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This is bit personal, but I like to share info. I had a COVID-19 test done at Bettermed today. Why? I've felt terrible for two weeks: low-grade fever (99-99.9 and up consistently), exhausted, trouble breathing & loss of smell. (My normal temp is 97.7 consistently, whole life.)
I don't *think* I have it bc I have been so safe. Still, I did grocery shop when everyone was panic shopping. And hey, I've rented a couple of Redbox movies. Mostly, I want to know why I feel so badly. One day I'm kinda OK, then I'm terrible again.
The other night I wanted to say something about the movie we were watching -- and I just couldn't talk bc I couldn't breathe. Scary. Also: I have asthma. I've had to increase my intake to supplemental albuterol 2x a day, in addition to upped dosage of 2x daily steroid inhaler.
When you read that, it sounds sorta like everything we hear on the news and FROM THE CDC about COVID19. Yes? So let me tell you about the doc experience I had.
Doc office I usually go to won't let me in bc they aren't seeing patients w/ respiratory issues or issues "from the waist up." I was directed to a drive-thru place for a flu and strep test. Instead I used this free COVID-19 virtual conference.
I was asked if I had been directly exposed to someone w/COVID19. We need to move past that focus. Doc told me: "I don't think you need to worry bc Virginia isn't seeing the type of community spread as NY."
To which I said "Sir, aren't we also doing minimal testing? So how do we know?" P.S. A day later they announce we have community spread in Va. I was also told I just didn't sound like someone w/ as bad a breathing issue as ppl with it.
Which is confusing messaging given that we are told by health officials that people present differently. Also, my lungs HURT. Walking outside as been painful. I can't take jogs anymore. Something is wrong. But it might just be bronchitis or something bacterial?
My hope is getting tested will give docs baseline idea so I can get whatever treatment I need. That's been the most frustrating part of this, how upended the health care process is from what I know. Usually, go to doc, they listen to your lungs, maybe Xray, then treat.
Other mixed messages: My wife seems fine. This is why I'm inclined to think I don't have it. But 53 people at Canterbury Clinic are asymptomatic (at least for now). That's ANOTHER reason we need to stop focusing on "Have you been exposed to someone w/ it?" https://www.wtvr.com/news/coronavirus/canterbury-rehabilitation-henrico-nurrsing-home-covid19-death-toll
I know this was done to prioritize testing, but at the same time, if someone HAS been exposed to someone w/it, why not assume they have it? Save the test for ppl showing symptoms who haven't been directly exposed to their knowledge. That's how you detect community spread, right?
I can't think of any other time that a health care official would downplay a 99+ fever ongoing for 10 days w/ report of breathing issues.
Anyways, I found Bettermed curbside testing through local news. Short Pump and Regency locations are doing this. I signed up on 4/1 and got a 4/4 appt. The process went smooth. They review symptoms over the phone, then you drive to a tent to get stats taken and a test swab.
They are in full PPE and take your temp by ear (weird), heart rate and listen to your lungs. I don't know how they operate those things in inclement wx bc it's not fully covered. Let's pray for sunny days the next few months.
Have you heard about the test? OK, it's not fun. I agree w/ Pres. Trump: "There's nothing pleasant about it." It's a slender pipe cleaner going so far into your sinus cavities that you wonder if there is a chance they hit your brain. LIke this:
Then when they've done one nostril, THEY DO THE OTHER. The guy was very consoling, and I appreciate that, Mr. Guy. And thanks for listening to my concerns. The website says 24-48 for results but they told me 3-5 days bc of backlog. Here is the link: https://www.bettermedcare.com/covid-curbside-locations
My friend is a ER nurse. She says we have widespread community transmission. I know how hard she is working. I believe her. The numbers show it. We are up 395 cases since yesterday. Testing is working. We need more tests. They are turning ppl away w/o being tested.
Don't really have a clear ending here. Just want ppl to please take COVID19 srsly -- including retailers, food service, mailpersons, everyone entering the public space must be aware how their actions could affect the next person. Feel free to share tips/experiences in response.
