NASHVILLE, Tenn (WTVF) — Mark Carlton went from healthy to fighting for his life in less than 24 hours. On March 20, Carlton came down with COVID-19.
Carlton is a Manager of Emergency Medical Services for Ascension Saint Thomas and a long-time Franklin resident. He believes he got sick at work.
A high fever, difficulty breathing and pneumonia in both lungs - those were just a few of the symptoms Carlton was experiencing. When his symptoms continued for several days, Carlton was tested for the coronavirus but it came back negative and he continued his normal routine.
By March 28, Carlton was so sick that his wife rushed him to the nearest hospital. A second test confirmed that he was positive for COVID-19.
"I did go to the nearest E.R. And was admitted and turns out I had pneumonia in both lungs and atelectasis in both lungs," said Carlton.
Carlton spent the following days in a hospital bed and scared he'd be put on a ventilator.
On his fifth day at the hospital, Mike's fever finally broke and the headaches, nausea, and nightmares began to subside. He returned home on April 4 but spent the next several days on oxygen.
"As we go back to normal life do a medical professionals tell you to do come wash your hands and wear the mask where you should be wearing it," said Carlton.
Thankfully, Mike is now fully recovered and has returned to work.
