‘My struggle is far from over’
I WAS diagnosed with Covid-19 on January 4, this year during the second wave of the pandemic.
I developed Covid-pneumonia a week into the infection, and had to be hospitalised.
The doctors found that I had suffered severe damage to my lungs, which led to the inability to breathe or even walk on my own.
My oxygen levels had dropped to about 60%. I was admitted to ICU where I was placed on a high-flow high nasal oxygen, non-invasive ventilation and was given steroids.
In hospital for a month, my oxygen levels gradually picked up and I was weaned off the supply.
On February 5, I was discharged but I was still unable to do a lot of basic day-to-day tasks and was dependent on my spouse to even give me a bath.
It took another month for me to regain my strength.
At this point, I thought I was in the clear and could go on with my normal activities but in March some of the symptoms returned.
I started noticing excessive hair loss. When I brushed my hair or took a shower, it fell out in clumps.
I didn’t think much of this but a week later, I began feeling extremely tired and all I wanted to do was sleep.
Then the migraines started, which led to nausea and vomiting.
I would also get dizzy spells and I struggled to drive.
I consulted my GP and was diagnosed with Long-Covid.
I continued with my multivitamins and started taking biotin for the hair loss and some strong pain killers to suppress the headaches, which became unbearable.
As more and more hair fell out, depression settled in and my headaches and body pains became more severe.
I later tried CBD oil to assist with the pain and possible treatment. I try to keep a positive mindset, but it is a daily battle.
Most recently, I researched on postCovid symptoms to find out treatments that other individuals have resorted to.
I came across a support group on Facebook with people from across the world who suffer from Long-Covid.
This group has helped me gain a lot of insights and even share my experience with others.
I am currently trying a more natural approach to my Long-Covid journey with a natural health and wellness company. With so much uncertainty regarding a cure for Long-Covid, I can only pray it helps.
Govender, 32, of Reservoir Hills, is a software quality analyst