I Was Stupidly Optimistic

Summary

Dennett reflects on the unexpected contraction of Covid despite precautions, leading to personal and financial challenges amidst IRS deadlines and the need for continuous testing.

Abstract

In the latest chapter of their dialysis story, Dennett recounts a sudden turn of events where both they and Ben, who is on dialysis, tested positive for Covid. Initially, Dennett had downplayed their symptoms as a mild cold, displaying what they refer to as "stupid optimism." This optimism quickly faded as symptoms worsened, and a positive test result was received. The situation is further complicated by the urgency of meeting IRS deadlines and the financial burden of repeated Covid testing, which is no longer covered by insurance. Dennett expresses frustration over the irony of contracting the virus despite adhering to strict preventive measures and laments the impact on their ability to work and fulfill personal commitments.

Opinions

Dennett acknowledges their own naivety in underestimating their cold symptoms and not recognizing them as Covid initially.
There is a sense of self-criticism for being overly optimistic about avoiding Covid, given the stringent measures they had taken to prevent infection.
Dennett expresses frustration with the healthcare system, particularly the lack of insurance coverage for Covid testing, which adds to the financial strain of managing the illness.
The author feels the pressure of professional obligations, highlighting the inflexibility of the IRS and the necessity to meet deadlines despite health challenges.
Dennett's narrative conveys a sense of resignation and irony about the situation, recognizing the futility of their efforts to avoid the virus and the unpredictable nature of the pandemic.

Our dialysis story — chapter 39

Yesterday, I answered several responses about Ben having Covid and me testing negative. I stupidly said I only had a mild cold.

Stupidly optimistic.

Ben was doing so well yesterday that I stopped wearing a mask in the house.

Stupidly optimistic.

Within an hour of writing those stupidly optimistic comments about having a mild cold, I went from slightly congested to not-able-to-draw-a-breath congested. I had a miserable night and woke up choking to breathe with a raging sore throat and a pounding headache. I have a cough, too, but at this point, it’s not as bad as Ben’s was.

I took my third Covid test at the pharmacy this morning — POSITIVE.

My problem isn’t being sick. My problem is the work I need to do before the IRS deadlines. As I’ve said before, the IRS doesn’t care if I have Covid.

I’m a moron for hoping that I could get through this unscathed.

I’m a moron for being stupidly optimistic.

We’ve spent $80 on tests, and at some point, Ben and I will need at least one more test to prove we aren’t contagious — maybe several. Ben has to prove he’s negative to be released from the dialysis isolation room and to go to a doctor’s appointment next week. I must test negative to work for my clients and take Syau to the groomer.

Ironically, Medicare and supplemental insurance policies don’t cover Covid testing anymore. That government requirement ended in May 2023.

Sigh, of course, it did.

I can’t work, but I can keep paying for tests.

I think about all we’ve done since 2020 NOT to get Covid, and here we are.

Talk about stupid optimisim.

Yes, I’m grateful that we have all the vaccines and aren’t as sick as we could be, but when I consider that we wear masks all the time in public and that we don’t travel, eat out, go to movies, plays or concerts, and stay home to prevent getting Covid, I feel massively stupid.

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