We’ve seen a lot of grim headlines come from the pandemic that’s sweeping through the nation, but we’ve also read amazing stories of recovery. One Utah woman has such a story.
Experts say people with underlying health conditions are at a higher risk of death if they contract COVID-19. But one woman beat the odds.
A woman survives COVID despite several underlying conditions
Kimberly Ishoy has diabetes, asthma, and MS – but she still managed to beat COVID-19.
Ishoy’s symptoms started in late May, she tells Healthline, while she was working from home.
“I was working form home and it was like ‘Weekend at Bernie’s’ the Kim edition,” she said. “I would prop myself up for a call and just get through it, put my head down, and sleep until it was time for the next call.”
She went to the hospital a week later and was diagnosed with COVID-19. Given her health history, doctors were concerned. She was admitted and eventually moved to the ICU to deal with oxygen problems.
Ishoy was so concerned, she called her family members to say goodbye.
Why doctors believed she beat COVID
Ishoy’s condition slowly started getting better. Why? Doctors say she was determined to get better, and also fought for her own care. For instance, Ishoy wanted to keep her insulin pump in as opposed to switching to injections because she felt it was the best way to keep her sugar levels in check. Doctors listened.
Plus, Ishoy was working on her fitness. She was doing 100-mile bike rides. The determination that came with such a feat helped her fight the virus mentally.
What was the worst part? Isolation, she says. She was able to call and speak with family and use social media to connect, which helped, but being alone was tough.
Ishoy was reunited with her family – in person – several weeks after being admitted.
