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I agree! I am a NICU nurse of 40 years that got Covid for first time in October. Hospitalized for 5 days and have had continued GI symptoms & extreme fatigue. Can’t imagine working again at this point but am in no way ready for my career to end either. I am a breast cancer survivor who fought like hell and was able to work again after that journey. Very frustrating how this can change your entire life in a heart beat. Have always been very active, been in leadership working full time in a busy ICU, 4 children, 3 grandchildren but life came to a halt last October. Like you said pacing every step of the day and paying dearly for anything you do over. Took 3 weeks to recover from a weekend that involved a funeral and a grandchild’s birthday party. I am truly blessed to have a Dr that understands to help make this journey manageable.
Replies to "I agree! I am a NICU nurse of 40 years that got Covid for first time..."
I hear you Mary! I also have 40 years of nursing & if I learned anything, it is life can change in a minute! I try to find something I am grateful for-I am alive, I can live independently in my own house and bathe/feed/take care my ADL's, I can drive, and I am not tethered to oxygen. OK, so the bar is a lot lower than my life before covid. You walked through to the other side of cancer, you know struggle. My 25 year marriage ended after I got sober-16 years ago, I've walked through rough stuff too. And we are still standing on the green side of the grass, not 6' under.
I only spend my time with those who are the most important-my time an energy are precious. My bed isn't made, my hair isn't great, my home isn't spotless, gourmet meals are gone and family gatherings are catered-and that's ok. I feel like Helen Reddy: 'I am woman, hear me roar!'
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I have had covid twice--Dec 2020 and recently March 28, 2023. I coped after the first time with tipsy/vertigo and a energy crash after about 5 hours but managed to golf 9 holes in a cart. It was stressful pushing thru but the sense of accomplishment was good for my efforts. Now I'm striving to just keep upright and alert but tough sledding. I'm 85 but I'm not giving up and neither should you.