Not Burying the Lede:
1130PM - I just tested negative again on the rapid covid test.. 3x so far. Yay!
I am rather sick, so it must be the "normal" flu or some such. And being sick is an odd sensation for me, not having been in the past decade (besides having covid). My immune system is typically hypervigilant. Or, as I prefer to say… Hypervigilante!!!
With the night nurse I just discussed not having me put back into the general population until I am well. I DO NOT want to combine this flu-like illness with covid. So I am hoping they will keep me in here for at least 10 days (which is also ten days from my last known direct exposure), while she suggested 14 days, just to be safe.
Note: since I have no "medicine" history to speak of, I cannot be given Tylenol without approval from the doctor.. so I'll have to wait until tomorrow (I should have requested pain relief at a reasonable hour.. UGH).
The following was from earlier in the day -
New Terrain
Last night I decided to email the nursing staff, suggesting that I be separated from my roommate for a few days, to see if I indeed tested positive for covid. The morning and evening nurse had already advocated on my behalf, suggesting that we be kept apart in lieu of a positive covid result for me.
As it turns out, I am sick now anyway, so it probably wouldn't have mattered. I have a sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and minor chest congestion. Then again, I've returned two negative covid tests. So perhaps, coincidentally, I have some other kind of cold/virus.
After their staff morning meeting, it was decided that several of us would be moving to the other end of the building.. each of us being negative for covid thus far.
Meanwhile, my roommate was left behind. His breathing difficulties seem to be worsening, based upon his oxygen numbers.
So, I am looking forward to my next covid swab. But I'm not sure when that will take place. And I'm guessing that I'm positive now.. maybe?
This room is large, nicely decorated, and clean.. and more importantly, quiet. I don't hear much of anything. I am also right up against the window. So I see the parking lot. An open field. A car wash in the distance. And then some medical buildings and a parking garage off to my east-northeast. And also if I angle my head slightly, I can see the mountains to the far north and east.
For me, all the window views are special and perfect. Plus, I have the window open. It's been in the low 70s today. Tonight's going to be down into the 50s. Then we have a chance of rain off and on for the next 7 days. Which is a rarity. And it's going to be cold.
Son Told
My son called me by video today, and I finally confided that my former wife dumped me. He was concerned, but I explained that my life is much better here, right now, far better than it had been recently. He didn't seem to believe me, but I found ways to convince him. I hope…
He just finished up his semester in school, and seems to be up to his usual things. Working out. And working his garden center job overnight.
What I continually find fascinating is it doesn't seem that there's anything I can teach him anymore. He knows everything that I know. And perhaps more. I almost don't know what to say to him conversationally, as most of these years past have been all about teaching.
So mostly, we share about our daily happenings.
X-mas
Today I received my first Christmas gift since 2014! Hooray? Well, yes. Angela stopped by my room and dropped off my gift. A baseball cap. Which is good. And a Christmas stocking with my name on it. She drew a picture of The Grinch on there as well.. giving him facial hair like me. On purpose!
It was a nice gesture on behalf of the staff. If I am understanding correctly, they gave gifts to all 200 residents.. so, busy day!
Oh. I may choose to consider the gifts given to me by you (Wall Art) as Christmas gifts, too! Either way. I am grateful.
I think I'm going to cut it short right there. I'm kind of tired. Feeling okay though. Generally. Overall. I'm gonna nap, and then try to watch the basketball game tonight. Too bad I can't wear my Sun's shirt that @lenora purchased for me (it's in the other room).
Thanks for following along. After not having been sick in nearly a decade (besides last year's covid experience), I'll do my best to report the ups and downs of the common cold.
Well, perhaps I won't.
Take care,
H
1130PM - I just tested negative again on the rapid covid test.. 3x so far. Yay!
I am rather sick, so it must be the "normal" flu or some such. And being sick is an odd sensation for me, not having been in the past decade (besides having covid). My immune system is typically hypervigilant. Or, as I prefer to say… Hypervigilante!!!
With the night nurse I just discussed not having me put back into the general population until I am well. I DO NOT want to combine this flu-like illness with covid. So I am hoping they will keep me in here for at least 10 days (which is also ten days from my last known direct exposure), while she suggested 14 days, just to be safe.
Note: since I have no "medicine" history to speak of, I cannot be given Tylenol without approval from the doctor.. so I'll have to wait until tomorrow (I should have requested pain relief at a reasonable hour.. UGH).
The following was from earlier in the day -
New Terrain
Last night I decided to email the nursing staff, suggesting that I be separated from my roommate for a few days, to see if I indeed tested positive for covid. The morning and evening nurse had already advocated on my behalf, suggesting that we be kept apart in lieu of a positive covid result for me.
As it turns out, I am sick now anyway, so it probably wouldn't have mattered. I have a sore throat, cough, stuffy nose, headache, body aches, and minor chest congestion. Then again, I've returned two negative covid tests. So perhaps, coincidentally, I have some other kind of cold/virus.
After their staff morning meeting, it was decided that several of us would be moving to the other end of the building.. each of us being negative for covid thus far.
Meanwhile, my roommate was left behind. His breathing difficulties seem to be worsening, based upon his oxygen numbers.
So, I am looking forward to my next covid swab. But I'm not sure when that will take place. And I'm guessing that I'm positive now.. maybe?
This room is large, nicely decorated, and clean.. and more importantly, quiet. I don't hear much of anything. I am also right up against the window. So I see the parking lot. An open field. A car wash in the distance. And then some medical buildings and a parking garage off to my east-northeast. And also if I angle my head slightly, I can see the mountains to the far north and east.
For me, all the window views are special and perfect. Plus, I have the window open. It's been in the low 70s today. Tonight's going to be down into the 50s. Then we have a chance of rain off and on for the next 7 days. Which is a rarity. And it's going to be cold.
Son Told
My son called me by video today, and I finally confided that my former wife dumped me. He was concerned, but I explained that my life is much better here, right now, far better than it had been recently. He didn't seem to believe me, but I found ways to convince him. I hope…
He just finished up his semester in school, and seems to be up to his usual things. Working out. And working his garden center job overnight.
What I continually find fascinating is it doesn't seem that there's anything I can teach him anymore. He knows everything that I know. And perhaps more. I almost don't know what to say to him conversationally, as most of these years past have been all about teaching.
So mostly, we share about our daily happenings.
X-mas
Today I received my first Christmas gift since 2014! Hooray? Well, yes. Angela stopped by my room and dropped off my gift. A baseball cap. Which is good. And a Christmas stocking with my name on it. She drew a picture of The Grinch on there as well.. giving him facial hair like me. On purpose!
It was a nice gesture on behalf of the staff. If I am understanding correctly, they gave gifts to all 200 residents.. so, busy day!
Oh. I may choose to consider the gifts given to me by you (Wall Art) as Christmas gifts, too! Either way. I am grateful.
I think I'm going to cut it short right there. I'm kind of tired. Feeling okay though. Generally. Overall. I'm gonna nap, and then try to watch the basketball game tonight. Too bad I can't wear my Sun's shirt that @lenora purchased for me (it's in the other room).
Thanks for following along. After not having been sick in nearly a decade (besides last year's covid experience), I'll do my best to report the ups and downs of the common cold.
Well, perhaps I won't.
Take care,
H