"I am the proof that God exists": Florida woman beat COVID 150 days after being admitted to hospital
Miami — Isabel Pupo was all smiles just days after she opened her eyes from a medically induced coma. Doctors, at times, were convinced it would not happen, as the 55-year-old was on the verge of death, CBS Miami reports.
"During that time, I actually told the family on numerous occasions, unfortunately, that she was going to pass away and we are going to have to stop," said Dr. Steven DeBeer, a cardiothoracic surgeon in Florida.
Pupo was admitted into Mount Sinai Medical Center in Miami Beach back in July with severe COVID-19 and pneumonia. Doctors say her oxygen levels were considered "unlivable."
"I remember calling up Dr. DeBeer and I said, Steve can you even consider this lady with such a high BMI, very obese?" said Dr. Ari Ciment, a pulmonologist. She was then considered and put on an ECMO machine, a respiratory life support treatment, for 67 days. Even with the artificial lung, she was struggling to breathe.
"Her oxygenation was in the 50% by that monitor. Just did not seem to be a light at the end of the tunnel," said DeBeer.
While Pupo was in a medically induced coma, she said, "I remember listening to my daughter's voice on the phone. They would put the phone near my ear and all I remember was that she would say, 'Mom, fight for me. You can do this. You are strong. We need you.'"
Pupo said she fought for her inspiration, her family. "Before I got intubated, I looked at the ceiling and told God, 'Please help me.' I thought of them," said Pupo.
After a tough battle, Pupo made a drastic turn. Her deteriorated lungs healed and her oxygen levels increased.
After battling the virus for 150 days, she beat COVID-19.
"I am a miracle of God. I am the proof that God exists. I have to repeat scientifically, I was not supposed to live," said Pupo.
Pupo was discharged back in November from Mount Sanai Medical Center. She spent three months in rehab and is finally home.