my CoVid Survival

God gave me another lease on life!

I’m alive and well because He rescued me from the valley of death.

The novel corona virus (CoVid 19) hit and knocked me very hard. I stared death on the face!

While all six of us in the house were infected, only I, needed to be hospitalized. My symptoms were very serious and life threatening. I’m a candidate for CoVid mortality: senior at 62, history of cancer, hypertension.

I experienced shortness of breath as my oxygen saturation fell at dangerous level of 87%. The normal range is 92% and higher. A little physical effort made me pant for air. I felt very weak. My sodium level fell to 129. This condition could lead to seizure, comma or even death. The normal range is 136-146. I felt dizzy. I had double vision and light headedness. And the worse, I had blood clots in my lungs (pulmonary embolism).

Those, on top of the other difficult symptoms such as fever, loss of sense of smell, taste and appetite, heavy coughing made my life very miserable. I literally wrestled with death!

Battery of tests were performed on me at the emergency room (ER). RT-PCR to ascertain CoVid infection (nasal swab); Blood work to determine infection and inflammation; EKG; CT scan and X-ray revealed blood clot in my lungs (pulmonary embolism). Blood clot could trigger stroke, aneurysm and cardiac arrest, highly potential quick ways to sudden death. I was fitted with a heart monitor to watch for possible cardiac arrest.

The discovery of blood clot in my lungs gave the greatest concern. When not properly treated, I could be among the 2% of CoVid death statistics. Autopsy reports on some CoVid mortalities include presence of severe blood clots in the lungs among others.

But that feeling of fear of death was just fleeting. GOD The Holy Spirit quickly reminded me of his protection, healing and deliverance and powerful touch, such as the ones I experienced several times in the past. God’s peace and comfort took over and covered me.

⁃ He rescued me from drowning twice when I was a boy.

⁃ He protected me from venomous snake twice; when I was a young boy and while working in Sultan Qaboos University farm

⁃ He spared my life from a near- fatal car accident

⁃ He healed me from cancer

(Pls refer to my blog: “God’s Mysterious Ways: Protection”)

Indeed, GOD is my

– Jehovah Rafpha (Healer)

– Deliverer

– Redeemer

– Restorer

– Provider

GOD accomplishes His works using human agencies. I’m blessed to have an access to one of the premier hospitals in Chicago. The Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital in Winfield, Illinois- just 10 minute- drive from West Chicago where I live.

The team who attended to me was top notch in the medical profession. Their expertise, care and compassion are truly extension of God’s mighty hand! I received an incredible care from:

Physicians with advance practice

Nurses

Patient care technicians

Medical assistants and phlebotomists

Technicians and technologists

Inpatient physical medicine

Rehabilitation Therapist

Clinical pharmacists

Respiratory Therapists

Social workers

Dietitians

There were many people who came in and out of my hospital room. I thank them all from the bottom of my heart. God knows who they are and He knows how to reward each one of them.

But I’d like to mention few names: Dr. Villanueva, Dr. De La Cruz, Dr. Corcek, Dr Amatu and Brittany Wienkes- APRN;

Nurses Lynne, Aris, Joanna, Evelyn, Janelle and ER nurse Alexandria and Michelle Herman-Clinical Director;

Respiratory Therapist Maria, Technicians Estella, Airian and Dan.

You’ve touched my body and soul that provided healing and restoration. Indeed, your are extension of God’s hand. Thank you and GOD bless you!

I also thank all those who prayed and intervened for me. My family, my Church, my faithful friends, my social media friends and followers- hundreds of them around the world. Your prayers were heard. God’s hand was moved by your intercession.

I was discharged well on my way to healing and restoration. I am breathing on my own with oxygen saturation from 93%-99%. There are still symptoms like coughing and weakness. The doctors told me I’m one of those CoVid long haulers.

Treatment continues at home to combat CoVid pneumonia using steroids and blood thinner to prevent any further blood clots. These medication are a breakthrough in CoVid treatment protocols. During the early stages of the pandemic, lung blood clotting ( pulmonary embolism) as well as deep vain clot tings were not yet observed and addressed. That’s why many died due to untreated pulmonary and deep vain embolism.

If I got infected earlier, I would probably be dead by now. I got infected when the medical community had a better knowledge of the deadly virus, and therefore a better treatment approach to combat the enemy.

I’m a truly, legitimately considered a CoVid survivor!

All praises and glory to God. Thank you Jesus, my Savior, Friend, Healer, Deliverer, Restorer, Provider, my all in all!