I have corona

Hope you start feeling better soon. Any idea how long it takes to recover from Covid 19?

I think anyone would be depressed and anxious in your situation. Don't beat yourself up about it, but try to distract yourself so you don't spiral downwards. If you need to don't be afraid to call your doc and ask for help to get you through this. And you WILL get through this. You are young and have a long life of adventures ahead of you!!

Hey Van,

Know the isolation thing all too well...
Keep the tv running and play music. The thing is, you aren't alone. The world is full of life, every square inch!

And people's thoughts and energy are not stopped by walls. You are connected, even if there is a physical limitation for a short while.
Thoughts are the problem. The mind tried to tell you that you are alone and missing out.... but that isn't true.

Keep happy buddy. Wish you good luck. Remember to do some gentle stretching and meditation at times.

My corona is actually improving. It hasn't impacted my bowels so far. I have another friend in my city who I talk to online, she also has corona. Her symptoms have been mild so far. She doesn't have IBD though.

I was able to reach my doctor by phone today, finally. She was very helpful. She's connected to the hospital networks here. In Vancouver, the hospitals are not at capacity, but they're getting there. They're seeing corona cases in all ages, and all kinds of presentations. She said back before her doctor's office closed and testing was widespread, they were surprised who turned up positive and who negative. Anyway, the bad news is that docs here are being told that according to research and projections, Canada is going to be shut down the whole summer, with intermittent shutdowns for the next 18 months to allow the healthcare system to cope. I really did NOT need to hear that.

She prescribed me an anti-anxiety med. At this point drugs are probably the only thing that'll stop my freakouts.

Just be prepared that sometimes anxiety meds can make you feel worse before you feel better. There can be an adjustment period, depending on the med and the person. As long as you are expecting it you will be fine.

Glad you're feeling better and hope the anti-anxiety meds help!

The med she gave me is mirtazapine which I take in the evening around bed because it makes you sleepy. I hope it's the right thing for me.

I am really separated from my loved ones right now and it's very hard on me. I have been suicidal the past few days. Don't worry, I would never actually do it, but the thoughts and feelings are there. I never imagined in a million years that life would one day be this tough. I've only had UC for a few years, but my life is totally different now. So much lost time. The therapist I used to have told me that I have become a much wiser person with a lot more depth, because suffering does that to people. Well, I would trade all that wisdom and depth for a happy, healthy life, I tell you. No point in sugar coating it.

The one silver lining of this is I will probably be immune to corona now so I don't have to live in fear anymore. Well, unless it mutates and we have another strain. My doctor said they are expecting a second wave in the autumn, whatever that means. I am so over this corona BS already. My life was already abnormal because of UC but now it's twice as abnormal thanks to the whole world shutting down. So much for normal, hey?

I have heard that there are some psychologists and psychiatrists who are seeing patients over the computer. I wonder if you could get in touch with one and talk about the way you're feeling. it's really sad to be alone and going through all of this. I can understand. I am always very alone and the annoying part is that I am a loner so I kind of like being alone, but then at the same time I get lonely. I've been having a lot of phone calls with friends and family, more than I had when things were "normal". Do you have any old friends you can reach out to? We have been having virtual meetups... they aren't as great as being out and social, but they do make you feel a little less secluded. I agree though van, I'd give up all the stuff I've learned from illness to just be happy too. I would probably be more successful in my career, and I'd be making more money, maybe I would be more confident. Who knows... My whole life is "less" than it should be because of this. People like to say we are strong but I'd be stronger if I were healthier. Are you going to see her therapist again?

Van,
Do you have a balcony, or window you can open to let some of this sunshine in that we are finally getting? I find this isolation far more tolerable with Sun on my face. I have also started a 1000 piece puzzle to occupy my time.
As Rosie said, our Province has managed the virus very well compared to many other provinces and countries. Too bad they are closing the Provincial parks though, the walking trails have never been so busy.
My daughter and I had a good laugh watching a Vidio from YouTube , Hello ( from the inside) An Adele Parody by Chris Mann. You could probably find some comic relief on the net. However, antidepressants worked great for me too. I started taking them around your age and they changed my life.
Keep posting, this will not last forever, HW will always be here for you.
Sassy

Glad to hear your Corona has improved. There seems more and more research that if the systemic inflammation can be dampened, you'll avoid the worse, so being on IBD meds could even turn out lucky.
Prednisone taper causes severe depression and anxiety in many people (I say this as a mental health worker and a person who has been through the withdrawal a number of times). I know "this too will pass" can be a cliche but please hold on to that. Your body takes time to get its chemicals back into balance.

Your post really touched me Van. I was really sick with c-diff and a flare from August - December and then fully back in remission end of a January. Started working out again and feeling great and now wham back to not being able to do anything. I am in Santa Clara county which was the first place to shut down plus I was already isolating as I knew this was getting bad after watching Italy. I can’t imagine being sick on top of it. Just please try to remember as bad as things get there will come a time when you are better and life is good and then you will look back and say wow that was total crap, but I got through it and now it just seems like a bad dream. Share your website if you would. I would love to see it. Hang in there.

Glad you're feeling better VanJordan.