Jason Steed Certified Primal Health Coach
Why This is Hard, Even When You're Not Sick
I'm grateful for my mild symptoms so far. Seeing their dad staying active has got to be reassuring for the kids. But Heather and I are working through a few emotional challenges. The paradox here is that nobody wants to catch it, but everybody wants to be immune to it. It's a weighty conversation, and I'll talk more about it below.
In the last 6 hours I’ve heard from 5 or 6 friends and colleagues who tested positive in April and May. The virus has got such a taboo stigma. I’m sure I’ll get a range of opinions in the following days, but let's start talking about it. Hopefully in the process we can clear out some of the black magic voodoo mentality around "The Curse of Coronavirus." See more below about today's symptoms.
Ask yourself this: If you caught COVID-19, what would be your best justification?
July 5, 2020
COVID, Day 4: Good to Talk About It (2:02)
Clearing out some of the black magic voodoo mentality around "The Curse of Coronavirus"
I'm double-diagnosed COVID-positive. My original test came back today, in the form of a Verbal Order of Isolation. So, if the loss of taste and smell wasn't evidence enough, I'm definitely another statistic. When I took the original test I was anxious to get faster results than the 7-day estimate I got from my doctor. I had some concerns regarding people I had recently been around who tested positive, as well as upcoming community activities.
Who Gets the RapidResult Test?
I know I've been asked how people can get in line for the RapidTest. I don't think I have much clout with that. I've learned that each clinic is probably a bit unique with their testing protocol. I suspect that, with my measurable overnight fever (3.2° above normal, to be exact), my mild fatigue, muscle soreness and mildly scratchy throat, along with my recent known exposures, I was able to secure a RapidTest. There are other individual circumstances such as line of work and other compromised healh conditions that don't really apply to me, but do apply to my son who has activity- and illness-induced asthma.
My Location Tracking App
I use a location tracking app called Healthy Together (healthytogether.io), set up specifically to speed the notification of possibly exposed individuals. Supposedly the app will alert you when somebody else using the app reports a positive test result. Using geotracking and cellular data, local health departments can supposedly see all paths crossed between an non-infected and infected person. It even fine tunes with a option to turn on Bluetooth. Then the app claims to prompt health official to make a phone call to those potentially infected with info on when and where. I assume the app is tracking and reporting my whereabouts to others.
On Sunday I found a checkbox to "Share my data only with health dept. officials." But there's not a clear way for me to see more info. Nor can I find a way to see my own intersections with positive cases. This is probably the first app I've used where I gave permission for the phone to track and report my locations. But hopefully it does some people some good.
Why This is Hard, Even when You're Not Sick
A few emotions from today: I've come to realize how much Heather and I bond through closeness and contact. This weekend was a struggle for both of us, and Heather has even tried reaching out to other family to expand her emotional conduits. She and I touched the pads of our feet together in the backyard grass today in hopes of boosting a bit of emotional energy. Try it out, it works! Interesting how the 2 of us can be so close and so far away at the same time.
Here's the paradox: Heather wants to avoid this sickness like the plague. I wanted to as well. But at the same time she wishes she were currently infected, because then she would know she's coping well with the symptoms. Plus, there's something to be said about emerging on the other side from COVID-19, with a full artillery of antibodies. So maybe we're trying to stagger the inevitable. I asked Heather why she thought I got the virus. She said its so that I can soon be helpful to others. That's both a humbling and energizing thought.
Talking about it has really helped. I've talked with Heather and the kids. I've talked with our over-the-fence neighbors. I've talked with extended family. I've talked to myself. I've blogged about it. I plan to do a lot more talking about it...and listening. tart with this question: If you caught COVID-19, what would be your best justification?
Today's Symptoms
Today I didn't feel that subtle tightness in my sternum. I attempted a nap, but probably didn't sleep. Still a touch of sinus pressure. So, are my mild symptoms primarily from COVID-19 or strep throat? Wow, that's the million dollar question. I'm betting last week's overnight fever and mild tightness in my sternum area are COVID-19 related. Then there's the total loss of smell and taste…clearly COVID-19. Possibly the scratchy throat from last Tuesday was tied to my strep throat. Soooo much speculation, though. I can't help but to wonder if this COVID thing would’ve just taken its course. It’s pretty hard, though, to kick a bacterial infection like strep without antibiotics working for me.
What does Oura think?
My resting heart rate has been slightly elevated for about 2 weeks now. I wonder if it's tied to the days where I was pre-symptomatic but carrying the virus. At any rate, I know I can improve my resting heart rate through moderate activity during the day, adequate rest, mindfulness, good hydration, and basically anything related to reducing stress. Yeah, easier said than done.
