Connecting During COVID-19

To date South Dakota has seen over 100,000 cases of COVID-19 since the first case was confirmed on March 10, 2020. Over 6,000 people have been hospitalized, including Chris Edmunds of Estelline. He entrusted his life to Brookings Hospital’s inpatient care team this past November. 

“I wasn’t thinking about myself; I was thinking about my wife and kids.”

As the sole provider for his family, that was Chris’ focus when he came to Brookings Health System’s emergency room where he underwent a CT scan of his lungs and an EKG to test his heart rate while also receiving oxygen. 

Ten days before he began experiencing a sore throat and body aches. A test confirmed he had COVID-19. His symptoms continued while he tried to recuperate at home, including a fever that wouldn’t break. The evening before coming to the ER, he was so sick and so out of breath he couldn’t even climb the stairs to the bedroom. That morning he scheduled an appointment at the clinic.

“I couldn’t breathe at all,” said Chris who drove himself to his clinic appointment. “Not even being five minutes at the clinic, my doctor called an ambulance and ambulanced me over to the hospital.”

Chris was admitted to the inpatient care unit from the ER, being taken up by bed because he couldn’t walk. He stayed for eight days. During his hospitalization, his care team was honest with him about his condition and what needed to happen for him to avoid intubation—his motivation to do what it took to get better. 

“I think that it’s great that they’re not going to sugar coat it with you,” said Chris. “They’re going to tell you where you need to be and then they’re going to help you get there.”

To help him get better, Chris’ vitals were constantly monitored, including his oxygen levels. He was put on Vapotherm therapy to keep his oxygenation levels high. He also was encouraged to drink Propel water to stay hydrated and to move around as much as possible. And when he made progress, his care team celebrated with him. 

“There’s a trust there,” said Chris. “I’m trusting them to take care of me and they’re trusting me I’m going to tell them what’s wrong.”

Chris’ life was in his care providers hands. The trust built between him and the team of nurses, respiratory therapists and doctors evolved into a strong bond that helped him return to those he cares about most—his family. 

“They’re not disconnected from you. They want to know how you’re doing,” said Chris. “By the time you leave, there’s a great connection. You almost made a friend.”

Listen to more of Chris’ COVID-19 recovery at brookingshealth.org/Chris_Edmonds.