We learned this week that both the Rev. Dr. Kirsten Gardner, canonically-resident clergy member and regular columnist on Trinity Magazine, and her husband, Mark, are both recovering at home after contracting the coronavirus. I found what she shared to be of great help to understand how to care for ourselves in that eventuality, but also for how to reach out and help others who are sick and recovering at home.
Symptoms the Gardners experienced:
- Undefined pressure on chest
- Fatigue and dry cough
- Pain in shoulder region
- One had high fever, the other did not. Treat fever with Tylenol, do not use NSAIDs! (e.g. Advil, ibuprofen, etc.)
- Intense dehydration, so, intensify hydration! They got behind on the hydration and suffered because of it. Drinking water will not be adequate.
- GI tract is severely involved, so intensify hydration!
- Heart burn and other symptoms
- Loss of taste, smell and appetite
- Weight loss
If you get sick, and have not stockpiled drinks such as Gatorade, here is a recipe they found helpful. You could have the powder premixed so all you need to do is add water.
- 5 cups water
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 6 teaspoons sugar
- Juice from 2 lemons. (optional)
- Do ahead tip: squeeze lemon juice into ice cube trays for use as needed.
A word about providing for those who have fallen sick with this virus: Many wanted to deliver food to them. However, due to the above symptoms, all they wanted was bland foods and they ate like birds. If you want to help, deliver foods such as:
- Bananas
- White bread
- Peanut butter
- Chicken soup
- Noodles
- Gatorade
Please, please let us know if you, or someone you know is sick with the coronavirus, so we can be praying for you. Send an email to me at Shari@pitanglican.org and I will forward your message on to our diocesan intercessors.
After the recovery and quarantine period is complete, the Gardners look forward to donating their blood to help others who get sick because of the rich antibodies they will have in their systems.
Prayers for health and wholeness who all who read this!
Blessings!
Shari+
Note: We received permission from the Gardners to publish this story.