It has been an interesting few days. I woke up at some point
Saturday night feeling rather damp. My t-shirt was wet as were my sheets. I had
a fever. I didn't know why but clearly my body was overheated. I went back to
sleep only mildly curious as to what was happening. Sunday morning I got up and
felt fine but within 10 minutes I felt clammy all over. I got concerned. We
have all, for the last two months been inundated with warnings about COVID-19
and the need to be ever vigilant so I did the "right thing". I went
online, answered a few standard questions and then was directed to call a 1-800
number. I answered a few more questions and fairly quickly was given an
appointment time to be tested first thing Monday morning. Given my age, my
minor heart and lung issues - I was not surprised.
The testing area was in a large drive-through tent at the
back of the hospital. I, in my anxiety, got there early and had to wait a few
minutes as the staff got organized. It was quite a production as the nurse had
to put on a plastic gown with sleeves that ended up in a loop that her thumbs
went through to ensure that the sleeves stayed in place. She then put on regular
surgical gloves. Then, on one hand, another glove was put on. This glove looked
like the ones that veterinarians use to examine animals. It went all the way up
to her shoulder. She then put on her
mask. Poor lady - it was going to be so hot in that outfit.
I stayed in my car, answered a few questions, had a stick
shoved up my nose and was told that with 24-48 hours I would get a call
explaining the results. I was gone from my house for less than thirty minutes.
Two remarkable things about this experience. One is that
everyone I spoke to from the person who took my name and identifying data to
the nurse who did the swab - were quite wonderful. I generally am not inclined
to praise people for just doing their job. I can appreciate that there are many
health care providers who are working in potentially dangerous jobs, but the
folks on the phone or even the nurses at the testing station were working in
low-risk situations - they do not get extra praise for doing what they get paid
for - BUT they do get my thanks (and praise) for doing what they did with grace
and most importantly with humour. They did their job well, efficiently,
politely and professionally. Well done indeed.
The second thing that was remarkable about this experience
was that it was my birthday. What a present! A stick up the nose!
24 hours later I was feeling anxious, waiting for that phone
call. I have all kinds of symptoms, most of them, I suspect are imaginary. Due
to my lung condition - I cough more than most people. Am I coughing more than
normal - who knows? My breathing is always a bit laboured - I get out of breath
easier than some. But is it harder to breathe than it was a week ago? Again,
who knows - I certainly don't.
I know I have been careful. I have gone out no more than I
thought I needed to. I have worn gloves in public and have done my best to stay
six feet away from everyone. I know no one who has traveled out of the country.
In fact, I have not spoken to anyone who has travelled more than20 kilometres
from where I live. I do not know anyone who knows anyone who has been tested
positive for the virus. I think the nurse said that they have not had a
positive test in almost a month. So I should not be worried.... but I am.
The waiting is difficult. I don't want to be too far away
from the phone in case I miss the call.
I finally got the message around 4:00. It was a bloody long day but at least I know that I do not have the virus. Perhaps it was a pretty damn fine birthday after all.
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