Interview with a COVID-19 survivor - Mickey Z.

[Tace]

Coronavirus structure. Credit: https://www.scientificanimations.com / CC BY-SA

“It felt like a global tidal wave of human sorrow”

Mickey Z. -- World News Trust

May 14, 2020

“At my lowest points, the unsettling realization came to me that given the ferocity and rapidity of change with this virus, a further plunge could mean that I might not survive. Indeed, I felt so close to total suffocation that there seemed little room for further decline. I was determined to fight my way through this, but at the same time, I calmly prepared myself mentally for any eventuality.”

These are the words of my friend, Gregory Elich. They’re not uncommon during this pandemic but I believe his story must be shared within the current climate of uncertainty, misinformation, and division. My goal is not to “set the record straight.” Rather, Greg agreed to this interview because we both saw value in reminding folks of the harsh human realities that exist beyond the headlines, debates, and confusion.

This interview is about one person but his harrowing tale encapsulates much of what’s still going on across the globe. Like Greg, I live alone and I often ponder the logistics of a simple question: What happens if I get sick during the lockdown?

Questions like this highlight what I talked about in a recent article, e.g. the importance of focusing on what is within our control. Therefore, no matter where we stand on the ideological spectrum, we must never forget our shared humanity. Beneath the partisan politics, conflicting theories, and medical contradictions are vulnerable human beings trying to survive -- emotionally, financially, and physically. I’m very grateful Greg got through this and has agreed to tell us a little about it.

For the record, I met Greg in 2004 when we were both featured speakers at a large political event in Santa Cruz, California. In the ensuing years, we’ve stayed in touch, wrote blurbs for each other’s books, and developed a strong friendship. I reached out to him via e-mail in early May to do this interview. It went a little something like this:

Mickey Z.: When did you first experience COVID-19 symptoms?

more

https://worldnewstrust.com/interview-with-covid-19-survivor-gregory-elich-mickey-z

[snowybirdie]

1. Thank you

That was an intense look at this virus. Should be required reading for all those folks yapping it up at bars and not wearing masks. Glad the subject is on his way to recovery.

[Tace]

3. thanks, snowybirdie. a good story from mickey. chrs

[BComplex]

2. What a terrifying ordeal.

I can't imagine the suffering that so many thousands of people are going through, and have gone through before they died.

[Tace]

4. awful to imagine, bcomplex

[LizBeth]

5. Every time I read someone's experience, I cannot imagine going thru that. The fear factor alone.

[crickets]

6. Powerful and frightening.

I can't imagine going through that alone. I do live alone, so I took note of things he did to get treatment and medication, and to keep his spirits up. I also wonder if the CPAP machine made the difference for him. It was a horrible experience, but how wonderful that he survived and is able and willing to share his story.