The last few months have been quite a roller coaster ride! We went from having a jam packed schedule to being house arrest in a matter of hours mid March. Now we are all learning how to cope with the new changes that have taken place. Many people are working from home. Children are now doing e-school and/or home schooling. All activities and social settings are closed until further notice.

I want to take this time to tell you about my patient experiences with COVID. I have had a good volume of COVID patients I have treated in the inpatient and outpatient setting.

Good news! My patients did very well. My youngest patient has been 29 with no medical problems. He is a non smoker. He contracted COVID from his co-worker in Elgin. He came in with high fevers and shortness of breath. COVID test was positive. He spent about 5 days in the hospital and was discharged. He will follow up with me in the office in the next few weeks.

I have only had two patients pass away because of COVID. Those patients were 91 and 95. They were nursing home residents on multiple medications. The COVID infection presented with an intense viral pneumonia that we could not beat.

Rounding in the hospital has been quite an experience. We now have adequate PPE (personal protective equipment). There is a whole protocol of what to put on before you walk into a COVID patient room. It is quite cumbersome! The N95 masks are super uncomfortable and tight. However I continue to wear them to protect my patients, friends, and family. There are goggles, gown, and gloves. We have hand sanitizers all over the hospital and office. We are wiping down every countertop with hospital grade wipes.

My outpatients get a virtual visit if they have fevers, chills, fatigue, shortness of breath, and other viral symptoms. I order a COVID test, however the tests have been rather scarce. If the patient is COVID positive, I tell them to self quarantine for 14 days. I excuse them from work and then the patient follows up. These patients have also done very well.

So, now you ask, “why do we hear of all the stories of people dying?” Honestly I cannot answer this question. I do not know why some patients crash. When I get more information I will be the first to let you know.

My message to you right now is most patients with COVID are making it! I want to tell you what I see in our community.

So, let’s take a deep breath and smell the roses. Enjoy time with your family. Enjoy time with yourself. Enhance your mental and physical well being. This stressful time will pass!

Good luck to you all and stay safe! Continue social distancing and take necessary precautions. 🙂

Dr. Susarla