I tested “positive” for Covid-19.
Having felt sick, I contacted an Urgent Care unit in Conshohocken just outside of Philadelphia. Within minutes, a nurse scheduled an appointment and placed long-stemmed items up both nostrils after confirming my identity with a glance at my drivers’ license and a cell-phone confirmation.
She called me moments later at home announcing the results of the test and I’ve been dealing with it since January 7th 2021.
I had felt sick a day or two earlier and knew it was serious. It got a lot worse and I went to bed with a severe cough and sore throat and tried to sleep.
I was unable to sleep for two or three days after the test. Yeah, two or three days. Breathing became difficult and I drove myself to the emergency room at Einstein Medical Center where I was issued a battery of tests over an eight-hour period.
I couldn’t take the rapid probing and constant surveillance at the hospital. My PTSD kicked in and after a Cat-scan test, I began to rip out all the medical hook-ups to my arm, my wrist and stickers on my chest.
I just wanted to go home . . .
Which I did only to learn two days later that I had nothing severe to worry about from any of the hospital investigations.
———————–
My breathing returned to normal. I stopped coughing and was able to sleep and have healthy bowel movements.
I never got a fever or lost my sense of smell or taste as some people with Covid-19 had experienced. I still tire easily and have to catch my breath after going from one room to another. But I feel I am finally getting better and hope to take my butt out of quarantine in the next week or so. I know the virus could stay with me for several months, but I look forward to getting a shot or two by late spring or early summer if the vaccine could help me later.
Until then, I’ll just take it easy and pray that anyone who gets this virus will survive and eventually recover!
Contoveros 
The following comments are from LinkedIn:
Susannah Bartlow
Senior Project Manager for Outreach at Whole Child Strategies
Michael J Contos
Thank you so much. I just shared your post with your nephew Nick and we are so glad to hear you have recovered from the virus in the fall. Looking forward to the day when we can put this disease well behind everyone!
————–
Bob Perks
B & C Consulting
Stay Healthy… the Best
Michael J Contos
I am recovering nicely and can’t wait to dig my car out from all the snow.
Thanks, my Brewerytown friend!
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Michael, I a so sorry you have gone through this. it sound like a horrible ordeal. I am relieved you are on the mend and am sending you lots of care.
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I am recovering but it’s a slow process and while the worst is over, I’m getting pains through both of my arms. I reported to the VA Hospital and am awaiting advice.
To bad I can’t get a little LSD or a joint or two of Acapulco Gold!
(Just kidding. The virus has not affected my sense of humor and I feel good to be able to share that with you. Thanks for your warm thoughts!)
LikeLiked by 2 people
♥️♥️Lots and lots of care to you as you continue to navigate this.♥️♥️.
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The following are more then100 messages exchanged on this Topic on Facebook:
Patricia Muronoff Kalafut
Yikes! Thank goodness you’re ok. Sending prayers for your continued recovery.
Michael J Contos
Patricia Muronoff Kalafut
I hope the worse is over and someday to return to that great land of Bucks County and the wonderful and beautiful people who reside and have get-to-get hers!
Thanks, my dear.
———–
Ken Klein
Be careful
Heal quickly
Michael J Contos
Ken Klein
I wish I could meditate a little better and wish that everyone could be healthy once again.
I am on my way and look forward to our Wednesday morning gatherings again!
Ken Klein
Michael J Contos
it’s day by day
Hang in there
———
Nancy Stinson
Yikes, sorry to read this, Michael. Take care of yourself.
Michael J Contos
Nancy Stinson
Will do my dear and look forward to seeing you and everyone at the TBC gatherings soon again!
Nancy Stinson
Michael J Contos
Do you need anything? I could run errands for you if needed.
———–
Melanie Smith
Oh no! Glad you’re out of the hospital! Sorry to hear.
Michael J Contos
Melanie Smith
Hospitals are not the best places to relax.
One nurse said I might die upon my flight from the bed. Another had me sign a release stating the hospital was not at fault for releasing me.
I never want to go through that again.
———
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
So glad you’re coming along Michael. All my love to you! xoxo
Michael J Contos
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
I’m making the best of it and am so glad that a got a few books to read in bed and bottles of water to keep me hydrated.
Someday we will return to something called normal and we can get over this mess.
It will be good to see you guys again!
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
I can’t wait!
Beth York
Ugh. This is rotten. I’m glad you’re on the upswing. We both had it and it was rough. But it sounds like you were in worse shape. Do you need anything?
Michael J Contos
Beth York
You both had it?
Wow.
My son and his stepdaughter caught it and are better now.
I guess my age had a lot to do with not recovering as quickly.
It’s a pain once you turn 39. All downhill from there!
Beth York
Michael J Contos
Ain’t that the truth!
————–
Luba Schmid
So sorry to hear, Michael. Hope your recovery is quick & uneventful.
Michael J Contos
Luba Schmid
I am on the mend and look forward to another week of rest before I get out of quarantine.
Luba Schmid
Michael J Contos
Wonderful! I’m in quarantine in a rehab facility after total hip replacement and severe complications -can’t walk/relearning. Positive baby steps. The policy here is 14 days quarantine for anyone being transferred from the hospital even though I had 2 negative tests. The good thing is their staff gets tested 2x/wk and just got their 2nd dose of Pfizer vaccine. Only nursing/rehab place in our entire Yolo county that has had NO Covid cases. Even the husband can’t come past the gate! I’m making baby steps every day and hoping to get out of this “jail” soon!!! You’re in my thoughts and prayers. 😍
—————
Sharon Sabrarose Ivanov
Rough stuff
Hope you don’t get any lasting damage. I’ll pray for you as soon as I’m done texting OX
Michael J Contos
Sharon Sabrarose Ivanov
Lasting damage.
I won’t know about that for several months but am grateful to learn others have dealt with their recoveries in a timely manner.
Thanks!
—————– ·
Mingo Stroeber
Oh no. I pray that your health is fully restored. How do you think you contracted it?
Michael J Contos
Mingo Stroeber
Good question> Just like a good lawyer would ask . . .
I go to a gym every day and walk the treadmill. But I also went to Target, IKEA and Weis supermarket with a mask.
I don’t really know and would love to find out but it’s doubtful I will ever learn.
Another mystery of life, I guess!
Mingo Stroeber
Jeez. I realize that even with taking reasonable precautions, it’s a crapshoot. I put my gym membership on hiatus. I just didn’t feel that comfortable there. Stay well, my friend.
Michael J Contos
Mingo Stroeber
Thanks!
—————
Joanne Mascio-Smith
Hope you feel better soon!!
Michael J Contos
Joanne Mascio-Smith
Me too.…
Joanne Mascio-Smith
Michael J Contos
Hugs
————–
Joyce Meder
I am sorry to hear this. Corona has met its match w you
Michael J Contos
Joyce Meder
You make me laugh almost every time I read one of your comments.
Not now, because I just don’t want to clown around with anyone!
————-
Nick Contos Petrilli
You didn’t even mention the fact that I contracted COVID-19 because I was taking care of you!
Michael J Contos
Nick Contos Petrilli
All right, all right.
My favorite don also got the virus and is recovering a lot faster than his old man.
Hang in there Nick and thanks for all of your help.
Michael J Contos
Nick Contos Petrilli
Favorite son, not favorite don, whatever the hell that is.
————-
Joanne Mascio-Smith
Nick Contos Petrilli
I hope you’re doing ok
Michael J Contos
Joanne Mascio-Smith
He doesn’t read beyond what he can get away with, but Nick is doing IK for a Conshohocken lad!
Michael J Contos
OK
Doing OK
————–
Janet Mather
Oh, dear! So sorry you’ve had to go through this. Sending you love and prayers for complete recovery ASAP!
Michael J Contos
Janet Mather
ASAP
I feel enlightened already!
Thanks . . .
—————
Roxie Marcia Benson
Sending you a healing Love wave. 99.9% will recover or never have symptoms. If you die of COVID-19 it was your time and you’re a lucky stiff. Discarding the body is fun, not a failure. No one exits the stage too early or too late. Try not to take birth and death too seriously, both are make-believe and so is the god of sickness for cash.
Michael J Contos
Roxie Marcia Benson
Recovery is on its way. It may take a few more weeks or months before all is better, but I feel I am on the upswing.
Glad to have your healing love wave
Roxie Marcia Benson
Michael J Contos
I see you healed and Holy Whole already my brother.
————–
Bill Barry
Hope you can stay healthy
Michael J Contos
Bill Barry
I’m trying and glad to see your support.
Thanks
great to hear from my favorite union rep since Samuel gompers1!
Bill Barry
Michael J Contos
Good. Maybe when this is over, we can get together. I get my first vax tomorrow
————–
Bruce Saul
Hang in there, Mike. I will include you in my prayers
Michael J Contos
Bruce Saul
Thank you, my old neighborhood friend.
Appreciate your support!
————–
Walton Gina
Hoping for a healthy recovery
Michael J Contos
Walton Gina
Thank you so very much!
————-
Mary Trzeciak
The good news is that you made it out of the hospital! I will keep you in my mantras! The list is getting long!🙏
Michael J Contos
Mary Trzeciak
Yeah, got out of the hospital in one piece.…
Mary Trzeciak
Take good care of yourself and welcome home!
————-
Joe Irwin
Dear Michael: So sorry to learn about your difficult journey. Sending love and healing wishes from all your friends at the Center for Contemporary Mysticism
Michael J Contos
Joe Irwin
I miss you guys and wish I could turn the time around to come back to the chapel and simply meditate again!
Joe Irwin
Michael: Keep the faith. It will happen again, hopefully, sooner rather than later!
————
Stephen Noonan
Jeez. Sorry, Michael. I‘m glad u got out of the hospital. That in itself is huge. I hope u can get the vaccine too. It should at least offer some peace of mind This thing seems to only get more complicated by the day. If u need anything don t hesitate to reach out. Peace and love.
Michael J Contos
Stephen Noonan
I don’t know about the vaccine. Will they offer it to someone who got the virus?
I gotta check into it and get on a fast track of sorts.
Good hearing from you!
Stephen Noonan
Michael J Contos
the criteria for the vaccine is a cluster f. Just like everything else. It’s a very personal decision too ultimately. Cost / benefit.
Beth York
Michael J Contos
I’ve actually heard good things about getting the vaccine at the VA. It is a mess all around.
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
I’ve heard it is still highly recommended. I suppose that’s because we have at least some good proof about immunity from the vaccine but we don’t know for sure about post-infection immunity.
Beth York
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
Plus, my buddy at Princeton says that the vaccine stimulates a T cell response in a way that the illness itself doesn’t, so it’s better protection. I am no expert here so I will not be explaining that.
Lisa Baxter Horwitz
Beth York
Oh, come on! We need a presentation!
Stephen Noonan
Michael J Contos
I m all in a full stop. Any hesitance I had, in the beginning, has dissipated. To many unnerving developments and repercussions. And mutations entering the picture
Michael J Contos
Stephen Noonan
I have no idea what you mean but I will fight to the death for you to say it.
Just not on Twitter, though!
—————
Nicole Perry
Oh no! I am so sorry, Michael. But I’m glad to hear you’re on the mend, and that your son and his stepdaughter are OK too! I’m wishing you a speedy recovery so you can get back to doing all of the things you enjoy. I will be thinking of you! And if there is anything I can do to help (errands and whatnot), I would be happy to! ❤
Michael J Contos
Nicole Perry
Thank you.
Who would have thought any of this stuff would be possible a short year ago?
Well, we’re on our way and I look forward to seeing you at the Center real soon!
Michael J Contos
Thanks for the offer but my son is taking care of all the chores.
————–
Calliope Joy
Can’t believe you were still able to write about nasty COVID-19. Very scary times but you and your son are tougher…
Michael J Contos
Calliope Joy
Well, my cousin dear, needed something to write for the month of January for my Blog, known officially as Contoveros!
Michael J Contos
The last one I wrote spoke of the Universe conspiring to give us two senators from the state of Georgia!
————–
Rose DeLone
Hope you recover quickly!
Michael j Contos
Rose DeLone
I’m betting my life on it!
————–
Erica Bartlett
Thanks for the story. Glad you are feeling better.
Michael J Contos
Erica Bartlett
Thanks.
I am doing a little more each day and I hope to get out of quarantine soon.
————-
Lucy Contos Moreno
Lo siento mucho y espero que te recuperes muy pronto
See Translation: “I’m so sorry and hope you get well soon.”
Michael J Contos
Lucy Contos Moreno
Thanks. I can’t believe the response I am getting from people throughout the world.
It makes me feel so much love!
————–
Ron Landsel
Thinking of you
Michael J Contos
🙏
Michael J Contos
Ron Landsel
I think of Thich Nhat Hahn every-time I see your name and other veterans touched by him. I feel comforted and full of kindness. Remember what he said of us vets and achieving peace;
“We are the light at the tip of the candle!”
————–
Tony Boris
Whoa, buddy. Glad you’re still here and safe. Stick around a while, okay?
Michael J Contos
Tony Boris
Yeah, I hope to see the Phillies and the Eagles win another championship and then I’ll see what enlightening experiences are left in life!
Tony Boris
At the rate, they’re going – and you’re going – you may be enlightened first!
————-
Marie Bender
Sending prayers.
Michael J Contos
Marie Bender
Thank you.
They always help!
————
Bill Benedict
Hi Mike hope Quarantine goes fast for you
Michael J Contos
Bill Benedict
Me too. Then I can see all of our Brewerytown buddies again!
————-
Faith Green
Wishing you a speedy and complete recovery!
Michael J Contos
Faith Green
Thank you, my dear. I’m feeling better already!
————
Cyndi Smith
Sorry to hear you have the virus.
Michael J Contos
Cyndi Smith
Glad you are feeling better.
—————
Tamara Ambros
Prayers for recovery and good health
Michael J Contos
Tamara Ambros
Thank you, my dear friend.
I’m feeling better each day and am optimistic about the future and a get-together with my Dobbins High School alumni!!
Tamara Ambros
Michael J Contos
That’s good to hear. When you are well and it is safe, we should get together.
============
Kim Alsbrooks
Be well. I also had it and am hesitant about the vaccine. Pretty sure I’ll pass.
Michael J Contos
Kim Alsbrooks
You don’t know how that makes me feel. Someone else has gotten the bug and overcame the sickness. It does my heart good to know this.
Thank you so much!
Tony Boris
glad you’re ok Kim : )
—————-
Sheila Zawediuk
Hi Michael so very sorry to hear about your negative experience, but also enlightened and inspired by your strength and determination
I think of you often and wonder what you’ve been up to since we last saw one another. Maybe we can connect and catch up?
Michael J Contos
Sheila Zawediuk
I would be delighted to meet up with you again.
It will be a while before I can even “social distance” with other folks but I look forward to that day!
——————
Candy Humphreys
Praying 4 u Mikey!!
Michael J Contos
You have been such an inspiration to me and others from the old neighborhood in getting your degree years after we all reached retirement age. You go, girl!
This from a lad on the north side of Girard Avenue to a groovy chick from the south side of Poplar Street!
Candy Humphreys
I am truly blessed to be able to connect with & pray 4 u…u were so close with my Tommy…Luv u & am inspired by u also·
Michael J Contos
Thank you, Candy Humphreys
❤️❤️❤️
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Thanksgiving and blessings amen 🙏
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Thank you for your blessings!
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Damn, man. I read on FB that you caught it and was worried for a second that you were still in the throes of the thing. I am *so* relieved you’re on the mend.
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Yeah I think I’m going to make it.
Resting ain’t easy, but I’m doing it now and lying everything else go until I can get back on my feet.
It’s great to hear from you and so many other friends through the social media forums. I feel like you’re part of the family and I know you’re all pulling for me.
Thanks brother!
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Hi Lieutenant Contos
After spending my first six months in Country in your platoon learning all we all did ,I was transfered to the 101st the hardest part of the next 6 months were that all the short timers went home they were all the guys that had knowledge with contact .Being in your platoon working close with you and the radio and all the other guys made it easy to finish up my last six months ,Thanks to you we all made it home safe! Bob DeBree
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My old radio operator. I will never forget you and the other members of our platoon.
When times were rough after the war I would always say to myself “At least no on us shooting at me.”
It got me through some troubled times and I like to think that once you finish with something like the Vietnam War, you can deal with anything like a pandemic virus.
Keep up the good work!
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I’m so sorry you had to go through this, Michael. I’m happy you’re on the mend and hope you’ll take it easy as long as you need to. Thank you for sharing your story.
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I don’t know how I got it but I have taken it easy and felt strong enough to write about it.
Sometimes that’s the best thing to do as you well know.
Write it down and share your thoughts with others who care.
Thanks!
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I honestly have no words. I am so sorry. Sending you so many prayers and healthy positive vibes. I am so glad you’re on the mend. 🤗
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Positive vibes are what will get us through this pandemic.
I feel much better that I hooked up with the medical professionals and got help from the VA Hospital with meds and recommendations. We all will be able to turn the page on it and we will be triumphant!
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Hello old friend, I am very sorry to hear what you have been through, and so happy to learn that you are on the mend. One step at a time, with lots of naps. Beaming affection and healing light your way!! K.
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One step at a time. Lots of naps in between. Sounds like you’re a medical professional who knows the secrets of healing over the long run.
Great to hear from you and the warm smile I feel just reading your words!
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Oh my goodness. What a horrifying ordeal to go through on your own just with Covid, not to mention the PTSD on top of that. I am so sorry you had to experience this, Michael J. If there is ever a way I can help, you know how to reach me. For now, I am glad you are gradually feeling better. Take good care of yourself. Don’t do too much too soon. xoxo
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It’s been tough, to say the least. I don’t know where I picked it up. I was walking more than 10,000 steps a day and hitting a treadmill at my gym. I social-distanced whenever I went to a store or supermarket.
ut, it hit me and I felt strong enough today to get my story together and offer it up for others who have been hit by the virus and might need a hand to keep the faith.
It’s good to write again and feel connected with the world outside of my bedroom. I’d recommend it to everyone with or without the virus.
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