Covid Support Thread
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Helen, I’m glad you’re home! Get some rest. My husband went out today and picked up a pulse oximeter (took calling 6 stores to find one, but they’re out there). It’s a relief to know that even though I feel like I’m not getting enough oxygen, I’m still in the high 90% range. I’ve been using it like every hour. The shortness of breath With this thing is just awful, and I have asthma, so I’m not unfamiliar with the feeling.
BGM, my husband was looking at this SBA stuff for our small business. Said it looks to be a complete shitshow for the self-employed. My dad can’t even get through on the Louisiana unemployment website. Fingers crossed they work out some of the kinks next week. Otherwise, the stimulus bill was kind of useless.
So, so glad to hear you are home, Helen! I know we don’t know each other “IRL” but I was so worried all day long and kept checking DW to see if you’d updated. So scary, and it’s RIDICULOUS that neither you nor your husband have been tested. It means there are so many more cases out there than we know.
It sounds awful. I have 50% of normal lung capacity as a baseline because of premature birth. It’s called bronchopulmonary dysplasia and it means I take inhalers every single day just to function. I really, really can’t get it. I’m so sorry to hear of everyone who is suffering with it; it sounds just terrible.
In happier news, I signed my offer letter today. So that’s good. In any other circumstance (even a month ago) I would have negotiated for more money, but honestly the money is very good (for what I’m used to, anyway!) as it is and I consider myself extremely fortunate to be in the middle of a global pandemic getting offered what is essentially my dream job. The company is known for treating its employees extremely well and giving generous bonuses (I get a 10% bonus paid out quarterly, and it can be more at the discretion of my manager) and merit raises. Here’s hoping I can pull it off!
Hope you all get well very soon! And BGM, I hope you can navigate the unemployment circus easily and quickly. I had some come in back in January-February and it helped get me over the hump.
Also! If anyone is interested, I got booked for a virtual comedy show on Saturday, 4/11 in the evening (probably around 7-8pm, not sure the exact time yet, EST). It’s going to be hosted via Zoom, I believe. If anyone would like to see me perform standup virtually, now’s the time! Let me know, and once I get it I’ll post the login info here!
Ange I hope you’re feeling better soon! TheLadyE I’m so happy you got your dream job! I’m clinging to any joy I can find right now, so I love hearing good news. BGM, I’ve been a 1099 worker my whole life. I get the frustration and uncertainty. I hope you’re able to get aid soon! MsMJ, I want to get a pulse ox meter. It would relieve a lot of anxiety and keep me from making unnecessary trips to the er. I’m going to try and get one today. And a test. I also think its ridiculous for aid to only be available to people who’ve been diagnosed. But I’m not going to assume this incompetent moron in charge is incapable of anything. I’ve never had to focus on my breathing like this. I really feel for you guys with reduced lung capacity, that my misery is somewhat normal for you & you’re increased risk. My mom has COPD and I’m bracing myself to lose her. I haven’t seen my 19 year old son in a almost a month. He moved in with my parents when we moved 30mins away last year. This blows so fucking hard
Helen, so glad you are feeling (a little bit) better and were evaluated in the ER, though I am so frustrated and sad to hear that you have not been tested yet and that you encountered nursing staff who were put at risk. That is simple bullshit. There are drastic changes needed in this country on so many levels and I am beyond discouraged and disgusted.
I was able to order a pulse oximeter two days ago on Ebay, a lot of the sellers there are out but many are not and I picked one up for $25 – though I just checked and the same model/seller has jacked it up to $35. I know you need one asap, but on the chance you can’t find one in a store.
Helen: I got mine at CVS and my dad found one in New Orleans at a CVS, too, so maybe they’re really well stocked.
LadyE: Congratulations on your dream job! For what it’s worth, I probably wouldn’t have asked for money under these circumstances either, but definitely revisit it once things calm down and you have a better grasp on the job and your value in it.
Ugh, I have to drive in to LA again and get my old taxes. Bah. Going to do so late Sunday, I guess.
I made a lasagna yesterday. It took 4 hours and cost about 3/4 of a paycheck, but it was very satisfying. I prepped all the ingredients and used those little glass chef bowls, and lined them up in the order the recipe called for them.
Then today we had a Bloody Mary bar and banana chocolate chip pancakes.
And if anyone is trying to look good for Zoom, I have to say I like the John Frieda Salon Shape hot air brush even better than the Revlon! It keeps it nice and volumized and perky with curled ends. The Revlon actually made my hair go kind of limp after a little while, and it doesn’t add any curl. That said, of course it’s amazing and super fast. My boss was like how does your hair look so good? I clued her in and she ordered the Revlon. I think it’s better for her hair, which is pretty long.
Anyway. Weird times.
Yesterday I experienced what I would call an almost violent depression. I just couldn’t move the first few hours of the day. I curled into as tiny of a ball that I could manage and just cried. Then I went through the typical guilt because “I have it pretty good compared to a lot of people” and then felt pretty worse. It got a bit better throughout the day but never really felt better. I’ve dealt with depression for a long time but this is the worst it’s been in a very, very long time.
Today is more of an anxiety day, which I have an easier time dealing with. I can keep myself busy when I feel anxious, but depression is just so all-consuming and motivation crushing. So it’s overall a lot better, relatively speaking.
@Bittergaymark posted a link to a parody of Madonna’s Vogue by Chris Mann that was so well done and funny. I am posting a link to his parody of Alanis Morrisette’s Thank U. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xGKFVMgjrPc
It lifted my spirits, and I hope it will do the same for each of you is struggling now. Stay home. Stay safe.
GM, thanks for that link. He is oh so very clever! Warning: That video really made me sad and moved as somebody with many health provider friends.
I hope you can find some peace bloodymediocrity!
I had to go back to the er today. I took a shower and my O2 dropped down to 82 (got a home O2 monitor) I was gasping for air and it felt like a boulder on my chest. I chose a different hospital since the previous one left me feeling dismissed. They did so much more tests & procedures. When my husband dropped me off I was still gasping but walked around the car to kiss my kids goodbye. I really thought that might be my last time seeing them. I’m actually home now. The protocols for admitting patients are really strict now, and my vitals & O2 levels are ok when im resting. The dr was apologetic. Said he searched for something he could treat. All they can do is supportive care. There’s nothing they can do and that’s scary. He seemed defeated. All the nurses were wearing homemade PPE. So I’m on strict bedrest. I feel so bad for my husband. He’s worried about losing me but still has his hands full with taking care of me, a 5yo, and a 2yo. He’s so fucking amazing. If I do succumb to this my 2yo, who’s super attached to me, won’t have any memories of me. That’s the shit that keeps me up at night. I’m going to take more videos and pictures. The nurse said people usually start improving day 14. That’s tomorrow. Here’s hoping
