Differing COVID test results baffling

I needed surgery, and that was my first mistake.

Wait for a year, I'm told and then your turn will eventually come up. My last surgery was in 1980 so it wasn't like I was abusing the system.

For the past years, our family had followed all health precautions and shots/ boosters for COVID. We had no contacts by cautiously wearing masks and social distancing, etc. Until all restrictions were lifted from other people.

My husband, as a musician, took the risk of playing for a dance on April 2. At the same time, my call came for the surgery. He tested positive, but I had no symptoms and was testing negative. Later, I tested positive for a short time. For days after that I was negative. The tests were difficult for me from previous sinus surgeries and gagging/ throwing up from putting it down my throat. I knew after the weeks of isolating with my husband that with an upcoming surgery date, I should be fine. I never experienced any symptoms. I arrived at the hospital after drinking 1,200 millilitres of apple juice and stressing for the previous number of days. It would finally be over and I could begin to heal.

A woman administered a COVID test. I was positive for the disease. The surgery staff had to decide if I could proceed. It would mean extra precautions for them. I told the nurse that I had been isolating since April 5 with no outside contact. I completely and sadly missed Easter.

She then told me they decided to send me home. There was no attempt at figuring anything out and no upcoming date. I left feeling that they didn't care. The positive test was a death sentence. She said I was positive and should isolate for five days. I couldn't understand what the last weeks would be called, if not isolating. She advised me to test before coming into the hospital in the future.

So, I returned home feeling that these people didn't really know how to show compassion and work with honest, caring people. I tested at home and it was negative!

Are our tests inadequate compared to what the health system uses or do they make the rules to suit their purposes? Patricia Schiissler, Regina