Serving Proudly As The Voice Of Valley County Since 1913

Letters To The Editor

A COVID-19 Case

Dear Editor,

It all started on a Tuesday with a high fever and then dry, hacking cough. The next day I was tested, and several days later found out I was positive for COVID-19. During the next week of stay-at-home/quarantine, the cough, fever and loss of appetite got worse. But the most alarming symptom was that I was rapidly losing my ability to get oxygen.

After a week of failing health, I had a neighbor who encouraged and helped me go to the ER at FMDH. I was losing my ability to make decisions and even had difficulty communicating with Jace Bell at the ER. I was admitted to the hospital, to the “dirty ward,” i.e. with other COVID patients (which doubled in number during my stay).

What happened next was good fortune. Dr. Knierim set up a successful program of medications, oxygen, and testing. The nurses, support staff, and lab techs on each shift did a great job of reversing my course with the virus. Equally important was the personal attention and supportive, positive attitude of all the medical staff. Eventually, I was released as one of their first success stories of someone who was severely infected. I spent the next two weeks at home on medications, with oxygen 24/7. Dr. Fahlgren did a follow-up, stopped the home oxygen, and with a good lap report, released me to return to work. I was advised, as we all have been, to keep in a safe environment with masks and social distancing. As the medical experts all agree, masks are the most potent weapon in the fight against the disease. It had been a long 32 days. I appreciate how fortunate our community is to have access to good medical care.

As of Nov. 15, COVID-19 had claimed the lives of 520 Montanans and there are 435 people in Montana hospitals. When I became ill at the end of September, there were 86 cases in Valley County. Now there are more than 489. The virus is becoming more widespread, claiming more of our fellow Montanans.

On the 7th of November, I visited a store for the first time in more than a month. I was alarmed that none of the employees had masks on. When I asked one employee about masks she replied that her employer had told them that “no one working at the store needs to wear a mask.” Then she laughed at me.

Initially, I became angry given all I had gone through. Then I became sad. The owners of the store are friends and former neighbors. It is hard to believe that someone would be willing to make a political statement in conflict with the safety and health of their neighbors and customers, in addition to violating the order of the Governor and directives from our health and medical officials. Later that same day, I noticed many customers at the grocery store were not wearing masks either.

Our community has always been unified, supportive and caring in the 100 years that the Irving family has lived here. I remain hopeful that we can become one community again that will allow all of us to keep safe and healthy.

On Veterans Day, we honor and remember those that have served in the military, like my father, and the many who made the ultimate sacrifice to protect all of us as Americans. We should continue that some patriotic spirit and protect the health – even with a simple mask – of all those in our community. Every individual who can be saved from severe illness, or worse, death, is worth that commitment.

Sincerely,

David L. Irving

Attorney at Law

Glasgow, Mont.

 

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