KHTS Radio Santa Clarita Radio – Santa Clarita News
KHTS Owner Carl Goldman continues to share his daily experiences of his time under quarantine at a CDC hospital in Nebraska, where he also continues to test positive for COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus.
Back In The States With The Coronavirus – Day 31 (Friday)
My doctor entered my quarantined room wearing his usual protective gear. He wasn’t smiling. He looked like the grim reaper.
He handed me my latest Post-it Note. I’m still positive with the coronavirus, COVID-19. Tonight’s orange Post-it was a break from the standard yellow note the CDC has been using up ‘til now. Perhaps we now have a national shortage of yellow Post-its in addition to test kits, masks and Charmin.
Tonight’s Post-it showed positive for my nasal passages and inconclusive (inc) in my throat. Another double bummer. Earlier in the week, I tested negative in my throat, then positive again two days later. I now get to wait until Sunday for my next test. If that test is negative, I need to test negative in both my nostrils and throat two more days in a row after the first negative test.
With any luck, I could be released from Nebraska Medicine in Omaha by next Wednesday, well ahead of the official results from the Iowa caucus.
The inconclusive results from my throat swab mean the results are on the cusp between positive and negative, hopefully heading toward negative. However, my doctor warned me my throat could go back to positive due to the ebb and flow of the virus. He started talking about bell curves, causing flashbacks of my algebra class at Hastings High school in Westchester County, New York. I barely squeezed by that class with a “C+” and that was only because my teacher felt sorry for me.
As my doctor got deeper into the weeds, my eyes glazed over. He had already lost me on the bell curve. I continue to marvel at how awesome the medical team is here in Omaha. Everyone, doctors, nurses, the crew bringing my meals and washing my laundry, all have what I am now calling Nebraska friendliness. It’s an honest, wholesome greeting. They truly care.
Nebraskans have a trait I lack. Something my type “A” personality is missing. There’s no phoniness, no distractions when they communicate, direct eye contact, even when looking through an awkward hazmat suit.
Growing up in New York and living in Los Angeles for the past 46 years hasn’t helped my compassion when communicating one-on-one. Too often I want to move on to the next thing while having a conversation. While I plan to leave my germs in Omaha, I intend to take their Nebraska attitude with me to California.
I asked the doctor if I could be progressing more slowly because of the Guillain-Barre syndrome my body picked up last November from what I believe was taking too many vaccines in too short a period before my wife and I enjoyed an African Safari.
Guillain-Barre syndrome hit my nerve system, causing numbness in my feet and hands. Unfortunately, the treatment for the syndrome requires intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG). For me it was a four-day process at UCLA last December, injecting antibodies to fight off the disease. The treatment breaks down the immune system. That’s not exactly a great option while my immune system is already compromised by the novel corona virus, COVID-19. I’m in a catch-22 situation on steroids. My Guillain-Barre can’t be treated while I still have the virus.
My doctor doesn’t know if the syndrome is slowing down my corona recovery. So little is known about the current virus. All I can do is to continue to take things one day at a time, something I am now finally beginning to master.
Our friends Mark and Jerri Jorgensen are reunited at their home in St. George. Mark and Jerri own and operate a rehab center, Desert Solace.
Mark still has the virus and will remain quarantined at home until he goes through his string of negative tests. His wife, Jerri is now free of the virus. She flew back from Tokyo earlier this week. Jerri is permitted to leave her home. She is choosing to lay low, appreciating her reunion with Mark.
Mark was driven by ambulance overnight from his Salt Lake City hospital to his home in St. George, Utah, a six-hour drive. I asked Mark how he managed the ride since he wasn’t allowed to stop to pee. He informed me, “No problem, I went before we left, and they gave me a bottle which I didn’t have to use.”
For me, that would have been the ultimate challenge of my entire quarantine ordeal.
I know Mark and Jerri are thrilled to be reunited. Jerri Jorgenson and my wife Jeri, have similar type ‘A” personalities. Since Mark is still quarantined in his house, I’ll take the over/under on how long it will take for Jerri’s joy to begin to diminish. I know exactly how long it will take me to begin to annoy my wife.
Even though ‘Weird Al’ turned down our request to do an updated version of The Knack’s hit, “My Sharona” to “My Corona,” he posted a coronavirus YouTube brought to my attention by Rick Giacoman. I am thrilled to see “Weird Al” hasn’t lost his touch (stupid pun intended).
Our planet has now crossed the 100,000 mark of coronavirus victims, 102,478 as of today. There have been 3,491 reported deaths. That’s a survival rate of 96.6% but unfortunately a death rate of 3.4%. A number that is very tragic.
It may sound callous, but my love for baseball statistics allowed me to quickly compute that average, not my lackluster High School math performance. Had my math teachers tasked me with computing the batting averages of Mickey Mantle, Joe Pepitone or Clete Boyer instead of being mystified by bell curves and square roots, I might have worked my way up to a “B-minus.”
Our Omaha quarantine group is now down to seven patients. The majority, eight have returned home. Again, my math skills have come in handy computing the difference between a minority versus a majority. My very strict math teacher, Mrs. Barton would be proud of me.
The Grand Princess is anchored by San Francisco. It’s Déjà vu. Passengers are quarantined onboard. I pray they’ve learned from our mistakes on the Diamond Princess. The death total from our ship has now climbed to seven. Over 700 passengers and crew have the coronavirus, COVID-19.
Day 32 (Saturday)
Readers are asking what medications I am being given while being quarantined at Nebraska Medicine in Omaha. The answer is none.
My lingering cough is almost gone along with any other virus symptoms. I had been drinking gallons of Gatorade during my 10 days in the bio-containment unit. When I learned the virus prefers a cold environment, I switched to hot ginger tea. Ginger also increases my body’s temperature. I walk my 10,000 steps throughout the day and exercise on the stationary bicycle. There are no antibiotics, no medications (except experimental) for the virus.
There is currently no cure for the coronavirus, COVID-19. Time is the only cure as I wait for the virus to shed from my body, waiting for three days of negative tests and finally my freedom.
Valerie Gellar sent me a link to a very funny bit on the Late Show with Stephen Colbert. I’m so glad many others are finding humor with the virus. Humor relieves stress. Stress is a major contributor to breaking down the immune system, so let’s have a good laugh while remaining smart and vigilant.
Another reader shared Stanford University has developed and is now using a test for the coronavirus, COVID-19 that differs from the CDC’s test. Its been approved by the FDA. It is uncertain which test is more accurate. Either way it means more tests will be available.
I became aware my now totally unoriginal “My Corona” idea has already been created. ZdoggMD released his version of The Knack’s hit. His lyrics are cleverer than anything I could have dreamed up. Enjoy.
As I turn out the light in my room, I easily compute the time adjustment overnight, switching to daylight saving time.
I continue to marvel at how many New Yorkers have no concept of any time zone other than eastern. They struggle to compute the time difference between Omaha and Manhattan. I suspect they have the same math challenges I do.
Mickey Mantle’s lifetime batting average is .298. My math has come a long way since 9th grade.
Read All Of Carl’s Journals Here: Carl Goldman Coronavirus Journals
There is currently no vaccine to prevent coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). The best way to prevent illness is to avoid being exposed to this virus. However, as a reminder, the CDC always recommends everyday preventive actions to help prevent the spread of respiratory diseases, including:
- Avoid close contact with people who are sick.
- Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth.
- Stay home when you are sick.
- Cover your cough or sneeze with a tissue, then throw the tissue in the trash.
- Clean and disinfect frequently touched objects and surfaces using a regular household cleaning spray or wipe.
- Follow CDC’s recommendations for using a facemask.
- Wash your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after going to the bathroom; before eating; and after blowing your nose, coughing, or sneezing.
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Hi Carl,
Like you, my math skills in school were sub-par, but now I find myself running a small business and looking at and managing numbers every day! Crazy! Stay strong and find the humor, look at it this way, you are not missing the LA traffic and daily car chases, no 14 or 5 freeway sounds good to me! I come from a small town in MA and they used to joke about taking “the book” out of the Library….
I am just starting to read Jack Kerouac’s “On the Road” and I believe he had many stops in Nebraska, so enjoy the view as he did.
Get home soon!
Lisa Madero
Carl, your blog made my day today! I have been waiting for your new updates since Friday. I felt less scared and stressful after reading your blogs. We live in the pacific northwest. Lots of people here are panicking now, including myself. You blog reminds me that most of the patients who contracted the virus have mild symptoms, and that will be recovered soon! I will continue praying for you.
Thank you for your great work!
Why no anti virals ??
Because there wasn’t financial incentive to justify the expensive tests and public companies fund our clinical trials in the US. There are clinical trials underway here in Seattle and elsewhere now that there’s a demonstrated market. Tell Congress to fix this and fund more forward thinking biomedical research if this upsets you.
Hi Carl,
I am hoping you will be able to return home soon. Your blog has been a blessing to read but I wish the circumstances were such that you would be writing about something other than your quarantine . However you are making the best of a negative situation and that is something from which all your readers can learn! This is not at all surprising to me. Having been recruited by you and served with you on the Board if the American Red Cross many years ago, I learned about your motivations, service orientation and kindness firsthand .
Praying you will return home soon.
So there are 7 people still positive for the virus with exposure in January? That’s 6-7 weeks ago and the 7 of you would be carriers if you were in public right now? Crazy that the CDC assigned an arbitrary 14 day window for contagious spread. Oh…saw on the Cal Health Dept that CA now has 1200 tests. Wow – that’s really going to help 🙁 especially since there are 1000 CA people on the Grand Princess that will disembark tomorrow. What if some are released without symptoms and develop them at home next week? I’m still trying to get tested for my fever/cough in Valencia/San Fernando area. Can’t go back to work without it.
Hello – Your blogs are always so informative and helpful. But I am confused – has your Guillain-Barre syndrome returned due to the Corona Virus. Is that a known side effect – or are you just suggesting that it maybe why it is taking longer to shed the virus. Could you explain that more??? Thank you!!
I believe he’s suggesting that since his immune system is compromised from getting guillen barre, that it is taking him longer to shed the virus. Guillen barre is an adverse reaction to some vaccines (my uncle got it from the flu shot). Carl got guillen barre from his vaccines and was suffering the effects while on his cruise. Some people get it mild, some are far worse. Then he came down with the virus.
So actually he’s doing quite well with Coronavirus for someone in his age bracket with a compromised immune system,
Carl, to say you are in our prayers sounds glib, but you truly are. We are praying your body will continue to fight the virus and soon you will be home with the love of your life. I’m sure she’s eager for you to be there to drive her crazy. 🙂
Carl you are such a hoot! Serious illness but you always make me laugh. I love daylight savings time. May warmer weather bring you healthy wonders.
Hi again, Carl! Just so you know, you’re still in a reasonable range for the virus to be detected. On this link from the CDC it says: “Prolonged detection of SARS-CoV RNA has been reported in respiratory specimens (up to 22 days after illness onset)”
https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/hcp/clinical-guidance-management-patients.html
I think Wednesday would be 22 days for you, so hopefully you might be virus free by Friday. If not, maybe your doctor should tell the CDC they’re just going to have to change their documents to reflect your case. 😉
Wishing you the best and hoping you’ll be back home soon!
It seems like 3-6 weeks is a normal time to recovery for those requiring treatment. You’re right on schedule as long as it seems.
I continue to pray and cant wait to see you home….thank you for the witty updates, it is just nice each day to know you are staying strong.
Big deal his not the only individual with the coronavirus stop making it bigger than what it is other people suffering more from bigger issues in life give it a rest already don’t you have something bigger to talk about in Santa Clarita than this stupid man
If you have no interest or compassion just don’t follow the blog. Sorry for you being such a miserable person. This blog is a very positive influence on people right now.
Paz de Deus meu irmão e amigo , você foi uma das milhares de vítimas deste vírus que nos isola das outras pessoas inclusive as mais íntimas, mas com o você mesmo nos relatou , as vezes parece , só parece que precisamos de algo terrivelmente inusitado para termos serás reflexões de comportamento com o próximo, do tipo olhar dentro dos olhos, expressando confiança é verdade sobre oque se diz , se importando de verdade com á sua dor com á tua maior preciosidades, que é a sua Vida, sua família, sua liberdade , obrigado por seu testemunho , milhares de pessoas precisam ouvir e saber que neste mundo tem horas que o dinheiro não é suficiente mas , Deus, manifestando nos corações nos dando boas esperança que tudo vai passar e Deus vai nos ajudar a cada um de nós indiferente Do que estamos à infrentar ele nos fará ver a Vitória, um grande abraço bem apertado e saúde em nome de nosso Sr Jesus Cristo.
Love you Brother Carl, keep positive and love your sense of humor! Fred
Hi there.
I hope you will speak out about this long recovery process On the radio and on TV. I have heard very little (except from your op ed) about the illness itself- what it feels like, how long it lasts, what the doctors expect to happen, etc.
Hello Carl,
Every case is unique in terms of recovery from any illness. As long as the progression is moving forward, that is positive. As you know, many are praying and hoping for your complete recovery, including myself. You are definitely in the best of care!
Nebraskans are an honest and up front lot. My Dad was a Nebraskan and Boys Town alumni (knew Fr. Flannagan personally). His friendly, compassionate, and up front attitude was instilled within, and the foundation of his soul by growing up in Nebraska and Boys Town. Traits he taught my brother, sister and I how to behave in life.
When you get back to the SCV, I for one shall great you with the dignity and respect we all desire to be treated especially after such an experience.
Take care and see you when you get back home!
Dear Carl,
Your hilarious blog should be mandatory reading in the current times. I am no longer scared and feel totally at ease. Thank you for having such a great attitude! Prayers for you and your lovely bride. You’ll be home soon!
Hi Carl,
I am continuing to follow your journey and look forward to all of your updates! You and your family or in my prayers!
Your kind words about Nebraskans reminds me of my grandmother, a sweet soul, who was born in Orleans Nebraska. Her father settled there in the 1880s, in a town of about 500. It hasn’t grown much since then. Having grown up on a ship that sailed the world out of Machias Maine, we never understood why my great grandfather chose to raise a family of 10 there. But sounds like the people in that grand state know how to make a person welcome. And thanks to your team for taking such good care of you.
Hello Carl,
I came across your blog today, while at work (lol). And I read every single blog and I must say that you are truly a positive man. I am praying for you to get that negative test that you so deserve! ?? I look forward to reading your latest blog and it saying that you got the negatives! Keep your sense of humor and positive outlook, it is truly a breath of fresh air.
Dear Sir, I enjoy your blog very much even as I regret its cause. If your wife gets tired of your company, please let me know.? Keep on hanging on, even if it’s by your fingernails. Our world needs your sense of humor.
Carl, do they disinfect your room regularly? I have to wonder if it is just the virus inside of you ebbing and flowing, or if you are reinfecting yourself with the viruses that get on stuff in the relative cool of the room, and then you pick them back up.
Stay sweet. I know it is difficult, because I’m a type A. Today we received word from our Gov in Baton Rouge that Louisiana has our first presumptive positive case. Like you, the patient is in a hospital. But in New Orleans. In a teaching hospital. As you know, it is serious or the patient would be quarantined at home. I too saw ZDOGG MDs YouTube video. Funny! Also posted CDC Handwashing posters around the Nursing College today. And cleaned 57 keyboards, mice and mouse pads in the Library. Bless your doctor’s and nurses for putting themselves in harm’s way. Try to stay positive. Keep writing. You’ll make it.
Thank you for being so gracious and reasonable under the circumstances. I hope more people follow your lead! Get well soon Carl!
Hi Carl,
God bless you for having such a wonderful sense of humor! I don’t know if I could do the same. Steve and I will continue to pray for you to heal. Also you have made Steve feel good by saying good things about the people in his home state of Nebraska.
We are praying! Lauren and Steve
Your assessment that IVIG breaks down the immune system is wrong. iVIG is an immune system booster and Hyper Ig is being looked at as a potential treatment for Corona Virus. It does disrupt autoimmune processes, like GB.
If you have had GB, I’d be inclined to ask if you have had other issues like frequent infections. This makes me wonder if you have a different underlying condition like a primary immune deficiency. What is your IgG level?
Hi Carl, thank you for your positivity, humor and thorough blog of your experience. My family and I are praying for your health and hoping you return home VERY soon! Because you’re under the care of the CDC, could you request to have a CT scan performed of your lungs? We’ve been reading reports that CT scans may be a used to diagnose the virus and that the virus leaves damage in the lungs. If your cough subsided, we’re curious if (and praying that) your lungs have cleared up also.
Hey Carl! Reading your blog from the UK, finding it both informative, and amusing! Hope you get the all clear, and back to Cali, soon. Really respect your positive outlook. All the best
Hi Carl,
Thank you for the updates and on behalf of all us at the library we are sending you positive healing thoughts for a full recovery. I’ve been sharing your progress with our library staff and people in the community. Thank you for your sense of humor and staying on the sunny side of the street.
I read part of the blog where you had Guillain Barre and you were curious why they didn’t give you Tylenol vs aspirin ? Then I read where you got the GBS in November and boarded a cruise ship in January! I couldn’t walk for months after I got GBS. I had a fairly light case with 13 infusions over 3 weeks – they were split between 1 and 3rd week. I had been released from hospital in the desert after 1 week and started relapsing after a week at home. It took me 2 years to get balance back. I had the perfect storm to get GBS. I went to Haiti got immunizations, caught a virus then it went into my lungs. My GP had just gone to a seminar for GPS and brought in that doctor. Dr. Luthra in Rancho Mirage. Gosh I wish you well!!!