My name is Gwen, and until my first COVID infection on Jan 8th, 2022, I worked in HR for WA state through UWMC. During the early days of the pandemic, my main departments were Respiratory Care Services, where I spent an incredible amount of time processing raises for every 🧵
person authorized to touch an ECMO machine.
At the time of my first exposure to COVID, I was up to date with my vaccines, trusting CDC misinformation that breakthrough infections were incredibly rare and outdoor transmission did not occur.
As a multidisabled immunocompromised person, successful shielding throughout the pandemic was necessary.
Sadly the person who infected me trusted government guidance that outdoor transmission was not a concern, ultimately ending my functional life.
Long Covid is a reality that has profoundly impacted my life. I urge you to consider the long-term consequences before taking any unnecessary risks. #StaySafe #ThinkLongTerm (1/10)
Long Covid isn't just about a temporary illness. It can lead to persistent symptoms and long-lasting health challenges. Is it worth risking your well-being for a momentary thrill? #ChooseWisely (2/10)
Long Covid affects people of all ages and health conditions. Don't assume you'll be spared from its grasp. Protect yourself and those around you by making informed choices. #BeInformed #TakePrecautions (3/10)
#LongCovid crash day 2 or 3. I haven't been able to eat in 2 days and yesterday evening I stopped being able to keep down fluids. I also fainted in the bathroom and hit my shoulder and head. They've given me all the Zofran they can and next we are trying capsaicin cream.
I have no idea how I am getting home after they let me out I had to take an ambulance here. Ubers are expensive RN and I have 0 money in my account to get home with.
It's going to be a while still waiting on the CT and x-ray results.
My venmo is @ PenGwen9
Now to wait for this pepper cream that's supposed to make me stop feeling sick
I spent the first two years of the pandemic shielding as an #immunocompromised person.
My boyfriend's roommate decided none of that mattered more than going skiing with friends unmasked in the car ride.
My friends care if I live or die
If you don't and you show me that we are not friends and I am not going to waste my energy pretending that we are anymore.
Which is pretty much why I deleted FB.
I didn't really add people I didn't know and after the way, everyone has behaved and treated the vulnerable for the past 3 years I am looking forward to never seeing those people again.
Ever.
I have #LongCovid the kind that comes with #MyalgicEncephalomyelitis so my energy is nonexistent and precious.
I'm not saving any of it to be polite to people who do not give an f if they kill me.
Instead, I reserve that energy to support my community.