To Hell and Back with the Coronavirus

Photo: mosaic from a wall at the port in Menton, France

 

To my dear readers:

As of this past Monday, I’m a COVID19 survivor. 

We need to take this nasty business seriously, and to do that we each have to understand this deeply: it could, and almost certainly will, happen to you or someone you love. I want to tell you my story, with the hope that it will make you even more cautious. And I hope none of you get this terrible virus.

Let me put it to you straight: If you really knew how bad this disease could be, you wouldn’t just be isolating, you’d be cowering under your bed.

HOW I GOT IT: 3 weeks ago, a lifetime ago when the world was just starting to do elbow bumps, I flew to Washington DC for a quick 3-day reunion with 3 college friends. Airports were normal, no masks or gloves, though we were religiously using our hand sanitizer; coronavirus was a distant threat. In DC it was business as usual at museums and restaurants, there had been maybe 1 case there. Planes were crowded and some people were coughing. Five days after I got off the plane, I got the first symptoms.

A Note: We have been in Charleston for a bit, so we are here until France opens its borders again. (How I wish we were in France! Here the response has been disorganized and political, full of misinformation. There, they have TWICE as many hospital beds, more doctors, a social safety net, universal health care, they are paying businesses to hold on to their workers instead of putting people on unemployment, and they have a functional government that cares about its people. But, here we are.)

So, let’s get started on what my two weeks were like, probably in more detail than is needed, but which I hope will inspire everyone to be even more cautious. But if ignorance is bliss for you, skip the hard part but do go to the bottom of this post and consider my recommendations for what you should have on hand in case your family is struck.

 

A Coronavirus Journal

DAYS 1 through 6

 I have a scratchy throat, but I am trying to ignore it. But then I wake up in the middle of the night with a sudden serious  dry cough.I have never in my life had a cough which wasn’t preceded by a head cold, nor a dry cough. So this is not normal. 

I now have the classic symptoms: dry cough, check. Tightness in the chest and shallow breathing, check.  A little fatigue, check. A scratchy throat, check. Poor appetite, check. A low grade fever, intermittently. But all very mild. I don’t really feel bad.

So we set up a quarantine room. I stay in our bedroom, since it's already well contaminated, and my husband takes the guest room and the rest of the house. He will cook, clean, deliver meals to me. Vino the Bambino is my companion. 

Biggest worry: That Ron will get it. And who will take care of us if we’re both ill?

I try, with no luck to get tested. The hospital says, “we basically have no tests. You have to be in the hospital and critical for that.” What a great country!

We stock up on the essentials: wine, bourbon, rum. We are going to go down happy.

Here’s a bright side: I’m reminded I have great friends. I’m spending most of the day on the phone and emailing. My friends have kept me sane. Mille mercis, mes amis!!

Anxiety level: over the moon at first, then, “Yea, I’ve got a mild case! Then  it goes up again as I read that  often the second week, the virus can go south.

DAY  7

Mild symptoms holding, but this is the start of the week you can go downhill. I’m happy to make it to bedtime intact. But suddenly, just before bed, things are not right. In a flash I feel nauseous, fatigued, terrible. My breathing goes shallow, I develop a sudden case of diarrhea.

Now what I have come to call The Misery sets in. I cannot possibly sleep, because I can’t get enough air. I feel as sick as I’ve ever felt in my life.

The night is endless. I never sleep. By 6 am, my breathing is labored enough that I’ve decided it’s time to go to the hospital. I drag myself up, get dressed and pack a bag. 

Anxiety Level: off the charts

 DAY 8

Ron wakes up, we talk, and he is calm. Let’s think about this, he says. We decide we urgently need an oximeter, to measure the oxygen level in my blood, and he goes off to the drugstore to get one. My level is not in the danger zone for now, so we decide to stay put. I write emails to my sister—will she come get my cat if need be? And to our youngest daughter, to warn her to start planning about what will happen if I’m in the hospital, and Ron gets sick, here alone.

The day drags by in total misery and I’m counting the minutes as they go by. I force down a bit of chicken stock. I am so ill that I  keep thinking, if this goes on for days, I will not be able to bear it. I have a virtual appointment with my doctor (who is himself under isolation in his bedroom, after being exposed), who gives me something mild for sleep that won’t suppress my breathing.

Being ill and having no one to hold your hand, and your husband banished from your side, seems the cruelest trick of all.

After an eternity, nighttime arrives. Nights are the scariest time. But tonight I sleep a bit.

Anxiety Level: too high to count.

DAY 9

After sleep and a shower, I feel almost human again. I sit up in my chair and read. Then The Misery comes back suddenly, and for an hour I am very ill. Then I rally. This goes on all day, back and forth, but there are more good times than bad.

I can see the intracoastal waterway from my bedroom, and all day, in the fine weather, motorboats are passing by, stuffed to the brim with large families or with groups of scantily clad 20-somethings, looking like they have no care in the world. Their loud rap music mixes with the sounds of sirens racing over the bridge. (They won't figure out for another week that they should close the waterways).

DAYS 10-11

I sleep late and a shower revives me, and I feel pretty good all day. My appetite is coming back slowly. I’m  having lengthy coughing fits (still a dry cough) so sleeping is tough. The good news continues for 3 good days, and I am eating normal meals, if light, and I feel good. Could I have turned the corner? I don’t trust this monster, but I can’t help but be optimistic. Amazingly, Ron is still fine.

DAYS 12 & 13

I go to sleep feeling OK. And wake up an hour later feeling, quite literally, that I am going to die.

I have chills, I’m highly agitated, and I feel like I could jump out of my skin. My oxygen levels take a dive and I’m within one point of the ER danger zone. I have a fever.

The intensity passes in a while, but now I have The Misery again, and a fatigue so great I can hardly move. It’s unrelenting. I lie there, staring at the ceiling, listening to “bedtime piano music” on youtube. I can’t eat or sleep. I’m having talks with Ron on what to do in case of my demise.

Anxiety level: Terminal?

DAY 13

After two long days of The Misery, suddenly I’m feeling pretty good. It’s like that, this beast; one minute you’re in hell, then you pop back up.

DAYS 14-17

I’m feeling good. I feel like I’m in safe territory now. Ron is still fine! Then I read the new news that says you can be contagious long after symptoms are gone, so in fact you need to isolate for a total of a MONTH. So I’ll be in my prison for a while, but that’s a minor problem at this point.

We seem to be two of the lucky ones, despite my journey into the depths.

Happiness reins in our household, until we’re reminded that the world outside our window is a terrifying place. Our prayers go out to all you suffer in this time of madness and uncertainty, and we wish you and yours good health, a calm mind, and a hopeful future.

 

HERE ARE THE THINGS TO NEED TO HAVE ON HAND in case someone in you family gets sick, per my own experience. This thing can come on so fast, you don’t want to be making last minute runs to the drug store.

—A thermometer for every person in the house. You really don’t want to be trading thermometers around; and anyone in an exposed household needs to take their temp, twice a day, sick or not.

—An oximeter ($35 to $60) is essential. According to all the docs I’ve spoken to, including two dear friends who are ER docs and have kindly pulled me through this, it’s crucial to have one. If your reading drops too low, it’s time to be off to the hospital. NOTE: I’ve been advised that it can take some time to register a drop; so let your breathing be a guide too. If you are seriously short of breath, value that info over the reading.

—Some Tylenol, the ONLY medication approved for fever for this disease. Ibuprofen and aspirin apparently aggravate it, and check any cold medicines you have on hand for those ingredients, too. 

—Some cough drops, to soothe a dry throat.

—Something mild to help you sleep and that doesn’t suppress breathing would be nice to have on hand, used  only with a doctor’s guidance. Unless you're a rock, you are going to have high anxiety, and nights are the worst.

—Gather the special apps and phone numbers and hotlines set up by your local hospitals. Ours have virtual doctors who can help. You can’t go directly to the ER, so you have to contact them first.

—You’ll need gatorade to keep your electrolytes balanced if you’re not eating well, and I was drinking Ensure for a few days as well. We found these items, fully stocked, in our grocery store, so no need to hoard. In place of Gatorade, a friend recommends something from the drug store called IV in a bottle, which requires much less volume than Gatroade, but I haven’t used it.

—For calming anxiety and helping with sleep, I recommend going to a site called CALM. They have all sorts of aids and one is bound to suit you. There are relaxation exercises, music to sleep by, white noise choices, meditation models, bedtime stories read by famous actors, and more. Youtube also has peaceful bedtime music which plays for 10 hours and can give you a little something to focus on when you can’t do anything else.

Bon courage, toute le monde. Stay well and stay home. I am praying for every one of you.

xxoo

Lynn

 

 

Comments

[Christine Wager]

I am so glad you have recovered, Lynn and that Ron has not had to suffer this awful infection. However, he must have been beside himself with worry about you. Your account was sobering and a lesson for all of us. Thanks for taking the trouble to write it. My daughter, Kate seems to have the virus and hasn’t suffered much so far, but she has only been ill for 6 days. We’ll have to be aware of possible recurrence. I hope you manage to get back to France in the not too distant future and we are looking forward to our return too. Bon courage and virtual hugs to both of you and we hope to see you sooner rather than later. Chris XX

[Colleen Taylor]

Oh my goodness Lynn! I'm so terribly sorry to hear of your ordeal. I read through this thoroughly & I don't want to even imagine going through this. This scared the Bajezuz out of me even though I've heard of similar cases. I'm thrilled you are over & done with this. I hope you are feeling well now & your husband doesn't catch this. My love to you & thank you for this valuable information.

[Martin Withington]

Oh my goodness Lynn! How awful for you both but brilliant news that you’ve come through all this and are now recovered.

You Southern Belles are obviously made of stern stuff!

Shocked to hear the news but immensely glad that all’s well now.

Love and best wishes to you both, Martin and Helen

[Renee]

Oh my, Lynn! I'm so glad you made it through. What an awful experience. Thank you for sharing and giving such good advice for what to have on hand. Sending hugs.

[Dottie Vincent]

Lynn, I had it, too. Very intense! For me:
Day One and Two: Body Aches, Fatigue, mild sore throat. I thought I had the flu and a friend called in Tamiflu. I picked up the Tamiflu and ginger ale from a pharmacy. For the next couple of days, I had a dry cough that triggered vomiting. Then, a relative called and thought I sounded disoriented, so she called Andrew and he drove 70 miles after work to check on me. Still unable to hold down Tamiflu, foods and liquids, with the dry cough and body aches, he took me to the ER on day 5 (in my gown and housecoat). I had a fever of 102 degrees, shaking! chills! and dehydration, and my chest x-ray showed pneumonia. I got IV fluids and antibiotics over a few hours, and luckily got to go back home after promising Andrew would be there. After that, I was too tired to get dressed for total of 14 days, which took care of social distancing except with Andrew and the ER staff. I couldn’t be tested because I didn’t have a travel history. It’s been 5 weeks and I am getting stronger. I am really glad this is behind me! Hope the rest of your spring is much better!!

[Frank Levin]

I can't think of anything amusing to say for once except I will say that you gave away the ending since you are still with us to have written it for us. Thank you for being that "must write it," person.
Had it not been for the virus that got you we would be packing for Le Pays Basque right now. We have re-scheduled for October. That is a good way to show hope.

[Gail Wendorf]

thank you for sharing this with us Lynn. I'm so glad you're feeling better, and that knock wood, your husband is still well. May you make it home to France soon.

[Judy Klinck]

Lynn, what a horrible experience!! I am so thankful you survived and so far, Ron os well. About the time you went to DC, we left for Paris on Mar 5. There were some news reports, but we didn’t think of cancelling our 50th anniversary trip. We enjoyed those 4 days with the usual riding of Metros and eating in crowded restaurants, then took the Eurostar to London to see our son, daughter in law and our only grandchild. The first few days were normal, a few more tube rides, Then the news started heating up with virus news and warnings and restrictions on who could enter the US and from where. We were able to change our flight easily on American and re-routed through JFK, one of 13 screening airports. We flew on Mar 15, three days earlier than planned. Our screening was very uneventful as we exited the plane, nothing like the pictures at O’Hare. We quarantined strictly for two weeks and our dear daughter made deliveries. Thanks be to God, neither of us got sick during that time and I feel we dodged a big, fast bullet! Now of course, everyone is quarantined. I am so sorry you had to go through this, Lynn, but thank you so much for sharing your account, which I hope is a cautionary tale to any who are skeptical and a reminder to the rest of us to stay vigilant. I hope you have seen the last cycle of The Misery.
Chris, I pray that your daughter recovers soon.

[Mariella Neumann]

Lynn I am so pleased you have pulled through.
Thank you for what we need to look out for and the dangers of this terrible virus 🦠.

[jean-paul]

Dear Lynn,
What a terrible experience and SO glad you bravely overcame it!
Love to uo both from South Burgundy
Jean-Paul and Veronica

[Ian lambert]

The same in Australia, the young don’t care because they think it is mild if they get it. They don’t care about the older generation. They continue to party. Thank you for sharing your story. It gives us information and hope.

[Sally Watling]

So sorry to hear you have had such a terrible time dear Lynn. Glad you are through it - love.

[Jane Williamson]

Lynn, how awful for you both, we are so glad you have recovered.
It is beautiful here in 71. the forsythia has been out for about ten days and the blackthorn is already over.
We were self isolating for 9 days before it became mandatory as my immune system is not good, it is always me that catches whatever is doing the rounds and I have asthma. Our hens are laying well and we can share our eggs with our immediate neighbours, leaving them to be picked up by our post box. Jim had already planted lots of early purple sprouting broccoli, which gives us lovely fresh greens!
It was our 4th wedding anniversary on the 29th March and we had planned to go to St Amour to the wonderful restaurant there, but I had to cook and it snowed!
71 is not as badly affected as some of the other Departments, but the retirement home in Mazille had 20 of its residents die to date and staff were also affected.
The re-education home in Hurigny outside Macon was also affected.
I always have a good store cupboard, but stocked up as well as we really did not know at the beginning how we would be able to replenish our stuff. We can order online from the Super U in St Bonnet and someone from the store puts your order in your car and you have no contact at all.
You have to fill out an Attestation saying why you are out and at what time you left home. Typically French.
Trivy has set up a Depot de Pain twice a week in the Salle and you can order bread from the wonderful bakery in Dompierre.
It is so quiet here, no 'planes and very few cars.
I have thought that it might be useful to post your Diary on Survive France, so that we can really understand just why we need to self-isolate.
Our daughter lives in Munich and is working from home in a flat with two boys, so we feel blessed to be sitting out our isolation here.
Take care both of you and, once again, we are so glad you are better. Perhaps you can take some comfort from the thought that you are probably now immune!

[Kathy Casey]

I am so sorry that you have experienced this and am very glad that you continue to improve. Thank you for this informative post.

[Doris Wolfe]

Chère Lynn,
We too are in the states wanting to get back to our home in France.
Merci beaucoup for writing of your experience and helpful advice.
So sorry it was such a frightening ordeal for you.
All the best to you both,
Doris et John Wolfe

[Kim OBrien-Wolett]

Gosh Lynn- I am so sorry to hear that you went through such an awful ordeal. As soon as I read your article I made sure to follow your instructions so if (heaven forbid!) it hits the Wolett household we will be prepared. Take care!

[Debbie Ambrous]

Dearest Lynn, I'm so sorry to hear that you went through this terrible virus, but thankfully you did make it and that is the good news. I believe that I had the virus as well, however, my test was negative. We think it was either a false negative, or perhaps the swab was not sufficient because I flinched when the nurse first placed it inside my nostril and she stopped and went no further. My first sign that something was wrong was waking with a high fever and I called the doctor the next day and they did flu test (negative) and checked my lungs. For the next 8 days I had severe body pains, minor dry cough, severe chills at night, shaking like a convulsion, headache, severe fatigue (could hardly walk across the room) and no appetite. I knew nothing about an oximeter until a few days ago. The worst of my episode lasted for 8 days or so and the doctor tested again for flu after the negative virus test. I still have some fatigue, and now of all things I have a urinary tract infection. I'm ready to feel really good again, or at least as much as possible. Good news is my husband didn't catch it. I wish the best for you and Ron!

[Paula]

Thank you for sharing, Lynn. I am sorry you had to go through this “fresh Hell”—as Dorothy Parker would say. We put our plans to join or French friends on the Île d’Oléron this summer on hold because of this pestilence. We are isolating ourselves and not even seeing grandchildren because their parents work in essential industries outside the home. We are pinning our hopes on new drugs and antibody tests.

Bon rétablissment.

[Dani Manilla]

Lynn,
I want to join the others in thanking you for doing this. I know you had said it was,"awful" but this puts things in an entirely different perspective. Thankfully, Ron didn't get it too, and could take care of you.
At the moment I am feeling lucky to be stuck in France. You are correct. The government is doing a great job, but I think it's also the French mentality. That concept of "fraternite", which is written into the constitution, is so important at this time. I
I spent two hours this morning (yes, I took two documents with different times with me, just in case...), going to a local market. Normally, it should take 30 minutes. However, only a few people we allowed in at a time. Those waiting outside were all one meter apart. The checkers were well protected, shoppers were keeping their distance, and the store (Intermarche for those who know it) had posted a sign offering to sell produce for agriculteurs if they were having financial issues. Thankfully, we're now set for another 2 weeks.
Hoping everyone remains healthy and sane,
Dani

[Lee and Maureen]

Cher Lynn and Ron, thank you so much for sharing your horrific experience. So happy to know you are almost out of the tunnel. Ron is not my new HERO,what a great guy and first class husband. Seems like 100 years ago (Jan 2020) we were planning our return to Provence. Yikes, what were we thinking? As Maureen is still dealing with mobility issues from hip replacement last June, we had already planned to stay in NC vs Atlanta. Like you ,our view of the ICW is a calming factor in our life. With the extremely high risk factors we both have, it is difficult to keep the anxiety at bay. Making tasty meals together with a nice french wine helps. Will keep you in our hearts and prayers.
See you in Provence.
Lee and Maureen

[Virginia A. Ward]

Lynn,
Thank you for sharing the details of your case and how great that you are recovering. We are well in Florida and missing our beloved Provence. And my favorite French phrase: Bonne Continuation ! With your recuperation.
Les bisous,
Virginia

[Joyce Ledbetter]

Oh Lynn , so sorry you have been through this horrific experience , but so glad you have come through it and are recovering . I can not understand why so many do not take this situation more seriously . Stay well and take care ! Joyce

[Gail]

Oh Lynn, I’m so grateful you are recovered and Ron did not get ill. I am high risk and have been staying home. My dear hubs goes out to work, go to the store if necessary and we have a disinfecting station outside for his clothes, mail, packages. What a crazy time! The organizational government in France sounds practical and prepared! please take care of yourselves! 💕

[Libby]

Oh Lynn how very very awful.I just cannot imagine. Our daughter and husband have had it, in England, but thankfully all symptoms were not too bad and they are in recovery. We all took it so lightly when it first appeared. Not now. And yes indeed, the healthy system in this country is just not good.

[Carol Crawford Hjort]

Hi Lynn!
I am so sorry to hear that you had COVID 19! Thankfully, Ron did not catch it from you! We traveled to the U.K. on March 4th for three weeks, and when we arrived, there were only 35 people in the U.K. infected with the coronavirus. When we left three weeks later, the number had increased to more than 8000. The last figure I heard was more than 25,000, so I don’t know what that number is up to now.

We started our trip at the Crufts Dog Show, which is probably the largest dog shows in the world in Birmingham, England. We then spent a week in Edinburgh, Scotland sightseeing, and the remainder of our trip was spent based out of an apartment in Kensington in London. Once we arrived in London, we started noticing that the only topic of discussion on the BBC was COVID 19. By Tuesday, we had received an email that our flight home to Charlotte had been cancelled.

To make a long story short, we went through five flight cancellations before we were finally able to check-in on line for a flight to Miami, where we caught a connecting flight to Charlotte! We ended up departing two days ahead of schedule to secure a flight home, but we were among the fortunate ones to get out! The day we left, American Airlines had reduced their number of flights from around 25 flights a day out of Heathrow to the U.S. to 2 flights a day! One of our tour guides in Scotland emailed me that he had a client from the U.S. who is still stranded in Manchester, with no way home.

We miraculously arrived in the U.S. coronavirus-free! We were still asked to shelter in place for 14 days, which we are currently doing. We feel fortunate to remain free of the virus, considering we traveled by plane, train, taxi and the Underground (subway) on numerous occasions throughout our journey! I read your story and thought, “There, but by the Grace of God, go I.” Thank you for sharing your story. I would like to reiterate to anyone reading this...please be vigilant and follow the safety protocols set forth by your country! This pandemic is a very real global event, so do not take it lightly and think that it will not happen to you! As Lynn has shown us, it can happen to anyone. I am so thankful that you survived this terrible disease, Lynn! There are many who have not been as fortunate.

Carol (Crawford) Hjort
Clemmons, NC USA