Coronavirus Feels A Lot Like My Everyday

Random bouts of dry coughs in the middle of the night. Phlegm. Unexpected shortness of breath. Weakness in the joints.

That’s my normal. It’s what it looks like at my stage and type of muscular dystrophy. It also happens to be some of the underlying symptoms that’s taking the world’s health by storm right now.

Late last year, back in 2019, the monster of a virus made its debut. In 2020, it became its own top-charter as it’s become a global pandemic traumatizing folks on just about every continent. Just like that, many thousands have struggled with everyday symptoms of a person with MD. Only, often with a much quicker, graver result — if they aren’t prepared well enough.

Not-so-fun-fact: we aren’t. No one was ready when the virus began to trouble the world.

I want to believe that the government here is doing the best they can. The optimist in me believes that they’ll conjure up the proper amount of tests to test everyone who needs it. And when they do, I’d like for them to start someplace like mine.

Lucky for me, my life already is pretty similar to the new standards of quarantine in place for much of the inhabited world right now. I live in an apartment specifically catered to those with assistance needs. Many are elderly. Some, like me, are more independent but still need a little help with certain parts of daily life. At the front desk, there’s a “gatekeeper” who help monitor who comes in and out (they’re really cracking down on it now!). One level is a nurses’ floor — for quick assistance should someone fall or get sick. Another is a dining hall. By the time you come up the elevator to my story, you’ll pass not one, but two, stations to sanitize your hands before even reaching me for a hug or handshake.

Though of course, neither of those are happening right now. I’m playing it super safe. It may seem that my living situation is extremely fortunate considering that I don’t really ever have to leave the building into the world of chaos out there, but my condition like most others that live here makes us subject to a round of sudden death if the virus ever makes its way to us. It’s especially terrorizing against the elderly and those who are sick, whether they know it or not.

We’re in it now. Remain inside and take care of your individual needs. There’s still FaceTime, Skype, phone calls, and social media to keep in touch. But keeping a level of isolation allows more space for the virus to make its way out. If you don’t have to go see someone, don’t. Send a funny meme instead. Those always make me laugh.

I don’t personally mind being quarantined. For the most part, other than those sneaking thoughts, I’m not too afraid either. One thing I learned from my late onset of MD was that somethings are just out of your control. It’s here, so we’ll have to take it day by day.

“How you doin’?” Now I just have to imagine her saying it.

I guess — I hope — I’m doing fine. Being the over-prepared person that I am, I had plenty of sanitizer, toilet paper and other essentials. I always buy in bulk, so I never really had to face the worry of what I hear is going down in the grocery stores right now. And I actually love being alone — so now, other than the two PCAs who come to get me ready for bed each night, I don’t have to really face anyone, other than the fictitious friends of my latest Netflix binges and of course, my GCR family — all of you!

Family, I pray you do your best to keep your stress levels down — even with the 24/7 updates you’re getting from every direction. Your immune system is depending on it. And your family members, friends, peers and neighbors are counting on you to WASH YOUR HANDS and STAY INSIDE. We’ve got to get this thing under control!

Since we’re all inside anyway, how are you guys staying safe and healthy? And what things are you doing to keep entertained? I’d like to hear what you guys are up to! Share in the comments and stay in touch!

And remember, before you leave the house, consider your health, the health of your loved ones and the many, many people like me. If possible, help flatten the curve by staying inside!

With Love,

Keisha ❤️

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