I’m pretty sure I have COVID-19. I’ve had symptoms for a week, and got more sick about 3 days ago. I cannot get a test in NYC, so there’s no way to know for sure, but this presents as described by international medical professionals.

I haven’t left my apartment for days. Realized I need to quarantine my dog as well (she won’t get it, but could carry virus on her fur). This is why I spent two solid weeks in Feb preparing — so I can lock myself away and protect my neighbors. Especially my super & his wife.

I wish I could know for sure if this is COVID. But the U.S. Government won’t let me. I might never know. Sadly some people don’t believe me without a test. I keep asking myself, what else could this be? It’s nothing like a cold or typical flu. It’s quite different.

So, I keep checking my vitals and logging my data like a good 21st nerd. (It’s not just steps anymore! Now you can log oxygen saturation and respiratory rates!) I’m taking notes like someone, some doctor or researcher, will eventually care.

I’m deeply grateful for the people around the world who’ve worked so hard to share science/research-based information. Because of them, I was able to prepare. I have everything I need to stay locked at home, especially food. Yes, including toilet paper. This is a *good* thing.

More than anything, I want a test because if I do have it, and recover just fine — I would like to know! Then I’ll be immune. I could then safely go out and help others. I could work a bunch of shifts at my coop to help keep it open. Or volunteer at someplace new.

I got this early. That’ll be an asset. If I only had a way to know. If science only had invented some magical way to tell.... oh they do in other countries?? In places with modern healthcare systems? They have things called “tests”? Wow, I wish America was that advanced.

For those of you curious about monitoring oxygen saturation levels, I learned what I know from Dr. John Campbell, a nurse educator in the U.K. He explains all the biology & stuff.

See, my lungs hurt, but they are still doing a good job. Yay, lungs.

Why did I buy one of these things? Because I know how shitty our health care system is and how hard it is to get help. I wanted some science, so I know if things are good or bad, and can advocate for myself.