Are you worried about the Coronavirus?

[TooPatient]

@TooPatient That’s good news! That’s exactly where Chris is on the oximeter readings. He had to go down the basement to check a fuse. He said when he came back up the stairs he was out of breath. I spoke to him some time after that and his reading was 94/95 but then stayed at 95. He only gets to 96...sometimes 97 if he’s really inactive. It sounds like your husband is showing great signs...It’s amazing you didn’t get it too...TG It seems that your husband has been down with this for a long time. What does his doctor say?

I am so glad mine didn't get to my breathing! I got sick a week before him. Went from fine to flat in about an hour. My breathing did get involved a bit, but I was already sleeping propped up due to my back so it never got bad that way. He took care of me for the first week then he got sick. The first few weeks of both of us sick was the worst I ever remember. We barely stumbled through feeding the cats/dogs and keeping ourselves hydrated. Meals were boxed soup and heat at home bread because even that was hard to manage. We had both been worried what it would do to me as I am overweight and have MS (plus bronchitis or pneumonia yearly). Never would have guessed he would be the one hit so hard!

His Dr is mildly uninterested. That may not be fair. That is what it feels like from here. He did order the usual inhaler (Albuterol) then added a second inhaler when that didn't fix the problem (Flovent). Prescribed Advair when that had a tiny affect but more clearly needed. Oral steroids may have been faster, but would have had side effects DH didn't want to deal with if he could avoid. Advair has been helping. (Dr never said discontinue the other two but pharmacist did. I passed that on to the Dr twice so he could agree or disagree and he never said anything so we followed pharmacist direction.)

Will refer to pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist if improvement doesn't continue. Even slow improvement.

Having seen the updates from some in this position, I am mostly okay with this. DH is better off resting and getting to keep low stress than having every test under the sun done. We may still end up there later to see what damage was done, but the people going through tests earlier aren't having any different treatments than DH is already having so I don't feel like pushing for more right now.


InstaCart has been great here. They leave it at the door and leave. I have not had any contact with any of them. I forget not you were worried about them or if you are worried Chris will open the door while they are still setting stuff down? If that last one, maybe small orders of no more than a few bags so they have one handful to carry and can set it down and be out of there before Chris can get out the door? (One area I would worry is about him sleeping through delivery and food warming to unsafe temperatures and him not recognizing that through the virus.)

 

[whitewave]

Physically I’m fine.

Mentally, I’m a mess. I’m having a depression, so I’ve been outside working on garden projects. That seems to be my go to when I’m working out frustration, grief and anger.

That 12 day isolation really did a number on my mental health.

 

[MamaBee]

@whitewave I’m sorry you’re feeling low..Being outside definitely helps me when things become too much. I am relieved to hear you’re doing okay medically. Hopefully when you can get out away from the house you will feel better. I’ve been going on rides around my neighborhood checking out houses and landscaping..One of these days someone is going to think I’m casing their house and call the police. Big hug!

 

[MamaBee]

I am so glad mine didn't get to my breathing! I got sick a week before him. Went from fine to flat in about an hour. My breathing did get involved a bit, but I was already sleeping propped up due to my back so it never got bad that way. He took care of me for the first week then he got sick. The first few weeks of both of us sick was the worst I ever remember. We barely stumbled through feeding the cats/dogs and keeping ourselves hydrated. Meals were boxed soup and heat at home bread because even that was hard to manage. We had both been worried what it would do to me as I am overweight and have MS (plus bronchitis or pneumonia yearly). Never would have guessed he would be the one hit so hard!

His Dr is mildly uninterested. That may not be fair. That is what it feels like from here. He did order the usual inhaler (Albuterol) then added a second inhaler when that didn't fix the problem (Flovent). Prescribed Advair when that had a tiny affect but more clearly needed. Oral steroids may have been faster, but would have had side effects DH didn't want to deal with if he could avoid. Advair has been helping. (Dr never said discontinue the other two but pharmacist did. I passed that on to the Dr twice so he could agree or disagree and he never said anything so we followed pharmacist direction.)

Will refer to pulmonologist and infectious disease specialist if improvement doesn't continue. Even slow improvement.

Having seen the updates from some in this position, I am mostly okay with this. DH is better off resting and getting to keep low stress than having every test under the sun done. We may still end up there later to see what damage was done, but the people going through tests earlier aren't having any different treatments than DH is already having so I don't feel like pushing for more right now.


InstaCart has been great here. They leave it at the door and leave. I have not had any contact with any of them. I forget not you were worried about them or if you are worried Chris will open the door while they are still setting stuff down? If that last one, maybe small orders of no more than a few bags so they have one handful to carry and can set it down and be out of there before Chris can get out the door? (One area I would worry is about him sleeping through delivery and food warming to unsafe temperatures and him not recognizing that through the virus.)

@TooPatient Wow..How long has your husband been sick? It seems like a long time! You sure seem to know what to do for him. I remember you putting your CPAP on him.

I’m afraid he will open the door too soon for Instacart. He also uses his staircase outside and touches the bannister. It would also be a possibility that he’s sleeping when they show up. I make sure he’s up and ready for me when I come. I bribe him with things like homemade meatloaf. He LOVES meatloaf. When he won’t eat anything because he’s not hungry he’ll still eat my meatloaf.

Chris hasn’t had any contact with the doctor since he got the diagnosis. He uses a VA medical center..but does have his own doctor there. He won’t call. He just now developed itchy hives on his chest. I looked it up..It’s Covid related. This whole experience has been so draining.

You are such a good wife..He’s a lucky man.

 

[MamaBee]

Oh, good Lord, you have been through the wringer. I am so sorry, MamaBee.I feel tired just reading what you have had to do and what you still have before you and you of all people do not deserve this. (Not that most victims of disease deserve it, but some people are careless.I wish them restored health, but do not have quite as much sympathy for them as for those who tried hard not to get ill or who could not help themselves because of their circumstances.)

I will be praying for you. You are such a good woman and mother.

Hugs,
Deb

Thank you @AGBF You’re so sweet..I try but sometimes it feels like I’m treading water. I think a lot of us feel that way now. The eternal optimist I am keeps hoping that I will wake up and the numbers of Covid will start going down and disappear..This will all be a bad memory. I know they say it’s not possible..but I can’t give up hope..
Big hugs back Deb

 

[TooPatient]

@TooPatient Wow..How long has your husband been sick? It seems like a long time! You sure seem to know what to do for him. I remember you putting your CPAP on him.

I’m afraid he will open the door too soon for Instacart. He also uses his staircase outside and touches the bannister. It would also be a possibility that he’s sleeping when they show up. I make sure he’s up and ready for me when I come. I bribe him with things like homemade meatloaf. He LOVES meatloaf. When he won’t eat anything because he’s not hungry he’ll still eat my meatloaf.

Chris hasn’t had any contact with the doctor since he got the diagnosis. He uses a VA medical center..but does have his own doctor there. He won’t call. He just now developed itchy hives on his chest. I looked it up..It’s Covid related. This whole experience has been so draining.

You are such a good wife..He’s a lucky man.

February 29 was his first symptom. Had been a bit tired for a few days but I can't say if that was start of the virus or just tired from taking care of me (which was just a continuation as he had been doing everything around the house and helping me since September at that point). I kept up on the Redit and other places to see what medical people were doing. Well, once I got well enough to think to do so...

Been almost 5 1/2 months he has been out on medical leave.

 

[MamaBee]

February 29 was his first symptom. Had been a bit tired for a few days but I can't say if that was start of the virus or just tired from taking care of me (which was just a continuation as he had been doing everything around the house and helping me since September at that point). I kept up on the Redit and other places to see what medical people were doing. Well, once I got well enough to think to do so...

Been almost 5 1/2 months he has been out on medical leave.

That’s scary that it’s been going on that long. I’m glad he’s on the mend. The fact that he’s bored and wanting to cut the grass is great..

 

[AGBF]

Physically I’m fine.

Mentally, I’m a mess. I’m having a depression, so I’ve been outside working on garden projects. That seems to be my go to when I’m working out frustration, grief and anger.

That 12 day isolation really did a number on my mental health.

You have been through hell. First your illness, then the trauma of seeing your son's friend, who was also a family friend, die of this disease while his whole family also suffered from it. You would be superhuman not to be beaten up by your life.

I am so glad that you have been allowed one ray of sunshine: your gardening. We are all thinking of you with love. Those of us who pray are praying for you, too. This will take time. Please give yourself time to heal. And talk to us about your feelings.

Hugs,
Deb

 

[AGBF]

I want your meatloaf recipe, MamaBee. Meatloaf that can cure a son with covid19 has medicinal properties.

Deb

 

[Karl_K]

@TooPatient no to Flovent with advair it already has it in it.
He can and should take the Albuterol with it.
They work in different ways and compliment each other and dont interact in a negative manner.
Im on generic advair atm with Albuterol nebulizar and inhaler.
Please @ me if you have any questions about this kind of stuff.
I have dealt with breathing issues for years.

 

[TooPatient]

@TooPatient no to Flovent with advair it already has it in it.
He can and should take the Albuterol with it.
They work in different ways and compliment each other and dont interact.
Im on generic advair atm with Albuterol nebulizar and inhaler.
Please @ me if you have any questions about this kind of stuff.
I have dealt with breathing issues for years.

That is about how the pharmacist explained it. Glad to hear he was right! I asked the doctor twice and got no confirmation. Very grateful to have a pharmacist I trust! We swapped pharmacies about a year ago and that has been a huge help. The previous pharmacy couldn't even fill prescriptions correctly and I couldn't trust anything they said.

 

[MamaBee]

I want your meatloaf recipe, MamaBee. Meatloaf that can cure a son with covid19 has medicinal properties.

Deb

Deb..This is going to be a big disappointment. This is my...My kids are driving me crazy I have to get something in the oven meatloaf. I put this crazy recipe together when my kids were little.
I have two Corningware white loaf pans with the blue flower on them....vintage 1980’s..
The recipe makes two loaves..
2.5 lbs 85% ground beef
egg beaters
good splash of half and half
Good splash of barbecue sauce
1 turkey size bag of Pepperidge Farm stuffing mix..Don’t use the cornbread one
Mix the whole thing together and press into the two loaf pans which I spray liberally with Pam..
Poke holes over the top of the loaves and spread more barbecue sauce over the top.
Bake at 350/375 degrees until done.
It’s really tasty...

 

[whitewave]

You have been through hell. First your illness, then the trauma of seeing your son's friend, who was also a family friend, die of this disease while his whole family also suffered from it. You would be superhuman not to be beaten up by your life.

I am so glad that you have been allowed one ray of sunshine: your gardening. We are all thinking of you with love. Those of us who pray are praying for you, too. This will take time. Please give yourself time to heal. And talk to us about your feelings.

Hugs,
Deb

Thank you.

Facebook also reminded me that my late BIL and SIl were married on August 2 six years ago, so when I woke up and checked FB, that threw me for a loop.

If you all remember that story, (half) BIL’s mother dropped dead the night before their original wedding at the end of July. Then when they had a less than 2 year old son and a one month old son, he killed himself September 15. We had to go look for him, but the police were able to ping his phone so DH made me stay home while he took his SIL, her dad and the toddler (he wouldn’t stay home without her) to the site. (They stayed a safe distance away since it was a crime scene at that point).

That is when DH bought me an expensive SUV and I received my 3 stone CBI and sapphire ring because I had to see 5 day dead BIL on my birthday for the first family only viewing.

So, yes. I guess with this virus and the time of year— it’s beating me up.

I went into a deep depression this weekend. I slept a crazy amount of hours.


My SIL is doing well. She recently sold their tiny cottage (like 900 sqft) in the same city as mine for a mint and then she moved north of the lake in the New Orleans area and was able to make an lateral move financially and now she has a 4/3 with a pool on an acre of land. She is also dating a really nice career military guy who she said just fell into her lap. We approve. She is still in her early 30s with 2 small kids and she needs help and she needs to live her life as she sees fit.



Enough about me and my problems..... if I disappear for a while, it’s because I’m working out stuff in my head.



Love and hugs.

My beautiful little nephews and their new pool at their new house with a new start and a new life.

 

[TooPatient]

Thank you.

Facebook also reminded me that my late BIL and SIl were married on August 2 six years ago, so when I woke up and checked FB, that threw me for a loop.

If you all remember that story, (half) BIL’s mother dropped dead the night before their original wedding at the end of July. Then when they had a less than 2 year old son and a one month old son, he killed himself September 15. We had to go look for him, but the police were able to ping his phone so DH made me stay home while he took his SIL, her dad and the toddler (he wouldn’t stay home without her) to the site. (They stayed a safe distance away since it was a crime scene at that point).

That is when DH bought me an expensive SUV and I received my 3 stone CBI and sapphire ring because I had to see 5 day dead BIL on my birthday for the first family only viewing.

So, yes. I guess with this virus and the time of year— it’s beating me up.

I went into a deep depression this weekend. I slept a crazy amount of hours.


My SIL is doing well. She recently sold their tiny cottage (like 900 sqft) in the same city as mine for a mint and then she moved north of the lake in the New Orleans area and was able to make an lateral move financially and now she has a 4/3 with a pool on an acre of land. She is also dating a really nice career military guy who she said just fell into her lap. We approve. She is still in her early 30s with 2 small kids and she needs help and she needs to live her life as she sees fit.



Enough about me and my problems..... if I disappear for a while, it’s because I’m working out stuff in my head.



Love and hugs.

My beautiful little nephews and their new pool at their new house with a new start and a new life.

Sending you hugs. You aren't alone. We may not be able to all be together in person, but you are safe to share and vent and have any emotions you need here any time you need. I hope you remember that as you take time to work stuff out. It is okay to need time working it out on your own, but never let yourself forget that you are cared for and have people ready to listen if you need that.

 

[whitewave]

Sending you hugs. You aren't alone. We may not be able to all be together in person, but you are safe to share and vent and have any emotions you need here any time you need. I hope you remember that as you take time to work stuff out. It is okay to need time working it out on your own, but never let yourself forget that you are cared for and have people ready to listen if you need that.

Thank you. (Tear in eye)

 

[Austina]

Just wanted to send healing vibes and good wishes to all of you dealing with this dreadful virus. I hope you and your loved ones overcome all the stresses this is causing, and return to full health as soon as possible.

@whitewave, I do remember the awful news about your BIL and I’m happy for your SIL that she’s able to move on with her life.

 

[MamaBee]

@whitewave I’m so sorry you have all this pain...I’m sending you a big hug from Pa..

 

[MamaBee]

I don’t know if I mentioned this here. Chris has now developed itchy hives. It’s connected to the Covid. He suffered with the itching for a day and half until I told him an antihistamine would help. He realized he had a prescription one. He’s much more comfortable now. His oxygen level went to 96 today..This has been going on three weeks for him..He walks to the bathroom and he gets out of breath. Otherwise he breathes fine. He doesn’t have much of an appetite..I made homemade pizza today..I saved him half of a pie. @AGBF This is from scratch I’m bribing him to eat like he’s little again. Wednesday he’s getting Italian meatballs....If I don’t make his favorites he won’t eat. He asked me for chocolate chip cookies today. He’s reverting back to childhood. I feel bad for him.

 

[bling_dream19]

You're doing everything right @MamaBee he needs foods that make him heal and you're giving them to him. Praying and dust he continues to heal.

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

Not sure where to put this but hopefully it will make you guys laugh at my silliness.

So I went and bought masks from China of course because it was the first thing that popped up on eBay. Something about the fabric being able to filter out all sorts of things.

However when I put the on I practically suffocated. Like I had to try really really really hard to breath. And I'm not a very sensitive person when it comes to breathing. There was no oxygen in this thing. I spent a few days wondering if this was normal and I was just fussing but seriously I struggled to get enough air with this thing on.

Anyways not giving up I ordered some hand made ones from a fellow Aussie on eBay. They were gorgeous and to my delight there was no problem with breathing!!! It was triple layered tight weave cotton but I could breath happily. Didn't feel like I was running out of air and struggling at all.

So yes moral of the story is you probably shouldn't feel like you're being suffocated to death in a mask.

 

[TooPatient]

DH managed his 4 hour work day. First day back since months ago when he tried two days and was told to stay out until more recovered. He did 2 hours work, 1 hour lunch, 2 hours work. He has a new manager. Shifting tomorrow to accommodate daily meeting time (all virtual) so he'll do 2 hours work, 2 hours break, 2 hours work. Will have 4 hours per day for two weeks and increase a bit if he tolerates it well.

Been on medical leave since March 1....

 

[AGBF]

I don’t know if I mentioned this here. Chris has now developed itchy hives. It’s connected to the Covid. He suffered with the itching for a day and half until I told him an antihistamine would help. He realized he had a prescription one. He’s much more comfortable now. His oxygen level went to 96 today..This has been going on three weeks for him..He walks to the bathroom and he gets out of breath. Otherwise he breathes fine. He doesn’t have much of an appetite..I made homemade pizza today..I saved him half of a pie. @AGBF This is from scratch I’m bribing him to eat like he’s little again. Wednesday he’s getting Italian meatballs....If I don’t make his favorites he won’t eat. He asked me for chocolate chip cookies today. He’s reverting back to childhood. I feel bad for him.

What a wonderful mother you are, MamaBee! AND a wonderful cook and baker. I want to see Chris come out of this plump and pink cheeked!

Thank you so much for the meatloaf recipe. It is very different from mine and I will definitely make it when I have people here who eat carbs and ground beef together. (That is my idea of heaven.)

Deb

 

[mellowyellowgirl]

@Daisys and Diamonds are you from Auckland?

I heard that all of NZ is going into stage 2 lockdown again and Auckland stage 3.

You alright??? I heard people are hoarding again!

 

[Gussie]

@MamaBee, @TooPatient, @whitewave

Sending big hugs and prayers for y'all and anyone else I missed. I dropped out of reading many covid threads because I just can't handle it anymore. Please take care of yourselves. We will get through this awful time.

 

[Arcadian]

@TooPatient Wow..How long has your husband been sick? It seems like a long time! You sure seem to know what to do for him. I remember you putting your CPAP on him.

I’m afraid he will open the door too soon for Instacart. He also uses his staircase outside and touches the bannister. It would also be a possibility that he’s sleeping when they show up. I make sure he’s up and ready for me when I come. I bribe him with things like homemade meatloaf. He LOVES meatloaf. When he won’t eat anything because he’s not hungry he’ll still eat my meatloaf.

Chris hasn’t had any contact with the doctor since he got the diagnosis. He uses a VA medical center..but does have his own doctor there. He won’t call. He just now developed itchy hives on his chest. I looked it up..It’s Covid related. This whole experience has been so draining.

You are such a good wife..He’s a lucky man.

Is Chris taking vitamin C and D? If he's getting hives, now is the time to ramp those up. I take a buffered C powder which helps with tummy issues.

 

[MamaBee]

Is Chris taking vitamin C and D? If he's getting hives, now is the time to ramp those up. I take a buffered C powder which helps with tummy issues.

Yes @Arcadian Thank you.. I dropped off Vitamin C, Vitamin D3, and zinc. I recently told him to stop the zinc because I see conflicting things about it. The dosage I gave him was 50mg. I think it’s too much and may cause a deficiency in Copper. I have to read more about it.

 

[MamaBee]

Thank you.

Facebook also reminded me that my late BIL and SIl were married on August 2 six years ago, so when I woke up and checked FB, that threw me for a loop.

If you all remember that story, (half) BIL’s mother dropped dead the night before their original wedding at the end of July. Then when they had a less than 2 year old son and a one month old son, he killed himself September 15. We had to go look for him, but the police were able to ping his phone so DH made me stay home while he took his SIL, her dad and the toddler (he wouldn’t stay home without her) to the site. (They stayed a safe distance away since it was a crime scene at that point).

That is when DH bought me an expensive SUV and I received my 3 stone CBI and sapphire ring because I had to see 5 day dead BIL on my birthday for the first family only viewing.

So, yes. I guess with this virus and the time of year— it’s beating me up.

I went into a deep depression this weekend. I slept a crazy amount of hours.


My SIL is doing well. She recently sold their tiny cottage (like 900 sqft) in the same city as mine for a mint and then she moved north of the lake in the New Orleans area and was able to make an lateral move financially and now she has a 4/3 with a pool on an acre of land. She is also dating a really nice career military guy who she said just fell into her lap. We approve. She is still in her early 30s with 2 small kids and she needs help and she needs to live her life as she sees fit.



Enough about me and my problems..... if I disappear for a while, it’s because I’m working out stuff in my head.



Love and hugs.

My beautiful little nephews and their new pool at their new house with a new start and a new life.

They’re adorable..

 

[AGBF]

@Daisys and Diamonds are you from Auckland?

I heard that all of NZ is going into stage 2 lockdown again and Auckland stage 3.

You alright??? I heard people are hoarding again!

Thanks for the alert, @mellowyellowgirl. I also heard reports about New Zealand that did not sound great. They did ot sound dire, but I would like the straight scoop and I am hoping you are well, @Daisys and Diamonds. (At least your country takes action when it needs to.)

 

[AGBF]

@MamaBee, @TooPatient, @whitewave

Sending big hugs and prayers for y'all and anyone else I missed. I dropped out of reading many covid threads because I just can't handle it anymore. Please take care of yourselves. We will get through this awful time.

Plus you have to play with Opie. And probably chase him around the house.

 

[Daisys and Diamonds]

@Daisys and Diamonds are you from Auckland?

I heard that all of NZ is going into stage 2 lockdown again and Auckland stage 3.

You alright??? I heard people are hoarding again!

thank you @mellowyellogirl and @AGBF
i got this emergency alert last night after Gary had gone to bed

ironically i was on my Bruce Springsteen forum and an Aussie friend had asked me about it 16 min earlier
we live in Wanganui on the west coast of the North island about 3 hours north of Wellington

im feeling very anxious
we had gone 102 days with zero community transmission. this family have no links to the boarder or managed isolation/ guarenteen facilities. a primary school is closed for a deep clean and two work places are effected but do not do customer facing work - i get a feeling once they finish contact tracing they will find the link from the workplace contacts

i just don't understand how living on an island this could happen as people quarenteen on arrival and the boarder is closed to all but citizens and a few essential workers
im very worried about going into lockdown with the general elections so close
it would seem the health ministry and powers at be have planned for this and im sure lessons have been learned from Melbourne but its real scary
People everywhere have gotten complacent
its only Auckland on stage 3 - which is basically lockdown plus your grandma and kids of essential services can go to school
im very angry and upset over the panic buying
the countdown online site crashed last night and the police had to close some supernarkets in Auckland due to overcrowding
humans are stupid and selfish
we do not deserve the bigger brain.
what part of shop normally don't people understand ?
i was always able to buy loo paper last time