“It’s probably not a matter of if you get it, it’s when.” I heard this from one of my co-workers a while ago. And there was no way I was going to argue that. It seemed that even the CDC was very careful to say that they wanted to “slow” the spread of Covid-19. So it seemed that there was no way around it. Eventually it was going to make it’s rounds. I remember them talking about it and saying that they expected at least three quarters of the state to get it. So I really didn’t expect to be an exception.
When I first got Covid-19 it was my intentions to “NOT” talk about it on this website. My goal with this website is to bring the lighter side of South Dakota. And to not push “click bait” onto anyone that reads it. However, I was actually asked to write this article by a few different people. And I realized I could possibly help people maybe understand what they don’t know. After all, you could look at pictures of the mountains all day long. But if you never set foot on one, how can you understand it’s true beauty? It also goes without saying this is “my” experience. And is going to be different for others.
Let’s talk about the things I was told before I got it. I was told that if you get Covid you get wisped away and thrown in a special area that’s quarantined off for you. This isn’t true. Others told me that hospitals and doctor’s won’t look at you. Because there is nothing they can do. Also a lie. I was also told that most people will not be able to tell the difference between the common cold and Covid. It sure as hell was different for me. I was told in a couple days I would be feeling right as rain. In my dreams maybe. I was also told that the virus is super contagious. And that I could give it to everyone with little to no effort. Wrong again. After three weeks almost all of the people I was in contact with have “no symptoms”.
I started my weekend by getting together with some friend’s to play a game. As well as bringing my kids over for the weekend. This would have been three days before I knew something was wrong. At this point I had no symptoms. And I was getting along with life as normal. None of these people showed any signs of having it. And after three weeks, none of them have it or have shown signs they have it.
It wasn’t until Sunday night when I started feeling “off”. I use that word because my body could tell something was wrong. It felt very different than any flu I ever got. And It was not like a case of the sniffles. As a matter of fact, my sinuses were very clear. But I was a little sore. I had a mild scratchy throat. And I felt strangely dizzy. By the next morning I felt more tired than before I went to sleep. And I was running an obvious fever. I knew it was time to get tested.
As I called up to the clinic in the morning I listed off my symptoms. The nurse said she would give my information to the testing center in Yankton. She also said that the earlier I went, the faster I would probably make it through the line. She also explained that it would probably be three days before I found out. Three days? I thought I could find out in five minutes or something? I was told by some people that If I went to Wagner I could find out much faster. Within a couple hours. I however couldn’t prove or disprove that. Since their phone line was off the hook with phone calls. And I couldn’t even get through. So I had to make the decision to get tested. I also mentioned my wife was having similar symptoms. At that point, I called my employer to let them know, I for sure was gone for at least two days. But there was really no question. I knew I had Covid. And others I have talked to have said the same thing. It was really obvious that something was very different. About that time I was wishing those “mild flu” symptoms were true.
It was time to watch TV and sleep. Rest and take Ibuprofen to bring down my fever. But that night, my temperature was spiking to temps of 104 F. I knew this was super dangerous. So I did what I could that night to bring my temp down. A wet wash cloth, ice packs, and switching back and forth to Ibuprofen and Tylenol were all I could really do. I also had a tightness in my chest now that hurt bad. I had bronchitis and pneumonia before. This was much worse than that. After fighting like this for awhile, I made the decision to call back to the clinic and find out what to do. The nurse told me to come in for an appointment. I explained to her that I may have Covid. She also told me to wait in my car and call when I got there. So someone could come to the car and take me straight to a room. I also took my wife with me. Since she was showing signs too.
As we pulled up to the clinic I was shocked to see that there were very few people there. I called in and within about 5 minutes someone came out to get me. Before they even took me to a room though, they pulled me for an X-ray and blood work.
Before I go any further I should mention a couple things. I do not drink or smoke. I try to workout regularly. And do my best to try to eat right with the exception of having a sweet tooth. And I have no health problems other than being an ex-smoker. By medical standards I’m doing pretty good.
As I finally get to my room I got the news. I did test positive for Covid. And on a better note, my wife did not. So we had actually found out within 48 hours our test results. What? How is this possible? We are newlyweds. And keeping everything on a PG level, there is no reason she should have not got it. She was told to stay at home and quarantine for 14 days and isolate from me. I was told that I had to quarantine for 10 days from the beginning of my symptoms. I asked how exactly were we supposed to isolate in the same house? We live together? She couldn’t really give me a clear answer other than to stay 6 foot apart. Then she told us the doctor would be in soon.
When the doctor came in she told me I had full blown pneumonia. As well as that my oxygen levels were a little low. The doctor told me to continue with the Ibuprofen and Tylenol. As well as the ice as needed. She also had me try a nebulizer treatment. Even though she said it was hit or miss with people if it worked. Thankfully the treatment worked quite well and she sent me home with it. She also gave me some antibiotics. This was more to fight any infections I may have with Covid. And told me to return home.
“Doctor, I was wondering when or if I should come to the hospital if I’m having problems.” She told me if I start having problems breathing, can’t lower my fever, or if my oxygen levels drop any lower. I had really hoped I wouldn’t see her again.
That same night someone called me from Avera medical. They were just making sure I knew that I had Covid and I needed to isolate. She also said I “may” get a call from the CDC. She said it may even be after my quarantine. It may also be in the form of a letter stating to stay home for ten days. She said they were calling people individually, but there were such high Covid numbers they just couldn’t call them all. They had even called in the national guard to work the phones. But it still wasn’t enough. I did get a letter from the CDC. But it was well after my ten days were up.
For about another day, I was still showing these very extreme symptoms of high fever and tightness in my chest. Minor symptoms I had were runny nose, coughing, aching, and for a short time loss of taste and smell. After about two days of this, it did subside. But my fever remained for over a week yet before it came back to normal. And as far as getting back to normal? I was still very run down for almost a week past that. Believe me when I say there are easier ways to catch up on Netflix shows.
I’m very thankful I made it through and didn’t need to get hospitalized. And I know there are a lot of people not as lucky as me. The Coronavirus is definitely real. It’s not something fake or made up. And it should definitely be taken seriously. And the harder they try to figure it out. The more unpredictable it seems to be.
Trying to create a political stance out of coronavirus is insanity. Do I feel people should be doing more to prevent it? I don’t know. I’m not a doctor. And I’m not a scientist. But I do know there is a lot more to learn about Coronavirus still. And what is the balance between people’s safety and living your life? I wish I knew. After all, you only live your life once. I just know we are all in this together. The virus is a true equalizer. And make no mistake. No matter how safe you are, there is still a good chance you may get it.
Until next time.
Grandma jo