Today marks 6 weeks since I came down with #COVID19, so here's an update (thread).

The good news is that I'm no longer actively sick or contagious (according to the pulmonologist I saw a couple days ago).

1/

The bad news is that I have post-viral damage: partially collapsed lungs (bibasilar atelectasis) and reactive airway disease.

The good news is that both sound scarier than they are and are both reversible, hopefully without too much scarring.

2/

The bad news is that it'll take weeks or even months to get back to normal. Normal for me, a healthy 37-yo, was breezing through a 2-hour spin class. Now, I get winded going up the stairs in my house.

The good news is that every day feels better than the last.

3/

The bad news is I have Obamacare, which I love. It provides excellent coverage & allows me to have the freedom to take years off of being an employee to work on projects I'm passionate about, like my book. I'm worried I'll no longer be able to do that if the ACA is killed.

4/

The good news is that I have an amazing family and network of friends who have carried me through this. I have received so much love and support, including from people on here. I am so lucky and so grateful.

5/

The bad news is people are still not taking #COVID19 seriously—nor is our govt. I am sharing my story so you can see how quickly a mild case in a young, healthy person can get to a point where you're fearing for your life—and the damage it leaves behind. This is not a drill./end