Raleigh, NC – Stanley McHenry, who describes himself as a “tough guy”, was a Durham County deputy for 31 years before having a dangerous attack with COVID-19.
“It (the track) prepares you for just about anything that could happen, although I don’t know if I was fully prepared for this,” said McHenry.
The 66-year-old said he routinely takes three to four mile walks with his wife. They wear masks in public, maintain as much social distance as possible and practice hand hygiene regularly. He is not sure where he was exposed to the virus.
It was the week before Christmas when early symptoms of a runny nose and mild fatigue appeared, so McHenry was tested for COVID-19.
A day or two later, he learned that he tested positive.
Brain fog and confusion started. Shortly afterwards, he collapsed at home.
“I have absolutely no memory of December 24, 25, 26 and 27,” said McHenry.
At Duke Raleigh Hospital, McHenry developed COPD and needed help breathing.
His physician, Dr. Amal Youseff, said many people wait for symptoms to get worse before seeking help. “The problem is we don’t know who will get it mild and who will get it worse,” she said.
After four days in the hospital, McHenry remembers waking up. He panicked and took out his IV line and surveillance equipment.
“I literally had no idea why I was there,” he said.
Once McHenry understood his condition, he struggled to adjust. He described it as “almost a feeling of depression because no one can visit you there”.
After showing progress, McHenry was released from the hospital on January 5, only to return six days later after another lung infection. In total, he said, he spent 11 days at Duke Raleigh Hospital.
While there, he participated in a trial for Remdesivir.
According to Youseff, as with blind studies, McHenry may or may not have been given the drug that can help fight infections and provide temporary immunity.
The requirements of the trial meant that McHenry had to wait 90 days before receiving longer-term protection with a vaccine.
So on March 31, I’ll be somewhere where a medical professional will put a needle in my arm. That’s my plan, ”he said.
“No one should think they should fight it (COVID-19) alone,” said Youseff. “It’s a disease that’s serious. Everyone should seek help if they experience symptoms or at least get diagnosed.”
According to Youseff, people whose oxygen levels have not dropped will receive guidance from medical professionals and be quarantined at home.
If more serious symptoms occur, such as diarrhea, loss of appetite, fatigue, and especially if a fever is detected, she advises people not to wait for the condition to get worse. Seek immediate medical attention.