A Chewin' Out

I went to see one of my specialist this week.  When you have Dysautonomia, as I do, you have a long list of specialists and medications.  I've gotten used to the 2 hour drive. But this visit was different because it was the first time I've visited this doctor in this particular large medical center since the virus came to live among us.  I had to be screened before entering, including my temperature. Then I got a sticker to wear that proved I had been screened. Oh, and I had to have a mask on to even enter the building and be screened.

A while back I read an article that said one of the medications this doctor has me on is not good for me. So I decided to stop taking it.  When I shared this with the doctor -who is a gray haired man, probably the age of my father- I got a royally chewing' out.  Like up one side and down the other, as my mother says.  I respect this man very much.  Had it not been for him, I might never have gotten a proper diagnosis of Dysautonomia.

After my examination and official scolding we went on to discuss the corona virus.  I decided on the long drive home that I should share this information with others.  My doctor kind of rattled my cage with information and it has altered my perception and will now alter my actions.

 1.  This doctor said this virus is much worse than most people think and the vast majority of the United States population is taking it much too lightly.
2.  He named off a list of people he knows personally that have either died from the virus or someone he knows has a relative that has died from the virus.
3.  He said there was an infant in this hospitals pediatric ICU that has the virus and likely will not make it.
4.  He said the flippant way that young and middle aged people are regarding this virus is causing the age of those infected to be much younger than they were at the beginning of this chaos.
5.  He made the point that people are now flocking to the beach, going to large parties, and will be going to large 4th of July festivities. Folks are milling about with one another, going out to eat in large crowds and spreading the virus.  Then they return to their homes with the virus and spread it to others in extended family and their community.
6.  In regard to wearing a mask, he was adamant that we must wear them.  He explained that the reason doctors and nurses wear masks during surgery is to protect the patient from having spit, sneezes, and such from contaminating a patient.  The patient doesn't wear a mask to protect the the doctor's and nurses.  The point being that we wear masks to protect those around us in case we have it or have been exposed don't know it.
7.  Because I have a compromised neurological system, he shared with me some things that honestly scared me coming from someone I trust.  He said that as this continues to spread, more and more patients are experiencing long term side effects, many neurological.  For instances, some are left with no ability to use their legs because of nerve damage after the virus.
8.  He said that no one quite knows the extent of what it will do long term.  He advised that I need to be extremely careful regarding being around others outside those I'm in regular contact with. No large crowds.  He even advised that if there were events or places I need to go where a vast majority of those there would refuse to wear masks, I need to refrain from going.
9. He said the worst of this is coming.
10. And he chewed me out for not taking the medicine he is convinced is good for me.

So I learned that my lockdown is to continue with limited release.  But the good news is I wrote 2 books during the first part of this chaos.  And I will be finishing book 2 in the near future.

Be careful out there.  Wear your mask even if you think its stupid.  Do it for me.  But if you don't I will not hold it against you, but I will have to stay away from you.  Much love friends and family.  I pray illness and protection for all of us.