It’s so nice to be able to have in-person acupuncture again! And I love Sophie’s new treatment table, made for patient comfort. Today I again indicated pain in the right side of my neck and in my lower lumbar region.
During the whole time Sophie was preparing my skin (with alcohol wipes) and inserting the needles, we were talking about side effects of the second COVID vaccine shot. She only knew of two who had side effects that lasted more than 24-48 hours. One had side effects that lasted 10 days! Another, 6 days. She said her own second shot wasn’t bad. Her arm was a little sore at the injection site, and that was all.
Sophie reiterated all the standard medical advice I’ve been reading and hearing (in videos). Take it easy. Drink plenty of water. Have enough food in the house for several days. (I just didn’t happen to mention that I’m planning to go to the farmers’ market tomorrow! But that will depend on how I feel in the morning.)
After she left the treatment room (for 30 minutes), I could hear the soft, soothing sounds of the Eastern music. I felt the gentle warmth of the heat lamp. And I did mindful breathing throughout the whole time, but I didn’t sleep. I just let my mind wander, let thoughts and images flow through without feeling any compulsion to do anything about them. I just relaxed and let it be. Even my nose stopped itching!
When she came back in to remove the needles, she said she would send an M.A. in to schedule my next appointment(s). Which she did. Eight weeks until another appointment with Sophie, and four weeks for another group acupuncture session. Life is good!
Monday, March 22, 2021, 6:10 p.m. (San Leandro)
We left home at 5:15 as I remembered the very long lines when I got the first shot. Linda let me get out at the curb in front of the side entrance that was clearly marked “COVID VACCINE.” And—there was NO LINE! There was only one person in front of me and I waited no longer than a minute or two before being let in to the building. A Kaiser staff person, sitting at a table just inside the door, only needed to see my COVID-19 Vaccination Record Card, then she told me to go to the right and down the hall. Another Kaiser staffer sat by the door to the large vaccination room. She, too, only needed to see my record card.
I waited on the yellow social distancing circle only a few minutes, while all of the 6 stations were busy with patients. The first station to become available was #1, the same station that I had for the first shot, but of course it was a different person giving the shots. She asked for my record card. Like last time, I looked over the list of questions and said that it was “No” to all of them.
I tried to focus on a spot on the wall in front of me and practice mindful breathing, trying to not be nervous. This shot felt like it took a few seconds longer than the first one and there was a bit more of a pinch, but it was not painful. Just. A. Shot.
She put a small round bandage over the injection site, gave me back my record card and a small card that said I should wait until 5:53 p.m. before leaving. Ah, yes! I settled in to an empty chair (all chairs were 6 ft. from the other chairs on all sides) and then took out my Kindle and began reading Naomi’s latest book, Sure As Hell. The main character was Jaru, an imp, who had decided to go into business for himself, providing contract services for “boys” like him, since he was an experienced contract worker. I stayed until six o’clock, as I had to finish the chapter I was on.
Linda knew, this time, to park in the south parking lot since I would be coming out the exit on the south side of the building. We were on our way home before the actual appointment time, which had been scheduled for 6:10 p.m.
Tuesday, March 23, 2021, 4:00 p.m.
I woke up Tuesday morning, feeling sleepy at 6:00 a.m. as usual, but nothing else. I got up, woke up Linda and Emily, put the grocery bags in the van, and heated and poured the coffee into our travel mugs. I was early to the Alameda Farmers’ Market but Ron (the egg guy) was cheerful, as usual. I told him we wanted 4 dozen, “being close to Easter and all.” He smiled and nodded and loaded 4 dozen eggs into my farmers’ market bag. Next was Trader Joe’s and Safeway in South Shore. I spent more than usual, maybe because I was hungry, I don’t know. But we got home at 10 o’clock, I carried in and put away the groceries, then fixed breakfast for Linda and Emily and me.
I piddled around on the computer until time for my online pain group. Julie Whitehead facilitated the meditation and the presentation (on mindfulness), and Francis facilitated the “gentle movement” using the same QiGong as he used last week.
It’s been almost 24 hours since my second COVID shot and there’s no side effects. My arm isn’t even sore! Although the injection site is slightly tender to the touch. I think I’m going to be fine!
