MITCH STURGEON
Author and Blogger Living With MS
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The people who study such things have concluded that most of the United States is at or near the apex of this coronavirus pandemic.
Life at the apex is a duality. The following two statements, it could be argued, are equally correct:
“Things have never been worse,” or
“Things should only get better from here.”
I believe most of us gravitate toward the more hopeful perspective, but we can’t forget the patients, loved ones, and health professionals whose circumstances prevent them from joining in our optimism just yet.
Over the past months, as we climbed the steep curve toward the apex, we were faced with relatively few decisions; they were made for us. On those occasions when I did make difficult choices, they were rendered moot, like when I decided not to attend the SXSW festival only to see it canceled shortly thereafter.
On the way up the curve, we didn’t wrestle with whether or not to go out for dinner. The restaurants all shut down. We didn’t wonder, for very long, whether to self–isolate in our homes. Most of us were ordered to do so by our governors. As painful as it has been to watch our world shut down socially and economically, as we climbed the curve we were caught up in a wave and simply rode it out.
It will not be the same on the other side of the curve. Sure, restaurants will open. However, I will be charged with deciding when it’s right for me to dine out. Sure, the orders to isolate in our homes will be relaxed, but I’ll need to decide when, given my circumstances, it will make sense for me to emerge. And sure, the six-foot social distance guidelines will be relaxed, but who knows when any of us will be comfortable physically touching or even getting near anyone outside of our households?
This side of the curve, as encouraging as it may feel, will be a treacherous descent.
My collection of underlying conditions might favor a conservative approach. I am overweight. I have MS. I have a weakened respiratory system. And because of MS treatments, I have a compromised immune system. If I don’t move deliberately, I may catch the virus, and, if I do, my prognosis would not be good.
Ironically, my primary tormentor, multiple sclerosis, is also one of the reasons I might tend toward the aggressive approach. Because the disease has rendered me so profoundly disabled, I don’t know how much longer I will be interested in, or frankly, capable of, leaving the house and socializing, virus or no virus. The risk of behaving too cautiously is that I may miss some of the last opportunities I have in my life to live it up. What a conundrum. What a cruel irony.
One of the factors affecting my decisions will be the development of treatments, cures, and vaccines. The sooner these are available, and the greater their effectiveness, the more comfortable I will be in emerging from my cocoon. The longer these take, the more likely I will stay safely tucked away in my house.
Because I can’t predict the shape of the curve, and because I don’t know how soon any effective drugs will be available, I’m not making these decisions just yet. I’ll take each day as it comes and remain thoughtful about my situation.
Climbing the curve was straightforward. I was carried along with everyone else. Descending the curve will be harrowing. If I’m too aggressive, the result could be disastrous. If I am too cautious, I risk missing out on life — a life with its own curve, well past its apex.
11 Replies to “Dispatches from CoronaVille – Post #3 – View from the Apex”
I don’t believe that the US (or the world) is anywhere near the apex, yet. I understand what you are saying (I haven’t hugged my grandchildren for over a month), but without universal testing we have to endure isolation or a much higher dearh and chronic illness rate.
Ted, it is a mess, isn’t it? Here’s to hoping that you will be able to hug those grandchildren someday soon… But yes, testing will be important.
I suffer from the inevitable and fatal disease of old age, 86 this coming October. And as you might expect I fully understand and can empathize with Mitch’s dilemma. Likewise, I’m going to be really slow to join the (maybe too early) recovery, certainly not among those who rush outdoors and scream, “Free at last.” It simply doesn’t make sense to jump the gun.
Roger, you may have the old-age disease, but you wear it well. I look forward to that first, in person, writers group meeting sometime in the future!
I agree with your thought process totally. Although I’m fairly healthy beyond MS and haven’t been on immunosuppressive meds for a long time, I’m not ready to throw in the towel and I’m in the NYC burbs. I’m hoping that treatment will save me if I get it bad because I’m not planning to stay holed up for two years. But, that said, I’m not running anywhere with crowds and will be wearing a mask and gloves for awhile in hopes it helps. Curbside pick up, my van and deck are my best friends right now, and they will suffice for awhile. Stay safe Mitch. It’s not your time.
Michelle, thanks so much for stopping by and leaving a note. Were you still commuting into the city once or twice a week before the virus hit?
Well said, as usual! My friends and I, who are in the same “compromised” boat, feel much the same way. I always enjoy reading your posts. And thinking about your beautiful state.
Diane, glad you liked the piece, and sorry that you are also compromised. One day this will be behind us…
The United States is nowhere near the apex of the coronavirus pandemic. Look at data from Johns Hopkins University, the University of Washington, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. I can send you the links if you want.
It’s dangerous to repeat the misconception that we’re near the peak. Social isolation will bring the peak closer, but there are many people in the US who think the coroavirus is a hoax.
You need to look at better sources of information. As I said, I can send you the links if you want.
Brian, I’m all set with data. Thanks. But you are right that we need to maintain vigilance, and, sadly, you are right about how many people think this is a hoax. They were out in force the last couple days!
I, for one, am staying home except to get some exercise a few days a week. I ordered some exercise bands, but like webcams they’re sold out except for really expensive ones and cheap Chinese ones.
Live long and prosper🖖🏻
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