Hello everyone!

If I may just have a little rant for a moment…. or perhaps a confession?

I have hit the wall. In terms of the pericarditis and the associated issues that have stemmed from the COVID-19 vaccination. Despite it all, I am still a huge advocate for people getting vaccinated as I’m pretty sure getting COVID-19 would be worse irrespective of which variant you get, but last night, I just needed a moment to be angry, to cry and to throw a tantrum. Why? Well, in the past three weeks, I’ve had a tachycardia, my vestibular migraines are back and I’m starting to get all the aches and pains I used to keep at bay from regular exercise (F45 and Pilates). I’ve had an echo and a 24 hour Holter monitor, but won’t get those results for another week. Meanwhile, the vestibular migraines are back, my ankles are swollen (edema) and I’m probably going to need a cardiac MRI to investigate if the pericarditis has worsened or if I’m in the early stages of heart failure.

I am feeling a little better today, thanks to a supportive partner who just let me cry as I needed to, then fed me Maltesers afterwards. I also had the most wonderful customer with her gorgeous little therapy Frenchie Bea pop by for a visit and was given a few minutes to play with her (between customers). Unsurprisingly, my mood has been great ever since, which also goes to show that my GP and my partner are both right; that a dog will certainly help with my anxiety and other issues.

My partner and I are looking to get a dog; probably in the next 6-8 weeks. I’ve spent a lot of time looking at dog breeds and dog psychology to prepare myself for the commitment – a dog is not just for Instagram or a lockdown, but a companion for life. It’s really exciting, although I do tend to get a little emotionally attached to some of the cutie pies I see at the shelters and then I’m sad and happy when they get adopted. We haven’t made a decision on what breed we are getting or specifically when (need to get the house ready etc) but I’ve lost my heart to a few Border Collies, Golden Retrievers and Labs. Even talking about doggies make me happier and I can’t find anything to rant about now.

On the Melbourne/Victoria update, we are finally doing away with density limits and QR code check-ins at all locations excluding hospitality and entertainment venues. The State government has relented after we have hit s 52% third dose rate and there are discussions as to whether or not masks in an indoor setting will be required as of next Friday. I’m hoping it just gets reduced to places like hospitals, public transport, aged care homes and high traffic places like supermarkets. It’s been three years and we are all so ready to try get our lives back on track. I’m perfectly okay with the government enforcing vaccinated tourists only, provided that they do back out of citizen’s lives somewhat, but of course, there is a lot of money to be made by interfering with citizen’s lives. The best example I could give? Masks are still mandatory indoors. N95 and KN95 masks have been cited as the best against the Omicron variant. So what happens? The local pharmacy near my work now charges $35 for a box of 10 masks, whereas the week before that advice came out, I bought a box of 10 (exactly the same) for $10. PPE manufacturers and middle men are making a fortune I’d say.

On an entirely different note, my Fitbit Versa 2 seems to be coming to the end of it’s natural lifespan. The screen gets glitchy sometimes, it refuses to charge randomly and I’m only getting a day worth of a full charge, so I’m looking at an alternative. I do like the Fitbit range, but the reviews for the Sense have been poor and the Versa 3 doesn’t have much more on the 2 I can think of. I’m also considering a Oura Ring since the 3rd generation ones have been released recently, but I don’t think there is much infrastructure to support the product outside of the United State but there are so many features about the ring I like. Does anyone have any experience with any of these devices or have any input? I’d love to hear from you if you do!

In the meantime, look after yourself, stay safe and know that you are enough.

Bx