Couch 223: Jan 4: Darn Tootin'!

I am getting my COVID vaccine in about an hour and I am super super nervous.

It’ll be fine.

Though make sure you get a vaccine card—I just realized they didn’t give me one, which I’m sure will become a massive headache.

I'm getting a COVID test tomorrow out of an abundance of caution because I've had assorted symptoms in the past week, including chills and achiness. Dr. T said because I don't really go anywhere, that it would be "incredibly unlucky" if I had it. But D and H go some places (and H has had some things that could be symptoms as well). One of my friends is pretty sure his family got it picking out a Christmas tree, because it's the only place they'd been (I think they had a guy come fix their heat, but that's all). And I'm pretty sure COVID doesn't follow "luck."

Also, I think I should get paid as Dr. T's admin assistant. He said earlier this week that he was unsure if he'd be able to meet next Friday because it's when he's due for his second shot. I asked today about that, and he was like, "Oh, I've been too busy to schedule it." Seriously? (Granted, our county is behind in vaccine supply, so maybe he couldn't get one then anyway--I think 3 weeks is just the minimum wait time for the Pfizer one.) And I also mentioned yesterday's email about requiring us to pick hybrid or virtual for our kids returning to school next month (both of our kids are in the county school system), and he hadn't seen that either.

Wishing you the best with it. My cousin (the one who's a doctor, who recovered from covid awhile back) just got his 2nd one not long ago and he's been fine after both. He made me feel better about getting mine whenever my turn gets here, possibly this summer.

I imagine you could contact them and get one? They must have records of who got vaccines (at least I hope?)

I have an email confirmation of the first dose, so I'm not too worried. I just don't want to deal with state bureaucracy in all its glorious efficiency.

The shot was fine. I didn't even feel it, literally. The nurse laughed at me when I told her what a magician she is. My arm is a little sore now, that's all, and maybe I am a little tired-er than usual but that could just be my imagination. People who've gotten it before me told me drink lots of fluids and rest, that seems to help. So I canceled all the things tomorrow and plan to stay in bed.

Glad to hear it went well! Seems like a good reason for self-care tomorrow! People I know who have gotten it have said their reactions were similar to flu shot, fairly minor aside from sore arm. Supposedly the second dose can cause more of a reaction, but that's just third-hand.

A guy who was vaccinated just tested positive. I don't think it is fool proof.
The Latest: Vaccinated congressman tests positive for virus

It mentions he's not showing any symptoms. From what I've read, they aren't 100% (more like 90%, I think?) in prevention. But it's kind of like the flu shot, where if you get the shot and get the flu, you have a much milder case of the flu.

ETA: Also, the article doesn't say when he got the second shot. I think it takes 2 weeks after the second shot to reach full immunity.

And also you could contract the virus just before or after getting the vaccine but since the immunity doesn’t kick in pronto, still get sick because the virus can take a week or two to incubate.

I'll take one bit of good writing news a week at the moment.

My workplace offered staff the opportunity to write a short piece about its significance to us. Mine was published on our social media channels last night, with a glowing introduction, the kind of thing that would've made me blush if it were in person.


'Her humour and kindness (and ability to nail a haiku) are a valued part of our team.'

Its not like you to be redundant. "Fool proof" / "vaccinated congressman...".

Sorry, couldnt resist a little JAB.

What?

I endured one final interaction with an md. They can't find any reason for the annoyance that afflicts me. This is one of my bigger western medicine fears and so I am done. I will live with it until it clears up or kills me. Mostly I feel like an idiot for going to them in the first place.

Jab at congress.

You still havent consulted at my facility. I dont know whether to be flattered or honored!

I don't think leeches or cupping are the remedy here. I have used cupping for other things and I would do it again in the appropriate circumstances

H and I are about to head out to look at 3 houses. I'm starting to get excited about the idea of moving! Not sure where that transition happened, I have never been excited about moving. I think this time though, what makes me ready for it, is that I'm ready to start a new phase of my life with less "stuff" in it (I've begun the process of decluttering) and a smaller but newer place in which to settle myself.

AHAHAHA!


una, I adore you. You're so punny.

Yeah, I think the idea is that (hopefully) if one does get covid after vaccination, it won't be as severe. So getting vaccinated is a good first step, but we've all got a ways to go until it's really safe to go back to normal life. Whatever that's going to look like now that we've all realized we can do a lot of our work from home in our pj's.

Artley, I woke up thinking of you and your husband. Continuing to send healing thoughts and strength and peace your way.

So, if anyone needs to get a COVID test, I recommend CVS if there's one near you. Did the swab myself in the car, only had to go in until "I felt resistance," 10 seconds each side (I did 15 because that's what the online instructions said). Was the PCR kind, but I could have signed up for rapid test (fewer appointments available for those). Seemed safe and efficient, didn't leave my car. Results expected in 2-3 days. I know I'll likely be negative, but I still feel better knowing (and then I could also look into other reasons for my more recent symptoms, though maybe it's all stress or I just managed to pick up a common cold somehow. Or reactivated Epstein-Barr, which I've been diagnosed with before, but was years ago).

What difference would it make whether you are positive or not? I am not being flippant -but they don't really have treatment for it and unless you are going somewhere to be around outside your pod --what do they do for you if it is positive?

Spit tests for my money.

So, Info found my check, which is good because I hadn't gotten around to mailing a replacement yet.

And the office I use for psychiatry is closing permanently, which explains why they have not responded either to my request for a 6-month check-up appointment or my prescription refill. Might be a sign it's time to go off Pristiq, so I started cutting my 50 mg pills in half this morning. Before when I skipped a dose, I'd get dizzy, but nothing like that yet today.

One less medication, one less doctor in my life.

Fewer is always better, I think.
I had one for two hours this month and now am back to zero

Except for me. Im still sticking pins in my little vudu SD. Does it feel better when i do this?