Some of you thought about some decor store, some the day of the week. Maybe some of you starting to hum the tune by the Pogues, or perhaps the more woke song by Melissa Etheridge. For me? That was the last time I felt good.

I got up with pep in my step ready to attack the many tasks I had for the day and then ride at mountain biking practice that night. I had breakfast with Misty and kissed her goodbye. I went outside and finished another piece of goat furniture and with the help of the boys, put it out in the field. Then I had to take my daughter to golf practice. I had already loaded my bike in the truck because I needed to get a quick fix before the ride that night.

I called the bike shop from the golf course and drove over there. They fit me in and fixed my rear wheel set up. It had been puking tire sealant and constantly losing air; I was tired of pumping it up before every ride. They put on new rim tape (it seals the spoke nipples so no air escapes out (I run my tires tubeless). They also put in a new valve stem, mounted up a different tire I brought, filled it with sealant and reassembled the bike.

The whole time I was at the shop, I began to feel like I was getting sick. You know that general weak feeling you get when a fever is coming on strong and your body is diverting it’s energy from getting things done to getting rid of the sickness it’s now fighting. My excitement for riding that evening was waning rapidly.

My daughter only played nine holes so I picked her up from practice on my way home. I waited a bit in the parking lot with my seat fully reclined, eyes shut, praying this would just blow over. I mustered the energy to engage in conversation and drive but by the time I got home there was no hiding how I felt.

I managed to get the bike into the garage and went back to the house. I donned some comfortable clothes, climbed into bed, and slipped in and out of consciousness all afternoon. I had a fever of 102.5 before I took the kids to mountain biking practice that evening. I’m not one for wearing a mask but I was so worried about anyone else feeling like I was that I put one on and rolled the windows down as I drove the kids. I finally took a COVID test when I got home, which very obviously, came up positive.

I spent the next few days alternating freezing and sweating as my fever turned on and off. I experienced headaches that were new to me. I’ve had a lot of headaches, especially after my TBI. This was like a tension headache with clusters of excruciating, stabbing pain. It kept up for a few days, keeping me awake at night until I got up and took some pain medication.

I’m not sure if it was heart burn, but I had some SERIOUS chest pain. Strangely, almond milk seemed to really help. I think the worst thing is just the lack of motivation and energy. I’ve been fighting it for over a week now and finally getting to the point where I can get things done. Even this post has taken days to write.

Yesterday I did manage to ride, and took the opportunity to ease back in slowly. It was the perfect opportunity to ride with my daughter for the first time. The pressure in my head is uneven, my right ear still won’t “pop.” It’s making me a little dizzy and I could feel the funk being sweat out last night. Hopefully today’s ride is better. It’s been a week and half since this all started.

Sorry it’s taken so long to get a post out. The end of the summer has been filled with craziness and the three teenagers are keeping me busy. Yesterday was the 19th anniversary of marrying my amazing wife, Misty!

Keep a look out, we’ve got some poetry from another vet coming up soon. Stay healthy and stay active!

Drew founded Mental Grenade Jan 2020. He is a follower of Jesus Christ, a medically retired Marine, EOD Tech, husband, father, writer, mountain biker, photographer, facilitator, and fly-fisherman. He seeks to bridge the civilian – military divide and bring hope through honest communication about difficult issues.

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These Veteran stories of struggle, adventure, and post traumatic growth need to be heard!
Join the cause to de-stigmatize mental health issues.
Please SUBSCRIBE, share our website with friends / co-workers, and support us by donation or at the STORE.