What even is acceptable risk anymore?

June 24, 2020

This will probably make no sense to those in other countries, where folks are taking coronavirus seriously and are staying isolated in order to reduce cases. Here, many people are trying to resume their “normal” lives as much as possible even though we never go through the first wave, and now we’re seeing cases rising again.

So now as one meme put it, I feel like I’m being gaslit all the time. On the one hand, I see people going to the grocery store, going to the beach, and doing all kinds of things, and it makes me feel like I should be able to take on a little more risk. But then I remember just how nasty COVID-19 is. Even if the risk is small, getting this thing could be disastrous, and it’s just not worth taking a chance.

Prime example: dogs. Recently I pet a couple of neighbors’ dogs and it made me super happy. Each time I was near my apartment, the owner stayed at least 6′ away, and I washed my hands carefully immediately afterwards. I think that was ok. I feel pretty sure, anyway. But now someone wants me to watch their dog for a few days and I’m so torn. My friends mostly say it’s fine. My doctor says it’s fine. But I’m worried. Because even if the odds of me getting sick are slim, is it worth taking that tiny chance? I just don’t know!

And that last sentence is the key: I don’t know. Because no one knows. We don’t know how risky anything really is. There’s so much unknown about this virus. While it has turned our lives upside down, it’s still new, and we know very little about it.

I hate playing these guessing games. The safe thing is to say no, and I could do that easily. The problem is, I haven’t gotten within 6′ (or really, 10′) of anyone in more than 3 months. I haven’t hugged my parents. I haven’t gone on a date. I haven’t seen friends. Nothing. Having a dog visit would be wonderful company. It would be good for my mental health, but only if I can relax. If having that little cutie here would stress me out, then it’s not worth it.

So while I continue to debate, I would love to hear your thoughts. What do you all think I should do? Watch the dog? Turn them down? Take the dog but provide my own dog toys? (I would still have to touch the food and treat containers, the leash, etc. And I can’t wash the dog – he’s too big for me to bathe him.) What would you do?

4 Comments | Decisions, Frustration, Isolation, Limitations, Rants, Unpredictable | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants

Worried about getting medical care

June 19, 2020

I have been very fortunate: so far, I have been able to stay isolated. I leave my apartment for occasional walks, wearing a mask and keeping my distance from people. The only indoor space I have entered is the main building of my apartment complex where I have gone a few times to pick up packages; even then, I have been able to keep my distance from people. I have even been able to have short visits with my parents. We stay outdoors, at least 10 feet apart, wearing masks. It’s not ideal, but I’m very grateful for those visits. I have been very lucky, but how long can that last?

2020-06-02 17.42.29

From the start I knew I would likely break isolation for medical treatment. I didn’t know when or why, but I figured that would be the reason and it looks like I might be right. Frankly, it’s a bit shocking that I have been able to go for 3 months without in-person medical treatment. I am feeling the effects, of course. My muscles are spasming, I haven’t gotten my period in more than 4 months, my knees are so inflamed that my knee braces no longer fit (those marks on my knee are definitely not ok!), and I am pretty sure that I have increased inflammation throughout my body. It’s not good.

On top of that, I am due for a lot of followup blood tests, one doctor wants me to get xrays, and I can not get the new orthodics that I have needed for months and which insurance will finally cover as of last week. Some of the blood tests I should get are routine. Some are following up on issues which are probably fine. But one is to follow up on something potentially serious. I should have gotten the tests done last month, but we have been waiting.

My doctors are weighing risks versus rewards, and they are not in agreement. One thinks I should get blood tests while another thinks that I should wait. One thought I should wait for physical therapy but now has changed their mind. Of course, each doctor has different considerations. My need for physical therapy wasn’t as big last month as it is now. Some blood tests are more necessary than others. Some doctors are more conservative than others. Some are more aware of my risk factors than others.

I am not as high-risk for Covid-19 complications and some folks. Still, I am more at risk than many, and I do not want to put myself at risk if I can avoid it. Then again, my symptoms will only continue to get worse and it is not as if it is a matter of waiting just one more month. It could be a year or more before I can safely see any of my medical practitioners, so waiting might not be the best approach.

Logically, I know that now might be a good time to get treatment. After all, the numbers are expected to go up soon. Still, it doesn’t feel safe. We don’t know much more about this illness than we did in March. We don’t have any additional safety measures, either, except for wearing masks.

So I am scared, unsure, and worried that I will make the wrong decision. There is no “right” decision, though. I don’t have a crystal ball. Sooner or later I will need to get medical care and I will either become ill or I won’t but until then, the best I can do is make a guess.

I am beyond frustrated that people in my area, and especially politicians, are not taking this situation more seriously. I am watching them engage in risky behavior that could contribute to the spread of this virus for the sake of a meal at a restaurant or a haircut, while people like me are delaying important medical care. And even as I type this, I am in so much pain that could be alleviated with physical therapy. It is so unfair.

Like I said, I know that I am lucky. Many people have not had the option of delaying medical care. Some of them have been able to get care without incident, while others were not as fortunate. I look forward to the day when we can all access care without fear (or at least with much less fear) of contracting this virus.

What has your experience been like accessing medical care during this time? And where are you located? I know that the situation is very different in different countries (and even in different regions within my own country.) Please comment and share, because I’m curious to know what others are doing. Best of luck to you all!

2 Comments | Decisions, Expectations, Frustration, Healthcare, Isolation, Limitations, Pain, Rants, Symptoms | Permalink
Posted by chronicrants