Katie Geerdes

Katie had been having problems walking shortly after Christmas and had collapsed a few times. My parents took her to the ER on 12/28. At first the doctor thought she had sepsis and was taken to Sanford Sioux Falls by ambulance. Doctors did tests and found that her liver numbers were higher than normal. She was also tested for COVID-19 at that time and was negative.  Doctors couldn't find anything more and she was released that day and was told to follow up with her primary doctor the next day. On 12/29, she had an appointment with Becky Roeman which she had bloodwork done, was given steroids, muscle relaxer and was to follow up in 1 week. Later that day, Becky Roemen called Katie and told her she had called Sanford Sioux Falls for a second opinion, at that point Katie was instructed to go to Sanford ER in Sioux Falls. Collin took her that afternoon, and she was immediately taken for testing. She was told that she may have transverse myelitis. Katie had several tests done over a few days including x-rays, ultrasounds, CT scans, MRIs of her whole body, spinal tap, EKG and EEG. Doctors then confirmed her diagnosis of transverse myelitis with the possibility of MS. She was placed on medications designed for nerve pain and opioid medications. Katie had lots of breakthrough pain. She said it felt like burning, stabbing, shocking pain. They started her on physical and occupational therapy which seemed she was starting to get her strength back.

A few days passed and Katie's breathing started to seem different then normal. On Saturday 9th, the hospitalist came to chat with Katie to see how she was doing. I told him, her breathing wasn't normal. While he was there, Katie was sleeping so he was able watch her breathe. He ordered a chest x-ray. Xray showed atypical pneumonia or edema. Doctor ordered IV Lasix to get fluid off her chest. She seemed to feel a little better after that. Later that day, her oxygen level dropped some and was put on oxygen and her hemoglobin level dropped even more and had to have a blood transfusion. Mom was able to stay for that. 

At 3:00am on Sunday, January 10th, Katie called and said she was being taken to ICU because she tested positive for COVID-19. Doctors and nurses got her comfortable and she continued to be on oxygen and started her on medications for Covid. She was given a medication to calm her down so she could rest and slept good Sunday night. Monday was a good day for her as well besides being really anxious and scared. Again she was given medication to relax so she could rest. We were told she was resting comfortably Monday evening. But throughout Monday night into early Tuesday morning things were getting worse.