One Year Later: Michigan Medicine’s First COVID-19 Patient | University of Michigan – Michigan Medicine

DeWyses nurse, Weber, remembers those first few days in the isolation room vividly.

I could tell he was nervous, but he wouldnt try to show that when we went into his room, Weber recalls. I remember him asking about his dog, Jazz, and if she could get sick from COVID-19. I knew he was a really good person after that.

Weber remembers people looking through DeWyses door at him, like he was an experiment in a cage. Before one of her shifts, she ran to a convenience store to get some snacks, Gatorade, deodorant and magazines.

I wanted to help him feel more human when the world wasnt treating him like one, she says. He really was the best patient a nurse could have to be the first patient.

After three different intravenous antibiotics, around-the-clock pain meds and a lot of sleep, DeWyse was discharged to finish recovering at home after 11 days in the hospital. He never needed a ventilator.

When he first arrived at the hospital less than two weeks ago, he was the only patient with COVID-19 there. As he was leaving his room to go home, he says hell never forget seeing the Regional Infectious Containment Unit, which wasnt open when he was admitted, full with sick patients now.

With no significant lingering side effects, DeWyse felt fully recovered after a month. He went on to have a great summer with his wife and three daughters, biking, kayaking and playing racquetball.

Its crazy to think about how before my transplant, I struggled to walk or even talk, DeWyse recalls.

But soon after those hot summer months passed, another health scare struck.

After a major gallbladder attack, DeWyse was brought back to Michigan Medicine to have the small organ removed.

His recurrent abdominal issues over the past year, including in the colon and gallbladder, are likely exacerbated by his immunosuppressive medications, says Kevin Chan, M.D., DeWyses pulmonologist. Despite these setbacks, he continues to remain positive and is forever paying it forward to the community by increasing organ donation awareness.

Although the removal of his gallbladder called for another lengthy in-patient stay for DeWyse, he says its the price you pay for having a transplant.

Its a small price to pay for the gift of life, he adds.

Paul is a unique individual who has an outstandingly optimistic attitude, which is imperative for patients who have received a solid organ transplant, says Chan.

After being discharged, DeWyse faced a long, painful recovery journey ahead. According to him, though, thats just another obstacle for him to overcome.

Life is full of challenges, but you need to remain resilient, he says. Follow doctors orders, do things that make you happy, stay active and be willing to adapt to change.

Paul is the epitome of living life to the fullest, says Weber. He felt lucky to get his new lungs and hell live for every moment, even more so now after fighting off COVID-19.

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One Year Later: Michigan Medicine's First COVID-19 Patient | University of Michigan - Michigan Medicine