I Survived the Virus (First Hand Account)

[PADA: OK for the devotees who are telling PADA "this is not worse than the flu," "vegetarians won't get many symptoms," "it is a hoax" etc. ... ok maybe, but maybe not. We also know of other cases, this is merely one example. ys pd]

A devotee's niece wrote this: 

So I thought that I'd share my personal experience with you guys. Never did I imagine that i would be a victim of covid 19. I always thought that I will be safe, given that i always use my mask properly, sanitize and maintain social distancing. Little did I know that despite following what we know as "protocols", I was still at risk. 

On the 1st January 2021, I woke up with excruciating pain, from my hip to my ankles. There are no words to explain the pain. I can only describe it as different and unbearable. I stood up from bed, and felt unusual. I was disorientated- my body was weak, I was dizzy, I was clumsy and I could barely stand. I knew for sure, something was wrong. At this point, Covid never crossed my mind - I had no cough, no breathing difficulty and no itchy throat. 

Its new years day - getting hold of a doctor was mission impossible. My mum phoned every doctor in the area and finally got hold of one. I attended to the doctors surgery and he could not treat me - my temperature was 39. He prescribed pain medication and directed me to do a covid test. 

All covid testing stations were closed. We drove around the area hoping to find one with no success. I pulled through the night and was up early the next day, queuing outside a testing station. 

The test was traumatising! Tears rolled down my face. I sneezed continuously (by this time, if i was positive, everyone around me would have been infected given the severity of my sneezing!)

We then went home and anxiously awaited my results. At 3am, I received an SMS indicating that my test result is POSITIVE. My heart sank .... A million thoughts ran through my mind. Where did I get it? How did I get it? Who have I passed it on to? What if?? What now? ... it was a mental breakdown. 

The thought of me infecting my friends and family tore me apart. I knew that my body would fight this illness-but what about those who are high risk? How could I be so irresponsible?

The symptoms increased and only worsened day by day. By day 5, I lost my sense of taste and smell. I thereafter lost appetite and had diarrhoea. My temperature fluctuated. I sweated constantly. The severe pain started mostly between the hours of 1am and 3am and often ended by 7am. I had numerous sleepless nights. Pain killers helped for a maximum of 1 hour. It was routine.. awake all night and sleep all day.

You name it, I took it. Every medication, every home remedy, every possible solution was considered. Anything to get rid of the pain and discomfort.
The scariest part was my disorientation. I started losing my memory. I was highly confused. I couldn't remember simple things such as if i had a shower or what i ate that day. 

It was a complete blur. My mum video called me from the next room every day to check if i remember them! Its funny now, but the reality was that there was a possibility of long term memory loss.. and that is no joke. 

By day 8 i started developing chest pains and shortness of breath. I couldn't get myself out of bed. Walking to the bathroom left me breathless. My body refused to move. I often tried going outside to get some sunlight but i didn't last for more than 10minutes. 

I couldn't breathe. I quickly rushed back into bed where my breathing usually normalised. P.s i did not have a cough or a heavy chest.

By day 10, the body pain has subsided but I still had shortness of breath and sharp chest pains. Not having taste or smell is driving me insane. I am exhausted -mentally and physically. I am tired. I am fatigued. Apart from the covid crisis that we have been in, we are currently on day 4 of a water crisis. No water for 4 whole days. The municipality has advised that the waiting period for the water to be restored is 3 to 4 weeks. What will happen to those who are in isolation?

I guess only time will tell. I believe that my story is of a "mild symptom" case. But trust me, its not an experience you would want to have.

Being in isolation is not easy. The pain associated with covid is unbearable. The thought of your symptoms lasting longer than the 14 day isolation period is scary. The burden placed on your family that have to take care of you whilst you are in isolation is not fair. 

People are dying. It is not a "flu" that you get over after taking medication. There is no medication. There is no cure. All you do is hope and pray that you are strong enough to fight it. I am grateful. So stay at home. There is no better preventative.