Wonder why I’ve waited so long to write a post about my life after Coronavirus? It’s because I can’t escape the affects of the virus. After finally testing negative in May, my life didn’t go back to normal as I had secretly hoped. Aside from changes everyone is experiencing (i.e. face masks, limited capacity, travel restrictions) – my health is not what it used to be. Sometimes I feel like the virus refuses to let me go back to me feeling like me.
Post-Coronavirus Symptoms
The majority of the symptoms from Coronavirus have faded since I was first diagnosed at the end of March. However there are a few lingering memories, such as random periods of exhaustion, asthma, and a distorted sense of smell and taste. The sensory issues are new and accompanied by sinus pain and pressure. I’m prone to sinus infections due to my allergies so we are trying an antibiotic to treat both. Our hope is that weird smell and taste issues clear up with the sinus infection.
Many people ask me about my asthma – well it’s now a regular part of my life. I use a regular inhaler twice a day and an emergency inhaler as needed. I used to believe asthma was triggered by exercise but now understand humidity and poor air quality are what set me off. A few hours outside in the summer heat can send me right to bed for the day.
My team of doctors don’t necessarily blame Covid-19 damage for how I feel, but it’s hard not to believe the virus is the culprit. Especially when I know there are other victims of the virus describing the same lingering symptoms. I have access to thousands of people surviving Coronavirus across the country as a member of a wildly popular Covid-19 Survivor Corps group.
As time goes on I hope to experience less and less remnants of the virus.
Life After Coronavirus is…
Often fearful. My Antibody Test results are positive, but there is no guarantee that I will never catch Coronavirus again. For some time I was able to let go of the fear that the virus could return, but studies are proving this theory incorrect.
Very anxious. My anxiety is at an all time high with the addition of skin cancer to my health report. Weekly therapy appointments help in processing my anxious thoughts, but there is still a little voice in my head whispering, “Wait until you see what’s next?” Our state has seen a serious decline in Covid cases, but we all know I was one of the first in our area to have it. Who says I can’t be the first to get it again?
A rollercoaster. Every day is different. Two of my uncles are very sick and I’m not allowed to see them due to Coronavirus. The protocol for patient visits have changed drastically and it’s so difficult to not be able to see the ones you love.
Hopeful. I am so hopeful for our future since 2020 has been filled with more turmoil and grief than I can handle.
Filled with gratitude. I appreciate the little moments more than ever and feel eternally grateful for my body’s strength to overcome the virus. I am proud to be a Coronavirus survivor after defeating the quiet virus.
Here’s to a long happy life after Coronavirus.
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