Josh Carson's COVID Fight
Donation protected
On Wednesday, November 18, Josh got a fever. Because I had already been diagnosed with COVID, we pretty much knew what it was. He went and got tested the next day, and a few days later, his test came back positive.
His fever did not go away. He got tired and developed a worrying cough. His doctor prescribed rest, fluids, an antibiotic and an inhaler, hoping that he would feel better in a few days. I picked up a pulse oximeter so we could also track his blood oxygen level. It was a bit low. We spent Thanksgiving day in the urgent care and then the ER, but they sent him home, saying he would turn a corner soon.
His fever persisted and the readings on the pulse oximeter kept getting lower. On Saturday, November 28, we packed up a quick bag and took Josh to the ER to get his oxygen levels checked. We were hoping they would just send him home again. They did not.
Josh's oxygen levels were dangerously low, and he was immediately put on oxygen. They had to try several different levels of oxygen and types of face masks to find one that could bring his levels back up. They landed on something called a BiPAP, which brought his oxygen back up to almost normal. He was admitted to the advanced care unit, which is one step down from the ICU.
He was put on a mix of other medications to help his body as he fights off the COVID. They were able to get him off the BiPAP and onto a high flow nasal cannula, which is very positive. They are starting him on Remdesivir, which is one of the drugs you have probably heard about in the news. It is an anti-viral drug that has helped a lot of COVID patients. He is also being evaluated for a drug trial that might help with the inflammation in his body, and we should find out later today if he has been accepted.
We are all in a bit of shock. When he went down hill, it was very fast. I know he would want to me tell everyone that if you have COVID, do not hesitate to go to urgent care or the ER if you have any concerns - just go. Get it checked out.
While Josh is not yet stable, we have every reason to be hopeful. He is cracking jokes, and the doctors say he is improving. We are not sure how long he will be in the hospital, and the money raised here will help with bills and lost income. Thank you!
His fever did not go away. He got tired and developed a worrying cough. His doctor prescribed rest, fluids, an antibiotic and an inhaler, hoping that he would feel better in a few days. I picked up a pulse oximeter so we could also track his blood oxygen level. It was a bit low. We spent Thanksgiving day in the urgent care and then the ER, but they sent him home, saying he would turn a corner soon.
His fever persisted and the readings on the pulse oximeter kept getting lower. On Saturday, November 28, we packed up a quick bag and took Josh to the ER to get his oxygen levels checked. We were hoping they would just send him home again. They did not.
Josh's oxygen levels were dangerously low, and he was immediately put on oxygen. They had to try several different levels of oxygen and types of face masks to find one that could bring his levels back up. They landed on something called a BiPAP, which brought his oxygen back up to almost normal. He was admitted to the advanced care unit, which is one step down from the ICU.
He was put on a mix of other medications to help his body as he fights off the COVID. They were able to get him off the BiPAP and onto a high flow nasal cannula, which is very positive. They are starting him on Remdesivir, which is one of the drugs you have probably heard about in the news. It is an anti-viral drug that has helped a lot of COVID patients. He is also being evaluated for a drug trial that might help with the inflammation in his body, and we should find out later today if he has been accepted.
We are all in a bit of shock. When he went down hill, it was very fast. I know he would want to me tell everyone that if you have COVID, do not hesitate to go to urgent care or the ER if you have any concerns - just go. Get it checked out.
While Josh is not yet stable, we have every reason to be hopeful. He is cracking jokes, and the doctors say he is improving. We are not sure how long he will be in the hospital, and the money raised here will help with bills and lost income. Thank you!
Organizer
Laura Hetzel
Organizer
Minneapolis, MN
