An Okotokian is telling her story after testing positive for COVID-19.

The resident, Leah Beingessner, returned home on Thursday, March 12 following a vacation abroad, and immediately self isolated, having experienced a number of severe symptoms.

She tested positive two days later.

The first symptom came on Wednesday, March 4 in the form of severe body aches.

Over the next few days, a chest cough followed, then a fever, a complete lack of energy for two days, and diarrhea.

Even though these symptoms occur with other illnesses, she says they felt different as a result of the virus, and came in waves.

"This is the oddest illness I've ever had. Every two days there was something new going on, my body was so confused. I've never felt this way in my entire life."

Since her return home, Beingessner's been in isolation with her family.

Aside from the illness itself and the inherent struggles brought about by life confined to a single building, she says the hardest parts of isolation have been asking for help, and watching the spread of rumors and panic on social media.

Rumors of a confirmed case in Okotoks have been circulating for weeks, and with the Alberta government's website showing a confirmed case in the Okotoks-Priddis area, she says her frustration at the active rumor mill has only multiplied.

"It's my healthcare, it's my choice. I don't want people to take advantage of that, to spread the word when it's my case, my story. This is what happened and this is what it's gonna be."

Following her diagnosis, Beingessner says she was overcome with guilt.

"Having to go and tell people I contacted [on vacation] I'm positive was probably one of the worst things I've ever had to do. The guilt and shame, there's no words. That was probably one of the worst days of my life."

Her immediate self isolation is something she says saved her from the immeasurable amount of guilt she'd have felt otherwise.

"I can't tell you how awful I would have felt if I were to not listen to them, how many people I would have to tell that I could have infected. That burden would be awful to carry. I'm so grateful I listened to what AHS told us to do. Having to only tell a select few people is better than telling the entire town 'hey I didn't listen, I went to grocery stores and social gatherings."

The thought of people refusing to self isolate despite exhibiting symptoms is something else she says has been weighing on her mind.

"Knowing that there's other cases out there that aren't listening to how important self isolation is is terrifying to me. It can be easily spread. We cannot leave this home until all my family members are cleared. I can't express how important self isolation is."

Having been told she and her family would have to remain in isolation until at least Monday, April 6, she's making the most of her time with her family with dance parties, cooking and finding fun.

She says as long as people practice social distancing, self isolate when necessary, and seek out credible information, we can get through a few tough months.

"We can survive this, we can work through this as a community. Please don't induce panic, and stop buying toilet paper!"

 

Send us your news tips, story ideas and comments at news@highriveronline.com