Creekers Covid Journey

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

I fully realize the topic of Covid and vaccinations elicits some powerful responses and I don't wish to start a firestorm or try to tell others what to do.

So Ill simply share my story; if you find a message or direction - good on you.

 

The AC in my house went bad middle of July and my AC guy was not able to respond in a timely manner. 

Painted Lady and I spent a couple nights trying to survive through it; but at 117 degrees - there is no finding comfort or rest.

So we went shooting for the weekend; staying in a couple different hotels.

When we returned to Las Vegas - I figured out what I have amassed in various casino/ hotel comps and we hopped from hotel to hotel for about 8 days until the AC was replaced.

I imagine somewhere between the initial impact of being over heated from AC failure, various hotels pillows and lots and lots of folks without masks who have all seemed to have forgotten the concept of hand sanitizer - somewhere I was exposed and my system was down just enough...

 

I contracted Covid.

 

Painted Lady and I had gone thru the first wave without getting vaccinated because I believed, like many others, that it was just a bad flu bug overblown by 24 hour media and politics.

 

When the 2nd wave started; we agreed to get vaccinated - but scheduling and procrastination was always there and I did not - Painted Lady did.

 

Here again; everyone is affected differently by Covid.  We have seen strong men die and tiny girls dance thru it in a week.

I can only tell you my experience.

 

I was beginning to feel poorly while we were staying in the last hotel before coming home.

Some muscle aches, food tasting poorly, general yuck.

I attributed it to just being ready to sleep in my own bed.

 

We came home - the new AC was nice and I had missed my own bed. 

But sadly, the symptoms kept coming.

Muscle aches to the point that laying down was near impossible.

Fever that would attack, spike and recede - only to return again in a few hours.

No desire for food or water to the point where dehydration begins to kick in.

Urination stops and what little that does pass is a color that no ones pee should ever be.

 

We determined that a hospital visit was in order for diagnosis and treatment.

The normally staid and predictable hospital I frequent (frequent? I break and tear way too many things) was a war zone of sick and coughing people.

When it was my turn, blood tests, a nose swab that left me outside the ER with blood running down my face and shirt and an attempted IV fluid replenishment that resulted in my vomiting foamy water as I waited for some direction.

The Dr. explained I had Covid and stopped.

I waited for more and eventually asked, "and what do we do now?".

His response, "Go home.  Come back if your breathing gets worse."

"That's it?  No drugs, no treatments?"

"Yeah.  That's it."

The Dr. walked away.

 

The clerk gave us my discharge paperwork and we went home.

 

In this short time of fighting this, vomiting,  fever and not eating (not sure how you can puke so much without eating) - I had already dropped 20 something pounds - this continued.

 

My o2 levels were consistently dropping into the 80% area which is...  Not good.

Fortunately, one of my business partnerships is a Behavioral Health office to which we have standing O2 availability.

 

My business partner ensured I had access to the oxygen tanks and Painted Lady was amazing in keeping on top of my need to be masked and oxygenated.

 

I could not eat and my intake of water was much less than it should have been - not by choice; but any intake was followed shortly by vomiting.

We discovered a research group that was recruiting for Covid study and we qualified as a "Serious case - not yet hospitalised" and hey, they were willing to pay me to die in front of them.  Yayyyy!

 

Apparently they take Mono something antibodies and thru a IV infusion place these inside of me.

One time treatment and then revisits every three days for 5 weeks for blood work, nose swabs and "Are you dead yet?"

 

Through this process; we initially saw very little movement and I continued to weaken.

In total; I dropped nearly 50 pounds over 5 weeks time.

I weakened to the point where the walk upstairs to my bed took two rest breaks and a very careful version of old man foot shuffling.  I spent days in bed; back killing me because I would remain in place too long because the energy to move or roll over was more than I had to expend.

 

My O2 continued to be a struggle with my chest and lungs burning continually - the difficulty breathing on par with the feeling of a tiny bladed knife slashing at my chest.

 

And the mental conflicts that come along with examining ones mortality.

Who will take care of my family?

I have a 76 year old mom - what happens to her and why should she have to bury her child.

I have a beautiful wife - how can I leave her?

Desert Scorpion is only 21 - an adult but Im not ready for her to be on her own.

A son and two beautiful grandsons by my marriage with Painted Lady.

A business partner that has been closer than a brother for 20+ years.

Im not ready to die.

And I don't know how to stop it.

And I'm scared.

 

As it has a tendency to do; time continues moving and days pile upon days.

I lost track of the day, the date - weekday or weekend doesn't much matter if you can't leave the house.

 

I have been tested as Covid free - have my little piece of paper that says I can again mingle with the world.

But I can't - maybe sometime again (hopefully soon); but now?

I cannot do ordinary tasks - I lack the strength to carry myself and a water bottle upstairs safely.

I cannot find words - my brain is "foggy".  The struggle to find my own words bringing back memories of the struggles of my grandparents with Alzheimer's and my fathers with brain cancer. 

And then again, I am scared.

 

I was an athlete when I was younger - football, wrestling and whatever else I thought would impress the girls.

 

I was offered entry into Mensa when I was still in school (little stuffy and full of themselves for my taste - so I declined) but regardless - I have always been reasonably bright.

 

And now, I lay here feeling weak and stupid.

I have never been either and now I am both.

 

I'm alive and I'm improving; so I guess I should be happy.

And I am free (so they say) of Covid.

But I am told the brain fog may never fix itself, "You'll learn to live with it"

The strength may return eventually, but in the meantime - the basic morning acts of using the restroom, cleaning and tooth brushing is often enough to empty my gas tank for the day.

 

I would not wish this experience on anyone.

Painted Lady stayed by my side throughout this entire ordeal and it wasn't until a few days ago that I learned that while I fitfully slept; she would move to our closet and cry.

 

My mother cried.  My daughter cried.  My son and grandsons cried.

My business partner, who is among the baddest men I have ever known cried.

 

Painted Lady is fully vaccinated now. 

My mom and Scorpion have had their first shot and are awaiting their second.

My son is vaccinated and so is my business partner.

 

Because of the research study treatment - I have to wait 90 days after the infusion before I can be vaccinated.

 

Im not trying to tell you what to think.

But take care of yourselves - Covid does not just kill - it destroys.

It takes husbands from wives and fathers from their children.

 

And if it doesn't kill - what it leaves behind may never be the same.

 

Please do what's right for yourself, your families and all the folks that love you.

 

Hopefully, I'll see you on the range again soon.  Creeker

[Possum Skinner, SASS#60697]

Creeker, while you might be mentally diminished, this was very well constructed and written.  Perhaps (hopefully) you are not as foggy mentally as it seems.

 

I'm glad you are over the worst of it and I hope you recover quickly and completely.

 

Possum

[Tyrel Cody]

Yep, I'll do what's right for my family, thanks for sharing.

 

What makes the least sense(to me) about all this is why haven't they developed any real therapeutics for this, seems like that should've came first.

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

7 minutes ago, Possum Skinner, SASS#60697 said:

Creeker, while you might be mentally diminished, this was very well constructed and written.  Perhaps (hopefully) you are not as foggy mentally as it seems.

 

I'm glad you are over the worst of it and I hope you recover quickly and completely.

 

Possum

This took a lot longer to write than it "should" have.  But thank you.

 

Im not saying I'm a blithering idiot (I was before this, so no change there); but now I have to search for words. 

Basic words that should autofill fom my brain hang up and stop me in my tracks.  

I know; believe me I know - many have died and apparently I was pretty close myself.

 

But now as I see a path to moving on - I'm frustrated and find myself getting angry at my inabilities.

 

And I hate the idea of any of the folks that I love ever experiencing this.

[Doc Shapiro]

6 minutes ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

This took a lot longer to write than it "should" have.  But thank you.

 

Im not saying I'm a blithering idiot (I was before this, so no change there); but now I have to search for words. 

Basic words that should autofill fom my brain hang up and stop me in my tracks.  

I know; believe me I know - many have died and apparently I was pretty close myself.

 

But now as I see a path to moving on - I'm frustrated and find myself getting angry at my inabilities.

 

And I hate the idea of any of the folks that I love ever experiencing this.

 

I'm really glad that you're on the mend.

 

Regarding this part, I've not been the same since a TBI.  Effects of that are relatively similar to what you're reporting (though I also have a lot of memory less and worse short term memory), even though the causes are quite different. It's a challenge.  Best of luck.

[Warden Callaway]

Have you explored a vitamin and zinc regiment?   

 

Are you on any other medications?  Maybe review with your doctor if you should be taking them - especially any staten. 

 

Many years ago we were helping with an outdoor exhibition of industrial equipment in early November.   It turned off cold and nasty with freezing rain, sleet, wind, etc. Long three days of being outside for 12 hours.  Met and talked to thousands of people.  Came down with flu like symptoms that I couldn't get over.  I could just copy/paste your experience.   It went on through November and December.  Life was miserable.  Finally, one night I awoke hungry as a bitch wolf!  I couldn't wait for breakfast and got up at 2:30 am and fixed myself a big breakfast.  Recovered without relapse. 

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

Worse part is the 50 pounds is not going to stay off.  

Weak, stupid and Ill be fat again.  

 

Thank you everyone.

I know not exactly SASS - but Im tired of losing friends.

Im tired of deniers and conspiracy theorists.

 

After 20 years in this game - I know a lot of you and a lot of you know me.

I hesitated about writing this but I decided that hearing this from me - no axe to grind - no Illuminati agenda - might get a few folks to consider options.

 

It aint about politics - its about not having to say goodbye to your loved ones via cell phone because you can't risk seeing them.

It's about hugging your family and friends one more time.

It's about seeing grandchildren grow up and your children start families.

 

I dont give a flying fig newton about your placement on the political spectrum.

I dont care if you believe lizard people are running pizza parlors while prostituting out the animals from the Central Park Zoo.

 

I care about the people standing in front of me - I care about you.

I care about your wife, your children crying in the closet so you wont hear them.

 

Dont make this political - look at the actual realities and survival rates and do the right thing - not just for yourself but for everyone rhat loves you.

 

[High Plains Hud SASS#64232]

Creeker thank you for taking the time and effort and putting this out there. Take it or leave it style. My prayers and wishes for continued  recover . I sure wish I could write like you, got lots I would to say but , its just my heart goes out to you. Sorry you got to go through it. You will be blazing away soon.

[Widder, SASS #59054]

Gosh Creeker,   I had NO idea that you were in such shape.

But I'm sure glad you are on the mend.

 

Your energy symptoms and 'foggy' mind is exactly the symptoms that TN Williams has experienced

for a few weeks back during the early spring.  More to his story but I won't go there.

 

Anyhow, I'll lift up a good prayer for your continue recovery and hope your family stays safe.

 

Thanks for sharing this story.   I read all of it.   It took a heck of a man to write about such personal

situations just so others might not have to experience it.

 

..........Widder

 

[Jax T]

Glad you are healing pard. Praying that you keep going in the right direction. Good luck and God bless you and your family. 

[Captain Bill Burt]

1 hour ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

Worse part is the 50 pounds is not going to stay off.  

Weak, stupid and Ill be fat again.  

 

Thank you everyone.

I know not exactly SASS - but Im tired of losing friends.

Im tired of deniers and conspiracy theorists.

 

After 20 years in this game - I know a lot of you and a lot of you know me.

I hesitated about writing this but I decided that hearing this from me - no axe to grind - no Illuminati agenda - might get a few folks to consider options.

 

It aint about politics - its about not having to say goodbye to your loved ones via cell phone because you can't risk seeing them.

It's about hugging your family and friends one more time.

It's about seeing grandchildren grow up and your children start families.

 

I dont give a flying fig newton about your placement on the political spectrum.

I dont care if you believe lizard people are running pizza parlors while prostituting out the animals from the Central Park Zoo.

 

I care about the people standing in front of me - I care about you.

I care about your wife, your children crying in the closet so you wont hear them.

 

Dont make this political - look at the actual realities and survival rates and do the right thing - not just for yourself but for everyone rhat loves you.

 

I'm glad you're on the road to recovery Creeker.  

 

That 50 'could' stay off!  That's up to you!

 

I'm vaccinated as is Shootin Sharyn.  Our middle son and younger daughter have appointments for the vaccine next week.  Our youngest can't because he's not 12 yet.

 

I mention all that to point out that I'm definitely not an antivaxxer, nor any type of conspiracy theorist.

 

If you don't mind, I'm curious as to whether you have comorbidities that might have contributed to the severity of the disease.  I expect you're pretty close to me in age (58) probably a bit younger.  We've all heard how bad Covid can be for the elderly, or those with other issues, so I'm curious as to whether that's the case with you.

 

I'm actually sitting here waiting on an at home Covid test result for my middle son who is sick with a fever.  My wife and I have the same symptoms as him, but without the fever.  I'll know his results in about six minutes.

[Captain Bill Burt]

And the results are in.  He's positive for Covid.  Sharyn and I both have a slight cough, no fever, so I guess we're probably positive too.  I may go buy an at home test and verify.

[Michigan Slim]

Due for our second shots on Labor Day weekend. Hang in there pard.

[Dusty Devil Dale]

Creeker, thank you for taking the effort and having the humility to share your story.   Too many have died or had near-death experiences as a result of needless  politicization of this awful disease.  I've now lost enough relatives, close friends and neighbors (and had my own share of welled up eyes) to understand the personal destruction of Covid. 

 

Early on in the disease roll-out, I faced a solid politically driven wall,  just in trying to encourage my friends to wear the simplest personal protection.  Some did, others refused.  Somehow common sense measures became political symbolism that needlessly polarized otherwise good friends.  

 

My wife and I took the earliest opportunity to be fully vaccinated.  When I learned of that unique unscheduled vaccine window, I wasted no seconds in contacting all of my friends--first those who I knew had predisposing medical issues, and then others.  Thankfully all of them made it into the window, received vaccines and so far have dodged the Covid bullets. 

 

I daily thank the Lord (and all the medical researchers and practitioners) for giving them that opportunity and the good sense to take advantage of it.  

 

And now I thank you for your part to share and encourage all of us to take this enemy seriously.   I hope to see you in a full recovery in reasonable time.  May God watch over you, those whom you love, and those whom you have so effectively communicated with here. 

[DeaconKC]

@Creeker, SASS #43022 Thanks for posting this. You and your family are in my prayers here.

[Creeker, SASS #43022]

1 hour ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

If you don't mind, I'm curious as to whether you have comorbidities that might have contributed to the severity of the disease.  I expect you're pretty close to me in age (58) probably a bit younger.  We've all heard how bad Covid can be for the elderly, or those with other issues, so I'm curious as to whether that's the case with you.

I am 56.

5' 10" in my socks and usually walk around in the 240lb range - So obese by the charts.  

But for context; I played high school and college football at 215, wrestled at 185.

I have always been a bit of a fireplug build.

Diabetes contolled by minimal medication.

Non drinker.

Non smoker.

 

I have broken, torn, twisted, sprained most everything I could have - but illness?

Rarely have I been ill.

Might be why I didn't get vaccinated at the start - I have spent most of my life being bulletproof. 

And this was something that got other people - not me.

 

But my belief is there are a growing number of variants to this thing - some minor; some deadly.

And folks see someone get Covid and pop back like nothing happened and dismiss vaccinations or proper precautions as big government nannyism.

 

I am (was, hopefully will be again) a pretty healthy, strong man and this took me down like God laughing at my ego.

 

I'm alive - more than a lot of folks can say.

But I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

But it could have been worse; I think about what if Painted Lady or Desert Scorpion or my mom or my son, my business partner;  any of my loved ones had gone thru this version of hell or if I had lost any on them because of my selfish dismissal of doing the right thing.

[Dusty Devil Dale]

Thank you again, Creeker.  Your mental state is better than you may realize.  (You hit multiple home runs here).

I hope your messages resonate loudly.   God's speed in your recovery. 

[Dusty Devil Dale]

1 hour ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

And the results are in.  He's positive for Covid.  Sharyn and I both have a slight cough, no fever, so I guess we're probably positive too.  I may go buy an at home test and 

Hopefully you're dealing with one of the less destructive variants and you and your family will see a brief illness and solid recovery.  My prayers will be with you.  

[Yul Lose]

Get well soon and thanks for posting your COVID saga, it isn’t over. I had it in July of last year with a lot of symptoms similar to yours and am still dealing with some of them. My stamina level has really dropped, shop hours have diminished greatly and two-three naps a day are now the norm. Short term memory has taken a hit as well. My doctor says some things may eventually return to normal and some things won’t. He told me that I didn’t need the vaccine because I had had covid but other family members in the medical field strongly suggested that I get vaccinated and I did. When the booster is available I’ll get it. 
 

Painted Lady sounds a lot like my wife, without her care I doubt that I’d still be here. Don’t rush getting back into daily routines, it takes time, lots of time. 

[Abilene, SASS # 27489]

Thank you for telling your experience, Creeker.   It just may be the one additional piece of information that people who know and respect you need to help them make decisions.    Living with my 97 year old mom, I am not taking chances.  Best of luck to you in your recovery.

[Two Dot, 14911]

Glad you’re doing better. Praying you’ll have a full recovery soon.

[Captain Bill Burt]

19 minutes ago, Creeker, SASS #43022 said:

I am 56.

5' 10" in my socks and usually walk around in the 240lb range - So obese by the charts.  

But for context; I played high school and college football at 215, wrestled at 185.

I have always been a bit of a fireplug build.

Diabetes contolled by minimal medication.

Non drinker.

Non smoker.

 

I have broken, torn, twisted, sprained most everything I could have - but illness?

Rarely have I been ill.

Might be why I didn't get vaccinated at the start - I have spent most of my life being bulletproof. 

And this was something that got other people - not me.

 

But my belief is there are a growing number of variants to this thing - some minor; some deadly.

And folks see someone get Covid and pop back like nothing happened and dismiss vaccinations or proper precautions as big government nannyism.

 

I am (was, hopefully will be again) a pretty healthy, strong man and this took me down like God laughing at my ego.

 

I'm alive - more than a lot of folks can say.

But I wouldn't wish this on anyone.

But it could have been worse; I think about what if Painted Lady or Desert Scorpion or my mom or my son, my business partner;  any of my loved ones had gone thru this version of hell or if I had lost any on them because of my selfish dismissal of doing the right thing.

Thanks for the response Creeker. 

 

When Covid came out, and since then, I've done quite a bit of reading on Covid.  It wouldn't surprise me if you have done that as well.   I noticed several factors that can definitely combine with Covid to cause bad outcomes.  Age was one of them, nothing we can do about that though.  Diabetes as well, again, nothing to be done other than keep it under control.  Asthma contributes, hypertension too.   You didn't mention hypertension, but given your build, it's a possibility?

 

Those factors prompted me to drop from 190 to 160.  That also caused my moderate hypertension to go away.  There are some pretty good studies that show a strong correlation between BMI above 23 and bad outcomes.  According to the studies, the relationship is linear and strong.   Some researchers consider it to be the biggest contributing factor other than age.  I encourage you to try to keep those 50 lbs off.  You'll be better able to deal with Covid should you contract it again.  

 

We're hearing that Delta is more transmissible, and that seems to be backed up by the facts on the ground.  So far there are rumors that it also leads to worse outcomes, but no hard data.  I suspect that your diabetes, weight, borderline age, and maybe hypertension were contributors to your experience more than a variant.

 

I think Covid is going to become endemic.  We're going to be dealing with it and variants for the foreseeable future. 

 

Keep that weight off cowboy brother, it may save your life at some point in the future. 

[Captain Bill Burt]

1 hour ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

And the results are in.  He's positive for Covid.  Sharyn and I both have a slight cough, no fever, so I guess we're probably positive too.  I may go buy an at home test and verify.

Mine came back negative.

[Mister Badly]

Awesome Captain. I just got my 3rd shot due to taking immunosuppressants for RA. Got all of them as soon as I could. I  wear a mask practically everywhere but outside where it's not crowded. I took a year off from shooting matches and shot by myself on setup day after setting up a bay by myself. I did that mainly for my family and my own piece of mind. I didn't want to be the person who carelessly infected them with a disease we know so little about. We know it has killed hundreds of thousands of people in this country alone. We don't know what the long term effects are for adults or children. 

[Mister Badly]

Awesome you didn't have it Captain. Hope everyone else comes out in good shape. Thanks for sharing Creeker. 

[Dream Chaser, SASS #79316]

Heck of a journey but it looks like you are on the mend.  Thank you for sharing.  Covid is scary.

[Nellie Blue #54399]

@Creeker, SASS #43022. my friend, thank you for your eloquent story of your experience. You're in my prayers. {{{{hugs}}}}

[Griff]

Creeker, while you and I have not always seen eye to eye on various & sundry SASS topics, I've always admired your position and ability to articulate it well.  Now, I can admire you for your courage to both fight the disease and maybe more so... the willingness to talk about your battle.  Prayers for your continued recovery and ask the Lord that it may be speedy.  

[Imis Twohofon,SASS # 46646]

Creeker  Thanks for your honesty and humility in posting this. I now spend a lot more time praying, and for a lot more people so I will add you to the list. Get well, see you down the trail. 

 

Imis  (added Cpt BB and family, too. Others?)

[crosscut hardy]

Tks Creeker for sharing your experience...we care and pray for fast recovery.

...crosscut hardy

[Blackwater 53393]

A prayer for your complete recovery!  I'm not going to let the politics tell me what I should or shouldn't do!  I've been vaccinated, as has Schoolmarm!  Honestly, I did it for monetary reasons more than anything. I'm in the entertainment business and many venues require either proof of vaccination or a recent, (in the last 48 hoiurs) negative test.

 

I probably wouldn't have if it weren't for Schoolmarm being immune challenged, (stage four cancer, continued clinical study, cancer free for nearly five years) and my frequent close proximity to many folks who don't take care of themselves and don't care about those that they come in contact with. Add to that the threat to my income!!

 

I don't like being told that I have to do something or that I can't go somewhere and I generally take exception with those who try to tell me what to do.  The more political they make this, the more I understand other people's resistance!!  

 

I hope that folks will be allowed to make these decisions with the wellbeing of themselves and their family in mind and not because someone else says that they have to. 

[Fretless]

3 hours ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

Mine came back negative.

Test again in a week or so.  Stitcher tested positive, and I was fine.  We retested on Thursday, and both came back positive.  Needless to say we did not go shooting this weekend.

If anybody is curious, we are both vaccinated.  My symptoms are next to nothing, but Stitcher went through several rough days.  Thankfully not quite like Creeker described.

[Tyrel Cody]

3 hours ago, Captain Bill Burt said:

Mine came back negative.

Too early, test again in 2-3 days...

[Captain Bill Burt]

Will do Tuesday!

[Bad Bascomb, SASS # 47,494]

  

 

Creeker, thanks for your thoughts and experience.  You and your family are in our prayers for comfort and complete recovery.

 

Hope to see you on the range soon.

 

Bad and Goode Bascomb