I displayed symptoms on Friday, April 2, 2021 and thought it was a head cold but also experienced flu symptoms.  I was unable to keep food down and contacted my PCP who prescribed PCR test.  My test was done on April 7th with 103 degree temperature.  I was told to return home, rest and drink liquids.  By Friday, April 9th, I had great difficulty breathing and my son called the ambulance which took me to Strong Memorial Hospital Emergency Department where I was admitted.  By Sunday, my oxygen levels were such that I was sent to ICU.  X-rays of my lungs reflected double fluid and I was administered Remdesivir through IV.  My oxygen level continued in the 80s and at times, the 70s.  I went on the ventilator on Thursday, April 15th and awoke on Sunday, April 18th.  I remained in ICU until my oxygen levels were low enough to send me to a regular floor.  During my time in ICU, I asked one of the nurses for Ivermectin and was abruptly told that it was not the hospital’s protocol and that the approved drug was Remdesivir.  I also was seen daily by the pulmonology specialist, Dr. David Trawick.  After a few days, Dr. Trawick was replaced by the Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Michael J. Apostolakos.  I thought this was a bit strange that suddenly I required the attention of the CMO.  After all, I was a 71-year old unvaccinated woman with no particular high standing or financial relevance in the community.  I believe my case was of interest to the CMO because I was elderly, unvaccinated, given Remdesivir and put on the ventilator.

Although I was told my voice and throat soreness would resolve itself and return in a few weeks, I have damaged vocal cords.  Despite going through physical therapy and seeing an Ear, Nose and Throat specialist, the damaged vocal cords remain to this day.  My cords do not open fully or close fully and has permanently altered by speaking voice.  It is tiring to talk for long periods of time because I have to exert more lung power to push air through the cords.  If I eat or drink too quickly, my food and/or fluids start to go down my airway tube causing me to choke frequently.

Since my Covid experience, I was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2023 and have had surgery and radiation.  My body still doesn’t feel back to normalcy despite taking natural supplements to improve my immune system.  I honestly feel that I was used as a guinea pig or test case at Strong Memorial and I’m sure the hospital garnered monies from my case.  I certainly did not have control over the type of care or medications I received and have lost confidence in doctors.