susan's ex gratia

Part 1

How I ruined Independence Day

Fri. July 3, 2020: I opted out of making a quick trip,with Todd, to the cabin to restart the web-cam and instead set about cleaning the house in anticipation of

The 4^th of July.

As the morning went by, I noticed that I had a weird ache in the roof of my mouth, and with my tongue I located a lump.

Once the floors were mopped, I showered and brushed my teeth..But when the toothpaste contacted my mouth, the sensation of burning was intolerable.

Using a flashlight, I saw the back of my throat covered in white spots and my tongue was covered in gross thick dry, white patches. OMG! Strep Throat!

4 pm. Hunter Medical Center. Parking slot #3. "Tele-med" conference with the Doctor.

After a quick visit, a nurse, dressed in full medical gear, came out to swab test for Strep and Covid19. 20 minutes. Covid = negative. Strep = negative.

Based on my symptoms the Doc knew I had some sort of bacterial infection and prescribed amoxicillin. 4th of July is cancelled!

Over the the next 3 days, It got worse and I got worse. Developing an endless fever/sweat/chill routine, I was unable to swallow, unable to eat, unable to drink, unable to sleep, unable to stay awake. I was unable to be nice to anyone...on or offline.

By Monday evening (July 6), the white spots had turned to dense clusters of red pinpointed prickly spots and my tongue was painful and had the texture of dry tree-bark. From my lips to the back of my mouth it felt as though I was drowning in dry red-pepper.

Today is Wednesday July 8th, I am finally feeling on the mend. My throat is still red and my tongue is still sore, my ears incessantly itch and my voice is basically gone. But, with each passing dose of amoxicillin life gets a little better and my overall fear of dying is waning.

Part 2: Contact Tracing

We are in the midst of a global viral pandemic.

Q: Where did I catch Strep?

A: At the Bank Drive-thru.

June 30th: While the bank I put their pen in my mouth so I could pry the lid off and sign a receipt.

ewwww yuck

July 8th: The pen lid is still sitting where I spit it out, on the front passenger seat of my car.

The incubation for Strep is 1-5 days

Of course I could have picked it up somewhere else, bacteria is EVERYWHERE!

You can infect yourself if you touch something a person with strep has coughed or sneezed upon and then brush your eyes, mouth, or nose with your hand. You can also get sick if you share a glass or other personal item with someone who has strep. -WebMD

Stay Safe

Stay Healthy

Stay Home

- Susan