I was feeling so hopeful yesterday that I stupidly made plans to hang out with someone today.
After reading about CO, I thought it was something I could do. I'm extremely cautious but super patient and figured I could expose myself to smaller amounts over a longer period of time.
I ordered stuff off Amazon to experiment (waste of money, going back), I staged my bathroom to exactly the way I wanted it when I die. Removed everything, dug out an old comforter to put on the floor, closed the vents, fussed over how to arrange the candles. Everything.
Performing that process made me feel lighter than I had in days. Telling myself I was going to be ok, that I was going to find a way out of here.
But late last night I started reading the big thread on CO and with each post, became sadder and sadder. I realized I needed a 5-digit display instead of the 3-digit one I ordered. I learned that CO is highly flammable and combustible (I'm scared shitless of blowing something up).
I remembered how tolerant I am when it comes to substances. I'm a relatively small person but I can drink a fifth of Vodka and barely teeter. The dentist has to give me twice the anesthesia of regular patients. Stuff like that.
Anyway, this made me wonder about my tolerance to CO so I watched videos of people who were exposed for long periods and lived. I don't want the side effects they mentioned and how long they last. Years, in some cases.
I didn't realize this was yet another method that could cause brain damage. It pisses me off how quickly our brains can be damaged, yet it won't quickly kill the body.
My little bubble of hope that I built up yesterday afternoon burst. I woke up at 7am and started drinking. Waited until a reasonable hour to call and cancel plans. That left me with a lump in my chest because something tells me this person won't be around for much longer (health related) and I need to see them before it's too late.
But I couldn't. Not today. Today will not be a good day.