survival skills training in schools and colleges. How do we make civility the norm?
What's going on now is a wake-up-call for many things... Accountability in government leadership, term limits, salary caps, quality health insurance for all, responsible gun control we can all agree upon, etc.
Healthcare is a sensitive topic for me. Health really is wealth. Healthcare might be perceived as a right for some, but I also consider it a privilege, too. I am a sensitive human being. I carry humanity in my heart. I want the best for all humans, but you must want that for yourself, too.
I am more inclined to care for people who care for themselves. It’s hard working with patients who take advantage of the system, who are unyielding to the clinician’s advice.
We need a new day, that’s for sure. We’re going to continue to learn the hard way that only the strong survive, finding out as individuals in the end that we all had the same innate strength, but were simply careless with our choices – often choosing selfishness to selflessness. Feel better, America. I am pulling for us. – paerki
Before I write any further, this post is in response to a recent article I read, Fever Dream: Symptoms, But No COVID-19 Tests and No Results. To the author, I am sorry you weren't tested in a timely manner, and that your results were not readily available. You've been through so much. I am glad you are feeling better.
This article is a provocative read. For me, it's a mixed bag of positives and negatives. Our healthcare system is not going to improve anytime soon, but do fight the good fight, America. Vote for what's right.
Like most, I feel betrayed by our government, especially as it pertains to the lack of pandemic preparedness. There is much debate over Mr. Trump disbanding the pandemic response team. The last defense I read to this was, "...but some of the team members were reassigned to roles that included pandemic response." Well, that's not good enough! (If you think you have COVID-19 and you can't get tested, follow the CDC guidelines and do all you can to get yourself back to healthy.)
I sometimes think people are fools, waiting around for a diagnosis, especially when there is a pandemic in play, and you have the defining symptoms. When you can, and with reason and responsibility as a guide, start treating the basics with hydration and rest. (When you're sick, that's not the time to get angry. Save you anger for a healthier day.)
From what I have heard, there are pros and cons to visiting emergency rooms for COVID-19 treatment. Some say, don't wait to the last minute – go! Others say, wait if you can. I am often inclined to do the latter because I know what goes on behind the scenes, and it’s not always good.
I am not trying to minimize the effects of COVID-19, but I had West Nile Virus (WNV). At the time, there were no test kits, confirmation of diagnosis, but the physicians who followed my care knew it was WNV. Years later my diagnosis was confirmed. For three long months I chased fevers (sometimes reaching 106) ... Headaches (the pain was unbearable) ... Body aches... Swollen lymph nodes... Rashes... Diarrhea... Disorientation... Tremors... Arrhythmia and Convulsions. Oxygen was required, too. I was in and out of the hospital for three long months, but I did most of the treating at home, and it was work trying to stay ahead of the curve! There were times when I prayed for death. Yes, it was that serious! It was a long recovery. I continue to live with the long-term side effects of this disease.
It's hard to muster energy to protect one’s self, especially when you feel beaten down by disease. Sometimes you must be your own nurse, and doctor. (It’s not my intent to circumvent their roles, but in today’s world, there is a level of common sense I wish more people had, especially when making choices to seek care.)
I've worked in the medical field most of my life, primarily in clinical research. I often hear patients say, "I am doing all I can to improve my health." Too many times this is false.
Better healthcare begins with you. What can we do as individuals to better prepare for the next pandemic, because it’s going to happen? Perhaps it won’t hit as hard, if we act more responsibly. Want to talk hoarding? Social distancing? Eating healthier? Must the government dictate commonsense directives? There is a mandate for survival skills training in schools and colleges. How do we make civility the norm?
What's going on now is a wake-up-call for many things... Accountability in government leadership, term limits, salary caps, quality health insurance for all, responsible gun control we can all agree upon, etc.
Healthcare is a sensitive topic for me. Health really is wealth. Healthcare might be perceived as a right for some, but I also consider it a privilege, too. I am a sensitive human being. I carry humanity in my heart. I want the best for all humans, but you must want that for yourself, too.
I am more inclined to care for people who care for themselves. It’s hard working with patients who take advantage of the system, who are unyielding to the clinician’s advice.
We need a new day, that’s for sure. We’re going to continue to learn the hard way that only the strong survive, finding out as individuals in the end that we all had the same innate strength, but were simply careless with our choices – often choosing selfishness to selflessness. Feel better, America. I am pulling for us. – paerki
