Last night was terrible, the worst night of my life, I didn't get a wink of sleep, and struggled to breathe; I had severe chest pain (Still do) and a raging temperature. My body was shaking uncontrollably, my head was throbbing and it felt as though everything was buzzing from top to bottom. After experiencing loss of taste and smell since 23 March, I was in no doubt what was happening, I had indeed caught Coronavirus and it was beginning to assault my body, in a way I have never experienced before. I was scared to death if I am honest and just didn't know where this was going to end. By six O clock this morning, I was exhausted, emotional and feeling worse than I ever have done before.
I phoned 111 when I could finally focus; the lines were busy as usual, but I did get through eventually. Trying to talk to the operator breathless was a bit of an arduous challenge, but she was as understanding as she could be and within the hour I was contacted by two COVID Doctors who assessed my symptoms over the phone. I was finally told I had Coronavirus officially and I should self-isolate immediately. I was obviously rather angry at not being told to isolate sooner, but I don't make up the rules, that is the job of Government!
The Doctor told me that notifications from the Government were changing daily, and he would have no hesitation telling someone to self-isolate, who had lost their sense of taste and smell today. In his words it was the most prominent feature of the virus, especially recently. He explained that the loss usually occurred at the beginning of the disease, like mine and will remain a major symptom throughout the viral process.
I was encouraged to stay firmly at home and not to venture to hospital and the NHS would get me any equipment I needed delivered to my door. To be honest, the last place I want to be is in a hospital anyway, and I am more than happy to hibernate for seven days, required by law in these uncertain times. Sadly my Aunt also has to self-isolate as well now, but for fourteen days, which will distract from her work in the NHS at a crucial time. We have however devised a system, by where we don't meet or see each other, and I am using separate cutlery, toiletries and other essential items. I am walking around with antibacterial spray at all times and making sure everything is scrubbed after use.
These are difficult days for all of us, even more so because the future remains so uncertain right now, but together as a family and a nation we can get through these dark days. With all our lives so dramatically altered, we have to make the best of a situation we have no control over. I intend to keep blogging (health permitting) and making sure I am as strong and well as I can be, when I eventually come out the other side. The virus is not going to go away, and I am certain I will see it again. For now, I hope the next seven days go quickly and without any complications, only time will tell. Until then, I would like to end by thanking everyone for their kind messages of support. Without all of you, I wouldn't be who I am today!
I phoned 111 when I could finally focus; the lines were busy as usual, but I did get through eventually. Trying to talk to the operator breathless was a bit of an arduous challenge, but she was as understanding as she could be and within the hour I was contacted by two COVID Doctors who assessed my symptoms over the phone. I was finally told I had Coronavirus officially and I should self-isolate immediately. I was obviously rather angry at not being told to isolate sooner, but I don't make up the rules, that is the job of Government!
The Doctor told me that notifications from the Government were changing daily, and he would have no hesitation telling someone to self-isolate, who had lost their sense of taste and smell today. In his words it was the most prominent feature of the virus, especially recently. He explained that the loss usually occurred at the beginning of the disease, like mine and will remain a major symptom throughout the viral process.
I was encouraged to stay firmly at home and not to venture to hospital and the NHS would get me any equipment I needed delivered to my door. To be honest, the last place I want to be is in a hospital anyway, and I am more than happy to hibernate for seven days, required by law in these uncertain times. Sadly my Aunt also has to self-isolate as well now, but for fourteen days, which will distract from her work in the NHS at a crucial time. We have however devised a system, by where we don't meet or see each other, and I am using separate cutlery, toiletries and other essential items. I am walking around with antibacterial spray at all times and making sure everything is scrubbed after use.
These are difficult days for all of us, even more so because the future remains so uncertain right now, but together as a family and a nation we can get through these dark days. With all our lives so dramatically altered, we have to make the best of a situation we have no control over. I intend to keep blogging (health permitting) and making sure I am as strong and well as I can be, when I eventually come out the other side. The virus is not going to go away, and I am certain I will see it again. For now, I hope the next seven days go quickly and without any complications, only time will tell. Until then, I would like to end by thanking everyone for their kind messages of support. Without all of you, I wouldn't be who I am today!
