This is me trying to make a funny face at the CVS after my first Pfizer shot yesterday. I ended up looking deranged, hehe.
The saga of shots. Unlike other states or even other areas of our state, getting vaccinated against COVID is a nightmare of virtually standing in line, refreshing, refreshing, refreshing, finally getting in, and then being advised that the vaccine supply has ran out. The state exchange is a bust, so I’ve been stalking the CVS site for the last few weeks, and one day it told me they had appointments available. Score!
I force Gordon to drop what he is doing and get him to log into CVS. I am already in line, so I make my appointment for Friday, April 16th and then his turn comes and no luck. It’s booked. On a hunch, I try again, and I am able to get an appointment for him. We are both getting Pfizer. Fantastic.
I haven’t shared this with you, but I’ve had some troubling symptoms over the past year or so, and my doctor wanted me to see a cardiologist, which I did, and he ordered a stress test and a heart ultrasound to see if anything weird is happening. So first COVID shot is Friday, then cardio check up following Wednesday, April 21.
Friday morning Gordon says, “My appointment is cancelled.”
I immediately say, “Then I am not getting mine.”
Which is incredibly stupid. I am not sure what happened there, because yes, why wouldn’t I want to get vaccinated and reduce the risk to my unvaccinated husband? Brain glitch moment.
Gordon then says, “Get in the car. I’m taking you to get your shot.”
We drive to the CVS in New Braunfels, which is one town over, and the GPS messes up. We have to U turn. Finally we get to this appointment with 2 minutes to spare. I run into the pharmacy, and the nice check in lady says, “I have Gordon but not Ilona…”
I’m like, “That’s my husband! Hold on!”
I run to the car, drag Gordon out, and he gets his shot. Yay! While I am waiting for him, I check and I can get a Pfizer appointment this Wednesday at 10:30 am. My cardiology appointment is at 1:00 pm, this works, I grab it.
We get home and at 4:59 pm the cardiologist’s office person calls. “By the way, we need a clear COVID result for the stress test.”
It took me 2 months to get an appointment with the cardiologist, another 3 weeks before I could have this test, and they tell me I need a clear COVID test now. Like couldn’t you have mentioned this earlier? I have waited to so long for this appointment. I can’t miss it, because there is no telling how long it will take.
I starts looking around and I can get a rapid COVID test on Sunday. Fine. Rapid test results should be available “within hours.” Great. I have Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday morning to get the results.
Sunday I get to the CVS and no rapid test, only regular COVID test, which I must administer myself in the car in the drive-through. Funny thing, when you shove a medical size qtip far enough up your nose, your body hates it and makes you cry.
Monday the cardiologist’s office calls. “How is the COVID test?”
I tell them I signed up for CVS Mychart and so far nothing.
Monday…
Tuesday…
On Tuesday afternoon, a very nice doctor calls and says, “Come in anyway. We will figure it out.”
Wednesday…
Gordon takes me to get my shot. The last shot I had was against tetanus, so I mentally prep myself for sitting there and having liquid pushed into my arm.
Poke.
“You’re done.”
Eh?
I poked myself with a needle harder when I sewed.
I take a selfie, sit for about 5 minutes, nothing is happening, and I have places to be, so I am out.
Kid 1 and Cage, her boyfriend, drive me to Austin, because Cage knows the city and I am not sure what state I will be in after the test. I get in 30 minutes early and am immediately ushered to the back. A very nice doctor once again explains that they can’t do the stress test, but I can get the chemical stress test, which means a shot to dilate my veins and 2 minutes on the treadmill. Great! At this point, I just want this over with, as I have stressed out over this for weeks. I am barred from strenuous activity until the results from this come in, so I want to go back to elliptical and walks.
It takes them 3 times to get the IV in – bad day for blood vessels – which is great. My veins usually cooperate, but occasionally they don’t and during one of the labors, I can’t recall which, they tried to get an IV into me 9 times. It’s in there on the third try, so awesome.
For the next 3 hours I am treated as if I am made of glass. Everything is explained, everything is reassuring, everyone has the same friendly yet very caring manner. I have ultrasound, I am placed into some sort of Star Wars looking machine for pictures to be taken, and by the time I get to the treadmill, I am totally relaxed. I get on the treadmill. My pulse is 80, which is normal for me, as my heart likes to beat a little fast and my blood pressure is 120/78. I starts walking in my mask, they give me the shot into my IV, and it’s like someone attached cinderblocks to my feet.
I keep dragging myself forward. I get short of breath. About two minutes later, they make me sit down. How am I feeling? Is my head hurting? Would I like some caffeine? They have coke and coffee, and when I tell them no thank you, I only drink tea, they assure me that tea can be brought to me. If you are around Austin and you need cardio work, go to Seton. Seriously. They check my blood pressure again and it’s something like 130/80. They seem to be happy with it.
Then I am given peanut butter crackers and cajoled to eat them. It would really help everyone if I ate the crackers. I’ve been fasting, so I eat the crackers. They take more Star Wars pictures, and I am out of there.
The problem that presented itself earlier didn’t reoccur when I was on the treadmill, so I don’t know if it means anything, but hopefully it means I am good and it’s unrelated to my heart. I will know more on May 11th. Gordon and I are scheduled for out second doses on May 8th and May 12th respectively.
When I got home, I logged into Mychart on autopilot, because I have checked it every time I signed on for the past 3 days.
Sigh.
I know you guys are waiting for the writing update. We are almost done with the project we are working on, and I have this odd superstitious feeling that it should be finished before we talk about it. So more to come. 🙂
If you’re heart work ups show up clean, and they say it’s all good, I highly suggest you look into getting and seeing a electrophysiologist. The way you were describing how you felt and your feet is how my mom was. It was the electrical bits of her heart that were the problem and if it is an electrical problem don’t take the drugs. Get a heart ablation.
I mean I don’t know enough about your symptoms and stuff, but hopes this helps if they give you the all clear. My mom went through heart stuff since 2008 and her doctor kept saying it was anxiety since the physical stuff all check out and her stress tests. Yeah. It was the electrical stuff and it runs in the family.
Anywho, love your crazy mask face!
Probability is good there’s nothing wrong and you’ve been responding badly to stress, which frankly does extremely weird things to the body. That’s my theory and I’m sticking to it! Good luck all around!
I love reading your work. I mean I LOVE it. But you MUST put your health first. I read every one of your blogs even when you talk about yarn. I don’t knit so most of the time I’m a little lost, but I read it anyway. And I like it. LOL
You’re so brave.
I just had a full work-up, too, after years of resistance. My family history of heart disease is dismal, and my GP put her foot down. I had a pharmacological stress test, which made me very happy, and an echocardiogram. They aren’t doing treadmills in my neck of the woods during covid. Anyhow, everything was great, and I dodged the family bullet.
Good luck with the test results (fingers AND toes crossed for you!)I’m glad you’re getting it checked out…better to be safe!
I had the Pfizer shots. Yes, it was a pain to get them scheduled, but it’s a small price to pay to knock out this stupid virus so I’m all for it.And the more people that get vaccinated, the less likely it is that this stupid thing mutates into something deadlier.
FYI (in case this happens to you): my hubby and MIL had no reactions to the vaccine at all. However, while my FIL and I both had no side effects at all from the 1st shot, after the 2nd shot we both had chills, body aches and pains, headache, etc (like a mild case of the flu).
I’m told that’s normal (just the immune system reacting. Some people get symptoms and some don’t.)The good news is it wasn’t bad at all, only lasted one day, and now we’re protected! And even if we catch this nasty bug it will only be a mild case! Sounds like a great trade-off to me! ????
I hope all of your tests come back with good news!
I also live in Texas, but in the Dallas area. It is so different here trying to get the shot. I was able to get mine without too much trouble. Tuesday we went to Costco and the pharmacist was standing at the front door with a sign that read, “COVID shots available today”. Practically begging people to head over for their shot! Crazy how inconsistent the distribution is.
Take care!!
Best wishes on all your results! I’ve had both Pfizers now. Easiest shot ever for me; it’s so tiny. Only real side effect both times was suddenly *needing* an hour’s nap. First time it was that same evening, second it was the following afternoon. Took nap, woke up fine.
I am 2 weeks past my second shot today. Still wearing mask. I may go out to lunch with coworkers with same status. There are a few places nearby that are a paranoid as we are. My Hubby, last I heard, still has not made an appt. He waited to be contacted by his provider. Still no shot yet. Sigh. I used Walgreens and was lucky to get a relatively local store. My child in Austin got her second on Monday. She drove down to Houston because a Dr she was still on record for contacted her and she jumped on it. Now they say no appt needed at some locations.
I’ve put on some weight since I can’t go out like I used to, and I thought maybe I should get back into shape. So I got a rowing machine (waterrower if anyone cares, expensive but so sturdy) and one of those Polar heart rate monitors so I can make sure I don’t stay long over my ideal aerobic rate. I was surprised it wasn’t that hard to get my heart beating fast even though I don’t feel like I’m doing much at all when I’m rowing away. I just pop on an audio book and row for 20 minutes a couple times a day. And it stands up out of the way when I’m not using it. Way better than a treadmill if you ask me. No knee pain either.
Hope your heart tests come back in good condition. I know those kinds of things are scary, but better to know than not. And congrats on getting the shot, my husband got his first one today; I’m still waiting for a spot to open up. He was one of the last appointments, and the place was still busy.
So sorry getting a vaccine has been such a horrid experience in Texas.
Was I worried I would ever get a vaccine? Yes. I figured I would be lucky if I got one in October or November of 2021. I had registered with my county, with the state of Virginia and at work. I figured I would get it at work before a vaccine appointment was available elsewhere. I also got a notice from the overall health organization my doctor belongs to that when vaccines will be available I would get one.
I registered January 5th and just started to wait, then registered at the county level, and then at work and just continued to wait. There have been two pop-up vaccine clinics at my community center. I am not getting up at 2am to wait in line for a voucher. Let those who are more desperate have it.
All of a sudden Virginia gets its supply chain organized and POW everyone I know is getting notifications to get a vaccine. All my relatives, and co-workers are either getting their first or second shots. I just had my second shot on Tuesday and all I did was drive to the mall, park, go inside to the vaccine center, show id to a checker to make sure I had an appointment, walked down the aisle to the first open station, again confirmed who I was, got my shot, went to wait 15 minutes and then went home. The state of Virginia and Prince William County are rocking the vaccine shots.
Hope you get the all clear.
I’m re-reading the KD series and just saw this article and immediately thought of Cuddles.
https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/2021-04-23/giant-ass-called-moonwatcher-imported-into-australia/100087366?utm_medium=social&utm_content=sf245217047&utm_campaign=fb_abc_news&utm_source=m.facebook.com&sf245217047=1&fbclid=IwAR3OnbKR2CbDNlUHR7GvflZ75roMK_LxfenDHUs7cpIvveMXuNEmGEoMeCg
Please check out “Forks Over Knives” I thought there was a good chance it was all exaggeration so I gave it two weeks. My dads eyesight improved dramatically in just a few weeks and my mom was showing some signs of early heart failure. Those went away. So we have stuck with it for almost four years now.
I’ve bookewd my shot here in BC via the government site on last Sunday as erll sd tthrough my local pharmacy. I’ve been advised it can take about two weeks to get an eamil to book your appointment. Unfortunately the Pharmacies here which only offer the Astro Zeneca vaccine are running low So now appointment yet from them either. Meanwhile my province is under lockdown so no extra travel for me. Part of Canada’s problem is that a prior Federal goverment decided to sell the facillities capable of making vaccine to the highest bidder who promplty moved everything to the USA
That was quite a story, and I am glad it worked out with the shots and all. Keeping fingers crossed for good results from the stress test.
Will continue to puzzle over the clues to your new project until you are ready to unveil it. That is a nice distraction from our newest lockdown iteration here in Germany.
Wow me I was out babysitting for friends. I had tea cooked for me the 11 year old did most of everything for her 2 1/2 sister we watched Mulan and now I’m home.
Wow, your healthcare stories are a great example of most people’s healthcare experiences. It’s a comedy of errors that makes grown — adults feel like insecure 12 year olds who cannot advocate for themselves.
If you ever want to write blood curdling horror lit, you don’t have to write a slasher tale, just write about trying to navigate insurance. That’ll keep ’em up at night.
I’m happy that you’re getting the care you need. Best wishes and congratulations on your vaccines.
It sounds like you had a some stressful days! That stinks! But I hope your results next month give you useful information!
Just be careful with shot #2! A lot of people I know felt really wiped out and flu-like for about a day after their shot. Some took 2-3 days to really recover.
Just got my second Moderna this morning. Definitely a lot off my mind, will feel better about traveling to see my mom who is high risk for Mother’s Day.
Like others mostly tired and sore arm first round. Hoping second round is about the same.
Hope all of your tests and shots go well!
So glad you and Gordon were able to get your vaccine. Hope everything goes well with the results from your other tests.
This is my first time checking out your website. I have all of your books and have read and reread several times. I’ve read the short stories today. So looking forward to your next book. I’m a middle school math teacher and have had both Moderna shots. I got lucky with few side effects. My husband contracted Covid and was very sick for a while. I hope both you and your hubby can get vaccinated. Thank you so much for your stories. They have kept me sane.
I also had stress test, but mine was about 8 minutes of so on the treadmill. Mine turned out fine, no covid test needed. Just a temp check, and questions. I will not take Pfizer or merdna. Its the J&J shot for me, why? The other two are using a untried process of tricking the virus with mRNA, if anyone remember their HS biology, RNA is where life happens, they aint messing up my body at that level. J&J used the tried and true method of dead virus, in this case a closely related COVID virus based on the common cold. Of approximately 8 million does of the J&J vaccine, 15 reactions, all woman, all under the age of 60. I am male, I am over 60, I will hold out till the cows come home for the J&J shot.
Whew, just reading all of that stresses me. Glad first shot went so well. 2nd sometimes gives you a sore arm. AFTER THAT, YOU CAN FINALLY GET BACK TO YOUR 2019 SELF.
I whish everybody gets soon the vaccine.
Hi there Ilona,
You two are by far my favorite authors ever. I am an herbalist in NYC. If you have a diagnosis and don’t want pharmaceutical meds talk to me. You have my email. Also my sister lives very close to you as well. I’ve never visited her in Tx but maybe someday. Be well ok. Stay healthy. We will all be back to normal soon. Have a beautiful day.
KerrieAnne
Good luck with those second shots… several people I know report they knocked them on their arse for 2-4 days.
The shots are funny, aren’t they? Smallest. Needle. Ever.
But Beware : I’ve had zero symptoms thru everything COVID, including my husband having it last summer, as well as my first vaccine shot. My arm wasn’t even sore.
I received my 2nd vaccine shot at 1:30 pm this past Friday. By 10 pm I was feeling flu-ish and my arm/shoulder were sore.
By Saturday morning I was miserable. I felt sunburned all over my skin was so sensitive and all my joints ached abominably. I felt better Sunday morning tho, just fatigued.
Ilona, I hope your health improves. I’m currently in a situation where the doctors don’t know what’s wrong with my blood. I’ve been to three different doctors, and I’ve had multiple blood tests. I also have an MRI scheduled for the problem. I know just how you feel about the hurry up and wait system that we’re put through.
Hang in there girl. Maybe you should try meditation. LOL.
Zen hugs. 6 minutes pleasant distraction via TYWKIWDBI and courtesy of Michael Moschen and PBS https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qjHoedoSUXY
Congratulations ????
I had chest pains a few years ago… Spent the night in the hospital. I had a stress test, an ultrasound and a 3d CT scan. I weirded out the tech when I tried to get him to give me the data from the CT scan so I could see if I could get a friend with a 3D printer to print one. He was even weirded out when I told him my husband is writing a new operating system for his scanner (hubby works for GE Medical). But everything was good and chest pain turns out to be a “locked rib cage and pulled, swollen shoulder muscles” and did 5 months of PT which I’ll take over a heart attack any day.
So good luck, hope the tests turn out well and that the something weird is not anything major. I still would like a 3d sculpture of my heart… That would be so geeky cool.
You should be able to receive the digital files for that CT scan. Johns Hopkins does it. And patient data is yours.
You might enjoy the Gokhale method. I know many of her students come in with weird rib cage things.
So glad you got your shot! It’s such a relief to be two weeks past the second one. Several years ago I had heart symptoms and went in for test after test. Ultrasounds. Stress test (the chemical one as well–what a horrible feeling). Cardiac MRI. Turns out I’ve had a wonky valve since birth and it didn’t get to be a problem until I got older. So I am on a statin drug, blood pressure drug (even though my BP is fine) and keep a close check on everything. Hope your issue is easily diagnosed and treated and you have days when you forget all about it!
When my husband gets the shot for the stress test his heart actually slows down sometimes, so it is hit or miss when he does it that way. When I get on the treadmill they look at me as though I’m going to have a heart attack, because my heart speeds way up. Not fun, but not as bad as working out… We both got our 2nd vaccine shot and my son got his first. My second shot I should have got on the other arm, maybe. All my joints were sore and my armpit (probably lymph nodes) were swollen. Felt like someone took a broken piece of wood and was poking from the inside out. It’s three days later and I am feeling better – still sore, but much better. Glad you got your shot and I hope your heart issue works out. I had to get blood pressure meds, so hopefully it is just that simple for you as well.