The University of Kansas Health System is treating a total of 38 COVID patients today, up from 34 yesterday. Other significant numbers:
- 19 with the active virus today, 17 yesterday
- 1 in ICU, 0 yesterday
- 1 on a ventilator, 0 yesterday
- 19 hospitalized but out of acute infection phase, 17 yesterday
Key points from today’s guests:
Dennis Evans, orthopedic patient
- When diving into a pool, injured his arm
- Thought it was dislocated, but symptoms and pain became worse
- Several doctors advised him to wait and see how it heals on its own
- He sought another opinion from an orthopedic surgeon at The University of Kansas Health System, who was able to perform an intricate surgery that provided relief and potentially saved his arm from amputation
- Says rehabilitation was very important in his recovery
- Has been able to resume the active lifestyle he had before the injury
- Encourages everyone to seek another opinion if you don’t like the first diagnosis
Dr. Tyler Fox, orthopedic surgeon, The University of Kansas Health System
- Says Dennis’ situation was complex with not only muscle damage but nerve damage as well
- Specialization in treating complicated injuries is becoming more common in orthopedics, and there is no substitute for experience. What is rare for one doctor is common to another. Seek a doctor who has done many of these procedures.
- Reputable surgeons will not be offended by your seeking another opinion
- A patient who is motivated to put in the rehab work has the best outcome
Dr. Dana Hawkinson, medical director of Infection Prevention and Control, The University of Kansas Health System
- COVID numbers are showing slow but steady improvement
- Children five years and older are now able to get the bivalent booster
- Two new variants BQ 1 and BQ 1.1 are out there, but not posing much of a threat right now
Wednesday, October 19 at 8:00 a.m. is the next Open Mics With Dr. Stites. It’s been two months since we’ve heard from area hospital chief medical officers, but tomorrow we’ll gather them for a COVID status report. We’ll find out if we’re gaining any ground on the pandemic and look at what the winter looks like for COVID and the flu.
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