COVID-19 has been a real pain in everyone’s ass for the better part of 2020. Its taken lives, its bankrupted businesses, and its destroyed economies. But to be honest, up until last week, besides from a few annoyances of having to quarantine, social distance and wash my hands excessively, it really hadn’t had that much of an impact on my own day to day life. Unfortunately that all changed last Tuesday though when I was asked/forced to take my first official COVID-19 Test.

The COVID-19 Test

As I mentioned in my previous blog, after 24 hours of staying in Emergency, I had now been moved to a more quiet area of the Hospital as I awaited for my results from my 2nd CT Scan. Within 5 minutes of arriving in my new room, I was approached by a Nurse who was wearing latex gloves, a mask and a face shield. I was surprised to see a Nurse wearing so much protective gear because up until this point all I had seen were Nurses and Doctors wearing masks along with their regular Hospital attire. However my surprise was short-lived when my new Nurse instructed me that it was now time for my Nasopharyngeal Swab for COVID-19 aka “The COVID-19 Test”.

Now I’m not going to bitch and complain about the COVID-19 Test like I did with the Enema. Not because it was any less pleasant (because trust me, getting a 6 inch swab shoved up your nose is NOT pleasant) but more because I understand how important this test was for me to take and I do not want to discourage anyone from taking this test if they think they should or feel that they need to take it. And remember, taking the COVID-19 Test is not just for your own peace of mind and wellbeing. You should want to take it to help protect the health and wellbeing of those around you including your friends, family members, co-workers and fellow citizens.

The 26th Hour

It was now 5pm. I had been in the Hospital for just over 24 hours. I had been poked and prodded in the arms with countless needles. I had consumed 2 litres of what could easily be mistaken for as horse piss with ice. I had liquid shot up my ass and swabs shoved up my nose. Besides feeling slightly violated, this was probably the most action I had received in recent weeks. I was desperately hoping that the Doctors would find the problem with my stomach, give me some drugs to fix the issue, and then send me along my way. But that didn’t happen. The Doctors did find the problem but I was nowhere close to going home. In fact, on the contrary, I was about to extend my stay at the Hospital for at least another day or two. For my problem could not be fixed with a pill or vaccine shot. My problem could only be fixed through surgery.

Appendicitis

I remember when the Doctor came into my room and told me I had Appendicitis and that I would require surgery to take my Appendix out immediately. I wasn’t shocked by my results as I had expected Appendicitis to be the case after both the Horse Piss with Ice and Enema failed miserably on me. However I was taken back when the Doctor informed me that it would take at least 6 weeks for my body to recover from surgery. And I was absolutely devastated when this same Doctor informed me that I was not to lift anything heavier than 10lbs after my surgery for that same period of time.

The Job of a Personal Trainer/Coach

Look, I don’t have a desk job. Yes, I work quite a few hours behind a desk designing Nutritional Plans and Training Programs, but at least 70% of my waking hours are spent on the gym floor working with clients. Not lifting more than 10lbs is NOT an option for me if I want to continue to do my job professionally and successfully.

Now taking 6 weeks off my own workouts, I have no problem with. In fact, my body could probably use the break. But 6 weeks off from working with my clients and operating my business? GET REAL!

Taking It Easy

Since my operation, I’ve been told time and time again to “Take It Easy.” I understand that my friends, family members and clients are concerned for my health and therefore want me to rest and ease back into running my business again. However the problem is that I don’t actually know how to take it easy, not do I have any desire to take it easy.

I understand that my body has gone through a fairly traumatic experience. And I really do appreciate everyone’s concern. However I also know how strong and resilient by body truly is. And I feel that it can and that it will bounce back better and faster than what I’ve been told. This of course will only happen if I maintain a positive mindset, which is something that I tell my clients all the time is most important when it comes to achieving our goals and overcoming obstacles.

Right now my only goal is to be able to heal faster so that I can get back to living a normal life once more. I don’t care about ripped abs, big biceps, or a chiseled chest. I just want my old life back. And I know I will get it. And not because I’m wishful or hopeful, but because I’m determined and focused.

So What About The Surgery?

What about it? It went well. The anesthesia knocked me out cold. I was told the surgery was just under an hour in length. I woke up with a sore throat that went away within a few hours. I received the absolute best care and service from the entire staff at St. Pauls Hospital, and am forever grateful for them for saving my life. I now have 3 wicked looking scars in my abdomen region that will for most part, heal in time. I made new “friends”. I had new “experiences”. And I created new memories.

The Summer of 2020 may not go down as my most favourable Summer of all time, but it most certainly will go down as one of my most memorable.

“If you can’t be content with what you have received, be thankful for what you have escaped.”

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Yours in Good Health,

Nick Cosgrove
Forever Fit Performance