Hey guys 😊 I hope you’re all well and staying safe (and sane)!

I’ve been debating whether or not to share this here… I don’t want this to cause any anxiety for anyone or give more energy to the present situation because already it’s all we see online and everywhere else but I think this might help.

If you’re scared to call and go for a swab test, I’m here to tell you that there’s absolutely NOTHING to fear.

Dealing with the situation at hand hasn’t been easy for me, as I’m sure it hasn’t been easy for anyone else. I’ve been feeling totally ok on some days and anxious and depressed on others – I’m sure many can relate.

We’ve been following all of the recommendations from day 1; social distancing, only going out if necessary, purchasing everything online and avoiding any and unnecessary outings or contact.

HOWEVER, a couple of weeks ago, I started feeling sick. I had a sore throat (which I do get with change of season) but this time, I also started feeling tightness in my chest (likely due to anxiety) and also was having some digestive discomfort (which happens quite regularly in my case).

Had we not been going through this COVID-19 situation, I would have thought absolutely nothing of it. However being stuck at home most of the time, feeling constantly bombarded with info about this stupid naughty virus (as my 4 year old niece calls it), I was worried.

I spent over two weeks at home, feeling the above mentioned symptoms on and off (which were certainly not very bad but also certainly present), thinking it’s nothing, but maybe it is…

At this time, I was still home meeting absolutely no one.

However, eventually I thought I should get tested.

We’re so incredibly lucky to live in a country where the situation isn’t too bad and where we have the facility to get tested really easily and safely.

My reasoning at this point was that regardless of the outcome, I’m fine. If it is Coronavirus, it’s not too bad and I can get the medical assistance I need; if it isn’t, I’ll be able to get it out of my head and move on.

So, I called 111 and spoke to an absolutely lovely woman who was super sweet and helpful and explained everything to me in a way that made me feel reassured and safe. I called late on a Friday night and my appointment was for the next morning at 11am.

Here’s what happened:

Ian (my fiancé – we live together) drove me to the testing site in pembroke.

I was told over the phone (and there were signs all around), to stay in the car with the windows closed.

We waited for a few minutes and I was asked (through a closed window) to show my ID and write my phone number on my phone and show it to the person on the other side to write down.

We were waived into the testing area (still in the car with window closed).

There, one doctor, fully covered in protective clothing, mask, visor, gloves and cape, asked me to lower my window

The doctor who performed the swab test was SUPER sweet. She explained that the swab would go through my nose and last about 30 seconds.

She also told me that she had the test done on herself and told me that it would be uncomfortable- which it certainly was. However it lasted only a few seconds and the pain subsided immediately.

And that was it, she wished me a lovely weekend, asked me not to leave the house until I got my result and waved us off.

We went home and waited – however, to be TOTALLY HONEST, the minute I called 111 on Friday my anxiety subsided COMPLETELY.

I got the result the following day via text message and later also via email that the virus was not detected – THANKFULLY ♥️

The reason for my sharing this is that if ANYONE reading this is feeling even the slightest of symptoms and debating whether or not to go for testing, PLEASE CALL 111 AND GET IT DONE

The more people that get tested, the better it is for everyone. For those getting tested, you’ll either feel much better knowing it’s negative or get the treatment you need if it’s positive.

On a larger scale, the more people that get tested, the better our chances of getting of out this quicker and authorities will have more data to make better informed decisions to safely get us through this!

I hope this helps anyone who needs it – I’ve posted this on my stories before, BUT if even you need to talk or get in touch, feel free to DM me on Instagram or message here or on Facebook.

We’re all going through this together and by sticking together (virtually) we can get through this together and go on to better days very soon.

Sending you all so much love and many virtual hugs 🤗

Stay safe, stay positive, reach out – you’re not alone ♥️