Kim Evers

Kim tested positive last week for COVID 19. I received his test results last Friday, the same day I brought him to the ER in Manchester.  Typical Kim fashion, he suggested we wait and go to the ER on Saturday.  His oxygen level was already falling and I knew we couldn't wait any longer.  For you medical enthusiasts, his O2 saturation was 89.  It should be 95 or higher. I watched him walk through the ER doors wondering when I would see him again. My test results were also positive and was not allowed to enter the hospital.  Kim was admitted with pneumonia. They day prior was our doctor visit and his lungs sounded fine. Many of you have asked what our symptoms  were:  headache, fever, muscle aches, cough and scratchy throat. Kim's fever was over 103 and mine was close to 100. 


On Sunday his doctor decided to transfer Kim to St. Lukes in Cedar Rapids. He needed a pulmonologist and they had a bed available in their ICU. His condition was listed as critical as he struggled to breathe. As his illness worsened there was multiple discussions about a ventilator.  And I was told to prepare for the worst Tuesday morning. His doctors were going to try nitric oxide with his oxygen. By Tuesday evening we saw some improvement. The nitric was working with the capillaries and increasing the oxygen in his body.


Wednesday morning I was told he was stable, still critical, but stable. His blood gas tests for P02 were still low at 57, they should be 90. But, PCO2, how his body was getting rid of CO2, was normal. His blood PH was in the high normal range. All good signs that gave us hope that he will pull through this. 


Fast forward to today, Friday.  He has one week down in the ICU.  His oxygen was lowered from 100% to 90%. PO2 is 76 and O2 saturation is 92. He needs to be at 10% supplemental O2 before he can move to the pulmonary floor. This journey is going to be a long one for him. We are not sure how long he will be in the ICU. He's doing lung exercises daily and laying on his side or abdomen. Both helping to increase his lung capacity. 


He enjoys getting texts, snaps, messages as his days are long. We cannot visit him for 28 days. Please limit phone calls. He is on a Bipap and finds it challenging to talk with it. 


Thank you for all the prayers, they are helping. I will continue to update his progress here. I'm going to try to resume doing my job Monday and won't have the time to send messages as I have been doing. 


Lastly, COVID 19 is real. I witnessed my healthy husband turn critically ill in a matter of days. He has no underlying health issues other than his weight. Do your part to stay home,  follow social distancing guidelines,  wash your hands, and wear the stupid mask. Love you all.