Hello, I'm Andrew, and this blog is a real-time diary of my ongoing battle with the latest strain of COVID-19, which I contracted just five days ago. In these entries, I'll be sharing my day-to-day experiences - from the first signs of symptoms to my current state, and everything in between.
This journey is not just about the physical symptoms of the virus; it's also about the emotional and mental challenges that come with navigating this unexpected turn in my life. By documenting my experience, I hope to provide insight and perhaps some comfort to others who might be going through something similar.
My story is a personal one, and while it reflects my unique journey with COVID-19, I understand that everyone's experience with this virus can vary greatly. I invite you to follow along as I share the realities of coping with this new strain, the ups and downs, the realities of isolation, and the path to recovery.
As we embark on this journey together, I encourage you to share your thoughts, experiences, or questions. Whether it's through solidarity, shared experiences, or simply a listening ear, we can support each other through these challenging times.
Let's start from the beginning - the day the first symptom appeared and how my life took an unexpected turn.
Monday, January 8, 2023: The Onset
The day had been just like any other, but as night fell, I started to feel unusually sluggish. It wasn't something I could easily shake off. I thought maybe it was just the stress of the day or lack of sleep. However, as the evening progressed, a minor headache began to set in. It was subtle at first but gradually became more noticeable. I tried to brush it off as perhaps dehydration or the need for a good night's rest, hoping a good sleep would reset everything.
Tuesday, January 9, 2023: The Escalation
I woke up early, around 5 am, feeling nauseous and with a complete loss of appetite - something unusual for me. Trying to brush off the discomfort, I made myself a cup of tea and settled down to work. Surprisingly, I felt okay for a while and thought maybe I could stick to my normal routine. So, I decided to step out for lunch. But that's when things took a turn. I could barely eat half of my meal and felt the urge to return home immediately. Once back, I collapsed on the lounge and succumbed to an unexpected nap.
By 6 pm, my condition worsened. A major headache set in, the likes of which I'd never experienced before. It was so intense that, for the first time, I found myself reaching for codeine - a medication I've always avoided. The pain was unbearable, and the medicine seemed like the only respite. Despite managing to fall asleep, the night was restless. I kept waking up, plagued by dehydration and an uncomfortably dry mouth. It was becoming clear that this was no ordinary illness.
Wednesday, January 10, 2023: Reaching Out for Help
This morning marked a new low in my battle with the virus. Waking up completely drained of energy, I found myself unable to even lift my body out of bed. Each attempt to rise ended with me falling back onto the mattress, overwhelmed by fatigue. It wasn't until midday that I mustered just enough strength to drag myself to the kitchen. My goal was simple: make a cup of tea and perhaps a small bite to eat. However, once prepared, I realized I couldn't even swallow what I'd made. The tea remained untouched, and the food sat uneaten as I returned to bed, succumbing to another hour of sleep.
There's a saying that you have to eat and drink to recover, but my body simply wasn't cooperating. Knowing I needed nourishment but unable to provide it for myself, I reached out to a friend. I asked if she could make me some chicken soup - a remedy that has never failed me in the past. Graciously, she agreed and brought it over. The chicken soup was a turning point. I managed to eat a little, and after resting for another hour, I could eat a bit more. By 9 pm, something remarkable happened: I started to feel a hint of strength returning to my weary body. It was a small victory, but in the midst of such a challenging time, it felt significant.
Thursday, January 11, 2023: A Glimmer of Hope
Last night was a slight improvement. For the first time since this ordeal began, I didn't wake up as frequently as before. It seems the chicken soup and the care I received started to make a difference. Waking up on Thursday morning, while still far from my normal self, I noticed a subtle shift. The debilitating exhaustion was still there, but there was a faint glimmer of hope – perhaps a sign that my body was beginning to fight back.
I spent most of the day resting, conserving every bit of energy. The chicken soup, kindly prepared by my friend, continued to be my main source of nourishment. I also focused on hydration and boosting my immune system. I brewed plenty of ginger, honey, and lemon tea – a soothing and healing concoction. Alongside this, I took Vitamin C, Zinc, and Vitamin D supplements, all known for their immune-supporting properties.
Rest was my priority. I allowed my body to heal, surrendering to sleep whenever I felt the need. This routine of rest, nourishment, and hydration was my regimen for the day, and I stuck to it religiously, hoping each small step would contribute to my recovery.
By the time Friday morning arrived, there was a noticeable difference in how I felt. The journey was far from over, but for the first time since this began, I felt a sense of progress, however small it might have been.
Friday, January 12, 2023: Turning the Corner
Today marks a significant turn in my recovery journey - I feel about 60% better. There's a new development, though: a wet cough, which feels like my lungs are finally clearing out. It's mostly white mucus, a sign that my body is fighting back and expelling the virus. Thank goodness it's not a dry cough - those are incredibly uncomfortable, and I wouldn't wish it on anyone.
In my quest for recovery, I've started taking Andrographis. As someone who sells it, it only makes sense to trust in its benefits during my own time of need. I've always been an advocate for natural remedies over synthetic products. Sure, they might work slower, but they do so without the side effects that often accompany synthetic medications. It’s about giving your body time to heal naturally.
Today, I'm feeling optimistic. My energy levels are finally up to the point where I can move around more comfortably. I even plan to venture out for some work and maybe enjoy lunch outside. It's a small step towards normalcy, but it feels like a huge leap in my recovery.
Today, I ventured out to the warehouse to pick up some stock, an attempt at normalcy amidst my COVID-19 recovery. Despite the short distance, the drive was a challenge. Fatigue clung to me, and my eyes felt heavy, a stark reminder that I'm still not at my best.
After picking up the stock and delivering it to my customer, who thankfully wasn't far away, I stopped by a café for lunch. It was there I realized my appetite hadn't fully returned, and my taste buds were still recovering. Managing only a few bites, I was hit with a sense of disappointment - recovery, it seems, is still in progress.
The drive back home brought new discomforts: aches in my joints, consistent sneezing, and a runny nose. It felt all too familiar, like a common cold or flu. Once home, the exhaustion from the day's activities caught up with me. I took my vitamins, sipped some ginger tea, and allowed myself the respite of a nap.
These moments, filled with mundane tasks and everyday struggles, are part of the journey back to health. They remind me that recovery isn't just a destination but a path with its ups and downs. As I document these experiences, I'm learning to embrace patience and to listen to my body's cues. It's a delicate balance of pushing forward and stepping back as needed.
I'll keep updating on my progress every day. It's important to share these moments - not just the struggles but also the victories, no matter how small they may seem.
Disclaimer:
Please note that the content of this blog, including any health-related information, is based solely on my personal experience with the new COVID-19 strain. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. The remedies and strategies I discuss worked for me but may not be suitable for everyone. Remember, each individual’s experience with COVID-19 can vary significantly.
