Mar 18 2020
Friend: Our CEO has been sidelined for a few days with a fever (he says below 100) and dry cough and respiratory difficulty. He can breath but heavy breathing. He’s staying home. He’s 57 years old, overweight and is a heavy breather in general. His doctor has been of no help and no testing. What would you recommend he do?
Dr. Why: Hi, I spoke with your friend. It does sound like he is short of breath. He also has dry cough, which is getting worse, and he cannot sleep on the right side because it triggers cough. This can be a sign of pneumonia or pleurisy. The test he had did not include Covid-19, because proper kit was not available. I advised him to go to ER. He should get CBC and Chest CT.
Friend: Thank you. Did he agree or did he argue?
Dr. Why: He said he will do it and will keep me posted
Patient, next morning: Guys, I went to an urgent care this morning and the dr was very good and she told me after a few tests to go the ER. Here now.
Patient, 3 hours later: Dr. Why, you were 100 percent right. I have a little pneumonia and I am being tested for Covid 19 but it could take two to three days for results. In addition my oxygen level dropped slightly. The weird thing is that I do not feel awful right now but will be admitted to the hospital to be watched. Thx
Dr. Why: You are welcome! I am glad you are getting care. Better be safe than sorry. Did you have CT scan? CBC? I am curious to see reports.
Patient: Doc, all good. I am taking Chloroquine, Tylenol and cough medicine. Care is solid and I will call you in the am. I am glad I came here and they are bringing many of the covid patients here and they took over the place 2nd floor.
A real special thx for your intervention since I was on the fence about coming since I did not think it was serious yet. I walked right in and no wait in the ER. Pretty amazing.