MY COVID EXPERIENCE
THIS HAS been, to say the least, a lifetime experience which has opened my eyes to the seriousness of this global pandemic, its effects, and how it has impacted our nation and society at large.
The past year had proven to be one of great uncertainty, as in the midst of planning for personal and work issues, early in 2020, we were hit with the reality of COVID-19. There were salary cuts and the hope of a quick return to normalcy, but as we are currently experiencing, that was not the case.
In March 2020, the last thing any employed person desired to hear in times of economic difficulty was the word ‘REDUNDANCY’. As many became painfully aware, this was to be the fate of many persons, myself included. I can testify that the song, I’ve learnt how to lean and depend on Jesus, found new meaning to my soul.
Fast-forward to 2021, and the renewed hope of the year being better in spite of, hope was turned to reality when I received a call to resume work on a short contract, starting on February 1, 2021. Upon resumption of work, within four days I started to feel a bit off, with a fever that was intermittent and a lack of appetite. I found this quite odd and, with some inquisition, checked online to see what it could have been. COVID was the last thing on my mind, as there were no respiratory symptoms, and I didn’t lose my sense of smell or taste.
On Saturday, February 6, things came to a head and I couldn’t, despite my best efforts, deny that I was feeling horrible. My gastrointestinal tract was playing the Tears for Fears song Shout, let it all out, and with excruciating pain on the increase, I requested early leave from work. I headed home and had some good ole Neem tea, and went to lie down. This was an exercise in futility as I was totally miserable. I got up and called a friend, as I felt I was deteriorating rapidly and had to go to the doctor quickly. I packed a bag just in case of hospitalisation. My dear friend Lisa Bowman-Lee assisted me to the Spanish Town Hospital. After a battery of tests, and intravenous drips, I was released into the care of my sister.
On Monday, I was still not any better, with the added symptom of severe muscle pain. We went to Dr Courtney Harris (not related) who suggested, based on his prior experience, that a COVID test be done. Alas, the results came back positive! Shock and awe – I had contracted COVID-19!! How, where and when are still difficult to trace. I went into isolation immediately, as did those who were in close contact.
For the next two weeks, I was in total lockdown in a closed-off room. Knocks on the door meant breakfast, lunch and supper, with medication and water – the order of the day. Diminhydrinate (Gravol) was what kept the stomach from erupting like the Vincentian volcano and painkillers were the only way to get some ease and rest.
There was another episode of extreme spastic pain that ended at the emergency room at the UHWI at 2:30 a.m. Drips again, plus analgesics for the pain. It was so bad that I could not keep from just throwing up. I declared that I wouldn’t wish this affliction on my worst enemy, but in time I gradually felt better. I was grateful that there were no respiratory symptoms that warranted my being on a respirator. God be praised.
In the 14 days or so, I had lost approximately 20 pounds! I was never a particularly heavy person; and though I had needed to lose a little weight, this was never a part of the Jenny Craig plan.
I must thank my family, especially my sister Carla for her stellar efforts to care for me; my Dad, who is continually brooding and worried about his look-alike son; and Mrs Lee, friend for life; and my church family who prayed until God heard and said, “Yes y’all, Mi hear unnu!!”
Be aware, and take care to follow the protocols. This is no joke or game, and for those like the veterinarians of Jamaica who give of their best to do no harm and help animals and their owners, let us not pull back in fear, but continue to serve with excellence and poise. We can and will get through this time and season. For those who have lost loved ones, cherish their memories and let this be a stern reminder – none of us is exempt from this disease! So take heed, wise up and live!