I’m Not Throwing Away My Shot

As I quickly approach my return to work, my good news continues to flow. I am back on track, or learning to adapt, around a number of things and my life slowly feels like it is falling back into place.

It is a wonderful feeling that I know not a lot of my fellow long-haulers get to feel. So, even though I continue to have a long list of things wrong with me, I am feeling incredibly blessed.

On top of those blessings, I also was able to receive the Moderna covid vaccine. I’ve gotten my first shot and will return next month for my booster. But, even just having this first shot done, I find myself breathing easier.

Even with the protection that I already have, having gotten the first shot, I feel freer. The air feels lighter.

A few weeks ago, I went to my hairdresser. I have only gone a few times since lockdown last year. I want to support her because she’s talented and works hard. But, honestly, being outside is a bit terrifying for me.

I didn’t feel relaxed until I could get home, peel off my clothes and mask, and wipe and spritz everything with sanitizer.

As I mentioned in a previous post, it completely possible to be re-infected after you have already gotten sick with covid once. And sometimes, the second time around is deadly. With so many things already wrong with me, I have been terrified about what reinfection could do to me.

So, just knowing that I am now protected, that I have shrunk my chance of dying from this disease that already turned my life upside down, is a most beautiful feeling.

I am also happy to report that, so far, I don’t really have any side effects other than a very heavy and sore arm. I was fully prepared to have the side effects that many have had, where you feel like you have covid for a day or two. I also know very well that there is still a good chance that I could experience those side effects when I get the second shot next month.

At one of my last appointments with my primary care physician, she told me that she had gotten the shot and gotten the side effects. She complained that she felt overwhelmingly fatigued for a few days. I nodded as I listened to her complain and was happy for her to understand a bit of what it has been like for me. I wanted to reply “Now, imagine feeling that way for 9 months.” But, I didn’t.

Even so, I assure you all that feeling like you have covid for a day or two beats the hell out of feeling like you have covid for 9 months. And so, I am reveling in this moment and encouraging all out there who may read this. Get your vaccine as soon as you can.

#covid #longcovid #vaccination