I tested positive for Covid-19 and initially had the most intense headache I've ever experienced. Within 1 week, in addition to the intense headache, my temperature was 104.2. I was also experiencing shortness of breath with minimal activity. My primary care health care provider had instructed me to "keep an eye on my oxygen level" and go to the ER if my oxygen saturation decreased to the 80's. My oxygen saturation on room air was 50-60’s. I finally accepted that I needed to be hospitalized and was admitted.

I am convinced that I am alive today because of the care I received from the Medical Progressive Unit team of individuals. I am a RN myself. I worked 12 hour nights in ICUs at various hospitals across the US. As a RN, I know how busy nurses are, which is why I especially want to recognize Jennah, Kate, Paige, Lynette – RNs. They recognized my fear about my condition, and despite their busy assignments, they spent time with me, conversed with me, reassured me and made me feel like I was their only patient despite having at least 2 (if not 3) other patients.

Jennah and Kate in particular were great about providing my family with telephone updates once or twice during their shift. Jennah also went above and beyond by cancelling some upcoming appointments that I initially asked her to ask my family to cancel for me. Instead of asking my family to cancel the appointments, Jennah took the appointment information and canceled my appointments herself.

I also want to recognize one of the Patient Care Techs, Roa. Despite her work load, she too made me feel like I was her only patient. She was helpful with my baths and personal care.

Finally I would like to recognize Alex from housekeeping. She too made me feel like my room was the only room she was concerned with. She recognized my fears one day and gave me a hug to reassure me. After that day, she made it a point to spend time talking with me when she was working.

Lastly, I would like to recognize Dr. Akaydin, M.D. He saw me at least twice daily to assess me. He also called my family with telephone updates at least daily if not more often. He expressed concern about my respiratory status and also recognized my fears and resistance to be moved to the ICU for intubation. I refused twice because I was afraid that if I was put on a ventilator, I would never come off the ventilator. Dr. Akaydin, an Infectious Disease physician, told me about the option to receive plasma from other patients who had been diagnosed with Covid-19. I was told that I could receive plasma that had been matched to my blood type. I received 2 units of the plasma late Wednesday night. By Thursday afternoon, my high flow oxygen requirement had been reduced from 90% to 40% and I was able to maintain my oxygen level in the 90's. By Thursday night, I was told that if my progress continued, I could be going home by Saturday.

Saturday I successfully passed the 6 minute walking oxygen test and was discharged to home without the need for supplemental oxygen. I still become fatigued easily, and become short of breath with not a lot of exertion, but I'm alive! One week after my initial admission to the hospital with a diagnosis of sepsis with acute respiratory failure, I'm alive thanks to the outstanding nurses and techs at Ascension St. Vincent Hospital (Jennah, Paige, Lynette, Kate, Rao and Alex), to Dr. Akaydin, to those individuals who donated their plasma, but most of all, thanks to God.