GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (AP) - A Saginaw man is home after more than six months in health-care facilities, all related to COVID-19.
John Curtis, 44, had abdominal surgery, seizures, sepsis, paralysis and more. He was released last week from his last stop: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital in Grand Rapids.
“He’s been through a lot,” said Dr. Ralph Wang, a rehab specialist.
“I think COVID probably caused half of his problems,” Wang told WOOD-TV. “So it was very significant. I think it probably prolonged how much time he was on the ventilator and probably contributed to his seizures and brain damage.”
Curtis’ health was good until March when he woke up with a 104-degree fever and other problems.
He said his wife, Debi, was a “good supporter” throughout the ordeal.
“I wouldn’t have been anywhere else,” Debi Curtis said. “He needed his family and the love and that’s what we did.”
Wang predicted John Curtis can make a nearly full recovery with more work. He couldn’t walk when he arrived at Mary Free Bee but now moves with a walker. He previously worked as a sander at a glass company.
“I am not going to take life for granted anymore,” Debi Curtis said. “And I’m not going to take John for granted anymore.”
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