After I left the medical facility, I figured since I had allergies- it might be worthwhile and hang out in my car for a few minutes. And so I decided to call family to share my adventure. My octogenarian parent still had not received any information from an east coast state, and that parent was excited to learn about my experience. While talking with her, I noticed a bit of tingling in my hand and in my lip…Yes, my lip- I might have just been hyper vigilant and was looking for any signs of problems. I sat there for a few minutes while my arm continued to get more sore and then happily pulled out into traffic.

When I got home, there was nothing substantial. It was dinner, movie and bed. The next morning my shoulder was sore and a bit swollen, puffy right in the muscle. I did the regular Saturday run-around but while at my daughters golf lesson, it kind of hit me all at once. I was tired and my body ached. It was not an all over kind of ache, but rather the ache moved throughout my limbs, here and there randomly. It was like each part of my body had to fight its own battle. When we got home, it was nap time on the opposite side.

My husband got his first dose 18 hours after mine and had similar side effects but different reactions. He mentioned soreness and tiredness on the same time frame. However, aside from a shorter nap, he maintained his regular weekend schedule and had less down-time. It is worth mentioning, he and I are on opposite ends of the pain continuum. I look for and feel everything, he barely feels anything and notices less. We concluded the worst time was the time from 24 hours to 48 hours after the shot. My girlfriend reported fewer effects than my husband.

My myalgia continued throughout the night and all day Sunday and receded. By Monday, I was feeling better. It took one more day before the residual aches left and my energy returned. I am thankful my shot option was serendipitously offered to me on a Friday afternoon. My second dose is scheduled for a Monday and if the reports are true, I am going to need a sick day or two. It doesn’t matter though, knowing that I am protected from serious COVID is enough for now.

It is with relief, that I note, my parent was able to get a vaccine at a state-sponsored mass vaccination clinic on Tuesday. She reported no other significant reactions.

I am so grateful for living in the United States, for Operation Warp Speed, for our HMO and their organized, well-run experience, the scientists, doctors and companies who have dedicated time and energy to move so quickly so that we can continue our lives safely. I wish all the families who are suffering and have lost loved ones comfort. I look forward to President Biden’s renewed Covid vaccine roll-out plans and encourage everyone to wear a mask, get a shot, and be kind to those around us. Success is in reach and I will be hugging family soon. It will have been worth the wait.