NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Davidson County Juvenile Court Administrator Kathy Sinback is opening up for the first time about her own recent battle with COVID-19.
It comes less than three weeks after news first broke about an outbreak inside the juvenile court system.
"I am a relatively healthy 48 year old -- not in very good shape, but no serious underlying issues," Sinback wrote in a Facebook post Saturday evening.
"I cannot overstate the seriousness of this virus. Until two days ago, I was living in a constant fog. I had severe headaches, extreme fatigue and nausea."
Sinback noted in her post that she has been in isolation for the past 21 days after testing positive for COVID.
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During that time, her saturated oxygen level had gone down to 90 on two separate occasions. If it had gone any lower, doctors had planned to admit her to the hospital.
"A few days ago, I had to go to the Vanderbilt Emergency Room," Sinback wrote, "because my cognitive/neurological symptoms were getting significantly worse (brain fog, slow thinking, forgetting words, buzzing in my head, etc.)
"I could no longer read a book or write anything longer than a short text. I kept falling asleep every couple of hours, and I would get exhausted watching television or having a short conversation with someone."
A brain scan did not reveal any serious issues, and Sinback was sent home to continue her recovery.
"Two days ago, I miraculously started to feel better," Sinback continued.
"All of a sudden, I could say a full sentence without losing my thoughts. I could read a book again. I could remember who I had spoken with the day before and what we had talked about."
Saturday was Sinback's first day out of isolation.
"I feel like I am almost back to normal," she added.
The juvenile court administrator was effusive in her praise for the healthcare workers who treated her and have treated other patients.
"I can't imagine the fear these professionals must fear every day, knowing they are providing direct care to people who have this horrific, contagious virus," Sinback added.
"It has been said many times, but they are truly heroes and heroines."
Sinback concludes, "Wear a mask."
See also: Tennessee sets new record for COVID-19 hospitalizations as pandemic grows