I Had COVID-19

Thanks so much for having me on your site, Stephen. I started feeling poorly in March, but didn’t think I’d possibly have COVID. At that point, I didn’t know a single person in my “real” life who’d had it. My symptoms worsened fairly quickly and I ended up in the ER with bronchitis and pneumonia. They gave me medications and I went home. I just didn’t get better though. My heart rate was too high and I couldn’t catch my breath, so back to the ER I went. I had CT Scans done, but they didn’t have COVID tests in our area at the time. The doctor said I was a presumed case of COVID and my family and I needed to isolate for fourteen days. My husband and one of our daughters developed mild symptoms (thankfully!), but my symptoms lingered for quite some time. Actually, I still have a few now, in August. I likened it to a hybrid of mono, the flu, pneumonia and bronchitis….all at the same time. Not something I’d like to repeat.

Apparently, I had a mild to moderate case. I never had to stay in the hospital or get placed on a ventilator. I’m incredibly thankful for the Lord’s protection on that front. I’d say the pain rivaled that of a ruptured appendix. I felt pretty horrible for several weeks. Body fatigue, horrible headaches (I still have those, by the way), brain fog (and a bit of this too), digestive issues, heartburn, heaviness on my chest (like a large dog sat on me), chills, fever, sore throat, a horrible cough, and some weird burning sensations on my back, face, and neck.

I still have daily headaches that are different than my “regular” chronic migraines I’ve had for 40+ years. I also forget some words on occasion, but I try to extend grace and wait for them to come back. I still get winded much easier than before and my heart rate sporadically gets very high. I also have joint aches in my hands and feet that don’t want go away right now. I pray they will dissipate over time, but am learning how to live within the moment.

What surprised you the most about this virus and how it fought against your body?

Everything surprised me. The quick onset of the symptoms. The way it held on far longer than any other illness I’d experienced. I was under the impression it was like the flu. This was unlike any flu I’d ever had.

By the time I was diagnosed, my immediate family had already been around me long enough to get infected. The four of us isolated in our home for fourteen days. I actually stayed home for about a month because I didn’t want to infect anyone else. Friends brought us food and we ordered other items via grocery delivery or Amazon. My husband was the first to develop symptoms, but he only had some fatigue and a mild cough for about a week. Our middle daughter (our eldest does not live at home since she’s all grown) never showed any symptoms at all. Our youngest developed a fever, body aches, and a cough that lingered for a couple of weeks. She’s usually a ball of energy, but she laid on the couch watching Disney movies for days.

We prayed against it, but it brought a certain level of fear into our home. I could tell my husband and girls were concerned they would lose me. The news was so bleak on television. At that time, things were bad in Italy and New York City. My husband had just begun working from home and our girls’ schools had closed. We just huddled together and did what we could do…much like the majority of people in America at the time. I also watched far too much television if I am being completely truthful. LOL

At first, I wasn’t going to tell anyone about it, but I felt a nudge to share. I thought I’d share once then be done with it, but I found people really wanted to know what it was like. I was often the only person others knew with the virus. At that point, even the experts knew very little about the symptoms: fever, cough, and shortness of breath. I knew I had a laundry list of things occurring and wanted to document it for myself and to possibly help others who might get infected too.

I wasn’t able to do any of my normal activities and I tend to be someone who goes more or less nonstop. I had to take incompletes in my three graduate classes and stopped writing for almost three months. I could hardly walk to the bathroom without needing a break so cooking, cleaning, and all of my other normal activities were more or less off limits.

I would love to say that I maintained my writing and editing, but I didn’t. I chose to focus on my family and how to best show Christ’s love to those closest to me. I felt peace about pausing in the majority of my responsibilities. Sometimes it’s important to focus on our immediate needs. Kind of like allowing water to refill in our own wells, so we can pour into others at a later time.

I had a supernatural peace throughout much of the experience. My husband couldn’t be with me when I was in the emergency room. One evening, I was taken to a negative pressure chamber where I stayed for several hours. I could see fear in the eyes of the doctors and nurses. God allowed me to pray for those brave people facing their fears so they could care for others.

In what other ways did you see God use your experience for His purposes?

I hope through my faith in Him, I have shown others his goodness and peace through the process. It’s important to remember that God is still as good in the hard times as He is in the good ones. I’ve been able to engage with nonbelievers about my experience and how the Lord gave me comfort.

2 Timothy 1:7, “For god gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control.”

Philippians 4:6-7, “Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds in Christ Jesus.”

What words of encouragement would you share with a person who is infected with COVID-19? Feel free to cater to Christians and non-Christians separately if you wish.

For all: be kind to yourself and rest as much as possible. Use a pulse oximeter if you have access to one. It can alert you to respiratory issues and give you a level of peace if your levels are good.

For believers: It can be scary to have this virus, but you are in the hands of the great physician. Listen to worship music or your Bible on Audible or an app. Try following the advice in Philippians 4:8, “Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.”

For those who haven’t discovered the Lord yet: You are important and loved beyond measure. If you’d like someone to talk to then please message me at alyndalong@gmail.com. I’d be honored to walk alongside you and/or pray for you if you’ll allow me the honor.

It’s been a great lesson in learning to slow down a bit, see what’s truly important in life, and see how we can best serve the Lord in our daily lives.

It has helped me develop an intense empathy for those affected by the virus and an opportunity to speak with love and grace to those who still believe it is a hoax.

We serve a mighty and loving God. What a gift that is for us. I don’t want to squander any of it. I’m praying for safety and health for you and your readers, but even more, for each to know God’s love in a deeply personal way.