Post Covid-19 Therapy

Revive Orthopedic and Spinal Therapy Receptionist, Erin, shares her story of battling Covid-19 and shares the lasting effects it has on her to this date.

“In March of 2020, I was among the first in Lake County to contract Covid-19. What started out as mild body aches, cough and low-grade fever, quickly developed into more severe symptoms, including the inability to breath. Eight days after my symptoms first started, I was instructed to go to the ER. My oxygen levels were in the low 80’s and it was confirmed that I had bilateral pneumonia. I was immediately admitted to the ICU at Marymount Hospital. This is where I would spend the next 24 days, 17 of those on a ventilator. 

When I regained consciousness, I was given a dry erase board to write down questions. Believe me, I had a lot! I was so frustrated that no matter how hard I tried, I was unable to write a single word. The next day, I was taken off the ventilator and given ice chips. I could not understand why I was not able to bring the spoon to my mouth. You see, during the previous 3 weeks, I was on heavy paralytic medication. The only movements my body made was done by the doctors, nurses and ventilator. In those 17 days I lost 30 pounds and my muscles had atrophied. All of my muscles. I could not sit up on my own or take a full breath. I was fully dependent on oxygen. I remember looking at my legs and seeing loose skin where my muscles used to be. 

After a day of rest and coming to grips with what had happened, I started physical therapy. The first session lasted all of 5 minutes. The therapists helped me sit up on the edge of my bed and tried to help me stand. My heart rate shot up and I could not catch my breath. The second my feet touched the floor, I blacked out. I felt completely helpless and hopeless. The next day they returned, and I 

remember asking them to go away. I was so exhausted and had no desire to move. Well, they did not go away. Once again, I was helped to the edge of the bed, only this time, I stood on my own for 3 whole seconds! It was a small victory, but one I was thrilled with. Over the next several days we increased my standing time, and worked on exercises to strengthen my arms and legs. The final hurdle for discharge was to be able to walk from my bed to my room door and back to my chair. It was the hardest thing I had ever done in my life, but I was focused! I had not seen my children or husband in nearly a month! Needless to say, I made it to that door and back to that chair. 

As soon as I returned home, I began in-home physical therapy. As my muscles started regaining strength, I was able to move more freely, without the aid of a walker. Within a month, my abdominal muscles were stronger, and I was able to sit up on my own again. I was also able to stop depending on supplemental oxygen, as my chest muscles also regained their strength, allowing me to draw a full breath. Even though I had made vast improvements, my body still needed strengthening. My heart rate was averaging 120 beats while resting and would increase to 150+ with exercise. It was then that I began outpatient therapy. The first visit lasted all of 15 minutes. My therapist monitored me very closely and as soon as I showed signs of exhaustion, therapy would stop. I never felt scared during those sessions, because I was being pushed to my limits in the safest way possible. Each visit brought me new hope that my life would return to normalcy. 

Now, nearly 2 years later, I am finally feeling more like myself. I still suffer from lingering endurance issues, as well as chronic fatigue but I continue to push myself, with the help of some very special coworkers! I have no doubt physical therapy was instrumental in helping me regain muscle strength and overall endurance. Without it, I’m not sure where I would be now. Covid can have a lasting effect on your body. Whether you’ve had a recent infection, or if you suffer from long Covid, physical therapy can help you regain the strength and energy you need to recover.”

Erin holds up a sign of Victory as she leaves the ICU.

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