The pandemic crept in on us slowly. It was an epidemic initially and we kept saying silent prayers for it not to extend its tentacles all the way here. And for relief for those affected. Alas, it was not to be so. I’m thankful that I went through it and I came out unscathed. Some were not that fortunate.
Writing my experience made many more come out with theirs. Even people that have lost loved ones. Today, I talk about someone I have known for years. Reading my story which had an uncanny resemblance to hers made her want to share so people can be aware the infection is still out there causing havoc. Coincidentally, she’s a health worker like me although she doesn’t live in Nigeria.
She recalled that it started with feeling cold (just like I did) before the headaches poorly responsive to analgesics started (that headache can be crazy). This was followed closely by loss of taste and smell…so much so that she was chewing paracetamol and didn’t feel a thing. Next were gastrointestinal symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Unlike me, she moved on to develop a dry racking cough with difficulty breathing. She was admitted and while there, she had a pulmonary embolism! (Blood clot traveled from her legs into her lungs and further worsened the difficulty breathing.) She was so sick that she spent seven weeks on treatment.
She had no family around her and only told her family in Nigeria when it appeared she was deteriorating. Her friends there were so supportive and gave her all the social support needed. She was very close to getting on a ventilator but things just improved when it almost got to that level. She’s the true definition of ‘arikuyeri’ (the one who defied death).
I’m glad I shared my experience. A lot of health workers have been infected in the line of duty and some have even died. COVID-19 is not something to stigmatize people for. We are all at risk. As long as you’re a human being, you can get infected. Nobody should be stigmatized for having any medical condition. It hinders effective management.
Protect yourself people. The pandemic is not over yet much as we want it to be. Don’t be added to the statistics of lives lost in this pandemic. May the souls of the departed rest in peace and may healing be granted to those that are still sick. Amen.
“He who has health, has hope; and he who has hope, has everything.”
--- THOMAS CARLYLE ---
Her COVID-19 experience
10.12.2020 /