CPAP for fear of infecting the staff. We were “the staff” and didn’t worry about that. We gave him three IV bags with high dose vitamin c, b complex and zinc over the next two weeks. These bags were given to us by my other cousin, Dr. Mark Lowney, who is a nearby physician. We treated him constantly with osteopathic manipulative techniques to increase lymphatic flow and clear pulmonary inflammatory cells. We used just about every technique including rib raising, muscle energy, myofascial release, cranial sacral and lymphatic pumps. We drew lab work multiple times and had four portable chest x-rays and one abdominal x-ray. At one point, we worried he may be developing an ileus because his vomiting got worse and his abdomen distended. Luckily, we dodged another bullet. At another point we gave him a combination of normal saline fluid and Lasix because his sodium took a big drop. He wasn’t eating and we gave him Ensure with a combination GI cocktail. It didn’t work. He could only tolerated water and that probably led to the hyponatremia. There was a moment when his liver function tests, CRP, IL-6, D-Dimer and LDH shot up and we worried if the storm was coming-- the cytokine storm.
One crisis after another was confronted. There was always a problem to solve. As I mentioned, we only spoke to my father once regarding a transport to the hospital, but it was discussed many more times without him present. We felt he would receive more intensive care at home. We had our parameters and breaking points on when to send him to the hospital but we were able to avoid transporting him. None of us were trying to be heroes. We wanted what was best for him. Unlike the hospital setting, we were able give him our full attention. Part of his healing also came from his family’s touch and encouragement 24 hours a day. Add to that the OMT we were able to provide. If he was admitted, we knew we would not be allowed to stay with him. This is the added tragedy for families dealing with this virus.
I have seven brothers and sisters. We would FaceTime during his illness, and, at one point, we felt it would be a good idea for the “out of towners” to fly in due to his critical condition. Of course they couldn’t be in the same room with him, but at several moments we would get him to sit outside for fresh air and sunshine and they would see him in the yard. My sister, Maria, another osteopathic physician from Florida, flew up to join our “staff.”
My sister, Irene, didn’t sleep more than a few hours a day. She was an incredible caregiver and probably could work as an ICU nurse after this event. My brother and I took turns being with my father as well as going to our office to make sure our patients were getting the treatment they required through telemedicine. We also were recovering from our own COVID-19 illnesses.
Finally, on Tuesday April 7th he started to recover, very slowly at first, but he began to tolerate solid food and required less oxygen. He stopped the CPAP and had a decrease in his fatigue and lethargy. He was coming back! The OMT, along with traditional medical treatments, began to have a positive effect. We also believe all the prayers from friends, family and patients played a major role in his recovery. Of course the most important factor leading to his improvement was his undaunted strength and will to live. I’ve never seen anyone at his age, and with his number of comorbidities, go through the physical insult and torment he had and survive.
By Easter Sunday he was talking more and watching television. He had a small plate of dinner and we had an extended family Zoom video call to celebrate the holiday together.
At this point my father is looking forward to getting back to work. I recently tested negative and rejoined my wife and kids. The only problem with testing negative is now I will need to see my dad from afar. That’s okay, because he is doing great and soon we will all test negative and get back to working side by side, taking care of people other than ourselves. <>