Monday, February 15, 2021

POWER OF THE BRAIN

I think we are all aware the power the brain has on our well being and health.  But every now and then I get a really "in your face" reminder.

As some of you know I have COPD and breathing is a work in progress for me. COPD is not curable but can be managed to a degree. 

I was having some problems a while back and was thinking I perhaps needed a change in medication when the "brain power" came to visit.

I finally got my first shot for the Covid vaccine on the 8th and was waiting for some form of reaction. What I got was a surprise. 

Yes I got a sore arm that lasted a bit longer than most but nothing else negative. What I didn't realize as I was waiting for the other shoe to drop was that I was breathing much more easily. A couple of days later I was doing a chore that usually made me short of breath.  Then it dawned on me that SOB (shortness of breath) wasn't happening. I was breathing relatively normally. 

So I pushed my exertion a bit more and was pleasantly surprised. I was breathing with much more ease than usual. Pretty sure there was nothing in the vaccine to help COPD. It had to be the release of stress I wasn't even aware I had been under. 

Now I am nowhere near being marathon ready but evidently the stress of waiting for the Covid cooties to attack me all these months had affected my overall health.  Am I cured, heck no, but I am not worse as I had been fearing. 

Have you gotten your shot yet and did you notice a load of stress you weren't aware of  leaving your body? If you haven't gotten the shot yet and if this past year has been weighing on you, look for that subtle sense of well being when you do get it.  It's really cool. 

Hope you all get your shots soon if you haven't already.  Also please stay safe and warm in this freaky winter storm most of us are experiencing.

59 comments :

  1. Wonderful news, Patti! No doubt stress alone brings its own detrimental side effects. So glad to hear your lungs have taken a turn for the better. I don't expect the COVID vaccine to be available for me until the summer here.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Florence,
      Thank you. I am so sorry for the long wait for you though. In this case being young and healthy is a detriment.

      Delete
    2. Young?! I wish!!! This summer I'll turn three quarters of a century old! That comment made me snort! Hee, hee!!!

      Delete
    3. Florence,
      Ha,ha but in Covid years you are only 74 and too young for the 75 cut off:)

      Delete
  2. This is a positive story! It was good to read that the outcome & release of stress helped.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anni,
      Thanks. Couldn't have asked for better side effects.

      Delete
  3. Well, that is a good side effect to know about. I have not gotten the vaccine yet but as soon as I am eligible I will have my arm ready.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Olga,
      It is one you don't read about but was quite welcome and surprising.

      Delete
  4. I am eligible but not successful in finding a shot just yet. That's a great side effect of having gotten yours, Patti. I'm envious. :-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Djan,
      I am so sorry for the delay for you. Hope they get the ball rolling and soon so you too can feel the relief. It's pretty cool.

      Delete
  5. I think I need to start blogging in a more positive direction, because this just gave a rise to my own spirits. Patti I know your COPD isn’t cured (and I sure am sorry you live with that), but I’m glad that first covid injection added some lift to your well-being. It really should, I just recently learned how hugely effective just the first shot is. I hope that brain-and-breath boost lasts awhile!

    PS. I haven’t seen it snow like this in many years here in Pittsburgh, I wasn’t aware it was affecting so many! I need to stop watching MSNBC and watch more ‘regular’ news. Also, I can’t believe that DJan still hasn’t gotten her first dose... I’ll feel better when she gives us some good news there.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Doug,
      Thank you so much. I'm hoping it is a lasting effect.
      We are getting nailed with the storm also. That is all we can get on the local channels. I think you will get tomorrow what we are getting now. It really is beautiful if you have nowhere to go. Me too on Djan and anyone who is having problems getting the shot.

      Delete
  6. Glad you are feeling better. I have not been able to get it yet, but I am eager for the vaccine. I hear by April the U.S. should have lots of them available.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Sue,
      Hope you can get it before then. You are mostly likely too young and healthy to get the shot early.

      Delete
  7. I haven't gotten my first shot yet, but I think my age group will be starting very soon. Roger gets his second one this Friday. I know I will be so relieved when we both have them. This is such a challenging time. Really glad to know that you had such a positive experience in so many ways, Patti.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. robin,
      So glad Roger will be completely vaccinated Friday. I know that will make you both more comfortable. Now we just have to get you going so we can all relax a bit.

      Delete
  8. I am scheduled for my first shot tomorrow. However we have so much ice and snow I don't know if the roads will be clear for my 7 mile drive. Fingers crossed because I want my stress gone as well.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Annie,
      I feel your anxiety. We are snowed in here too. Hope you get a break and the roads are clear enough for you to make the trip. I'm sure if you can't make it, no one else will and they will just reschedule. Can't wait for you to feel this marvelous relief also.

      Delete
    2. Annie; buckle on your skis and glide in for your shot.

      Delete
  9. We haven't gotten our first vaccine yet either although it should be available to us (75)in the next few weeks. This week with the Arctic weather, snow and 4 degrees outside wouldn't work anyway.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Rian,
      Know what you mean. We are locked in by snow also. Hope they get to your age group soon. I'm so old I came right after essential workers. Rarely is age an asset but I'll take it.

      Delete
  10. This is good to hear. I'm really afraid of a reaction to the vaccine even though my doctor cleared me to get one.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jean,
      Actually no one I know has had a worse reaction than a sore arm and that responds to Tylenol quite nicely. Trust your doctor.

      Delete
  11. Thanks so much for this post. You have encouraged me to take the vaccine, after all. I was hesitant to do so.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. gigi,
      I hope this eased your mind a bit about getting the shot. I really believe in the vaccine and hope everyone gets one.

      Delete
  12. I believe you when you say your stress levels went down with the first shot. I think we've all been carrying that weight around with us. 'Course for those of us who haven't gotten the shot yet, who are getting the run-around about when it will be available, why, the stress is just worse!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Tom,
      Oh I do hope you get yours soon. Think things are easing up. I just got a call from our hospital about the shot. Guess my Dr registered me there for I hadn't.

      Delete
  13. Hi Patti: I can totally understand what you are saying. I do not have copd but I know first hand from my husband how hard it can be to live with it. Here's how the covid thing has affected me. I just got my 2nd shot last Tues. I had no effects with shot #1 but many had told me to beware of the 2nd one. After the shot I came home and didn't feel any sickness ... However about 3 hours later I could hardly keep my eyes open, took a nap and went to bed about 7:30 and conked out until 8am. I still couldn't believe how tired I was and the day was up and down napping. Finally by day 3 I realized I was feeling very rested and well ... and it occurred to me that the continual hatred and disbelief of lies that I had been under for 4 years was receding. (As you know I blogged about if today). I finally feel I can breathe again and am so happy that you can too.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Ginnie,
      Know what you mean about stress. Often we don't even realize it is there.
      I think your reaction to the shot was normal. I remember Dr. Fauci saying he slept for 24 hours after his second one. If that is as bad as it gets, I'm ready.

      Delete
  14. Gee, I didn't pay attention to that. I have COPD too, but I did notice that my coughing was far, far lesss.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Mage,
      Seems like you got the stress reducing aspect also. So glad you got a break in the coughing.

      Delete
  15. Glad you are breathing better. Getting a shot in Jersey is like finding toilet paper last April. I suspect in not too many weeks they will be begging for people to come in and get a shot...meanwhile I'm on several lists, have been since they first came out, and waiting.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. joeh,
      Thanks Joe. I think you are right about the shots being easier later on. You are right, like how toilet paper is plentiful now. I had our local hospital just call me to see if I needed a shot. Think my Dr. put me on that list. Hope you get yours soon. Living in a tiny town like I do is a plus.

      Delete
  16. I'm happy for you!
    Getting the first shot was a good think, but I didn't really notice a change in stress level. I think that is because I am much more focused of surgery recovery than COVID. We know how to keep ourselves safe from the virus, although staying home isn't that much fun.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Linda,
      You have had enough extra on you mind with your recovery. Covid probably took a back seat. Sure will be nice to get out again though right now the snow is doing a good job with lock down.

      Delete
  17. So glad you got your first dose of the vaccine. We bit the bullet and joined about 981 others here on the first day it was offered to us OLD PEOPLE.. That was Jan. 2nd --and we waited in our car for about 5-7 hours total. But we got it ---and RELIEF was on the way. We got our 2nd dose on Jan. 21.... Definitely a stress-reliever... Now if I can just get through all of this crazy weather (ice storm for us)... By the way, we had to cancel our trip THIS week for Mt. Nebo --due to all of the ice/snow they are having. SO---I knew you were getting it also!!!!! Beautiful to look at --but treacherous to drive in. We are home --safe and sound.

    And yes--when people ask---waiting in line for hours was WORTH it -and we'd do it again in a heartbeat. BUT--our county learned after that first date with so many people, to start taking appointments... Things are running much more smoothly now.

    Hugs,
    Betsy

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Betsy,
      I wondered if those long waits were worth it and you answered that. You really got yours early which was a big plus.
      We are getting the massive storm also. You and I both love snow but I would like to be able to leave the house. Oh well, it really is pretty.

      Delete
  18. I'm happy to hear you received your vaccine and that the stress has been reduced so that you're breathing better. I'm hopeful I'll have the chance to be vaccinated by April or May. Fingers crossed!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Eileen,
      I really hope you have no problems getting your shot. Being young I guess puts you farther down the list. Not often is age an asset.

      Delete
  19. We got our shots, with relative ease.

    COPD is sneaky. My mom died of COPD, She smoked for the better part of 60 yrs. I still sigh when I think about how maybe a time machine would take her to now, so she could see what could have been.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan,
      So glad you have been shot. Somehow that sounds a bit violent:)
      So sorry about your Mom missing out. It is not a fun disease. I quit smoking 44 years ago or I wouldn't be here now.

      Delete
  20. That is wonderful news about the shot and the breathing improvement! I'm sure I'm stressed about it, and did feel some relief when I managed to schedule a shot for my mom. (my dad's first one is this Wednesday) It wasn't easy to arrange them and my parents never could have done it, not being internet savvy. I'm only 64, so I don't qualify yet. :(

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret,
      Sometimes we don't realize how these things weigh on us. So glad you parents are being taken care of and hope you make the cut soon.

      Delete
  21. Here in Australia we haven't had our shots yet. What is this "Brain"? and where do I get one?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. River,
      That really surprises me about Australia. Hope they get with the program soon.
      Come on--you not only have a brain but it is a fertile and creative one.

      Delete
    2. Roll outs are set to begin soon, Frontline and health care/aged care workers first, those 70 and over second, those 50 and over third and so on, so I'm in the third group. We don't have anywhere near as much virus as your country.

      Delete
  22. Patti, this is the best news ever!! I know a lot of us living in this time are feeling stress is a plethora of ways. I am just thrilled you got your 1st shot. We are in a holding pattern. Got an email telling us that he is next in queque but not enough of the vaccine left to do 2nd shots and new ones. Hopefully in 3-6 weeks "they" say. I can't wait. Not so much for me but my spouse. It's a daily game of russian roulette going out as a contractor into peoples homes. But girl, I am thrilled for you!! I'd hug you if I could.
    ((hugs))

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Margaret,
      Thank you, enjoyed the virtual hug. So sorry it is taking so long for you two to get your shots. I know you can hide out a bit but Rick has to go into battle with each job. Praying you get yours soon. Then I will feel better too.

      Delete
  23. I was on a waiting list, because bad weather hit our area beginning of Feb. a lot who were to get the shot didn't show, they called us to come in at the last hour and we went. We received the first jab of the Pfizer vaccine, and next day I felt a little tired, but relieved. I should add that I had prayed just the night before for His will to be done in this situation.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. ming,
      I am so happy you got your first shot. I heard sleepy is a side effect of the Prizer shot. Dr. Fauci said he slept 24 hours with the second one. Pray we will all soon be protected.

      Delete
  24. Patti, so happy for you! No, we don’t have our vaccines. Mom is being difficult about it. I will when they become available to me locally.❤️

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Susan,
      So sorry your Mom is dragging her heels and hope she submits. If you are protected that will increase her protection which will help.

      Delete
  25. I too have COPD and asthma, I take an inhaler that contains steroids. I had my first jab and have certainly felt a little more upbeat in the last two weeks but I can’t say I’ve connected it to relief. The pharmacist told me that taking steroids for my lung capacity means that I don’t catch Covid as easily as others.

    My COPD is still quite manageable, will it get worse as we get older?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Friko,
      So sorry you are in the COPD club also. I did not know that about the inhaled steroids (I take them also) protecting against Covid. Good to know this disease has a positive.

      Delete
  26. Havent had the vaccine yet or even been able to make an appt. Have not been feeling stress from this as far as I know. I guess time will tell.

    Glad you’re not so SOB and that state continues for you.

    ReplyDelete
  27. I got my 1st Pfizer shot last week and will get the second in March. I didn't get any reaction except the sore arm for a couple of days. And yes... it does feel safer. Mom and Art have had both shots so it's a load off my mind. It does take quite a bit of stress off my mind when we go grocery shopping once a week too. But when will we feel really safe? I don't know.

    ReplyDelete
  28. No I haven't had the jab because I'm not in that high a category, but they are working through the ages pretty quickly. All the over 65s have now been contacted, now everyone above 70 has had their first one. Glad you've had yours and had no bad reaction! My older daughter had hers and was quite unwell for several days.

    ReplyDelete
  29. Glad the outcome proved so positive. We are way behind here with vaccines. Our country population is only 38 million but vastly spread out. And our order of vaccines was halted as Belgium our supplier did a shut down to increase more capacity to make more in the future. Hubby may get his in mid March as he is over 80 and Buddy and I in April as we fall into the next category of immune compromised seniors and disable . We have stayed away from public places as much as possible. So far it is working but the new strain are worrisome and yes we all feel stressed for months now. Our life style has been changed from active to couch potat as Winter this years is cold with lots of snow and icy conditions.

    ReplyDelete
  30. Good to hear you got your first dose, Patti, and it brought you stress relief. Bob and I are on every list I could put us on, but we haven't won hte vaccine "lottery" yet here in CO. It would be nice to feel that we could be a little less isolated, especially from family.

    ReplyDelete

Comments moderated. No spam will be published nor comments with links