ME vs. the Corona Virus

[shadowkat]

1. Had a long conversation with Aunt K tonight. My cousin, D, the nuclear physcist who now works for a rocket company in Washington - got it from a co-worker who traveled internationally. Coming from the military, he had prepared for it. Got himself in top shape. And he got really sick, but on the eighth day it turned around. The symptoms according to Aunt K, are shortness of breath, headache, runny nose, pretty much like a head cold - except for the severe shortness of breath and the sensation of your chest being in a vise. It attacks the cells in the lungs, and can cause permanent damage to the lungs. If you swallow it - digest the virus, it will attack the gastrointestinal system and cause nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Then eventually travel to the lungs. The eighth day is the turning point - if you get better after day eight, you will be okay, if you get worse - then you need to go to the hospital.

The test is to see if you can hold your breath for fifty seconds, if you can't hold it for ten seconds - you need oxygen and that's when you need to go to the hospital.
Aunt K was a school nurse, worked in intensive care, and in nursing homes. She also
worked with the HNNI virus that came out about ten years ago. She thoroughly researches everything and is analytical.

I just did the test sitting here - I can hold my breath for sixty seconds.

Apparently the virus, according to Aunt K, loves a high blood sugar environment. She told me to go off all carbs and sugars and get my sugar levels lower. (I have a 6.6 blood sugar level at last count. Anything above 6.4 is Type 2 Diabetes.)

Aunt K is a sweetheart - she lives in Florida and had over-stocked. Also, apparently in Florida they have a set shopping time for seniors between 8 am - 9 am every morning. So she can get me supplies and send them to me, if I can get her a list by Sunday.

Like I said, it's not that I don't have a close family - it's just that we're spread across the US.

She wanted to know if there was any way we could evacuate me from NYC. There's not, I'm stuck here. My brother is way up in Kinderhook and there's no way I can get to him now, not safely at any rate. And my niece is recovering from Mono, so I could get exposed to that. Or I could be a carrier and not know it.

It's not all that bad. I was able to do laundry without any problem. In my old apartment - the brownstone, I wouldn't have been able to do it without braving the laundramats.

Also, it's quiet now that they stopped all construction. Granted we have one elevator, but I only use it to do laundry and take down the recyclables.

My goal is to reach out to as many people as possible and keep them in my circle. That way if I disappear people will notice. So, if I stop posting regularly and drop off the map? Notice.

I gave my mother my super's phone number - so she can call them if I stop calling her or answering. I'm also touching base with my brother, niece and sisterinlaw weekly. Along with working closely with folks at work - who I gave my cell out to.

The only way through this is together. Even if we're all sitting alone in our homes.

2. Work is crazy. Everyone from our department is pretty much working remotely at the moment, except maybe one or two people. I should have taken my hand sanitizer and two canisters of wipes home with me. But I figured it made more sense to keep them there - in case I have to return for some reason.

My boss told me that he was struggling to get situated too - and didn't have a printer or scanner either. Although we did finally get access to the purchasing system and payroll.

And we're doing a good job of sharing documents with each other. Lots of emails, texts, and phone calls going back and forth. I've been on the phone and computer more these last few days...

3. Did get laundry done. For the most part. May have to do it again Saturday, not sure yet. Also for the most part - most of the grocery shopping. I do have to make another canned food non-perishable items run tomorrow. Trying to get items that fit in with my restricted diet.

I think I may end up becoming a vegetarian, because of this - assuming of course I survive it.

Saw people out during my run to the pharmacy and food stores. Decided to go to all the food stores that weren't Food Town and see what I could find. There's about fifteen food stores in the area, but alas, they are not created equal. Got some veggies though. And some fruit. There were people walking dogs, some face masks, most not - because we have a shortage. I got sanitary napkins. And my blood pressure meds refilled - now have the right dosage and a 90 day supply.

I need to be on medication for the diabetes, but that may not happen any time soon. So will have to attack with diet as much as possible. It is lower than many co-workers.

Got a lot of green vegetables. Broccoli, green beans, squash, celery, onions, daikon raddish...I should be alright for a few weeks, I think? Going to give Aunt K a list by text or Facebook Messenger by Sunday.

I'm thinking I should have stayed in Kansas - they only have 20 some cases as opposed to NY's 5,000 and counting.

4. Aunt K says there's a lot of kids on Spring Break down in Clear Water, Florida, where she is. And they are partying up a storm and ignoring the virus. Thinking they are immortal. They aren't. Lots of kids have been hospitalized. Her son got really ill with it and he's in great shape - at 38, but he did recover, because in great shape.

Take it seriously, stay home.

My niece said that her friend from Barcelona who'd gone back over Spring Break, told her that everyone was overreacting - and now Spain has a major problem. My sister-in-law who is in connection with people in Italy - told folks on InstaGram to take it seriously.

5. I haven't been watching much television - working a lot more because at home and hours are weirdly fluid. Also trying to take care of stuff while I still can.

They cancelled all the electrical work in the building. So I may or may not get the two additional outlets in my kitchen. They also appear to have stopped work on the new elevator for the time being. And the play area in the basement for the kids is gone now. I see less people in the building, although didn't see that many to begin with.

I've joined two nieghborhood social media sites. One that's "Your Neighborhood" and one on Facebook. Both are set up to help neighbors in need. Neighbors who needs supplies, etc.

Also, reached out to my church for Caring Check Ins.

6. How is everyone else doing? Would love to hear your stories.

Comments

[rose_griffes]

I have a text message group and a Marco Polo group with some women from church, which is helpful. And we've been checking on each other--virtually, of course.

It's interesting just how much high sugar intake can impact the body in negative ways. Multiple reports out there of how cancer thrives more when people eat more sugar. (I'm currently doing minimal sugar intake, but that's more of a "challenge myself" thing because I know I usually eat too much of it.)

[cactuswatcher]

No real stories today, but I'm afraid a lot of people don't understand "social distancing." It's not just avoiding groups larger than 10. I have neighbors that want to come up and talk when I'm outside. That's okay, but folks, don't make me say, "Keep your distance!" There are many old folks in my neighborhood including me. I don't know all their underlying conditions. We all look healthy. But there's plenty of space here. Let's stay a couple yards apart then talk.

[atpo_onm]

The good-ish news is that Lancaster county has only two confirmed cases of the virus, so at least at the moment we're one of the safest places in the state to be.

On the bad news side, cases are still going up at a fair rate in the state overall, and the governor just today declared that all "non-life-supporting" businesses must close. A list of what that covers was issued, and is already causing some confusion, so we'll have to see how that settles in the next few days.

Sadly, what many have feared is coming true-- the economic impact is going to be tremendous even if things get turned around in dealing with the virus itself.

She told me to go off all carbs and sugars and get my sugar levels lower. (I have a 6.6 blood sugar level at last count. Anything above 6.4 is Type 2 Diabetes.)

Yeah, getting the carb count down is the tricky part. My weakness is for baked goods and ice cream, especially the latter, which I deal with by reminding myself it doesn't help with my lactose intolerance either-- double whammy. I do fail sometimes, but one thing that will really help is getting past the winter, where the desire for comfort food really gets intrusive sometimes.

On the good side with the numbers you mentioned, you really aren't too bad off-- anything below 7.0 for an actual (longer-term) diabetic is considered well-controlled. My last reading four months ago was 6.9, and I'm hoping to push that down a bit by the next one.

One thing I can strongly recommend is to get whatever regular exercise you can. I only check my glucose levels every few weeks now, just to be sure I'm keeping it from trending up, but on more than one occasion where it was higher than it should be at lunchtime, after my afternoon walk it was back down nicely again.

Don't go overboard-- I'm pretty sure heavy exercise and high blood pressure do not mix, but just walking even a single mile every day at a moderate pace is a big help. (Check with your doctor, of course-- I'm speaking in general terms here).

Annnnnd.... here's a link to an AP story that appeared in the local paper today that I though made some interesting analysis:

https://apnews.com/1f800f38611f3fe95a309d607a24023a

[wpadmirer]

I'm staying in touch with friends and by brother and sister. My sister's birthday is today, poor thing! But I sent her an Amazon gift card, figuring it will be fun for her to look for something on Amazon that is just for fun.

Pat is out cycling. He and his cycling partner practice social distancing in that they don't hug or touch, but they ride together. It gets them both out in the sun and doing something active, which they really enjoy.

We are both doing fine and staying healthy for the time being. Hopefully we will not get the virus. We're doing what we can to NOT get it.

We're watching Jim Gaffigan comedy specials. Netflix has four or five of them available, so we've been working our way through them. Laughter is good right now!

[kerk_hiraeth]

Having lived below the official poverty line for a few years now I seem to have; without realising it, gotten so used to getting by on not enough that losing what are a couple of luxuries is actually helping my mental health.

Weather's got to the point where i think I'll be going out for a few walks; thinking of volunteering to help out vulnerable LGBT peeps in the area where I can.

Trying to sort out arrangements for meeting with my supportr worker next week and treated myself to a packet of chocolate biscuits for this evening as I have more cash than I would usually have at this time of the month.

Heard from our First Minister today that, though Scotland has 56 more cases than yesterday; there have been no more deaths. Dammit, but I wish she were in charge all over the UK, rather than just Scotland!

Listening to radio dramas I've downloaded in the past (Falco being my favourite, though I did listen to Night Watch (Discworld) all the way through the other day; as well as a lot of Degrassi; might do a rewatch of a Trek season soon; DS9 S1 being favourite there; though ENT S4 is a popular one with me as well, because of the plethora of multi-episode stories.

Of course I think we're really waiting for the worst to hit here, so best not to make too many preciptious plans; though I'm trying to keep an eye on going over to Northern Ireland where the Prides tend to run from early August to early September. Everything in Scotland on that front has been cancelled until June, though at last check Edinburgh seem to be adopting the mythical Ostrich tactics.

My best and most positive thoughts are with all of you over there in the US in the meantime. Hope everyone makes it through ok.

kerk

[mefisto]

We're now on statewide "shelter in place" here in CA. I suspect it's only a matter of a few days before that comes to NYC. Of course, your job will probably be deemed essential, so it won't impact you as much.

ETA: It was happening even as I typed the above.

[shadowkat]

Actually, my job was deemed unessential as of Monday, so I'm working remotely from home - thank god.

But, yes, NY just got locked down as of today. A company letter went out to essential employees - if you are required to keep the Railroad running and maintained in any way - then present your letter along with your ID - and you can get through to work. (I'm not one - my work can be done remotely along with everyone in the procurement department, even my managers are working remotely from home now - we're all emailing and calling and texting each other.)

We're in a shelter-in-place order now. We just hit 7,069 cases, which doesn't include all the ones they don't know about. These are the hospitalizations and one's tested.

I've finished my grocery runs as of today. Everything will be ordered and delivered from hereon out. I kind of wish I had a bike - except I'd probably just kill myself on the bike.

[shadowkat]

I've noticed that as well. I went for a food run and people weren't social distancing at all. I kept having to navigate around them. Also, on the way home, they had lined up to get into the bank (not mine). (Damn, I should have taken money out when I had the chance. This may become a problem in regards to laundry in the future.)

[shadowkat]

Can't really do much exercise at the moment. I'm hoping I'll be able to walk to the park but not certain that will be doable. Depends on how extensive the travel ban is. Also there's a lot of people still wandering about and they may all flock to the park.

Will try to do yoga.

I'm off carbs, outside of oatmeal. And off all sweets - just dark or semi-sweet chocolate.

I'm eating less - because of the anxiety mainly.

I'm relieved you are doing okay. The number of cases reported is deceptive. My cousin was never tested and not counted. And he had it. It's impossible to test everyone, unfortunately.

Will be sure to check out the link.

[shadowkat]

From what I understand, cycling is one of the few means of transportation and exercise that works very well with social distancing.

Sorry for your sister, mine was last week - just before everything went nuts. So I was at least able to get a massage and relax a bit watching the ducks, also see a movie and go out for chocolate.

[shadowkat]

Thank you. Relieved that things aren't that bad up your way. Although the number of cases reported is deceptive.

Stay safe and well.

[mefisto]

Our situation is a bit better thanks to more open space (and fewer cases). I actually went to the grocery store today (with mask), and I can take walks. I'm glad to hear that at least you can continue to work remotely -- too many are losing their jobs.

[shadowkat]

My agency announced that they aren't laying anyone off. It's a major state transportation agency, with the Gov of NY as the boss. So no, I'm fine job wise.

I kind of wish I lived closer to where my brother is - he can take hikes in the wilderness with no one around. Also has 11 acres.

But alas, I live in a city. That said, I'm near Prospect Park (which is a huge park with areas that you can kind of get far from folks). And in a more residential area.

I am however trying to self-isolate as much as possible right now. I do not want to get this thing. I am immune compromised.

[mefisto]

I live in a single family house with a small backyard and walkable neighborhood, so I feel pretty lucky. For now.

[kerk_hiraeth]

I think realistically we're where say Italy was a two or three weeks ago in terms of numbers. The diagnosed cases are rising faster all the time, but not at the rate they did in Italy; one day without a death in no way means they are about to decline. Because of the powers Westminster holds still there are limits on what Nicola Sturgeon can do up here and I think she's being somewhat diplomatic in her language in regards as to the way Boris Johnson is mishandling this. There's a sense I think that we're waiting to see how bad it hits when it hits. But she and the Scottish Government are doing more to prepare for it with the powers they have than down in England. I've been lucky so far, and the panic buying doesn;t seem to have been as bad as reported in other areas. My kid sister (50 very few days - and a lifetime ago - has not had it so lucky). She and her hubby are both extremely vulnerable; as is her youngest daughter (20 weeks pregnant), with her other daughter having a child whose a little over fifteen months old and having to worry about childcare at a time when she and her own husband are having to work. I haven't heard anthing from my middle sister; though my older sister who is over seventy seems to be doing fine right now I worry because she's on a lot of drugs for her own health problems. Maybe I'm in a period of grace but, as I said to elisi a few hours ago, volunteering to help out vulnerable lgbt peeps around her or the elderly who cannot walk their dogs or don;t have anyone to pick up supplies will give some focus. It's all rather scary, but I can;t help thinking of moscow_watcher being interviewed and quoting a line from an Angel episode and feeling like if all goes to pieces at least I will, to borrow a quote from Buffy, been a fireman in a small way. It's not much, but at least I'll know I tried to help. And that makes me think of Mr. Rogers and leads me to hope I can be someone he'd be proud of. I shall now return to watching some Queer as Folk (the US, and much better version).

[yourlibrarian]

Thanks for the information from you aunt and cousin. I'm glad he's doing better.

[shadowkat]

You're welcome.

I found her information the most useful, if a wee bit on the frightening side. Had nightmares last night, which were just weird.

[shadowkat]

I'm grateful that you are safe and in safe area. Stay safe.
I'm not badly off - the apartment is quiet and removed from people. If I leave it - I rarely see anyone. It's well maintained. And I'm about fifteen minutes from Prospect Park, and Green Wood Cememtary. Also my area of Brooklyn, to my knowledge, hasn't been hit that hard yet. It's mainly Manhattan, Queens, and the areas of Brooklyn on the other side of the Park. The Hassidic Jewish Community was hit hard.

I fear for CJL, who is closer to the area that was badly hit and is an essential employee.

[mefisto]

We need all of us to stay safe. Best wishes to you and cjl if he shows up.