@celia16, @robbie6154, and all...I am just testing negative after 17 days of Covid, my 2nd infection since July 2023. Additionally, I was extremely ill in the spring of 2020 with something that was completely different and new to my body. I was bedridden 2X with all the symptoms of Covid, but we didn't have the testing we have now, and I was never officially Covid positive, but I do think I had it at that time. My primary doctor prescribed a Z-pack, steroid, and inhaler. Each lasted about 2 weeks before I began to improve. But that was the regime prescribed at the time for Covid.

I had both Moderna vaccines, with a 3-day reaction to the 2nd shot. I have not, NOT, had any additional boosters as I'm not sure I should with my multiple autoimmune illnesses and the reaction I had to the 2nd one. So, I'll chat with my rheumatologist next week to see if he wants me to have a booster. I'm hesitant.

Following the July infection, I had a bad bout of bronchitis, then I developed PMR and GCA, with all the symptoms of each and extreme pain and debilitation from the PMR especially. I've been on Prednisone since, a new inhaler. Now, after this Covid, I'm newly diagnosed with
microscopic polyanalgesia awaiting the beginning of treatment for that, with kidney and lung, skin and joint involvement. Goody!

I'm 77 years old, have multiple autoimmune diseases and other debilitating illnesses. My life is quite limited, and I go out very little, first of necessity, now by choice as well. I simply prefer to enjoy my home, my plants, my kitty, my birds, nature and my son with contact with a lot of folks via laptop and cell. Most things are delivered, including groceries. I purposely stay away from folks and protect myself as I am so vulnerable. I refuse to over- wear masks and think that much of that stuff was hype and misdirection.

I'm not a member of a herd, doggone it!!!! I have a very good and active brain; my thinking is clear, and I make my own independent decisions. For what's best for me! So, as I live in Florida and we enjoyed this kind of freedom from the beginning of Covid, I'm quite pleased with my life. Yes, I'm isolated. No, not by edict. Yes, by choice and my body dictates it.

I pray I don't get another Covid infection, but if I do, I'll deal with it as I do with each yucky thing that comes my way...with clear thinking, making my own decisions and following my excellent doctors at Mayo. I am indeed blessed.

And I'll survive! With gratitude and grace, God willing.

Blessings to you all on this crazy journey...Elizabeth