We are in this together, but sometimes it can feel very alone. I’m so completely grateful for the amazing friends in my life. Here’s a glimpse of my Covid vaccination travels to date.
Vaccine journey. Journey? Well, yes, for me, and perhaps all of us. Difficulties in securing an appointment: Is it my block – am I in this group? This website isn’t functioning exactly the way I want it to. I don’t understand why not with thousands of people all trying at once. Timing. Which vaccination? What about the second shot?
But for me – it’s the ‘what if’ that has been most deafening.
For full transparency, I haven’t had my vaccination yet. Due to the ‘what if’ dilemma. I had an appointment, but then data surfaced about shock reactions. That’s my history – twice back in the ’80s.
Co-pay one. Allergist/immunologist just out of diapers notes that because I have had a shock reaction to MRI contrast dye some 30+ years ago – could be a problem. Can you test me for anything? No. I’m so sorry. Will future vaccinations reduce the risk? No. I’m so sorry. Lots of other questions with all No, I’m so sorry answers. “But if you get the vaccine do so in a hospital setting. No one’s exactly died yet – weigh the risks.” (Spike in blood pressure noted.) So I canceled my appointment to see if more data would come through over the next few months. She noted that it was likely that it was the PEG binder that would likely be my problem. Can you test me for that to see if I’m allergic, Dr. Allergist? Say it with me: No, I’m so sorry. She did say the fact that I had not reacted to previous vaccinations – flu shot, shingles shots etc. worked in my favor. But other than that, the appointment was a real downer as we used to say back in the day. And, it sent me into a tailspin of “tt”. Tears & trauma.
I’ve been fine the last year with virtually complete isolation. Thank goodness for FaceTime so I could see my family, especially my new granddaughter who was born just prior to the start of the C19 mess. Have seen her in person only once. But I keep up with both sons and their families weekly. So I miss seeing them in person but I recognize how truly blessed I am to have technology. Not everyone does. I pray for their safety and mine every day (yours too) without fail. But to be told that it wasn’t necessarily going to work for me – this ol’ vaccination, well, nightmares every night, heart palpitations most of the time, and lots of tears.
My friend Don suggested I call Mayo. Insurance approval – check. Called Mayo and talked with a scheduler. (My fault, should have asked to be connected to the Immunology Department.) She said no one was addressing this particular issue. (I have since learned from someone at Mayo on a neighborhood app that was completely false – Mayo is addressing in much the same way as I’m about to share.) More tears. Then I thought – well – I would have seen an immunologist there – I’ll search out another in my plan for a second opinion. Found him! And…. was there a test for PEG? Yes. Did I get the test? YES. And I’m good to schedule for my shots. But he also gave me a great deal of other data driven vaccination info. And now… two days in from that appointment… I’m starting to calm down. Hoping when they open the March block I’ll get an appointment and join the ranks of the vaccinated – which should be all of us.
Bottom line, its a vaccination. Just another shot. Definitely like all immunizations will have its own unique side effects etc., but I will likely be just fine. And, survive. And, protect myself. And… you. Please vaccinate. Encourage leadership that vaccinations need to be shared worldwide, every country, every person.
Lastly – pray. Pray to the Creator. Learn about the Creator. Be one with all humanity and all living things. This is our time to cherish. To turn back the tide of judgement and hatred. To learn to understand each other, even when we disagree. To be all that we can be and were created for – love.
Be safe. Be well. Be calm. Be happy (its a choice). Be vaccinated.
Merry Whether Poppycockornot 