Don McKillop

Don McKillop is spending the next 5-6 nights at Sarasota Memorial Hospital (SMH).  He has COVD 19 and some complications.   Don says the doctors are not unduly concerned, but want to be sure they make him completely well.   I've started this Caring Bridge site to be able to post updates on how Don is doing on a timely basis, and for you to post messages to Don if you wish.  I've never done this before, so bear with me.  


Background
Since March Don and I have been exceedingly careful about social distancing, hand washing, mask wearing, using Instacart and other delivery services.  We've been veritable hermits, except to walk our Marcie, who also maintains social distance.   (Well, there was golf, but that wasn't the source of the virus).  Living here in the COVID 19 Epicenter one can't assume that those measures are sufficient - please don't get complacent, just because this has gone on and on and on!!  Not too long ago I was splashing in the pool, remarking to friends how fortunate we are not to know of anyone with COVID 19.  Perhaps I tempted fate - Don's sick and I'm  quarantined until he's better and then some.    We think Don was exposed to COVID 19 during a visit to the SMH Urgent Care Center for a non-related matter.  


Don lost his sense of smell while cooking dinner 7/23.   On 7/25 he developed a cough and fever and went to have a COVID 19 test.  It came back positive 3 days later, on 7/28 .  Our long-time Boston doctor suggested that Don  keep track of his blood oxygen saturation, and not let it go below 90% without going to the Emergency Room.    It did, and we made a trip to the SMH's ER about a week ago.   They checked him, did an x-ray, said he had COVID 19 viral pneumonia, and put him on a steroid.  His fever vanished, but his blood oxygen saturation continued to fluctuate.  Although he used a "puffer ball" to breathe, his breath grew weaker and weaker.  Today we agreed that he needed to go back to the ER.  They immediately put him on oxygen (via nasal cannula, not to worry); they administered two intravenous antibiotics and did a new X-ray.   


In inviting Don to enjoy the SMH accommodations they said they were considering Remdesivir for him, but have to evaluate potential impact on the liver.   Plasma treatment is another possibility - that sounds more harmless.    Stay tuned for new developments.  AND STAY HEALTHY!!!  Susan