Making Good Choices When COVID-19 Strikes

The past two weeks have been a bit of a blur. Our younger son caught the COVID-19 virus at school, and once we got a positive home test, we went into containment mode. While I took him to get an official test at a local clinic, my husband got everything set up for the little dude’s isolation. And thus began a very long five-day period.

Our son didn’t leave his room except to take a shower. Every meal he ate had to be delivered to him by my husband, who wanted to limit my exposure since I’m immunocompromised thanks to MS. Afterward, he had to sterilize everything, including himself. I’ve been doing more washing overall as well, and my hands are so dry that I fear they may never recover.

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We haven’t gone out much since the pandemic began, but recent weeks have felt like the beginning of it when we were all trapped at home (though no sourdough bread was made this time). We canceled acupuncture appointments and vocal lessons. My husband skipped a trip to his family’s farm. Groceries were delivered contact-free to our front porch. Our entire life has essentially taken place inside the four walls of our home. We were all pretty much trapped here, our youngest son most of all.

Mercifully, we were allowed to spring him from the joint on the morning of day six, and thus began the second phase of safety protocols. He was out but had to wear a mask constantly. And when we were in the same room with him, we masked up as well. It made dinnertime interesting, since he had to eat in another room! We ended up talking loudly so that he felt included in whatever conversation we were having at the kitchen table. I swear, it was like a Neil Simon play up in here.

I’m happy to report that the rest of us remained free of COVID-19. The entire experience, though less than fun, reminded me that we do have some level of control over our health. The COVID-19 pandemic has made everything scary and uncertain, especially for people who have conditions like multiple sclerosis, but rather than faint dead away and give up, my entire family chipped in and did the right things. We were careful, sometimes overly so, but we contained the virus and kept it from spreading.

I learned to live with MS nearly two decades ago. It took time and many adjustments both great and small, but my family and I managed it. This whole COVID-19 containment ordeal reminded me that I can do hard things. I can be resilient and come through challenges. Sure, I won’t be the same on the other side, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. I see the greatest growth during hard times, and I’m willing to bet the same is true for you, friend.

So, whatever you’re dealing with, keep pushing through. Keep making the right choices. There is an end to the tunnel, and the warmth of a glorious sun awaits you there.

Note: Multiple Sclerosis News Today 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 Multiple Sclerosis News Today or its parent company, Bionews, and are intended to spark discussion about issues pertaining to multiple sclerosis.