Stories

Following is a mother’s account of her family’s battle with COVID-19

“Three of my four adult children contracted the virus, in addition to myself, my husband, my son-in-law, both of my twin 9-month old granddaughters and all five of my grandsons ranging in ages 7-16. 

My grandchildren’s symptoms were mild, with the exception of my 16-year old grandson. He experienced fever, loss of smell, loss of taste and body aches. My husband and I had mild symptoms. My 35-year old son had the most severe symptoms. He was hospitalized for 7 days and was on hi-flow oxygen. He couldn’t breathe, had fever, tachycardia, retraction from his sternum and ribs, and a 106-degree fever. My 38-year old daughter had body aches, a 102-degree fever, cough, headache, diarrhea, stomachache and fatigue. My 28-year old daughter experienced a headache to the point of migraine, a 101-degree fever, diarrhea, loss of sense of taste and smell and congestion. My son-in-law had a sore throat and congestion. 

Our experience at St. Mary’s was great. My son was very happy with his care, which is saying a lot considering he’s an RRT. He was thankful for the care he received. Everyone was very kind and, on learning he was a respiratory therapist, they were very forthcoming with information and sympathetic to his situation. 

My son was in incredible pain, had shortness of breath, a high heart rate and full-body aches the first night he was there. His nurse that night showed great compassion and was very nurturing as she hand fed him tea to help his sore throat. She was getting medication orders on the spot to ease his symptoms until he was able to fall asleep. He expressed his deepest gratitude for her kindness and compassion. 

My daughter was in the ER and Dr. Adam was great. He was nice, informative and compassionate. The entire staff on shift when she was there was great too! Everyone was efficient, quick, kind & even had a sense of humor (which she appreciated).

Through the grace of God our family is recovering well. My son is still using his oxygen and takes his medication as recommended. Both of my daughters still have a lingering cough but it is improving. All of my grandchildren are completely fine. My husband is good and I still get fatigued but I make sure to rest often. “