was looking out the window and watching the sky slowly change
from day to night, and from night to day. I could almost tell exactly
what time it was by the clearness and color of the sky. It made me
realize the universe was much bigger than me and that I was just a
tiny grain of sand in the world. Somehow, realizing how insignificant I
was in the grand scheme of things helped take my mind off the reality
that COVID-19 was invading my body. Watching the sky was very
calming for me.
After six days in the hospital, both the hydroxychloroquine and oxy-
gen were discontinued, my EKG and blood work were normal, and I
was told I could recover at home. Even after discharge, I was far from
feeling better. In fact, it took more than a month from the moment I
started experiencing symptoms until I felt like myself again. Still, I
know I'm one of the lucky ones. I survived COVID-19 with a story to
tell — and a new perspective on life and the patient experience.
OSM
J U N E 2 0 2 0 • O U T P A T I E N T S U R G E R Y . N E T • 4 7
Dr. Ball (kayball@aol.com) is an adjunct professor of nursing at Otterbein
University in Westerville, Ohio, as well as a perioperative nurse educator and
consultant.