Covid has been with us since December of 2019 when reports emerged about an unknown virus in a seafood market in Wuhan, China. Since then, the virus has dominated the news and changed most of our lives. It has affected politics, the economy, social relationships, the educational system, and just about every aspect of our lives. We learned about lockdowns and wearing a mask; waiting in line to go in a store because capacity was limited; live streaming events and zoom meetings. Like everyone else, I managed to find a place to get my first vaccine and then another and then two booster shots.
Shortly after Labor Day I attended a conference thinking that I would be safe. Well, I was not. I returned home on the evening of September 11, feeling tired from a long flight. When I woke up the next morning I could barely get out of bed. I tested positive for Covid. Thanks to Cleveland Clinic I was able to get a virtual visit with a physician who prescribed Paxlovid for me and I started the medication the same day.
What followed were four of the most miserable days of my life. Of course, my suffering cannot be compared to people who were hospitalized, had long term effects or died. But it was miserable. I lost my appetite and survived the first couple of days on a glass of orange juice for breakfast and a cup of tomato soup later in the day. For the first two days, I was too exhausted to read. I watched the events surrounding the death of Queen Elizabeth as I lingered between sleep and exhaustion.
Recognizing the adage that sometimes the cure is worse that the disease, the Paxlovid, which is a five-day treatment with three pills twice a day, caused a metallic taste in my mouth which made life miserable. Brushing my teeth, drinking water and breath mints helped but it didn’t go away until I stopped taking the medication.
It is now two weeks later, and I’m still sick. My systems turned into cold/flu symptoms with a runny nose and sneezing. I still have very little appetite and no energy.
So, if you see me in a mask, please don’t snicker and accuse me of being a germaphobe. I’m not taking any more chances. I would not wish this on my worst enemy. Tragically people have lost their lives and suffered long-term consequences. To date I have lost two weeks out of my life and am not better.
If you are an anti-vaccine person, think the Covid is a joke, or think that you are smarter than all the doctors around the world, then a pox on your house! Stronger words are more appropriate, but they would not pass the censorship test. Getting Covid is no joke. I can attest to that. And those who refuse to get vaccinated and spread the disease should be charged with a crime. There’s no excuse!
C. Ellen Connally is a retired judge of the Cleveland Municipal Court. From 2010 to 2014 she served as the President of the Cuyahoga County Council. An avid reader and student of American history, she serves on the Board of the Ohio History Connection, is currently vice president of the Cuyahoga County Soldiers and Sailors Monument Commission and past president of the Cleveland Civil War Round Table. She holds degrees from BGSU, CSU and is all but dissertation for a PhD from the University of Akron.
4 Responses to “Surviving Covid — Barely by C. Ellen Connally”
Mel Maurer
Thanks for this Ellen. We need to be reminded that Covid is still a very “clear and present danger” for everyone – and for how serious it can be. We’ll never know how many Americans died by listening to politicians instead of doctors. I hope your report is spread far and wide. And get well soon.
Janice Cogger
Thank you Judge Connally for sharing your story. I tested positive in early August and took Paxlovid. Don’t know if the symptoms I experience were from the COVID or the Paxlovid. To those who get COVID and are only mildly sick for a day or two …… I’m jealous! For me COVID has been a lesson in patience. It’s now been eight weeks and I finally feel back to normal. Don’t be discouraged ….. it can take time!
MArc Goodman
Everyone should read her story!
Laura Kennelly
So glad you’re feeling well enough to write again. Missed your input. Yes, Covid is real–for sure.