The thing they didn't tell you about nasal swab test

Yesterday I got my first swab test after a year of pandemic. I didn't get out much and lucky enough to be able to work from home. I also don't have many close friends and families so I don't get plenty of visitors. I was once asked by someone to visit my home for something trivial, I politely refused. So yesterday experience is very new to me.

I googled about swab, I also youtubed it if thats a word. Somehow the most valuable information about swab test to me is not about the swab itself, but about people testimonials.

I already knew that it will hurt, but I want to know the specifics. What kind of pain is it? How is the feeling in your nose? At which time do you feel hopeless or afraid? Those kinds of things would be helpful, you know. Because when we anticipates them, I will feel less anxious 😰.

If you haven't done swab test, I hope my experience will help you as I was helped by others experience:

I feel anxious, so learn about it, google it, saw youtube videos about it
On the day, my heart race a bit. I think its normal. I took a deep breath. Similar when I first come to job interview 😂
When its my turn, I sensed that the healthcare staff is trying to relieve the tension. I think most of them will do that too, its been a year already
I was taken by surprise when the staff mentioned that she will probe from two holes instead of one! 🙈 I didn't prepare for this. Feeling hopeless, I resign myself to fate and proceed
One hole in, a bit surprised by the sensation. As it goes deeper, it feels tingling. I didn't feel any burning sensation as others have mentioned, but I feel the need for a laugh 😂. It tickles
Second hole in, I feel less anxious now. It doesn't hurt and I didn't show any tears. I guess this sensation doesn't apply to everyone
After the test, I feel more anxious than before 😰. It is because I need to wait for the result. I feel that this is the worst part of the test. If yiu also feel this, better to divert your mind to something else. Play a game or listen to music

There it is. My result came out negative in the end. All is good 👍. I hope your experience is similar or even better than me.

Best of luck to you, from your friendly neighborhood gamer, developer, and streamer ✌️

Didik Wicaksono