Getting COVID-19 with Cushing’s disease is a recipe for a bad week
COVID-19 is already bad enough, but Cushing's disease makes everything worse
Last week was one of the worst weeks I’ve had in a long time. My husband and I were supposed to visit my brother and his family in Michigan. I looked forward to seeing my nephew and other relatives and getting a break from New York City. Unfortunately, before we could go, my husband and I got COVID-19.
Getting COVID-19 with Cushing’s disease sucks. I was bedridden for days, and I’m not even fully recovered, despite testing negative. My immune system is already weakened, and it hit me harder than it did my husband. I tested positive for days after him and have needed a lot more time to recover.
During my bedridden week, I slept nonstop. Somehow I managed to injure my foot while sleeping. Even after getting several X-rays of it, we’re still unsure about what kind of damage happened, but the pain is severe. Every time I bump it, I double over in agony. I can barely walk, and my legs have been swelling in response. I’ve scheduled several doctor appointments to follow up, but in the meantime, I’ll just have to suffer.
Despite all of my hardships, I still have obligations to meet. I had two doctor appointments and am working on preauthorization for my annual MRI. I’ve also had to work, though I’ve felt like I’ve been failing there. And I have to feed myself, take my medications, and make sure that my body doesn’t crumble.
A struggle to stay positive
I know that even if I didn’t have Cushing’s, I’d have weeks like this. But Cushing’s makes it worse. I’m not just sick, I’m bedridden. I’m not just tired, I’m flat-out exhausted. I’m not just stressed, I’m devastatingly anxious. When weeks like this occur, it’s really difficult for me to stay positive.
In order to avoid just sitting on my bed and rotting in despair, I’ve had to pull myself up and do things that make me happy. I take things more slowly at work and have tried to be honest with my employers about how bad it is for me right now. I take naps throughout the day and make sure to take care of myself. A friend sent me a gift card for food, and I was able to eat an amazing salad.
I’ve also buried myself in writing and put aside time to watch great movies with my husband.
I know this will pass. I’ll do better at my jobs and will continue to write. I’ll have happier days and weeks. I won’t be in pain forever, nor will I be quite as tired as I am now.
Yet as great as that is, I think it’s also important to state the obvious sometimes: This sucks. I’m frustrated that my bones and muscles are weak and that I can hurt myself so badly just by sleeping. I’m angry that COVID-19 has affected me so severely. I hate that Cushing’s is making it worse and causing me to doubt myself.
Say it with me: IT SUCKS.
Hopefully, next week will be better, but every once in a while it just feels good to let myself be angry. Heck, with the week I’ve had, I’ve earned it.
You can also follow my journey on TikTok and YouTube.
Note: Cushing’s Disease News is strictly a news and information website about the disease. It does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. This content is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read on this website. The opinions expressed in this column are not those of Cushing’s Disease News or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to Cushing’s.
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