General Discussion
Related: Editorials & Other Articles, Issue Forums, Alliance Forums, Region ForumsAttacked By Neighbor UPDATE: Positive for COVID-19
It's taken me some hours to process what I found out today. After a few glasses of wine and phone calls with my kids, I've finally settled down enough to write this.
To bring others up to speed, here are the links for my previous posts on this subject:
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214564433
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214571239
I heard from the ADA late this afternoon. Apparently the son took his mother (my neighbor) to the doctor yesterday for a court-ordered physical examination. The mental health evaluation was done the day before. My neighbor showed some symptoms and was tested for COVID. It came back positive. She, her son and his entire household are now quarantined (which means they shouldn't be returning to the neighborhood anytime soon).
So, just over a week ago, I am breathed on, spit on and pushed by someone who is now positive. I don't know enough about incubation periods, etc. to know whether or not to be slightly worried, somewhat worried or freaking the hell out. The ADA told me to quarantine, which I was already pretty much doing anyway. I am asthmatic and on blood pressure and diabetes medications (non-insulin-dependent). Looking on the bright side, I'm not morbidly obese, I don't smoke (for obvious reasons), and I have been on a high dose Vitamin D regimen for several years now (which they say helps).
So, it's a waiting game. My neighbor who got whacked on the head with the rake has also been notified. His elderly mother lives with him and his wife so, of course, he is freaking out. I will remain positive because, basically, that's about all I can do. Thanksgiving was going to be low-key anyway. I'm trying to feel thankful, but it comes and goes.
Say some prayers, light some candles, chant, whatever your persuasion. The next week or so is going to be kinda tough.
The Roux Comes First
(1,279 posts)Chicago1980
(1,968 posts)The Roux Comes First
(1,279 posts)somaticexperiencing
(311 posts)LisaM
(27,762 posts)Fingers crossed that you avoid it.
It also sounds as if (for obvious reasons) the contact was fairly limited and not for ten or fifteen minutes.
Liberty Belle
(9,528 posts)Per the CDC, it can take up to 14 days to develop COVID after exposure, though my daughter who works in a COVID ward says 3 to 10 days is most common.
Fresh turmeric would be a good thing to add to your diet as it reduces inflammation; ginger might also help. Inflammation with COVID is what results in lung damage/breathing issues.
If you have asthma medicines they can help, too.
If you do get COVID, I hope you will sue the crazy, selfish neighbor.
Do remember that most people, even older folks, survive COVID. Buy an oximeter($19 on Amazon) to monitor your oxygen level. Many of the early deaths were people who waited too late to go to a hospital; there oxygen levels would drop suddenly. Ask your doctor what number should prompt immediate medical attention.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)I forgot about the turmeric - I have some on hand. I have my inhalers, a nebulizer and nebulizer solution if need be. I just bought an oximeter last week, ironically, so it's ready to go. My doctor has always said high 80s was cause for concern, but I will check to see if that is different with COVID.
Thank you again.
Richard D
(8,693 posts)with Vitamin K added can be very helpful. Add some Magnesium if possible as it helps the D absorb. There's been a couple of good studies done on this recently (The Vitamin D aspect as mitigating COVID).
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)Didn't know about the Magnesium or Vitamin K. Will look into that. Thanks for the great suggestions!
OMGWTF
(3,901 posts)doesn't absorb the Vitamin D from the sun like fair-skinned people. I'm old and of northern European; I take 5,000 units of D3 every day. So far, so good. Stay safe and well everyone. BIDEN WON so I am thankful for that. Come on Georgia and the corks will fly!
Response to Richard D (Reply #72)
OMGWTF This message was self-deleted by its author.
MacKasey
(976 posts)Keep DU updated, so we know how you are doing
Hekate
(90,202 posts)TlalocW
(15,359 posts)If her house is close enough to yours, the order could prevent her from ever returning.
TlalocW
TeamPooka
(24,156 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)Good thought!
Yes! Perhaps can be done remotely, given the situation!
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)Which will probably become permanent, thankfully.
GulfCoast66
(11,949 posts)Heres hoping you are fine. You probably are.
Most transmissions are prolonged encounters indoors. Viruses generally do poorly in outside air. It disperses them too much and the sun kills them.
KY_EnviroGuy
(14,483 posts)Perhaps it's a good idea for you to get tested ASAP for peace of mind. You may have been asymptomatic, so it's a good idea to at least let anyone you have had close contact with know.
We'll keep you in our thoughts and meditations. Please continue to keep us up to date.
KY...... ...... ........
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)jeffreyi
(1,934 posts)Knowledge is power.
GeoWilliam750
(2,519 posts)Hermit-The-Prog
(33,041 posts)Cha
(295,928 posts)on the COVID test, rustysgurl!
SunSeeker
(51,378 posts)Wawannabe
(5,580 posts)Fucking idiocracy! Shit rustygurl. Hang in there. Three is the charm. Don't get Covid and you are golden. You have come this far. You can whip this and that old gal !!
Wawannabe
(5,580 posts)Meowmee
(5,164 posts)I hope you did not get it from her. You need to isolate from family etc. until you are sure, wear a mask when around them. I survived it in April and did this: z pac when pneumonia had started, inhalers rx, monitor pulse ox, bp, heart rate and temp at home, video visits with doc to assess things. I took vit D, high doses of C, lysine and pk as needed, fluids and so on.. I tried breathing exercises but they were too painful, rest seemed to help me more. Doc at field hospital said if pulse ox went to 94% for any length of time go back to er or with worse breathing issues etc. I was already on blood thinners. Melatonin can help also, I am on that now.
Keep your bg as low as possible. FH Doc told me that as well. Mine was crashing the whole time so I was drinking several juice packs a day and eating etc helped my pain.
You were outside so there is a good chance you didnt.
lapfog_1
(29,166 posts)my case was 3.5 days...
could be as long as 7 to 10 days... but that is unusual.
if you have a blood oxygen meter... measure every few hours, even if you have no other symptoms.
I had a sore throat, headache, slight cough, body aches, extreme fatigue and short of breath. My blood oxygen dipped to 90. If it had gone any lower I was told to go to an ER.
Now, 6 weeks later, I am still fatigued...
I am one of the lucky 80% that do not get severely ill. Here is hoping you don't either.
edit to add... I've been taking 3000 IU of vitamin D every day since March. Being in a high risk category, I believe it saved me from a severe case. I am male, over 63, congenital heart problems and type 2 diabetes. I highly recommend vitamin D... and if you go to a hospital insist on calcifediol (vitamin D which does not need time to be processed by your liver). Not a doctor... but... research this.
As a precaution I would isolate until you test negative twice with 1 week between tests.
BGBD
(3,282 posts)Incubation is between 2 and 14 days. What does that mean? It only means that most people, about 2 Std Dev on a regular distribution will have symptoms in that time. Probably 5% will fall outside of that time, with about half of that showing symptoms earlier and the other half showing them after. So, 97.5% of symptomatic cases will present within those 14 days.
The average is 5, so you are already beyond that. Each day you move beyond the average means you chances of having a symptomatic case decrease. Did you get a test? This far into the exposure a test would probably be pretty reliable.
Your potential exposure was on the 16th, which was 9 days ago as I write this early in the morning of the 25th. So, if you aren't sick yet you can probably feel pretty good about not having been infected while still remaining vigilant for any onset of symptoms. Also consider that you could have an asymptomatic case and will never have symptoms, so getting a test to find out would still be a really good idea.
In summary, you don't need to freak out at all. Just be vigilant and keep an eye out of symptoms with the knowledge that at this point you are past the average time for onset.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)I really appreciate you taking the time to explain the timelines, etc. I kept telling myself it had been over a week and that was good, but hearing it from someone else helps a LOT.
BigmanPigman
(51,432 posts)If that crazy neighbor moves back into the neighborhood I hope other neighbors, besides you, have some sort of "watch" set up to keep an eye on her activities. I can't believe she is not on meds. I wonder if she'll "go off" during the inauguration too.
mahina
(17,506 posts)Thanks for that and best luck OP. Were pulling for you.
pnwest
(3,265 posts)that. What a crazy mess. Praying you didnt contract it.
czarjak
(11,194 posts)BainsBane
(53,003 posts)I'm so sorry you have had to deal with so much.
In case you haven't already planned on it, I suggest you get tested. When it comes back negative, you'll feel greatly relieved.
Cheezoholic
(1,967 posts)Here in Indiana you can still be tested for free. You don't need a reason, a Dr.s recommendation, anything. Just make an appointment and go get tested. I've gotten tested once a month since they've offered it no matter what. I'm not sure how it is where you are but with your conditions and the criminal act you were subjected to, if they offer it, go get tested. I have an immunocompromising condition myself and am 59. Trust me, it does a lot to relieve some of the anxiety and it's not the horror story test some make it out to be. I'm sorry you had to go through this, I myself am surrounded by these idiots. I live in a teenie town in the middle of cornfields where maybe 20% of us wear masks and are constantly ridiculed. I can't stress enough, if you can get tested do it and do it again in a few weeks. It really does give some peace of mind. Be well
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)Was tested this morning. I hope to get results back on Friday.
LuvNewcastle
(16,820 posts)I hope you're seeing a lawyer about this and you're suing those people. This has been a hell of an ordeal, and it all started because they didn't like that Biden sign in your yard! These fuckers need to pay every time they victimize people for their political persuasion.
Tribalceltic
(1,000 posts)I didn't see it above but Zinc Lozenges or Chew-able tablets may help. I have used them for years to fight off, or at least reduce the length of and symptoms of colds, that are very similar to Covid. they leave a horrible after taste, but better than the alternative. I would suggest 3 per day for everyone in the household until you are sure you are clear.
Best of luck and all the energy I can spare for you and everyone involved.
LittleGirl
(8,261 posts)barbtries
(28,702 posts)your OP says "attached" by neighbor - I read your previous posts and know you meant "attacked."
this virus is insidious and here we have an example of direct harm caused by covidiots.
my son's girlfriend's boss has forced their entire office to work full time on-site here in NC. She had to go to work until 5pm on the final day prior to the lockdown and be back in the office at 8am as soon as it was legal - and now she's been exposed to a co-worker who's positive. blew our thanksgiving plans out of the water, but my son and i will drive over and drop off the feast and then we will all have a nice ZOOM thanksgiving with the rest of the family.
someday there will be a diagnosis attached to people who fell so far into the abyss with trump.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)My son just got the word that from now until Christmas, he is working Tuesday through Sunday, so his only day off is Monday. He works for UPS, and it's "peak season." They are down workers, and although he's an automated specialist (in charge of keeping the high sort facility machinery running), it's "all hands on deck" for now. He gets Thanksgiving Day off, but has to work Friday, Saturday and Sunday this weekend.
Oh well, at least he has a good-paying job. He is very thankful for that.
As far as a Trumpism diagnosis, I am sure there will be a DSM diagnosis forthcoming.
crimycarny
(1,351 posts)Brother-in-law has been UPS driver for over 20 years and prior to driving he loaded the big UPS semis. He said since COVID started the amount of packages to be delivered has been like Xmas peak except without adding temporary drivers. Extremely stressful and he is exposed to people constantly. Hasnt worked less than 12 hour days in months.
My 22 year old son took a summer job at FedEx loading semis this summer. I had NO IDEA how physical the job was! Try doing squats and bench pressing, non-stop, for 5 hour shifts with one 15 minute breakall while being screamed at by supervisors to go faster (apparently this is the culture at FedEx). My son is 59 and 120 lbs soaking weight, but he was the only one of his hiring group of 30 that lasted.
So kudos to your son. Its one of the most stressful jobs made worse by COVID. Without people like your son working so hard to get packages delivered (a critical piece of allowing people to stay home), wed be in an even bigger world of hurt.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,041 posts)rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)My son, by virtue of being a full time specialist, is considered management, so he's non-union. Fewer protections, actually less pay (he gets paid less than the mechanics he supervises). He still makes a good income, but there are definite perks to being union. All through the pandemic package volume was increasing. By the time they hit July and August his hub was moving about 1.5 million packages a day. And like the other poster said, without temporary workers. They're had the "We're Hiring" sign up since June, and apparently can't keep enough people in the building. Two supervisors and another specialist quit last week (for better-paying jobs).
He's grateful for the job, but it IS stressful. Operations supervisors are trying to get the sorts done as quickly as possible, and when the automated system shuts down, they yell at him. Of course, he yells right back, and they usually stay out of his way until he gets things fixed. Imagine a 600-feet-per-second belt on multiple levels extending up to the ceiling, with "shoes" shooting packages down chutes based on pictures taken by cameras which show package dimensions, weight and label info. The only people touching the packages are the truck unloaders and loaders. Everything else is automated (except for tenders who will sometimes pick off damaged boxes, etc.). It runs nonstop, essentially 24 hrs a day. He works from 7pm until 4am (unless they ask him to stay to 6 or 7, now 6 days a week.
Hermit-The-Prog
(33,041 posts)Take care of yourself and yours!
crimycarny
(1,351 posts)The volume is INSANE. They wanted my son to work 6 days a week with double-shifts on Friday and Saturday. They cant keep people because the stress and work load is just insane. I was proud of him for lasting the summer (hes in college for fall).
But he did have some guardian angels there. An older black man who had lost his job at the airport took my son under his wing and kept encouraging him. Probably saw what a scrawny little guy he was, also very quiet and shy. This man kept him going which Ill always be grateful for. Amazing what human kindness can do.
But Ive gone off topic a bit, or maybe not. The OP mentioned her crazy neighbor there is a lot of fear going on underneath so much anger and hate. Thankfully this board gives us all a place to turn to for support. Very grateful for that.
(Edit: Duh! Youre the OP. Got confused in my reply! )
Squinch
(50,774 posts)SheltieLover
(57,073 posts)I am so sorry to hear that idiot might have exposed you!
But you were outside & the encounter was brief, so you are probably ok.
I do agree with idea to get orders of protection against her & slimey son!
You could get tested if you want more peace of mind, but that could possiby be another risk of exposure, just from being around others.
I do love that ADA is being proactive in keeping you informed of progress with the case and hope they will pursue orders of protection on your behalf.
Sgent
(5,857 posts)about an antigen treatment -- there are two that are approved, the one that Trump got and one other. Given your age and comorbid conditions it would be best if you can start one ASAP. These are intended for outpatient use (once your admitted its too late) and started quickly.
There is limited supply, requires an IV infusion, and its being doled out by the health department, but your doctor will probably know where to send you.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)I placed a call to my doctor regarding possible treatments. She wants a positive test results and then we'll go from there.
lpbk2713
(42,696 posts)If they are going to institutionalize your neighbor and if her
son will liquidate her estate you deserve a part of it.
whistler162
(11,155 posts)"So, just over a week ago, I am breathed on, spit on and pushed by someone who is now positive."
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/if-you-are-sick/quarantine.html
"Quarantine is used to keep someone who might have been exposed to COVID-19 away from others. Quarantine helps prevent spread of disease that can occur before a person knows they are sick or if they are infected with the virus without feeling symptoms. People in quarantine should stay home, separate themselves from others, monitor their health, and follow directions from their state or local health department."
I am coming up on my 14th day on Thursday. I was informed on the Monday after a Dr;s visit that I had had a potential Covid-19 exposure. Great news at the start of a 1 week vacation now extended to 2 weeks.
CountMyVote4Reality
(209 posts)Melatonin may be of benefit to COVID-19 treatment.
https://www.democraticunderground.com/100214520433
bedazzled
(1,727 posts)You must triumph over the deplorable's germs!!!
coeur_de_lion
(3,666 posts)I hope you're negative for COVID.
jimlup
(7,968 posts)Current medical advice suggests you'll be good 10 days after possible contact. But I think they recommend testing several times during this period.
Good luck! I'm so sorry for the situation with the neighbor from hell.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)Kaleva
(36,147 posts)My guess is that you were told it'd be a good idea to quarantine yourself for at lest 2 weeks.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)I also have follow-up testing set up.
Kaleva
(36,147 posts)What you do and how you keep yourself occupied day after day. Some folks, I would be one, would gain some valuable knowledge as what to expect if any of us go to quarantine.
Something like a daily journal posted here.
catrose
(5,050 posts)liberal_mama
(1,495 posts)I hope everything turns out okay for you and your neighbor who got hit in the head with the rake.
Atticus
(15,124 posts)quarantine period has been reduced to 10 days. Vin Gupta said that, of those who are exposed to covid and later test positive, 90% will have symptoms within 7 to 10 days after exposure.
That's what I understood and, though not an "all clear", it may mean you are nearly out of the woods.
Hang in there.
drray23
(7,587 posts)7 days + a negative test or 10 days.
ananda
(28,783 posts)sarcasmo
(23,968 posts)I forget which one does movies based on real crime.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)It has been pretty drama-filled, which has probably affected me more than anything. I like a peaceful, quiet life.
irisblue
(32,829 posts)The DA to consider upping the charges and the cops so they know to get tested
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)The ADA said she was considering upping the charges, but didn't think it would fly with the judge (based on sympathy for her age, her not being aware beforehand that she might have been positive at the time of the assault, etc.).
irisblue
(32,829 posts)put you and several others at risk.
soldierant
(6,648 posts)includes something like if the offender knew or should have known there was danger. Yeah, maybe she didn't know, but she by God should have known. I call it criminal negligence.
Caliman73
(11,694 posts)sheshe2
(83,355 posts)Stay calm, rustygurl.
electric_blue68
(14,623 posts)things in your favor, as pointed out for not getting it. 👍
Powdered garlic - the Center for Science in The Public Interest recommend it for low income people when expensive garlic pills stated coming out. They said it worked well.
Do not cook w it, instead- sprinkle on a hot or cold meal. Cooking heat destroys some of it's benefits. Hot food after a few mins is is probably no longer hot enough to effect it, and xcept maybe soup for a bit longer.
And add some black or white pepper to your tumeric! It aids in the body's adsorption. 👍
What a terrible ordeal!
Big Good Luck, keep us posted!
DeminPennswoods
(15,246 posts)but could be as long as 14 in unusual cases. CDC has just revised its quarantine guidelines from 14 to 10 days. If it's been a week already with no symptoms, you should be optimistic, but jmho.
cp
(6,543 posts)And long-distance hugs.
pansypoo53219
(20,906 posts)getting better. i suppose i would say trying to do some yoga lions to stimulate your immune system. scrunch up your shoulders + stick out your tongue.
bluescribbler
(2,105 posts)JudyM
(29,122 posts)Did you have your mask on, BTW? I didnt see you mention that in your first post.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)I figured since I was raking leaves in my front yard, I should be ok. Hindsight being 20/20, I now regret that decision.
lillypaddle
(9,580 posts)what an ordeal! I am so sorry you are having to go through any of this. Just is sickening. Literally.
Take care and keep us posted. Sending positive vibes your way. Assholes.
Reader Rabbit
(2,621 posts)My acupuncturist and her colleagues have come up with several formulas for COVID based on their patients symptoms. I haven't had to try it yet, but should I test positive at any time, she will be my first phone call.
For full disclosure, Chinese herbs taste like crap, but they really do workat least in my experience.
panader0
(25,816 posts)Such an innocent act and it let loose a strange series of events.
I feel you'll be fine, but don't forget to keep us all informed.
All the best.
cate94
(2,797 posts)Sorry youve had to deal with this. Hoping for negative results for COVID for you.
Positively hoping the neighbors get what they deserve.
Bettie
(15,998 posts)you never have to see that horrible woman or her son again.
lunatica
(53,410 posts)From everything Ive read though, being outdoors and exposed for a very short time works in your favor. Its the long exposures indoors which are the dangerous ones. The reason is there are many millions more COVID viruses floating around in the air.
People who may have been exposed need to quarantine for two weeks. Youve already done so for one week, so you only have a week to go. Kim so sorry you have to go through this!
c-rational
(2,581 posts)you can control is your reaction. You did well. Stay safe, keep y9our thoughts positive and Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours.
Karadeniz
(22,283 posts)Positive test! I also agree with the comment that those two should be sued. It needs to get around that this disease isn't a cold.
Lord Ludd
(585 posts)(pun intended).
Seriously, no more bad news for you. The Lord (Ludd) has spoken.
healthnut7
(249 posts)essaynnc
(792 posts)good thoughts that everything turns out ok. ....
Raine
(30,540 posts)KWR65
(1,098 posts)I'm sorry you have to go through this.
Ilsa
(61,675 posts)some negative COVID-19 tests! I'm thinking good thoughts for you and your family and neighbors. Thank goodness you were outside.
Visit The Lounge occasionally to look for something light.
reACTIONary
(5,749 posts)niyad
(112,435 posts)for you. As for your dreadful (soon to be former, one hopes) neighbors. . .you don't want to know!
smirkymonkey
(63,221 posts)What a terrible ordeal! I hope that you will be healthy and that everything will turn out well for you. This just seems so bizarre and unfair. Sending good vibes and healing thoughts your way.
BobTheSubgenius
(11,535 posts)How DARE they unleash this unhinged disease vector on the world?
TryLogic
(1,721 posts)orleans
(33,987 posts)(illinois gov. pritzker had an in-person meeting with restaurant reps who wanted to keep the restaurants open for dining. a few days later he was informed someone in that meeting (ironically--his word) tested positive. he went into quarantine and got tested. negative. that weekend he was outside marching with people. then he got a lot of shit about being out around people so the illinois top doc (enzike) explained and here's how i understood it)
pritzker was around the restaurant jerk on a monday.
the jerk began showing SYMPTOMS on thursday, got tested thursday or friday.
the gov went into isolation and got tested as soon as he heard the news.
HOWEVER, you take the first day of symptoms appearing and then GO BACK TWO DAYS. so anyone around the jerk on tuesday or wednesday would have to quarantine for fourteen days. pritzker was around the jerk on monday. so he tested negative and was able to stop the quarantine
so--if you can figure out the day your crazy lady started showing symptoms then back it up two days. if you weren't around her then you can probably breathe a sigh of relief. i would still continue to quarantine and get tested. maybe the ada (what does that stand for?) can tell you when she started showing symptoms and that might also help. of course, everything might be closed now until monday.
rustysgurl
(1,040 posts)ADA = Assistant District Attorney
I can try to find out when she first started showing symptoms, but I doubt I will ever know for sure.
In the meantime, I'm keeping a positive outlook about tomorrow's test results.
orleans
(33,987 posts)orleans
(33,987 posts)that i'm so sorry you are going through this. what a horrible thing to happen on top of what already had taken place.
keep those phone calls with the kids going.
and then, you always have us to talk to.
keep well rested. try not to stress out too much (easy for me to say). take care as best you can. and keep us updated.
my thoughts and well-wishes go out to you, tonight, tomorrow, and until i see a good update.
GregD
(2,263 posts)Sending good thoughts.
Stay well.