Our longtime friend Tom B., the one who I told you tested positive for coronavirus, has been in an ICU, isolated, sedated in a chemically-induced coma for most of March, on a ventilator, and showing no improvement at all even after he began receiving medication. Yesterday, however, his medical team began seeing small signs of progress and have reduced his blood pressure medicine and lowered his ventilator settings. He is beginning to be responsive and was even able to say a few words to his nurse, according to his daughter. Tom's whole family has been isolated, not just from him but from one other as well and not able to be in contact except through social media. His wife Cheryl is in her own home, his daughter Staci is in her own apartment, his daughter Mandy is in her own home, and his sons Matt and Clint are both in their own homes. There now seems, at long last, to be a small ray of hope for Tom.
We have been holed up for most of March with a few exceptions. I have to confess that I was a little slow on the uptake in the beginning to cooperate fully because I have an independent streak and want to be self-reliant. So on the 8th we attended church (non-essential) and it was the last day that services were held; on the 13th I drove Mrs. RWP to her hairdresser for a shampoo and blow dry (non-essential); on the 16th I went grocery shopping (essential, but our son said we should have called him instead); and on the 18th my grandson drove us in his car to my retina specialist to get my monthly shot in the right eye for macular degeneration (definitely essential). We have not set foot outside the house since then and don't plan to.
Georgia is not Italy or New York City but as of today, March 30th, in the state of Georgia there are 2,809 known cases of COVID-19 virus, 707 people have been hospitalized, and 87 people have died.
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) at 1:37pm Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) today, there are 693,224 confirmed cases worldwide, 33,106 deaths, and 202 countries affected. The twelve countries with the highest number of cases are the United States (122,653), Italy (97,689), China (82,447), Spain (78,797), Germany (57,298), France (39,642), Iran (38,309), the United Kingdom (19,526), Switzerland (14,274), Netherlands (10,866), Belgium (10,836), and South Korea (9,661).
I would show you a world map but it is too depressing.
May it all be over soon and a cure or vaccine be found.
From our mouths to God's ear.
Amen, may it all be over soon and a cure or vaccine be found. I prayed right now for healing for your friend Tom. One bright spot is that many cases are slight, healing is quick and they are not diagnosed as coronavirus, so death rates are lower than reported. Stay home and stay well.
ReplyDeleteTerra, the rates may be lower (although I'm not asure about that), but the sheer numbers are frightening.
DeleteI wish him well.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Adrian, as do we all.
DeleteWonderful news about Tom. I hope his recovery continues and accelerates.
ReplyDeleteStay well, stay safe.
I agree, Sue, wonderful news.
DeleteI have been wondering about your friend. Thank you for telling us about him and thank goodness he is beginning to improve. I think one of the many bad things about this virus is the fact that if you get it you are totally alone in the hospital since no friends or family are allowed in and they are probably under quarantine as well. It breaks my heart to think of the people that die with no family by their side and also for how their family must feel.
ReplyDeleteThis is a difficult time for us all. I'm glad we can support one another here online, especially for those that are living alone and have no one to talk with. Human contact, whether by phone or internet is vital especially at a time like this.
I wish you and Mrs. RWP well.
Bonnie, isolation is something we would not wish on anybody, but it is surely needed at this time. Modern technology helps.
DeleteThanks for the update. Prayers for a complete recovery for Tom.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you are staying at home.
Our governor in VA issued a stay at home order today. It had been voluntary but too many people were going to the beach and socializing. VA has 1020 cases with 25 deaths.
Kathy, thank you for your prayers. I'm surprised the deaths have not been higher in Virginia with the Washington, D.C. area being the workplace for so many.
DeleteYou have "an independent streak"? Well, well, well - I would never have guessed! So good to hear that your friend Tom B has turned a corner and may be on the mend. Fingers crossed for him. 180 coronavirus victims died in Great Britain in the past 24 hours. Keep on looking after yourself and Ellie too.
ReplyDeleteNeil, I think I'm not so much an independent cuss as a contrarian -- I've said many times that when the whole world is advocating A, I consider the merits of B. One thing I know is true, however: I will be glad when this current mess is over.
DeleteA very worrying time for Tom's family. Let's hope for the best.
ReplyDeleteAlphie
Alphie, yes, let's do. Hope is the thing with feathers that perches in the soul, Emily Dickinson said.
DeleteI'm happy to have heard the news of your friend. May it continue to be positive and good.
ReplyDeleteGraham, positive and good are always positive and good.
DeleteSending love your way today .......
ReplyDeleteIt arrived safely, Helen, all the way from Bend.
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