Miss. teacher returning home after being hospitalized for 139 days with COVID-19

PETAL, Miss. (WDAM) – Five months ago, Kristi Linton was fighting for her life.

She was diagnosed with COVID-19 in August 2021 and was eventually admitted to the University of Mississippi Medical Center, according to WDAM.

“The doctors didn’t think I was going to make it,” Linton said. “I told my family that they had done, they had used up all the medicine and oxygen they could give me, and there was nothing more to do. And suggested that my family pull the plug.

Regardless of what the doctors said, Linton’s husband never gave up hope.

“He said, ‘No, we’re not giving up on him, we’re going to keep fighting. And I’m glad he did because I’m still here,” Linton said.

Linton said she spent a total of 139 days at three different healthcare facilities. Against all odds, she overcame COVID-19 and was finally able to return home on December 21. The Petal Primary School music teacher said she now does physiotherapy three to four times a week and focuses on walking.

“When I woke up from COVID I couldn’t move my arms, I couldn’t move my legs, so I had to relearn all of that,” Linton said.

Although she can’t return to work just yet, with the help of superintendent Dr. Matt Dillon, she was able to surprise her colleagues earlier this month at the Petal School District‘s mid-year convocation.

“He announced to me and I got to come out and see everyone, and they stood up and clapped. It was a very sweet moment. It was very sweet,” Linton said.

Linton said she was grateful and thankful for everyone’s support during her hospital stay and even now.

She believes she was given a second chance at life and says she wants to make the most of it.

“I strongly recommend getting vaccinated. I didn’t get my first shot until I got COVID, so now I’m fully vaccinated, but everyone is taking care of him. Wear your mask, you know it and take it seriously.

“By all human standards, I shouldn’t be here right now. There’s no medical reason I’m sitting here right now talking to you with all my cognitive functions, but it’s only by the grace of God and prayers that I’m here,” Linton said. .

Linton says she hopes to resume teaching music in the coming weeks.

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