COVID Rollercoaster
For weeks, as U.S. Covid cases and deaths raced skyrocketed, I have wondered how high the counts could go. Things seemed bad - in an amorphous way, so I was careful to wear masks, wash my hands often and social distance. Then, against all odds, three family members tested positive for Covid-19 and the novel coronavirus became a personal reality. Everything changed. Nearly a month ago, my 78-year-old aunt tested positive for the coronavirus. Having a history of sinus problems, she visited her doctor to see whether she had a sinus and/or ear infection.
The answer was “yes” to both. She also tested positive for Covid-19. Over the next few weeks, she experienced the expected intermittent fatigue, shortness of breath and loss of appetite often seen in Covid patients. Her sense of taste disappeared. After three weeks of careful vigilance and weekly tele-visits, her internist said she was doing well and released her.
A week later, my aunt experienced shortness of breath. When breathing became a serious problem, she called 911 and was rushed to the hospital. X-rays revealed multiple blood clots in her lungs and lab work showed a D-dimer level of 45,000+ (normal is less than 500). Doctors immediately began a heparin drip and, within three days, her D-dimer level had dropped to 7,000+. Five days after admission, she headed home with an oral anticoagulant prescription and a good prognosis.
Covid-19 is an unwelcome visitor with uncertain baggage. Some days Covid-19’s impact may seem negligible. Other days it could be devastating. We are learning that the range of novel coronavirus symptoms is broader than originally thought. Despite all we have learned, the extent of its impact on our overall health and how long our health may be impacted remain a mystery.
Golden Nuggets:
~ It is a good idea to follow the rules: wear masks, social distance and wash our hands often.
~ Contracting the novel coronavirus is no play matter. Known potential effects are vast, deep and severe.
~ More frightening, we have yet to learn the extent of short-term and long- term Covid-19 effects.
