What I learned on Tuesday night

On Tuesday, I did not know there was a debate. When the attendees arrived for Bible study, they were eager to have a fast study and to go home a few minutes early to watch the debate. As study started, I was shocked at how hard it was to speak. My chest was heavy and ached in pain. Even though I took nitroglycerin and albuterol, it was very hard to force air through my vocal cords. My airways were swollen, and I was gasping for breath.

I struggled through Bible study. My mind was often blank. I could not recall simple things. I pushed through. About ten minutes before 8 p.m., Bible study disbanded. Everyone headed for their homes.

During the debate, I was doing researched for an upcoming YouTube video. I was flabbergasted to read hand sanitizer does a very poor job killing the novel coronavirus. If the hand sanitizer has less than 60% alcohol content, it is almost worthless against the virus. If the hand sanitizer has 60-95% alcohol, it is able to paralyze and kill some virus. However, hand washing with soap and water destroys the virus and gets rid of nearly 100% of the virus particles from your hands. Hand washing is by far superior to hand sanitizer. (And this was true for many other viruses and bacteria too.) So if you want to save lives, wash your hands!

I also helped some individuals on Facebook who have chronic illnesses. I was able to share some of my experiences. With much heart-ache, I again discovered how many people are erroneously diagnosed with Munchausen Syndrome when they suffer from chronic medical conditions.

After the debate, I worked on making a YouTube thumbnail for my next video. I then curled up in a ball to go to sleep. Sleep was elusive. A bad headache and GI pain plagued my body.

During the night, I had a dream in which I had to have a GI procedure. It was found out what was causing all my GI issues. I then had emergency surgery. Before and after the surgery, my pancreas and GI tract were in extreme pain. I woke up. The surgery was a dream. The pain was real. I tried to go back to sleep, but my headache was back, and the GI pain was unrelenting.

All too soon, I had to force myself out of bed. As I got out of bed, my heart raced; my chest erupted in pain; I struggled to breathe. My body starting coughing, trying to clear my airways. I wheezed and could feel my tight airways resist the incoming air as I gasped between coughs. My head throbbed in pain. I fought hard to begin my morning routine and get out the door for a long day of medical tests and an appointment.

Now you may be wondering, “Did you not watch the debate?” The answer is no. I have a busy schedule, and time is precious. If I want to hear two senior citizens argue, I can frequently experience that any time my parents get into a disagreement. I do not like drama. My body cannot tolerate stress. It is best to make better use of my time and do things which will allow me to be more productive. Remember, wash your hands and wash them frequently!