Tomorrow is three weeks since my dysautonmia diagnosis. My life has changed so dramatically in the last four months. I had a mild case of COVID and now I use a cane, a shower chair, multiple medications to manage my heart...
I can walk slowly around my house during the day, wearing compression socks and stockings, but still need to spend a significant amount of time in bed and need to avoid stairs as much as possible. I only leave my house to go to the doctor. I have to take a car, door to door.
I wish people who won’t wear masks could have seen me in early March and could see me now. I was walking three miles a day, cycling constantly, physical therapy, cooking, cleaning, all-day with friends, wedding planning. Now I have to lie down between making tea and making toast.
I’m getting better at managing my condition, thanks to excellent medical care, online support groups, and being able to afford the things I now need, like $200 worth of vitamin and electrolyte supplements a month.
I’m so so lucky. But this is really hard. And I just wish everyone would wear a mask so they don’t end up dealing with this or inflicting it on other people. COVID isn’t either death or the flu. It’s way more complicated and harrowing than that.
(Truly, I am so so fortunate and I do know that. I’m going to keep working hard on the things that need work and keep resting hard too. And to the disability/chronic illness community: I’m sorry if I’m not using the best language yet; I’ll learn, I promise. This is new to me!)
