My COVID Experience
It is a cool Saturday evening today and this is December 2019. Swinging in my cozy garden and enjoying cool breeze, I am reading an article on Corona virus absolutely unaware of the future close encounter with this deadly element. A new virus has emerged somewhere in China, the province known as Wuhan. These are the early days and world is yet to know the possible source of its origin. In these days when others are barely aware of Corona, specialists like us are curious to know possible deadly effects of this virus and how to counter or minimize them.
With the time we have now gathered knowledge and we are concerned about its perilous future effects. The time passes on and this is the first week since nationwide lockdown is announced in India. My phone is ringing, on the other end one of my friends is requesting me to voluntarily contribute in a government sponsored program. A well-advanced step by our government to educate all doctors and paramedical staff employed at community hospitals of periphery on how to handle critically ill patients of Corona. COVID 19 name is just given by WHO to the disease caused by Corona virus (SARS-COV-2). Being a well-known senior Critical Care Specialist and a teacher, actively involved in spreading the knowledge of critical care in fellow colleagues, I am one of his preferred choices. I am thrilled to have this opportunity and subsequently I am training almost 250 doctors and paramedics in next ten days. I feel honored. I am awarded with the certificate of appreciation by the Chamber of Commerce and Government of Gujarat for the selfless contribution.
It’s April 2020 and the cases are increasing in leaps and bounds. Figures of deaths are rising every day. There is a wave of panic in medical fraternity too. I get a request from the representative of affiliated body to take rounds in the COVID ICU of 1200 bedded COVID Hospital located in CIVIL Hospital campus at Ahmedabad city to guide junior doctors and stream line the management of very serious patients. All patients of COVID 19 are to be admitted in Government set ups. Doctors associated with private institutes are yet to be allowed to treat COVID patients. In present scenario many doctors refuse to attend COVID patients, but I say if not me then who else? This situation tempts me to do my best to fight with the biggest enemy of mankind. We the team of bold Critical Care Specialists kin to serve and give back to our society are taking daily rounds in ICUs of the COVID Hospital. I am really enjoying my rounds. Many patients on non-invasive ventilator are now successfully weaned from non-invasive ventilator and many will go home in next few days.
Then comes the much dreaded disaster. Chaos is everywhere. Whole country is facing severe shortage of oxygen and medicines. Thousands lose battle of life every day. Many doctors have lost their lives fighting against this enemy of humans. My regards to their bravery and sacrifice. I see my patients breathing hungrily, but, I barely see encouraging numbers of their oxygen saturation on the monitor. Next morning I am helplessly watching bodies wrapped in white cloth bags surrounded by the tearful eyes and grief submerged faces. On the other side I also see eyes expressing immense hope and trust and, ready to do anything possible to save their family member. With the grace of God mortality in my cases remains low. May be my intense training and hunger to provide latest approved treatment to my patients is paying me. I have by now managed around two thousand patients personally and as a team. The life is passing through a very exiting phase. From early morning to late night I am rushing from one patient to another patient and one hospital to another. It was difficult to spare time to take two meals at home. Having meals on dining table is a dream of past. Many a times I carry my dinner with me and take it on the road side in my car or in the parking of the hospitals. I refuse to eat anything late night if it is beyond 11:30 pm. Going to bed empty stomach is better. However nothing is felt adverse to me. Every morning I am charged again to fight a new battle. It is very satisfying to serve so many patients, fight for their survival and getting success in the end. I remember those hands blessing me and those smiling faces expressing their gratitude.
I extend my sincere regards to the families of my patients for providing opportunity to serve them. Their patience, generosity and cooperation made me achieve whatever success I obtaining in this pandemic.
I pray to God for the disappearance of COVID pandemic soon.
