Because Nelson was diagnosed with Covid-19, he was part of a unique club of people who can track their health at home. Today he received a home monitoring kit that would include the basics of a doctor’s exam without a visit to a medical office.

Included in the kit:

• A mobile device and charger
• A blood pressure cuff
• A pulse oximeter
• A scale
• A thermometer
• An arm band

To start the physical, Nelson will simply push the “today” button on the mobile device, and a list from his doctors will pop onto the screen. He follows the instructions to take his own blood pressure, check his pulse and oxygen levels, weigh himself, and take his temp. He pushes “save” after each task, and once they’re all finished, his vitals will be on their way to his Mayo Clinic Care Team.

The kit also includes an arm band they want him to wear all the time except when he’s showering. Through this, Nelson’s team can monitor his health continuously. In the case of an emergency, they will let him know what to do either through a phone call or on his kit mobile device.

Nelson described this new system as “Big Brother watching me,” and said that someday we’d probably all be monitored like this, around the clock—only half joking.

He is on 4 liter oxygen all the time now and hopes to be able to lower that number while not needing to use it continually. It’s difficult to be tethered to a tank, but he’s thankful for the help it gives him. His breathing is still a problem, with his left lung producing about 700 milliliters every day. Ann Sophie continues to drain the fluid, after which he can breathe better for a few hours.

Thank you for your prayers and your concerns for Nelson. He and all of  us are deeply grateful.

“With you, Lord, is the fountain of life. In your light, we see light.” (Psalm 36:9)