WACO, Texas — Well-Known Waco Doctor,
Dr. Tim Martindale of Martindale Family Medicine Clinic was notified Tuesday that he tested positive for COVID-19. Martindale said his symptoms started Sunday evening, more than 48 hours since he saw any patients or was at the clinic. No one is considered at risk from being around Martindale.
Martindale has also not been to either local hospital and does not know how he contracted the virus.
"I do have the risks of my heart condition (heart bypass July 2017) and my age (62), but I am taking care of myself well and have strong support from friends and family," Martindale said. "Currently my symptoms are fever and cough and aches."
Martindale's clinic has been closed for the week and will be cleaned thoroughly just in case.
Martindale's Nurse Practitioner Partner Jessica Beverly will take care of telemedicine visits and refills, and Office Manager Annetta will also take care of questions. They will both be working from home.
"If all goes well, the clinic may open next week or the week after, but I will certainly miss this week and next, and will not return until completely cleared by my physician," Martindale said. "We have heard many scary stories about COVID-19, but remember the majority will get through it fine. Because a small percentage will have a very rough time and this could overload our health system, remember to practice careful social distancing and shelter in place to keep others from getting this and to 'Flatten the curve.'"
Dr. Martindale later talked to 6 News about his thoughts on medication and the treatment plan for the coronavirus:
"Medications in early COVID-19 are controversial because there is no real proof or research for any medication, as COVID is so new. So many treatments happening in the hospital are out of desperation without strong evidence.
"One treatment option is hydroxychloroquine (originally an antimalarial drug, now used primarily for autoimmune diseases) combined with azithromycin (a common antibiotic) and over the counter zinc. One theory of how this regimen might work is to inhibit the ability of the virus to enter the cell's nucleus where it can generate a large number of copies of itself, making the infection much more powerful. This has mostly only been done in the hospital for several reasons. One is that both HCQ and Zithromax can prolong the QT (heart rhythm electrical conduction) and cause heart arrhythmias which could be deadly. So it's reasonable that it is best to monitor the heart with telemetry and daily EKGs in the hospital to watch for danger. Also if these meds really help (not proven), then maybe they should be reserved for more serious patients in the hospital. So many medical authorities suggest not taking these meds at home, though it is allowed if the patient understands the risks and there is a positive COVID-19 test. They do not want people to take this for prevention, or to hoard prescriptions at home "just in case".
"I chose to take the HCQ/Zpack combo as I reviewed the heart risks with my cardiologist, was aware of the side effects (for me, abdominal cramps and diarrhea), and felt that the meds work best if taken early in the disease, so as to prevent the serious second-week respiratory collapse which is what kills so many. Denise chose not to take the meds because she didn't want the side effects or heart risk; if she had wanted it, she would have had to also have a positive test, and we're assuming she's positive without a test. For any person making this decision, it is a careful partnership with your medical provider acknowledging uncertain expectations, side effects and risks, and lack of proof.
"There are several other treatments being used in the hospital with even less research/proof, but desperate times allow that.
"Other supplements people use are Zinc (works with HCQ/Zpack on cell nucleus membrane), Vitamin C (using IV in the hospital, may help at home), maybe Vit D to help the immune system. A new theory last week of Ivermectin (used for worms in humans and animals) is way too early as only worked in lab tissue, with zero research in actual humans, but about to start.
Breathing exercises
"Taking deep breaths, then holding it in several seconds, repeated 5-10 times several times a day. This helps open up airways and triggers coughing up secretions in the airways. Spending time prone to breathing multiple times a day is another strategy.
Monitoring vital signs
"The great danger of COVID is the inflammatory cascade and respiratory collapse, all of which we are still learning about daily.
"It usually happens in the second week, but it can go more quickly. If that complication doesn't develop, a patient is unlikely to need hospitalization, and will likely just feel like a normal miserable flu.
"So watching temperatures and O2 saturations multiple times a day, along with pulse and BP is useful."
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