GRAND Magazine - Summer 2020 - 13

ask dr. gramma karen
After reading the articles about the limitations and dangers of being on a ventilator,
and although he didn't like my decision, he
now better understood it. He said he wanted
to talk with his doctor about ventilators and
how the two of us were at odds.
His doctor confirmed that about 80%
of those on ventilators die. He pressed his
doctor further: Of the surviving 20%, how
many could enjoy a complete recovery?
"Practically none," said his doctor, "as there
are almost always quality-of-life residual
problems." When Gary asked his advice
about what we should do about our disagreement, his doctor explained that should
either of us think we have the coronavirus,
we should first call our respective doctors,
who would most likely send us to our local
emergency room, which he knew had quick
turnaround coronavirus testing.

"

"We're feeling better prepared
to deal with the coronavirus
now that we're armed with
more information and specific
actions we can take."

"

The doctor explained that with the testing results in hand, decisions could be made
about whether treatment in the hospital
or at home was recommended, but either
way, prescriptions could be written to ease
13 GRAND

Summer 2020

the symptoms. However, the class of drugs
known as opioid (narcotic) analgesics would
have to be administered in an approved
medical setting. He explained that no one is
ever forced to be put on a ventilator.
Around this same time, Gary and I read
another article that proved helpful because it
explained how we could lessen the chances
of the coronavirus reaching the point at
which a ventilator is needed by measuring
the amount of oxygen in our blood. This
measurement was something we could take
ourselves by using a simple device called a
pulse oximeter. We purchased one online,
but there are also oxygen saturation applications available on smartphones. Tracking

the oxygen in our blood is a quick way to
help assess if we are in danger of developing
COVID pneumonia, a condition often requiring the use of a ventilator.
So, here's where we are: although I remain
pretty sure that I do not want to be placed
on a ventilator, I have stopped saying I would
never allow myself to be placed on one. Gary
is relieved that I am more open to the possibility. Of course, we hope we never contract
COVID-19 and have to decide whether to
go on a ventilator, but we're both pleased
that we're communicating with each other
our fears, thoughts, and possible decisions
regarding issues and treatments.
Oh, that dizziness, nausea, and overall
weakness I mentioned? I quickly figured out
it was not the coronavirus, but rather, it was
vertigo, something I've had twice before.
It passed in a few hours, and it was back to
social distancing, wearing masks, measuring
the oxygen levels in our blood, and keeping
ourselves informed.
All in all, we're feeling better prepared to
deal with the coronavirus now that we're
armed with more information and specific
actions we can take.
Karen L. Rancourt, Ph.D., writes
an advice column for parents and
grandparents at Mommybites.com.
Her most recent book is, It's All
About Relationships: New Ways to
Make Them Healthy and Fulfilling,
at Home and at Work.

A	
  Must--‐Read	
  for	
  
A Must Read for
Grandparents
Everyone!

Look	
  Inside
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ness out of relationships.

No
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tionship
even worse!
--‐	
  Amazon.com	
  Reviewers

Show me the book!
GRAND Magazine - Summer 2020

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