CoVid 19 Almost Killed Me | My Personal Journey with CoVid

I laid in my bed unknowingly running out of oxygen to all my vital organs for several days. They call it “happy toxemia”. You’re sick, but you don’t feel like you’re dying. After a quick run to the hospital a few days earlier for fluids; I truly thought I was going to just get better in a matter of time. That was not the case. Less than 48 hours home from my first trip to the hospital, I felt lifeless. I knew it was time to go back. Covid 19 was killing me.

Upon arrival, my oxygen level was at a whopping 40 and had been for no telling how long. After the triage nurse picked up her eyeballs off the floor, my husband kissed my forehead as they whisked me off into the unknown not to be seen again for many days. This was that moment.

oxygen in hospital with covid

After emergency oxygen treatments, albuterol, and chest Xrays confirming double pneumonia throughout, I was admitted to the IMCU. There was no time to think about what was going on, but I do remember the distinct fear of being told that intubation was an option. It was a last resort; however, it was mentioned by the doctors and I just knew that was not anything I wanted to go through. Thank the Lord it never came to that for me.

Over the course of the following seven days of isolation, I was administered oxygen from an Airvo machine around the clock. Tethered to the wall in my room.

WAS I VACCINATED FOR COVID 19?

Over the literally tens of thousands of private messages on social media I received; the number one question everyone wanted to know was if I was vaccinated. I was not.

I’m not going to debate whether the vaccine is effective or not or if it would have even made a difference. My personal opinion is that we are each and every one of us driven by some level of fear when it comes to our actions. For some, it is the fear of not being vaccinated. For others, it is the fear of the unknown of the actual vaccine. I believe that it is truly a personal choice.

For me personally, there were lots of factors; life was busy, I work from home, I hadn’t been directly impacted by the loss of a loved one due to CoVid, I don’t take any medications, and honestly, I thought I would consider it when they knew more about it.

WHAT I LEARNED IN THE HOSPITAL ABOUT COVID 19

They admittingly know very little about CoVid 19. They have plenty of rooms (my entire wing in IMCU was empty most of my stay) but they are extremely short-staffed for multiple reasons. They do the best they can with the protocols they are given from the top. They treat every patient the same.

On about day three; I learned of my medications and chose to speak up and discontinue a few of them. It was a scary decision; but after hearing from outside input and no real answers as to the benefits, I felt it was best. At first, I got push back from the nurses; why? what is your reason? why do you think that?

In the end, they respected my decision. (I’ll be honest, I was nervous about making decisions about my own medicine; however, once I realized there was no real benefit to them and they were part of the “protocol” for anyone and everyone generically, I felt better about stopping them.)

It was Remdesivir and a few other antibiotics which do not heal viral illnesses.

rounds of intraveneous medicines hanging from a pole

You can discontinue medications; however, you cannot demand medications. They did not have some of the other recommended medications that are offered in other places (especially if they’re not FDA approved). It completely depends on the hospital.

I stayed on steroids, Lasix, blood thinners, zinc, Singulair, and of course round the clock oxygen.

HOW I WAS TREATED IN THE HOSPITAL WITH COVID 19

I was in isolation for seven days. It was mainly a blur. You don’t have any capacity to think, so you just lay there. No visitors are fine because honestly, you are just there surviving breath by breath. They served these hearty meals with meat and vegetables when all you really want is soup and crackers. I got good at ordering my mashed potatoes and rice instead. 

Most days there were two nurses; but they are so short-staffed that it ended up being one person that would come in my room a few times a day to check vitals, administer drugs, and deliver food and water. They had to completely dress up in plastic full-body bibs and gloves and I felt bad for them. They were always super nice.

They wanted to send me home on oxygen; however, there is a shortage. I wasn’t willing to wait extra days. I wanted out of there stat! My levels were ‘good enough’ so I was discharged. I’m home, resting, healing each day with God’s grace which is sufficient for me.

MOVING FORWARD FROM COVID 19

I’m 50. This was shocking. I’m still reeling. I’m still healing. God is so good. Life is definitely in a much different light for me now. I didn’t think I ever took anything for granted; however, being so close to it all being gone in an instant is definitely altering. I do not wish you to know what I mean.

I feel like I’m here now with a God-given purpose more than ever. Why else am I spared while so many others were not? (There were three code blues on my floor while I was there).

The outpour of prayers, blessings, thoughts, and offers to do almost anything from my social media followers, loved ones, and complete strangers were overwhelming. When you’re in the exact situation you have no capacity to think or pray for yourself and I truly felt the power of all of your prayers. It was mind-blowing and humbling and brings me to my knees.

Hold your loved ones close. Let them know your thoughts and feelings. Stay safe.

I’m so thankful for you and cannot wait to get back into the swing of things!

melanie ferguson in the hospital with CoVid 19

TWO WEEKS BACK HOME COVID UPDATE

Well, it’s been a full two weeks that I’ve been blessed to be back at home from the hospital. Each day has been a little different from the last. Some days are better and others are a couple of steps back. 

The first five days at home, I stayed in bed. Thank goodness we have a motorized bed that allows me to sit completely upright during the day. It was awesome to use it just like the hospital bed. I had a round of steroids and Lasix to finish along with baby aspirin, zinc, and extra-strength Tylenol. The strangest thing I experienced was a voracious appetite. Every meal was eaten like it was my last…

In the more recent nine days, I’ve gotten up and moved to the couch in my living room for the daytime. The fatigue is real and I try to make a single goal for the day to use my energy on. Some days it’s washing my hair and others it’s sitting up and crafting a DIY. I’m only good for a limited time and then it’s immediately back to just sitting on the couch. The energy that is spent counts whether it’s physical or mental.  It’s frustrating, but I’m glad to be home recovering.

For the last five days, I have suffered from shingles. It is a horrific rash that forms on one side of your body due to a low immune system from the steroids. I wasn’t expecting it to say the least. The blisters vary from itching to stinging, to aching like deep bruises. This is just a temporary inconvenience in my mind compared to the situation I was in at the hospital.

Today I am continuing the zinc and vitamin C, resting 90% of the day and enjoying this new, slower pace of life that I’m being forced to try out. 

Thank you again for all of your thoughts and prayers as they have been instrumental in my healing and recovery. The countless messages have been uplifting and encouraging. You’re the best and I appreciate you!

THREE MONTHS POST-COVID UPDATE

This is an update as to my new symptoms and how Covid is still affecting me, even after several months at home. I’m not complaining because God is good and I am home; however, I want to document this journey for myself and anyone else who may be experiencing the same things.

My energy levels are almost back to pre-Covid. I’ve been able to add back walking on the treadmill as a form of exercise. Every once in a while (maybe twice a week) a rush of exhaustion comes over me and I know I’ve “overdone it”. It’s on those afternoons that I end up back on the couch at the mercy of Netflix. 

There are several side effects that seemingly appear one by one. Hair loss is one of them. I notice more and more clumps of hair appearing in my hand after I wash my hair. I’m now trying out some good products that treat hair loss. I will let you know my results.

Oddly, my eyelashes have started curling and becoming sparse. My fingernails have been peeling and appear dry and brittle. These two symptoms are really just annoying more than really anything.

Covid Hair Loss

Can we shift gears and talk about my nose for a minute? It is constantly itching and burning. At night it gets congested and makes it hard to breathe. During the day it is so tender to touch and I believe it is because there are sores inside. Eeeew! I have nosebleeds weekly when I never used to have them at all. 

Yes, my nose is definitely not the same! Every once in a while, I have these random “phantom” smells. I smell smoke or dog poop that isn’t there.  Yes, it’s gross. But I’m super thankful to have the ability to smell at all.  I only lost smell and taste at the beginning for a few days.

I wear glasses a lot more often, insomnia comes and goes, hot flashes are here to stay and my metabolism is out of whack; however, I’m convinced that these are all symptoms of normal life for a female in her 50’s.

CLICK HERE FOR THE TOOLS AND SUPPLEMENTS I’M USING IN RECOVERY

All in all, I’m super blessed and happy to be home and continuing to heal. Looking back it seems surreal that I came so close to death and now I’m here with this new sense of gratefulness and humility. I turned 51 in these last few months and I feel like it’s my second chapter in life.

Melanie Headshot

SIX MONTHS POST-COVID UPDATE

I thought my updates may be over; however, I felt the need for at least one more. Since my ordeal, so many new things have come to light for me. One such thing is that about a month after I came home from the hospital, my neighbor went to the hospital with the exact same symptoms as mine. I was unaware of this and only recently found out that she did not ever make it home from the hospital.

This really hit me hard. Two people across the street from one another; both moms, both healthy, but one is no longer here.  It seems so surreal. The Lord definitely must still need me here for a purpose.

As far as my health goes; I recently had a small cold with a sore throat, slight fever, and a headache as well as lost my voice. I was super scared to be “sick”; what if this is more than it is? What if I spiral downhill? So many things run through your mind now.  Needless to say, it lasted three short days and it was over. Other than that, I’m perfectly healthy. 

I’ve lost a lot of hair. It seems super thin now. I still have nosebleeds weekly. My fingernails are brittle, dry, and peeling all the time. My eyelashes do some weird thing where they curl up and make it hard to wear my mascara (I know this doesn’t make sense).

All in all, I’m super blessed and thankful for this body and life I’ve been gifted with and look forward to each day I’m given. Perspective is a wonderful thing. I feel so awakened to all that’s around me.

58 Comments

  1. PRAISE GOD!!!!!!!!!!! continued prayers for you… so frightening to read about your experience but so grateful you are better. Praise Almighty God Forever!!

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much! and Yes praise God!

  2. Naomi Garcia says:

    Life truly is a blessing and my family is so happy for your recovery.

  3. I am so glad that you spoke up for your own medical treatment. I wish I would have known then what I do now, when my Dad was in the hospital. I am convinced that the Remdesivir almost killed my Dad. He still has kidney issues from it. Prayers for you as you continue to heal.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Yes! It was scary, but I’m glad that part is over!

  4. Laverne Brown Quinn says:

    Praise God, so thankful you are home. I know exactly how you felt, being in the same situation.

    1. southerncrush says:

      I’m glad you’re ok. Thank you for your thoughts!

  5. Ginger Bailey says:

    Thank God you are ok. I have been dealing with lasting residuals of the Covid that I had 6 weeks ago. The fatigue is terrible, as well as other problems it has given me. I am so greatful to God that I am still here. Please rest!!! You will have days you think it’s gone and it comes back with a vengeance. Drink lots of water so you do not hydrate. So glad you’re home and on the mend. Love watching you! Prayers🙏❤

    1. southerncrush says:

      Wow! Thank you so much! Yes, one day at a time!

  6. Judie Yeager says:

    I am so happy you are healing! Our God is so good. Thankfully he cared for you throughout this ordeal. He does have something for you to do. What it is, we don’t know. He is the only one who does. Thank you for sharing your story. I came close to death a few years ago. My heart rate dropped to 17. I had to have a pace maker put in. I am so thankful God kept watch over me and let me live longer. I look forward to your return when you are stronger. 💗💗💗💗💗

  7. Betty Fountain says:

    God is good. He does perform wonders and miracles. God Bless You!! Sending love and hugs🥰

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much! I appreciate you!

  8. Amy Brawley says:

    So glad to know you are home and recouping. Lots of chicken soup girl. We all missed you. Just don’t rush things. You are more important than one more craft. 💋💋💋💋

  9. I am so glad you are okay. ❤️

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much!

  10. Lisa Schrum says:

    Please get vaccinated as soon as you can. Your life matters & I’m so happy you survived this as I know a few who did not. God gave you another chance at life, please don’t waste it. You are loved by many!

  11. Mona Goines says:

    God bless you. I’ve been so concerned. Thank you for letting us know. I will confine to pay for your complete healing. God gets all the glory!!

    1. southerncrush says:

      Yes He sure does! Thank you so much!

  12. Mona Goines says:

    Continue to pray [spoiler title=””] [/spoiler]

  13. Frances Moreno says:

    I’m soo glad your doin better:I pray with you everyday : GOD IS IN CONTROL 🙏🏼♥️

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you sweet friend!

  14. I’m a nurse and work the covid unit . I’m so glad you are better .

    1. southerncrush says:

      Bless you! Thank you so much!

  15. Praise God, I believe we were in the hospital the same time, same reason. I just thank our God, we both were able to make it home. I do believe our Lord God has plans for us both. I will continue to lift you up in my prayers. Blessings to you my sister in Christ!! 🙏🏻🙌🏻🙏🏻

    1. southerncrush says:

      Oh my goodness! I’m so glad you’re home! Continued healing prayers for you too!

  16. There are less staff at Hospitals because they have been fighting The Deadly Coronavirus Pandemic for 634 Days, Along with Misinformation spewed by the ‘’I Think’’ uninformed.

    Scientists have been working On THE CORONAVIRUS VACCINE SINCE 1990. If you had taken the vaccination you would not have been so sick. You have a God Given Responsibility To Thank Him For Saving Your Life, To Thank The Health Care Workers Who Are DEVASTATED From DEATH, Calling Loved Ones, And Listening To People Say Their Exhaustion, Heartbreak, and Fears Don’t Matter Enough To Get A Vaccine Or Wear A Mask. We Have Lost So Many Dedicated Health Care Workers To Uneducated Arrogance and Selfishness of The Uninformed.

    We Must Do Better, ‘’Love Thy Neighbor As Thyself’’
    Our Young Children Are Not Vaccinated.🙌🏼💉😷🦠🧫

    1. southerncrush says:

      Unfortunately, no one truly knows how sick anyone specifically will personally get with or without the vaccine. Every single person is different. Thank you for your thoughts.

      1. so glad you are okay. I came across this seeking people who have been through severe covid also. Jan. 2022 I got covid my oxygen was 48. I was intubated, and on a vent for 2 and a half months. I was in a coma for over 1 months, on a trach vent the rest. rehab 2 weeks. went home on April 1 2022. God is the only reason I am still here. I read this and felt it so hard. I was 27 and 2 other 27 y.o. in the micu didn’t make it. a year later I have a 2 month old baby and am finally starting to feel normal again. thank you for documenting your updates as well. God bless

        1. southerncrush says:

          Oh Mary! I’m so glad you’re here! Sounds like you definitely had a rougher experience. Congratulations on you new little one! and Yes, God is so good!

  17. God is good and he does answer prayers. As others have said he must have a purpose for your life and it will be revealed to you. I’m so glad you are out of the hospital and pray for a quick healing. The tiredness from Covid is no fun. Just rest as much as possible and keep eating to gain strength. Love to you and your family.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much I appreciate you!

  18. FRIEDA Johnson says:

    Praising the Lord along with you! He is so faithful. Thnx for sharing! Take your time in healing. We will be here when you’re ready!! Prayers! Frieda

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much!

  19. Kimeri McGee says:

    I’m so, so thankful God answers prayer and you are on the road to recovery! God is so good!
    I love you so manies!
    Kimeri~

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much sweet friend!

  20. Beverly Einsele says:

    Praise God you are in His loving arms and on the mend. Keeping you and your family and every nurse everywhere in my prayers.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Yes and Amen! Thank you so much!

  21. Thank the Lord for your healing. Rest for now. We are doing the praying.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much!

  22. Terri gomez says:

    Thank you Jesus!

  23. Lori Hall says:

    I hope you will get vaccinated as soon as you can. It will help you have super immunity to avoid a reoccurrence. You have a lot of followers that would miss your presence for sure!

  24. Becky Morton says:

    So glad you are home and on the road to recovery. My husband, sin, daughter in law and myself all had COVID last year. Thank goodness the grand baby did not get it. Sadly, January 2nd, my husband passed away in the ICU from COVID complications . His lungs were suffocated by post COVID lung fibrosis. Covid pneumonia and well just name it.

    Continued prayers for you . Love and hugs from NC.

    Becky

    1. southerncrush says:

      I’m so sorry for your tremendous loss. I appreciate you so much.

  25. Jean Perry says:

    Thank you Father for answered prayers. I can’t say I remember your beautiful decor, or neat projects or anything in stories. But when you posted in stories from your hospital bed, THAT I remembered. I screen shot your picture and prayed for you often. Knowing you are someone’s wife and mother and daughter. And that your life would be missed, there’d be a hole in the universe. Praise be to God for your reset on life, for sparing your life. You did good. I’d have to say the prettiest patient too.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Oh my goodness! This is so heart warming. I appreciate your thoughts and prayers more than you’ll ever know. Thank you.

  26. Lauren Harris says:

    Praise the Lord. He is good all the time, and all the time Here is good!!! I have prayed for you daily. I miss our time together😊

  27. Sonia fredrick says:

    You are so lucky and blessed to have made it. Both my patents had it the end of july and unfortunately my dad didn’t survive. He died exactly 3 weeks later from it. My mom was in the hospital for 5 days and she made it. They were in florida. Im still in shock, we could not be with him and he died alone. Very scary and sad. We will lay my dad to rest here in ny with us on wed finally. So glad you made it, god definitely has a purpose for you!! Take it easy, my mom is still recovering and its been 9 weeks.

    1. southerncrush says:

      Oh I’m so so sorry to hear of your loss! It is definitely shocking. I’m glad you have your mom and that she is recovering. Thank you for your thoughts.

  28. I hope you use your platform to urge others to be vaccinated, so they don’t end up in the hospital. You have so many people that cared so much about your health these past couple weeks.

    I am glad your recovery is going well. Stay safe.

    1. Elaine Cobb says:

      So glad you’re doing better and cheers to u for making your own decisions about medications and vaccine

  29. Elsie Williams says:

    I so glad your better I didn’t know for a while and as soon as I did I started praying for now I praying you be full recovered soon love and prayers

    1. southerncrush says:

      Thank you so much for your thoughts and prayers! They went a long way to my recovering!

  30. Kathy Mazur says:

    Glad your home but now shingles…..awful. I have been fully vaccinated. Thank God for the science. My Aunt had Polio and never walked right again after. The whole family was quarantined for a long time. My Grandmother always carried guilt over this and would get all vaccines available.

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