Thread by @SudarshanEMA, Losing a parent to the pandemic: Since mid March all precautions were [...]

Losing a parent to the pandemic: Since mid March all precautions were taken to dodge the virus. As things would turn out, my Dad was diagnosed with a gall bladder condition in early June and had to be hospitalised. 1/19

Dad was in the hospital for about 4 days and this period was successfully negotiated without contracting a Covid infection. Keep in mind that the hospital would only entertain if you’re Covid negative. 2/19

The gall bladder situation again flared up in late June and we had no choice but to agree for a surgery. As usual the hospital admitted him with a Covid negative report. Given his age, it was a difficult surgery and he had an extended stay in the hospital. 3/19

Finally, he got discharged from the hospital and little did we know that they had sent him home with a farewell gift which ultimately would claim his life. 4/19

Soon after, he developed a fever and it was a suspected case of Covid 19. In the meantime, both my mom and me had also developed a fever. The PCR test was done immediately and our worst fears came true 5/19

All the three of us tested Covid positive. Here is where our Doctor, Swaroop Hegde played a stellar role. He has treated 2000+ Covid patients and is a true superstar of our times. Dr. Hegde treats Covid patients selflessly despite the grave personal risk 6/19

Even before the Covid PCR results came (it takes 48 hours), Dr. Hegde immediately started us on a five day course of antivirals and antibiotics. These have no apparent side effects and even if you test negative, it is worth it. 7/19

By the time the Covid test results came, both mom and me were symptom free or had mild symptoms and negligible fever. BMC folks sealed our home and we were advised home quarantine. The BMC doctor also spoke to me and was quite supportive. 8/19

Dad given that it was his post surgery recovery period was getting weaker at home. He was again hospitalised. 9/19

In the meantime, mom and me, both under home quarantine had fully recovered. Dad also responded well to treatment. All of us tested negative within a short period. 10/19

In the meantime, my wife and kids had isolated themselves in my home and didn’t report any symptoms. Even if they did, we exactly knew what had to be done. 11/19

But we hadn’t seen the worst yet. Long after testing negative, Dad developed post Covid complications & after a valiant fight, succumbed last week. Age,comorbidities, post surgery issues + Covid was too much to take. Sharing my experience and learnings from Covid. 12/19

1. Identify a doctor, preferably someone who has treated Covid patients and keep his details handy in case of emergency. Have a plan.
2. Ensure that you have a 3 am friend who will be by your side no matter what. I was lucky to have one such friend @bgopkumar by my side. 13/19

3. As advised by the doctor, get started on the treatment on onset of symptoms. Don’t wait for the outcome of the PCR test which takes 48 hours and you lose valuable time.
4. Do not panic, while the virus behaves differently in different people, early treatment saves lives 14/19

5. While the virus thankfully spared my mother and me, the after effects of the virus ended up consuming my Dad who otherwise had no reason to go. Losing a parent is indeed traumatic but the doctors tried their best under the circumstances. 15/19

Even after testing negative, it is important to monitor few parameters like D-Dimer*, CRP*, LDH*and Sr.Ferritin* under the advice of your doctor. Also a HR-CT* if possible. This is very critical for older patients. (*on doctor’s advice please)16/19

This was one hell of a journey for me personally and unfortunately couldn’t escape unscathed but some important lessons were learnt in the process. Covid is like exams, you’ve to fight it out on your own. 17/19

And yes, last but not the least, it will be great if one gets immunity from the Wuhan virus for the long term. Then this struggle would be well worth it. Also hope and pray that the vaccine is out soon and people can lead their normal lives!

18/19

Disclaimer: Please always consult your Doctor before taking any medication or blood tests. This shouldn’t be considered as a treatment protocol for Covid/ End of thread 19/19

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