Vaccinated . . . it's the only way to travel (seriously)

 I really debated whether or not to get a Covid vaccine. In the end, the deciding factor was this, "A vaccinated me could travel to other countries easier".  I'm not even going to try lie and say I did it because it was the right thing to do since I work in healthcare.  Those who know me best would have seen right through me anyway.

 I am not opposed to vaccines, and I am not really worried that they aren't safe. However, I have reacted to vaccines in the past, and I have a history of not retaining immunity. My dilemma was this: What if I got the first dose and I reacted and couldn't get a second dose. Would it have been for nothing?  I decided to wait and get the Johnson & Johnson vaccine - the "one and done" seemed like the best choice.  I mean, if I reacted then it was already a done deal and I wouldn't have to worry about a second dose, right?  I had a date lined up to get the vaccine - my son got one several days before I did and he got sick. He had already had Covid once over a year ago.  Hmmm? Was J&J the right one to get? Then, a couple days before my vaccination appointment, the health department put a temporaty hold on the J&J due to reports that people were developing blood clots.  Of course, I happened to be in this risk group.  Nope, J&J was off the table for me - now what?

 I spoke with some of my healthcare co-workers and did a little more research and decided to get the Moderna vaccine.  Other than my arm being really sore for a few days (it's a tough shot), I was fine. I had a mild headache but otherwise everything went really well.  Last week I received my second vaccine. Still had the same arm pain but otherwise, it wasn't too bad until approximately six hours later.  I started to get a headache and felt tired. My arm was getting more sore and I was feeling slightly nauseated.  I went and laid down. Within 24 hours I had a fever, chills, migraine headache, nausea, a sore throat, dizziness, blurred vision, and my muscles and joints felt like I had been dropped off a cliff. My hands were swollen so I couldn't get my ring off, but my mouth was dry like cotton. I couldn't see the veins in my hands so I knew I was dehydrated (that's my tell).

 I laid back down and went to sleep again. The next time I woke up I had to make it downstairs - I needed something in case I vomited. I could hardly move; my joints and muscles hurt so bad and I had to hold onto the wall so I didn't fall over from having vertigo (spins). I knew I needed to hydrate so I grabbed a large glass of water, a bucket, and made my way back upstairs. I slept again. I think it was Friday afternoon when I got up to get more water. My whole body was hot and flushed. My husband was getting ready to go to the cabin and he asked me if he should stay home with me. Nope . . . I wanted to feel sorry for myself, by myself. Off he went for the weekend.  I was hoping I would feel better by the next day. It is now Sunday, three days later, and I still don't feel so great but only the rash, mild headache, and dizzyness are left.  I am hopeful they will all be gone by tomorrow.  

 Tomorrow, I have to go to work.  It is holiday pay tomorrow and the miser in me likes getting paid extra to do my normal job.  Don't we all? Just in case though, I lined up someone to work for me on the off chance I wake up feeling like crap. Was the vaccine worth it?  Of course . . . how else will I travel without having to quarantine?  The fact that I am protected from Covid is just an added bonus!

Random thought: My parents took me and my siblings over to friends, neighbors, or family members who were infected with measles, mumps, & chicken pox so we could "get it and be done with it".  However, that probaby wasn't the best strategy and definitely not one recommended in today's world. Vaccinate, vaccinate, vaccinate . . . and if you don't, that's okay. Risk is a personal choice. 

This is randomly me ~ Daemon