Moment With Mel: Should I Stay Or Should I Go
If you’re a music fan or a rock fan, you now have the Clash in your head! LOL! With many offices and businesses closing temporarily due to the Coronavirus, many of us have had to ask ourselves an important question: should I stay home or should I go to work?
This is the question that played in my head for hours yesterday. Many people can work from home, but media people, especially radio people, cannot. On-air folks are considered to be “essential” in times of crisis. Our job is to keep others informed and entertained. But just like everyone else, we need to keep ourselves safe and healthy.
For the last few months I’ve been dealing with an illness that has yet to be officially diagnosed. My primary physician and my dermatologist are in agreement that it’s most likely a specific autoimmune disorder. I’ve had fevers, joint pain, a rash that’s been around since December, and some other issues. I’ve had an ultrasound, a biopsy, and I’ve taken five rounds of prednisone. Because of the meds, and some depression, I’ve gained a lot of weight quickly. I have two appointments with specialists, but the earliest I can get in is May.
I’ve never had a strong immune system. As a kid I got sick often and dealt with severe allergies and seasonal asthma. My first bout with bronchitis and pneumonia happened when I was in the fifth grade. As I got older, the allergies and asthma stayed around, as did the crappy immune system. I get sick really easy. In 2005 I was diagnosed with Graves Disease, which is a thyroid disease and an autoimmune disease. I had iodine radiation to combat the disease, but unfortunately, my immune system got weaker. I must take medication daily to deal with the thyroid problems. Most folks can get on some medication and they’re good. It hasn’t been that easy for me. My levels fluctuate a lot so my meds change often. To be honest, it’s a pain in the ass. My friends tell me I’m the “bubble girl” and a bubble is probably what I need!
Now, I’m dealing with another autoimmune issue. Again, pain in the ass. But because of it, I had to make a hard call. With the Coronavirus spreading so quickly, I had to make the decision to keep working or try and stay as healthy as possible. I chose to try and stay healthy.
I’m not in a panic, nor am I freaking out. I just had to decide to put myself first, something I don’t do often. I am single and live alone. Both my parents live in other places and I don’t know any of my neighbors in my apartment complex. Yes, I have friends in the area that would help me if I needed it, but at the end of the day, if I get sick, I’m taking care of myself.
At the moment I feel like a loser and I feel like I’ve let Phil and my other co-workers down. The decision to stay home wasn’t an easy one for me. But having a compromised immune system, I thought that self-quarantining would be the smart thing to do. And it’s not just about me. Right now our health care system is stretched and it will continue to be that way for a few months. Remaining relatively healthy is the smart thing to do for myself, but also for others.
So, for the next few weeks, I’ll only be on-air via the phone with Phil in the morning. I’ll keep blogging and I’ll post some videos on social media. I have MORE than enough food, meds, toilet paper, books, and Netflix. I have Kramer and Mollie to keep me company. I’ll be fine as long as I can keep myself healthy and safe.
Wishing you safety and good health! Do what is best for YOU and your family during this crazy time. It’s almost like we are all living in a movie. For a lot of us, we’ve never experienced anything like this. All we can do is stay strong, follow the guidelines put in place my the medical community, and be kind to each other. All the best to you all!!
