Our season opener is almost here and we start with an issue we’ve all been facing, Covid 19. This topic is one that has been making headlines for months, however on our show we are taking a different viewpoint. We are discovering hope the through struggle. Our first is an amazing survivor who opens up about what his near death experience taught him. MEET MICHAEL:
MY STORY: I was sick for about a week with a low fever and my wife had the insight to tell me to quarantine myself. . After a week, my wife bought me an oxidation pulse ox and I noticed my O2 level was low. Around 90%. I went to immediate care and the Dr on duty, thought that I didn't look well and sent me to the ER at Northwestern Lake Forest. They took blood work and chest x ray, they were all set to send me home, but my bloodwork came back indicating that my immune system was way off. They gave me Covid test and kept me overnight, Next day, the test came back positive, I was the 2nd patient at that hospital to be treated for COVID 19. My oxygen level dropped significantly and I developed pneumonia in both lungs. Next thing I know, is that they are telling me I am going to ICU and I need a ventilator. They also told me there was a greater then 50% chance that I would not wake up :( I called my wife (Marie) in a panic and let her know the situation as the hospital was not allowing visitors. I also at that time told the Dr, that I did not want to be on the ventilator yet, and While I was waiting I made about 20 goodbye videos on my Iphone for family friends and my staff. In the morning, I agreed to go on the ventilator and I woke up about 4 hours later, pretty disorientated, as the sedation medicine causes a lot of side effects. Later that day, I began to feel better and texted my wife, family and utilized facebook to communicate with others. It was quite a scene in ICU and I likened it to a "MASH" episode because it felt surreal how many patients were being triaged. I also then recognized how hard it was for the staff, 1st responders who were caring for others! Later when I got home, I realized how hard this was for my wife especially and my kids. The Dr would call 1x day and for the first 2 evenings they told her that I might not make it. She was also having Covid symptoms and trying to take care of our 3 children.
My advice that I often give to other people who contact me with the virus: A) Be vigilant, wear a mask, social distance and these sacrifices are keeping a lot of people safe. If you get Covid 19, stay positive as most people recover. It's important to try and stay active and moving even if you don't feel well. Believe me, you don't want to feel like you are on your last breath!, so a little inconvenience is worth it.
FAVORITE QUOTE: Can't fall from the floor
I AM CREATING POSITIVE CHANGE BY: By helping disadvantaged populations access quality mental health services via my VP behavioral heath role at the Josselyn Center
WHO INSPIRES YOU/ AND WHY: I am inspired by social workers/therapist who go out everyday and help others regarding their mental health issues! Covid also helped me realize what an amazing wife partner I have :) She had the insight to tell me to quarantine before it was popular, the strength and courage to pray for me when I was near death and to deal with her own Covid 19 symptoms and parent our 3 kids. I married a "Superwoman" . I also definitely try and live in the moment and this experience taught me how much I enjoy helping others and how that has fueled me thru this experience. I have been more focused on supporting other therapists, first responders etc, who help other people in their daily work!
For his full story tune in to LAKESHORE PBS, Monday October 12th at 6:30 PM
EXTRA: Michael Scholl is the director of clinical services at the Josselyn Center in Northfield.
The Josselyn Center is now providing free treatment to essential workers at all area hospitals. Since the start of the pandemic the center has seen a 40% increase in demand for mental health services.