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I want to thank everyone for the tremendous outpouring of support. I was released from the ER early this morning after my O2 levels returned to normal. To make a long story short, they wouldn’t test me for #COVID19 because they have almost no test.
They are reserving them for ppl who have high fevers, which I didn’t have. They gave me oxygen and medicine for my airways, did chest X-rays, a complete blood & cultures lab, took stool and urine samples but they can’t test me until I present with a fever
The healthcare workers are doing an amazing job with the limited supplies that have. They are so overworked and the hospitals are so crowded. We are being told that testing is ramping up but the critical shortage of test and PPE is devastating.
My nurse who said she’s working 12 on & 12 off has to wear the same gown and mask her entire shift. Because they are running low. The dedication and selfless service of the hospital staff is something the news really is capturing.
Now that I’m home resting I’m both angry and relieved. Angry at the conditions they have to work under and relieved that I’m with my loving wife. Also relieved that for my entire time in the ER I won’t get a bill. Not one penny. Normally last night would cost thousands.
That peace of mind is adding to my healing. But it shouldn’t only be veterans who get that piece of mind. They are folks out there who have #COVID19 and no insurance, who are having difficulties breathing and debating going to the ER for fear of a crippling bill.
I, like all of you, see the constant news reports of what’s going on in our city’s hospitals. But unlike most of you, I witnessed it firsthand, last night and I tell you we are fighting a war against this virus. Sadly, we are fighting with one hand tied behind or backs.
The federal govt. response in sending critical supplies has been woefully inadequate. History will judge those in power when this is all over, and I suspect it will not be kind to them. We can do so much more we must do so much more.
For the patients I saw who were having trouble breathing last night. For the healthcare workers and hospital staff who are running on fumes. For the ppl who are fighting for their lives and their loved ones. For the soul of our nation. We can do more. We must do more. #COVID19
