Why have I been MIA since I posted last Saturday? Well, that’s a funny story, in a weird kind of way. It was the day I headed into becoming a tiny spot on the recording charts of COVID-19 testing.
Unlike my little dog Copper with energy to run in the yard, that morning, I struggled with the energy to get my post written. I was tired. I felt slightly feverish, but mostly I noticed that I couldn’t smell or taste anything. It was the weirdest thing. Even strong smells like Copper’s breath I couldn’t smell. All-day long I tried to smell things and taste things and the only thing I found that I could taste was olives. Everything I put into my mouth didn’t hit any taste buds, except salt sometimes, otherwise, it all seemed to just evaporate.
Then on Sunday morning, I had a fever of 100.8 and still no taste or smell. I also had some slight body aches, a subtle cough, I sneezed a few times, had a slight runny nose, I felt fatigued, even a tad breathless, and incredibly spacey. Several days before that, I had some stomach upset, wild dreams I think due to fever at night and I felt so tired. It was hard to concentrate. My taste and smell came and went as did my appetite. So I thought it was best to get tested.
We have a free testing spot just 10 minutes from where we live. I logged into their app via the computer, added it to my phone which I’d needed when I got there to call them to tell them I was there. I took the pre-screening tests, and the results indicated I should come in for a test. Mr. rode along and watched the process. Since he didn’t think he had any symptoms other than the normal almost a 60-year-old guy kind of aches and pains, he couldn’t sign up for a test.
The RN said, “Hmm … you have the same exact birthdate as mine.”
Stunned, I replied, “Weird … well … Happy Birthday early then I guess.”
He nodded and possibly smiled under all of his PPE?
He handed me my 14-day symptom tracking papers, and kleenex, and proceeded to stick the swab in my nostrils. He barely stuck it in each nostril and gave a quick swirl in each one. It was just a tickle in my nose, took less than 15 seconds to complete, and I was back on the road home to wait for my results.
Me, as I glanced over at Mr. in the seat next to me: “Well, that was oddly painless.”
On Monday, Mr.’s symptoms kicked in – headache, body aches, and a slight cough. So, he decided to get tested too. His test was way different from mine. The swab was stuck way up his nose behind his eyes, and it took about 30 seconds to complete.
Yippee for high volume, high tech, high-quality testing I tell ya? There were 4 people in line with me at the opening time on Sunday. Mr. had a line up behind him as well the same time on Monday.
On Tuesday am, 48 hours later from my test, I got my results – NEGATIVE.
Hmm … WTH do I have then? Did I test too early? At that time I was still running a fever that was going up and down in waves throughout the day. My taste and smell came and went, too, it wasn’t fully back to normal yet. It was the strangest virus I’ve ever experienced.
Mr. said, “Well, perhaps it was technique or timing? We’ll see if I’m positive then we’ll know you had a false negative?”
Me: “Yeah, I’m sure the guy didn’t do it right?”
Wednesday came and went. Mr. started to feel a bit better. He still had a headache. My fever remained, but the smell and taste finally came mostly back. The papers we had said it could take up to a week to hear test results.
Thursday am, came, and went. Still no results on Mr.
My fever seemed less prevalent, and I had my full smell and taste back by then. My symptoms were resolving.
Thursday after 2:00 pm, Mr.’s results finally came in. He was NEGATIVE too.
So, I guess we’ve officially joined the ranks of 91% of the tested population that thinks they may have had COVID-19 but tested negative. We did our duty to get tested to make sure we can protect the rest of the population. And we ended up being negative. With symptoms. So maybe not negative? How will we ever know?
What are we supposed to do? According to the papers that the testing site gave us:
“If you have been tested for COVID-19 and are awaiting test results, you should self-isolate and self-monitor in order to protect yourself and your community from COVID-19. You should follow these recommendations for at least 10 days since symptoms first began AND for at least 3 days after symptoms resolve. If you receive a negative test result, you should follow these recommendations until at least 24 hours after your symptoms resolve (no fever and improvements in other symptoms).”
I believe that my symptoms, spot-on, started on 7/29 or 7/30. I’ve been symptom-free since 8/5. So I think I’m in the clear, right? Is it any wonder this virus is so widespread?
Post Inspiration – A week of thinking about what a mess this whole COVID testing thing is, and WTH did we have if it wasn’t that? And Linda G. Hill’s Stream of Consciousness Saturday – ‘spot’.
PS – I’m so sorry that I haven’t gotten to reply to comments on my previous post yet. I’ll get caught up soon now that I’m feeling better and that we know for sure we’re negative. 😉 I hope you’re all well and safe! xx
I am glad to hear you guys tested negative. Apparently you have the other thing. Thanks for being good people, and I hope you remain healthy.
Thanks, Dan. Leave it to us to get the ‘other’ thing! LOL. I hope you and Editor and Faith remain healthy too!
I almost stopped breathing, reading your post, Shelley. And then the ‘coincidence’ rears its little head. Yay, negative for the both of you. But?! An excellent post with great information. Like you indicate, more questions than answers. Thank you for sharing your story. Hugs and I am glad you are feeling better.
Thank you, Erica, we appreciate your thoughtful concerns. We’re convinced we had some strain of it. There are definitely lots of questions floating around with this virus. I hope you and your hubby are well!
I’m really happy you guys are OK! Virtual fist bumps, guys. 💪🏻
Thank you John! :-)!!!!
I’m glad you two are on the mend. I had a weird flu just before the pandemic hit that started with the intestinal stuff and followed that up with the fever, etc. So many bugs out there! One thing that I’m concerned with (among many) with the boys going back to school is that every little cold and other virus, and we’re going to think it’s COVID. And, I’m sure you remember how many viruses the kids get in school. Hopefully, the mask-wearing and desk shields will cut down on that–we’ll see. It’s all like one big science experiment, this current life, isn’t it!?
Thank you, Rebecca. I had a weird flu bug in January too – after I had been to the clinic for my annual physical. I thought maybe that was COVID. But this one just threw me for a loop with the lack of taste and smell.
Ah, yes, kids and viruses. I always looked at it as immunity boosting sessions. I hope we don’t go too overboard and not let them get things that they do need to keep building immunity. That’s a great way to describe it – one big science experiment. I hope the boys are able to make the best of getting back to school. Do kids seem to be more resilient to this craziness?
Well, the lack of taste and smell is definitely weird. I do hope antibody testing becomes an easy-enough thing to get, so we know if we’ve had COVID-19. Will that come before a vaccine? So many unknowns! You’re right about the immunity-boosting for kids. I remember when mine first went off to kindergarten–they had constant colds! I’m hoping the masks will make a big difference, and I’ll be happy to wear a mask in the grocery store from now on, if it means I might get fewer colds–they always do me in! I do think the kids (mine anyway) are more resilient in the face of these changes. Mine were starting a new school anyway in the fall, and, so far, have taken these new changes in stride. Anything besides the remote learning, which they didn’t like at all in the spring. It’s funny–I know the change in classroom structure (no more desks in pods or close circles; all in rows facing the teacher) are different for younger teachers. But I think, that’s what my Catholic elementary school classroom looked like. No personality, no games or cozy reading corners–just rows of desks facing the teacher’s desk. If we can stay healthy, I think we’ll all be OK.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts. Yes, I think antibody testing would be a good thing. The unknown and the ‘known (we think)’ lists just keep growing. I heard this weekend that now it may be spread in bacteria form. Sigh.
The year our kids started pre-school, through their high school years we had colds at least once a year. A few of my friends who still have school aged kids say none of them enjoyed the virtual learning. I didn’t go to Catholic elementary, but you described my classroom layouts to a ‘T’. Funny thing is, I don’t remember us getting sick much back then. Hmm. Makes me think we’ll survive this, and be healthy and happy on the other side of it. We’re paying for a fancy new school (via taxes) that I’m positive was designed with the ‘new’ style of classrooms. I wonder what they’ll do now?! Your comments always get me thinking!! 😉
You know, there’s probably a threshold of some kind they haven’t uncovered yet, where if you have less than a certain amount of the “viral load” the test won’t find it or won’t bother with it … because honestly, you had every symptom in the book! But whatever the reason, I join your readers in being very relieved, and glad to know you are both OK!! How lucky that you have such a sure test of your sense of smell as Copper’s breath! He looks lovely in the field, BTW.
Thank you, Ellen, I agree with you. I have heard from other people who tested negative and had symptoms that they were told, “You likely weren’t shedding the virus when you were tested.” Sigh.
We’re glad we’re over whatever it was. Copper’s breath is back to ‘normal’ smelling and he’s happy to roam the yard – I love seeing the little guy run to greet me. 🙂
Well that is so frustrating. It sure sounds like you had the virus. With the exact symptoms too! The reports now are that the virus is much more widespread than we all believe – and stories like this back that up. I would have also been suspicious about the different ways you and Mr. were tested.
The only way you will probably ever know if you had COVID-19 is to get an antibody test at some point. Most importantly, I’m glad you are feeling better and didn’t get a complicated case!
Thank you, Andrea. Yes, frustrating indeed. If we did (which I think we did) have it, that scares me because I can see how a person may miss the symptoms and keep going out in public or to work in Nursing Homes or Assisted Livings.
We’re glad to be feeling better.
You’re welcome. I hope you have the antibodies and some kind of immunity now too. It is scary beyond belief – the not knowing.
I hope so too. I heard yesterday that if you had a cold or the flu in 2003 you may have T-cells that build anti-bodies to this year’s novel virus. The things they do know that they don’t tell us scare me too.
Well that’s a hopeful sign – I hadn’t heard that yet. Yes, the unknown is a scary place.
A mystery for sure since by all indications sounds like you did in fact have COVID 19. Glad you’re all better now. I’m with oneletterup, the anti-body test may likely be the only true indicator.
Thank you, Jill – I think you and Andrea are right. I don’t think that our testing sites offer anti-body testing routinely – I think the hospitals and clinics will do it if they are going to do a procedure or for an admit. I’m hoping I don’t need either one of those things!
Thanks for sharing your thoughts – I hope you and yours are doing well too!
A mystery but so glad you guys are doing better. Be safe.
Thank you, Anita. Same to you!!
I’m so happy to hear that you and your husband are better. Thank you for taking time to share the information with us. It’s so important for all of us.
Take care!
Thank you, Amy. You’re welcome. Stay well xx
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Thank you for taking time to share this important information, Shelley. It must be difficult to write … I had no idea about some of the info you provided. It is so complicated.
Thank you for reading. I’m glad you found the information beneficial. I agree, this has become a very complicated situation.
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Glad you’re feeling better! From those I know who have been tested, there is too much variability for my comfort level. It sounds like that holds true with you and your DH, too. And why on earth do some people have to wait for days and days while others are getting their results 5 hours later? (I know people who fit both categories.) It’s a hot mess. I am convinced my brother had the virus in late Feb/early March. He and his office mates were all sick, he had multiple symptoms and said he was sicker than he’s been in ages. Ooh, I feel like I’m ranting. 😬 This whole situation is getting to me.
Take care! And hope you stay healthy now!
Thank you, Laurel, I adore your rants – they sound like the voices in my head ;-)! One of my co-workers had all the respiratory symptoms, couldn’t breathe, etc. Tested negative twice. WTH?! Yes, this whole situation is getting to me too. I hope the blueberry pie helped sooth your Sunday :-)!
Take care, stay healthy too!
Glad to hear you are better. My niece and her family have had some symptoms as well, but only one of them was tested and was positive so they are assuming all have had. My sister and her husband tested positive and had symptoms but thankfully my 97-yr old mom who lives with them has been fine. So far it has not otherwise touched my immediate family.
Thank you, Janet. Yeah, I’ve heard that too – if one family member tests positive, they assume all will be. That has to skew the #’s to me. Glad to hear your mom is fine. Her immune system must be very strong!
Stay well and safe! xx
I think they have rushed so much to get tests on the market that they just aren’t as accurate as we’d like. I don’t know if having something is better than nothing, or if all of these false positives and negatives are just confusing the public and adding fire to the people who think it’s all a hoax. I’m glad you and your husband are doing better whatever you had. Hopefully, one of these days, we’ll have both accurate tests that provide results right away and – fingers crossed – a reliable and safe vaccine.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts, Janis. I agree with you – the rush to get testing, treatments, vaccines all likely have to do with the confusion and mess we’re in.
We’re thankful to be over whatever it was.
I hope you staying well and safe! xx
Oh Shelley that sounds scary. I’m sure you took all the precautions when you went out. Thinking of you and Mr from over here 😀❤
Thanks, Brian. It’s community spread here, so who knows where we picked it up. There was a lady that walked by that sneezed into the open air … probably that’s the exposure day?
How are you doing in Australia? Aren’t you in major lockdown again?! I hope you and your bestie are doing well and able to be together!
So hard when some people don’t do the right thing. Only one part of Australia is in lockdown. Where I live there isn’t any cases plus rural living puts us in isolation anyway. Just go to town to shop and get home quickly. We have to be together but that’s a long story for later 😀💕
Glad to read that your isolation is ‘normal’ and easier to deal with. Yay – you’re together, I look forward to the longer story :-).
Get fully well soon and take good care of yourselves 🤗🙋♀️🐝
Thank you, Bee! Your comment went to my spam folder again. I’m sorry it took me so long to rescue it! I hope you’re well. Take care, xx
No, problem. I’ve written to WP and Akismet. Apparently, my other page linked on my profile is the problem. I took it off but haven’t figured out yet if it makes a difference. Hope, you and yours are well and safe 🙋♀️🐝
Sorry to report, your comment still went to my spam folder. Thank you for your persistence, I hope you’re able to figure it out!
I had to take it of from one more location but I think it works now. Happy, new week despite everything 🙋♀️🐝
It worked!!! Yay!!!
👍😁🙋♀️🐝
Wow – that is scary Shelley! So maybe their testing apparatus was faulty and you did have COVID-19? Hope you are back to normal again without any of the d;
It’s hard to tell what happened, so many variables. I’ve just heard too many stories of people who had the same symptoms, test negative first time – but eventually test positive. Or like us, never really know. We’re doing much better now!
Well, that’s good to know … last week the quarterback of the Lion’s tested positive, was told to quarantine, but they tested him 2X the next day and both times he was negative, so the doctor said it was a false positive. Scary stuff. Glad you both are doing much better now.
Oy – see, the tests aren’t reliable. And neither are the symptoms – asymptomatic positives still present often. Thank you – we’re glad to be feeling better too. We’re thankful it was just a mild case.
Well, healthy eating and exercise probably helped out a lot but you had suspected that you had a mild case back in January which you blamed on a virus you picked up at the dentist. So maybe you got it a second time. I heard/read you are immune after having it once; after all affected people have been donating their plasma. I think they don’t know all the facts and might never know everything.
All I can think to say is: what a mess! Everything associated with Covid-19 is unclear. I’m glad you feel ok, but really… what a mess. 🤨
I’m relieved you tested negative. But like you, I’m surprised, given the symptoms. Then again, there are a lot of varied symptoms for covid. Still, it is very nerve-wracking to say the least!!
I, too, thought I had the virus. I was sick for 6 weeks in Feb and March, with all the symptoms. I did not get tested but got the antibody test in April. Negative. They said I had not had Covid. My friends all tell me it was probably a false negative. Who knows? Better now. Glad you’re better, too.
Wow, that’s a long time to feel not so great, I’m glad you’re better, too! I bet you had it, the normal flu doesn’t last 6 weeks, does it? It’s hard to say if the early tests were accurate, or if they are now? This whole thing is hard to figure out. I hope the real story is revealed someday. How would you write the first sentence to the COVID mystery story? 😉
Hmm. “People were dying and no one knew why.” Or… “I was the only one of my family left. Would I be next?”
Good ones, thank you for sharing. 🙂