March 22nd 2022: Covid

Well, it was eventually going to happen. This time last week was Day 1 for me. I had a positive test for Covid and so I entered a rabbit hole of isolation (even isolated from my family) for eight days (following the guidelines of course).

Here's what you can expect:

Day 0: That's test day, you'll spend the day questioning the result. I get a call from my doctor almost as soon as I register my positive result (I have weak lungs). Feel grateful and a little concerned.

Day 1: Oh, yes, that's without doubt something sinister. Thick head, listless, tight chest. Like being at the start of a rollercoaster while wearing a blindfold and breathing through a straw.

Day 2: Things get weird. It's a weird disease. Not like a flu at all it turns out. This is the Night of Hallucinations. For me it was a mouse coming to check on me, "you alright there young fella?" he asks before stealing my phone and scurrying away under my bed. For good measure I wake my dog and turn on the light and start moving the furniture around. No mouse, phone still where I left it. Dog visibly disappointed in me. Very little restful sleep.

Day 3: I had been told to brace for Day 3, so braced I was. This is the Night of Coughs. As you can imagine, zero sleep and a very annoyed dog. Discover that local company Artemis makes a potion called Chest Relief and it has become my best friend in iso. Good stuff, get some.

Day 4: Murky head and general exhaustion – about 40% health. Call friends also in iso and it seems I'm doing better than most. Some terrible stories out there. Rest.

Day 5: Feeling better, slightly. 60%. I'll take it. Can't do much. Rest is key they say.

Day 6: About 70%, walk the dog – not too bad. Realise the family is enjoying my imprisonment way more than they should be.

Day 7: About 80% and feeling lucky. Test negative for the first time in a week. Mow the lawn.

Apparently from here it's a long way back to full health. Hopefully some light surfing in a week and back to full blown reos in two (okay, I've never been a full-blown reos type of guy, but who knows?).

So this week instead of shots from my week-long isolation chamber I've found a few from the previous week. Much more interesting. Enjoy and stay healthy.

See you at the beach ... Derek

PS A lot happened last week in Regional WQS land. The top takeaway is that Billy Stairmand sits number 2 in the Regional Australia-Oceania standings right now and Kehu Butler is just outside the top 10. Saffi Vette and Paige Hareb also improved their positions as the Aussie leg hits paydirt with the bigger events still to play. Read about the boys here and the girls here.