Welcome to Another Year (How to Manage)

Well guys, if you haven’t heard, there is a new variant of COVID-19 now in some places in the United States. While I would rather focus strictly on Kitty, we humans have to stay well to take care of our babies. I have noticed, even in professional medical settings, people continuing to wear their masks below their nose, or not at all, in some cases. Because of the mishandling of the disease, especially in the US, our only options right now include masking and social distancing – actually, it is a requirement to stay healthy. I have had COVID as have many people around the world. If you haven’t had it, let me tell you straight up: You do NOT want it. Even a “mild” case is awful and can go on and on and on.

I try to stay home as much as possible because I am a long-hauler and because of the new variant. As well, even though I had COVID, every antibody test I have taken has been negative. This is not uncommon, and apparently the natural antibody protection can wear off resulting in potential reinfection. I do not know as yet how common this is, as there have only been a few reported cases, but they are out there. I decided to make a personal safety list in case of another lockdown and/or becoming ill again.

1. Stay home as much as you can. We are programmed to push through illness and keep going. Don’t. If you feel sick, listen to your body. Even a very mild case is contagious, and we need to look out for our family, friends, and neighbors.
2. Ask about tele-vet services from your vet. Those that are not on any of the online services/apps available are usually pretty helpful over the phone. If you are symptomatic, they don’t want you there. Unless it is an emergency, utilize telemedicine or the phone for Kitty. I know it is stressful when we get worried about our fur babies, but you need to be alive also to take care of them properly. A whole list of different services is available via Wired Magazine here.
3. Utilize telemedicine for yourself if possible. There are too many services to list, but I have used PlushCare several times, and we have MDLive as an employee benefit through my husband’s job. The experience was pretty much the same, though MDLive is more flexible about a phone visit rather than a video call, depending on your state laws. Your own primary care or GP may be able to provide a lot of services without a visit, especially if you are symptomatic. I have had great compassion from my new GP office, and they have been super stars working with me via phone when I relapse. Many urgent care offices are doing telemedicine appointments as well for standard things like your yearly sinus infection, strep throat, and other common things. I have had pretty good acute treatment for migraine via telemedicine as well, so it is worth at least considering, especially if you want to reduce your chance of exposure or exposing anyone else if you are symptomatic.
4. If you are working at home or, like me, isolated often, it is very easy to slip into sadness, loneliness, and depression. I miss drinks and dinners with friends so much, but, right now, it is better to be safe than sorry. Instead, I focus on the positives within my home. I am so thankful for my family and my mini zoo. Having more time with my fur babies has been a huge positive from COVID. I have learned so much about their behavior and have had a chance to watch my young kitties learn from the older ones. I have also seen my elderly cats become more active in playing with, teaching, and leading the younger two. Even my very elderly dogs have been more content and active. So, the fur babies are getting something great out of the COVID mess – YOU! For those of us who are a bit more social – unlike me – taking a drive just to get out of the house is remarkably helpful. We try to go at least once a week just to get out for an hour or two, and I ride along with my kids often when I can. A change of scenery can do wonders. If the weather allows, a walk is a good idea or a bike ride – as long as we continue practicing social distancing and have that mask at hand in case we get close to others. If you are having a hard time with symptoms of depression such as constant sadness, low or no motivation, lack of hope, hard time concentrating, sleeping too much or too little, or just generally feeling “blah” for at least two weeks, you need to call your GP or utilize telemedicine. A few places offer counseling services on top of prescriptions. Many have decent rates for uninsured patients, and you can choose not to use your insurance if you don’t want to, such as with those high deductible plans. Help is available in so many forms now. Please do not suffer needlessly.
5. Do not count on getting a vaccine any time soon. As of Monday, there were 5000 appointments available in my sister’s county in Florida. ALL five thousand were taken within 30 MINUTES. My parents were not lucky enough to get appointments this time around, but Sherry is determined to keep calling whenever they open up again. The parents are in the high-risk age range, so they are going first. If THEY have to wait weeks or months, we lower-priority people may have to wait a very long time. Demand is far outweighing supply, and everybody is doing the best they can.

I don’t want to be all doom and gloom starting out a new year. However, this crisis did not evaporate at midnight on January 1 ^st, as lovely as that would be, and we have to take care of ourselves in order to keep caring for our fur babies. Take the time to watch the sunrise or sunset. Take a few minutes to pet or play with Kitty on a work break if you are at home. Let Kitty comfort you if you are not feeling well. Watch Kitty play or sleep. Just take time for yourself and try to find the positives every single day.

Have you developed some tips and tricks to dealing with some of the pitfalls of the pandemic? If so, hop online to the Feline Diabetes Support Group and share your ideas and experiences.