A very sad and worrisome period for a prominent Filipino-American legal writer and blogger seems to be headed for a brighter ending. David Lat, who started blogging as a legal-industry gossip blogger, rose to editor of Wonkette, then ran the influential legal blog Above the Law, shocked the internet two weeks ago with his revelation that he was suffering from a nasty COVID-19 infection that required hospitalization and oxygen. His husband Zachary had also contacted the virus but experienced mild symptoms and quarantined at home.
Shortly after, Zachary reported that David’s condition had worsened. Over the last two weeks he was put on a ventilator and sedated, and the family and friends had very little news to report. This week he was briefly given several experimental treatments, but then left to see what direction his infection would take. His condition was “hit or miss” and no one certain of his survival. Finally, today he was able to tweet again and post to his Facebook to swat away reports of his demise. Here’s his statement and an encouraging song from Zach and their son Harlan.
I don’t want to be presumptuous, since my condition is stable but still serious. I require 24/7 oxygen, I need a nurse’s help for even the simplest tasks, and I only just now progressed to solid foods. So I’m not out of the proverbial woods yet. A number of patients released from the hospital after seemingly successful fights with #Covid19 aka #coronavirus have been readmitted (and some of these patients have even died).
At the same time, I do have some good news to share (especially since a bunch of “fake news” websites in the Philippines have issued reports of my death – greatly exaggerated, I can assure you).
First, I was just transferred out of the ICU – to a floor that’s not nearly as nice, but the transfer bodes well because they save ICU beds for the sickest patients. Second, I’m doing worlds better than I was this time last time last week, when I was unconscious and intubated, having a machine breathe for me because I couldn’t do so myself.
I also don’t want to be ungrateful. And no matter how my story ends, I know that I will be forever thankful for all of the prayers and thoughts that you have sent me and my family over the past few weeks. I will also be eternally grateful to all the wonderful doctors, nurses, and other dedicated healthcare professionals who are on the front lines of our battle with #Covid19 aka #Coronavirus, here at NYU Langone Health and elsewhere.
As mentioned earlier, I’m not out of the woods yet. But I’m upbeat and optimistic, strengthened by all your thoughts, prayers, and wishes for a speedy recovery.
Much as my parents love looking after Harlan – grandparents are the babysitters who thank YOU at the end of the experience – I look forward to checking out of here before too long and being reunited with Harlan, Zach, my family, my-in-laws, and all of you, my dear friends and loved ones. Thank you once again for everything, and see you soon!
With Much Love,
David
David Lat on Facebook
**UPDATE** David is getting much better, finally able to breathe without supplemental oxygen. He hopes to be back home later this week.
Happy that it appears that David Lat is on his way to a successful recovery, and we hope he’s safe and sound with his husband and son very soon. Get well, David!
