Interview with a COVID Patient

Curiosity... fear... worry... sympathy... concern... All valid reasons to reach out to us these last few days since Kevin is one of millions to be sick with COVID-19. As his wife and his biggest supporter, I am struggling with wanting to do more for him physically; to comfort him while he is unwell. Thanks to the rapid spread of this virus that occurs primarily through close contact; I am typing this message from the other side of a few 2x4's, insulation, two sheets of drywall and at least 6 coats of paint (if you count primer on both sides). The sadness and loneliness is real, please don't misunderstand or misconstrue my intention; I am not putting down the suffering of others or belittling the situation, I just wanted to share Kevin's experience from his own point of view.

Q1: How did the symptoms present themselves?

Kevin: I had been in contact with someone who had tested positive for COVID-19 and two days after that person had showed signs of being sick, I felt a scratch in my throat and a bit of a headache. I thought about the likelihood that it was the virus but I also thought, 'it's just a scratchy throat'. To be safe, I chose to go home and go straight to the master bedroom where I would quarantine and see what happens.

Q2: How long before you felt anything more?

Kevin: The next morning I had a low grade fever and I felt the body aches that normally come with the flu. I also had a bit of a cough to accompany the sore throat.

Q3: Did you get tested for COVID?

Kevin: No. A close personal friend of ours is an ER Nurse and she agreed that going to get a test after being in close contact with a positive person AND presenting with the common symptoms would not be nearly as beneficial as sticking to the quarantine, monitoring my symptoms and getting tested afterward for a hopeful negative result and/or proof of antibodies.

Q4: You are now, going on Day 3, how would you describe it?

Kevin: I have been very lucky, I've had flu's worse than this. The fever broke today and I have been 16 hours now with no temperature. My throat is better but my body still aches and I am very restless.

Q5: What have you done to occupy your time?

Kevin: I downloaded Netflix to my laptop and I started watching Supernatural from the beginning. I asked my wife for a bell so I could ring it when I needed her but she has yet to deliver one to my doorstep.

Q6: If there is a positive to being sick and stuck in a master bedroom for days on end, what is it?

Kevin: My wife finally takes the dog out all three times a day, the dog she has always wanted and promised to clean up after. It took a global pandemic to make that wish come true.

Q7: Have you had any loss of taste or smell?

Kevin: No. And I still have my appetite, my first meal request was McDonalds - Double Quarter Pounder with Cheese Meal and an extra McDouble Sandwich on the side.

Q8: Have you taken any medication for any of your symptoms?

Kevin: Tylenol when I really need it. The day with the fever, I had taken it twice. I do not like taking medication. I prefer to stick to the original Virus Killers - Mr. Jack Daniels and Turkey of the Wild variety.

Q9: What do you miss most at this moment right now?

Kevin: Sleeping beside my wife. My amazing, incredible, loving, beautiful, strong, intelligent, talented life partner. (that statement was to make up for the dog comment)

Q10: And lastly, the question that we are all dying to have answered; When, if ever, are you going to cut your hair?

Kevin: I had an appointment for a 'trim' set for Saturday January 16th but I got COVID so I guess that's a sign; I'm not supposed to cut it.

So family and friends, there you have it. Kevin is doing well. He is not a fan of being sick and this the longest amount of time he has EVER spent in one place. Luckily, Supernatural is 15 Seasons long.

As for me, I started having a scratchy throat this evening... I will be monitoring my symptoms as I have been for the last 5 days. My stress level is high, especially at night, when my imagination and anxiety blend together. Last time I took my temperature was 15minutes ago and I was 98.4 - I will keep you all posted on mine and Kevin's health status in the days to come ❤