I don't know where else to turn right now. Prayers are needed for my younger brother. He was admitted to the hospital in NJ yesterday PM w/ COVID, and though his condition had somewhat improved by late AM today, he seems to not be doing particularly well tonight. He's being treated w/ Remdesivir (and a number of other drugs as well) however they are concerned with the low Oxygen levels in his Blood, which are not improving adequately. They just added another medication to his treatment and he's been told that this is the last step before they would have to intubate. Obviously it's VERY Serious, and I'm VERY Concerned!

He is 3.5 years younger than me to the day, and I don't know anyone that loves life more than him. He takes everything in stride, is always cheerful and will help anyone in need. He's a genuinely good soul and I'm afraid for his well being. If you could find it in your heart to take a few moments to offer prayers for his recovery it would be much appreciated. His name is John, and he could use some divine support right now. Thank you.
_______________

Update - 10/3 PM: He's Holding Steady, kinda. His Blood Oxygen levels are being maintained at an acceptable level, but he needs High-Flow Oxygen and must remain prone (on his stomach) in order to achieve those levels. If he gets up from the prone position his oxygen levels plummet from the low 90's into the 70's! He's pretty uncomfortable, and as a result, sleeping, as well as eating, are quite challenging. That said, he tells me 'his job' is to breathe deeply & effectively in order to maximize his Blood Oxygen levels. He literally told me, "That's my only job right now" and he's working at it! As I indicated, he is holding steady and importantly, he remains positive.

For those that asked, John lives in Sussex County NJ, where we grew up. He's the youngest of three brothers, of which I'm the oldest. Also, I've shared a link to this thread with him (and his wife), and told him a lot of good people are praying for him. He is, as we all are, EXTREMELY Grateful for your thoughts and prayers for strength & healing!

Your continued prayers would be much appreciated as he's in for hard fought battle to beat this thing. Thank you again, SIGforum!
_______________

Update - 10/4 PM: Babysteps today....Some movement in the right direction! John got to spend some time sitting up today. We weren't able to talk, but communicated via text. He indicated that he was gonna stay off the phone because hasn't been doing so well speaking due to the effect it has on his Oxygen levels. I asked him, how's your Oxygen (flow & pulse-ox levels) today? and he replied "Little better...Low of 85, but if I'm watching I can hit 100." We'll take it! While he was sitting/texting with me, the nurses looked in the room/window, nodded and gave a thumbs up. He had indicated that "sitting was a luxury I will relish if they let me" and having just left the room, they had checked his monitors when they got back to the nurses station gave him to go ahead sit, relax, and listen to some music. Sometimes the simple things can mean a lot when you have a little perspective!

Anyway, I not gonna assume he's out of the woods just yet, but I was incredibly relieved to hear he was up, was able to enjoy a meal in a seated position, simply relax for a bit. Today was better than yesterday, and that's good to hear. If it takes babysteps, then so be it....They're steps in the right direction, and that's what counts!

For those that asked, John will be 53 years old in January. Also, he's in Newton Hospital, not Morristown. Honestly, given the choice, I'd MUCH rather be at Newton. I've had the unwelcome experience of visiting patients at Morristown, and each time, there always seemed to be too many patients, and too few staff/nurses there. I've also heard that they're limiting certain protocols for COVID patients at Morristown, specifically High Flow Oxygen, which obviously makes NO sense whatsoever if the objective is providing the best level of care for COVID patients!

Again, Thank You ALL for your continued prayers!
____________________

Short Update - 10/5 PM: Maintaining recent gains. Tried lowering Oxygen flow today, but had to raise it back up, so not there yet. John can eat his meals in a sitting position now (that's definitely good!), but still needs to be prone to in order to maintain good Blood Oxygen levels overall. Stayed off of the phone today as well today, so still limiting communication to texting.

Once again, thank you all for your continued prayers!
_______________

Update - 10/6 PM: A day of Improvement! Oxygen flow was reduced THREE times today, and he's maintaining 95% Blood Oxygen consistently now. Blood tests all look good and Blood Pressure was the best recorded numbers in the history of John, at least as far as he can remember! In his words, "Yeah, it's been a GOOD Day!"

Also, something I wasn't aware of, he's been fever free since Monday, which is significant since he had been running a fever since Monday of the previous week.

Sooo, a solid day of Improvement. Apparently, the Nurses were reporting that John's the happiest COVID Patient EVER! Smile

Thank you SIGforum for your continued prayers for strength and healing. We are all EXTREMELY Grateful!
____________________

Short Update - 10/7 PM: Steady as she goes. Today was not really an eventful day. Lowered the Oxygen flow another notch and the guidance from the medical staff remains the same...."Stay prone, it's better." That said, the urgency/imperative nature of that directive seems a bit less critical now. In Doctor's speak, it would likely be 'stay prone as tolerated'. Still limiting communication to texting, but hopefully actual phone conversations will resume soon.

Once again, Thank You ALL for your continued prayers!
___________________

48hr Update - 10/9 PM: Milestone...NO More High-Flow Oxygen! After lowering the Oxygen flow a number of times yesterday & today, they removed it altogether this evening! Still getting some supplementary O2 via Nasal Cannula, but a BIG milestone today. John has been up & around (can't go very far in the room), and doing some squats/deep knee bends to get the blood flowing and exercise his Cardio-Vascular System. I believe he's feeling a lot more comfortable now, especially w/o the High Flow O2. Things are SO Much quieter & less obtrusive, so hopefully he'll be sleeping a little better as well.

No word on when he might get to check out of 'Hotel Corona' just yet, but he's DEFINITELY making steady progress right direction!

A BIG Thank You to ALL who have been praying for John, and following this thread. You are appreciated more than you can know!

This message has been edited. Last edited by: nhracecraft,

Prayers inbound. May he get well soon.

Prayers sent for John's recovery and for your strength.

Prayers for you both!

Prayers sent for all involved.

My best wishes for your brother's full and speedy recovery.

Prayers up.

In my prayers.

Prayers Sent.

Prayers sent.

Prayers out.

I will definitely pray for him.

I said a prayer for him.

Done.

Done. For your Brother and his family.

Prayers sent asking for God's healing mercies for your brother.

Nh,
Prayer and holding a good thought for your brother.
This panicdemic is so evil.
Keep looking up for that is where the source of your help lays.

Prayers for your brother, John, and all concerned.

I’m sorry. Prayed for you all.

Best wishes to him on turning things for the better