A Trip of a Lifetime: A COVID-19 Survival Story

by Judie Mitchell Johnson'63

ON MARCH 5, HNU alumna Judie Johnson ‘63 and her friend Ciddy Wordell met up in Cairo. They were about to begin a long-awaited Egyptian tour to discover timeless temples, pyramids, and artifacts and experience present-day Egyptian culture. That was only the backdrop...

I stood at my cabin door, astonished. Someone on our boat had been diagnosed with COVID-19! While my friend Ciddy and I were on a trip of a lifetime, we had heard of Coronavirus incidents on another Nile River boat—but we hadn’t realized the threat. After all, we had just experienced the awe of King Tut’s treasures, heard the muezzin’s pure voice within a mosque, and stood next to Ramses II’s towering statue at Abu Simbel.

Suddenly, a blaring loudspeaker announcement directed us to assemble in the dining room. As we entered, masks were distributed and our hands were sanitized. Muted sounds filled the room as travelers quietly inquired, “Who has the virus?” The woman who had tested positive had already been admitted to a hospital.

Everyone sat in utter shock. We learned meals would be delivered to our quarantined rooms, and we would be summoned individually to the dining room for testing.

It was March 15. Our boat was docked at Luxor. Wasn’t that where we were to see the Temples of Karnak and Luxor and visit the royal tombs at the Valleys of the Kings and Queens?

That afternoon was my time to test my temperature; the reading revealed a low-grade fever. I hadn’t felt sick and was concerned as mucus was taken from my throat and nostrils. Results would come within 24 to 72 hours.

That evening I received the dreaded news by phone: “You are positive for the virus. You must bring your things to the lobby immediately.” What?! Wasn’t I the one who had sanitized doorknobs, bathroom surfaces, and light switches in all the places we stayed? How could it be me?

Judie Johnson with doctors at Esna Hospital

Treatment

Escorted in the dark, I trudged to an awaiting ambulance. Not able to see out the windows, I felt immense uncertainty, but I was not afraid. Hard to say exactly why. I did feel God’s presence, and I trusted I would be all right.

Over an hour later, I entered Esna Hospital, a World Health Organization center designated for treatment of Coronavirus. Emergency personnel started me on injections, infusions, and medications. At that point, my blood pressure was up to 177/104!

For two days, I was treated in an emergency alcove in the basement. While there, I learned Ciddy and the “negative group” had flown back home. Three others from my boat were

also being treated. We were moved to private, air-conditioned rooms with no windows. I had no idea if it was night or day if I did not check my cell phone.

The medications continued and caused nausea and diarrhea— though I still had no Coronavirus symptoms. Every day my IV port was moved; my arms were getting black and blue. My temperature was normal, and my scans and X-rays remained clear. Tasteless and stomachchurning food was delivered to my room; I wasn’t allowed to shower until two days after becoming a patient.

Thankfully, I experienced incredible support from home. My two daughters were in daily touch with the doctors, the U.S. Embassy in Cairo, and the tour company. My Facebook family and friends encouraged me with their replies to my daily posts, and video chats. One student wrote: “You’re a retired teacher. You can face anything. Stay strong!”

Good News

On March 20, all virus patients were retested. I tried to rest but felt great apprehension.

The next evening a doctor gave me comforting news. I remember shouting: "I AM NEGATIVE!" Ecstatic, we all danced to Egyptian music and took celebratory selfies.

The next day we were retested and 36 hours later, my second negative was revealed! Everyone celebrated again; we were to be the first Coronavirus patients to be released from this new hospital.

After eight quarantined days, we patients finally smelled the fresh air and felt the warmth of the sun and the breeze in our hair. The spring flowers and vivid blue sky were outstanding.

Ever-gracious, Dr. Mahmoud picked a flower and presented it to me. He said, “I’ll never forget you. You’ll always be my best American teacher. I will have the honor to learn from you, but please don’t yell at me.” I teared up.

As we reached the gate to meet our driver, many neighborhood residents—accompanied by a drummer—chanted a farewell song.

On March 30, I departed Cairo. This certainly had been the trip of a lifetime! I felt great appreciation for my medical treatment and hoped Ciddy and I would eventually return to complete our fabulous journey.

O Article edited for length

Judie Johnson with Dr. Mahmoud