Thread by @komaleshwaram

#MyCovidStory Since the start of the pandemic, i've been of the firm conviction that the fastest way to be free & feel normal was to follow Covid rules. For 13 months I was able to drive this point across and restrict movements of everyone including my 70+ year old father. (1/n)

By Jan 2021, the cases had fallen to an all time low but I remained sceptical and still followed and enforced Covid rules at home. On 31st of March, dad went out to a super crowded place called chickpet. I only came to know after he returned. I was shocked and scared. 2/n

But there wasn't much I could do. I was only praying God that he should not have brought the virus home. Meanwhile, I had scheduled hus vaccination at Aster RV on 5-April. All was well and no signs except that he had a little phlegm in his chest. 3/n

So I got him vaccinated on 5th Apr and by sheer chance, dropped off my kids to my brother in law's place for summer vacation. The day after vaccination, dad developed fever and after 4 more days of recurrent fever we got him tested. Meanwhile we had isolated him at home.4/n

Finally on the 12th, dad tested positive and we moved him to the nearest and the only hospital that had a bed. BU number was not generated by Bbmp but we knew that he needed hospitalization. Myself and wife isolated at home and
tested +ve 3 days later. 5/n

We too started our treatment at home quarantine and monitored dad remotely as he was administered oxygen and Remedesivir injections. Dad got discharged 7 days later and we moved him to a quarantine facility for one more week. Dad stabilized and is currently in quarantine. 6/n

Some learnings that came out of this experience.
1. Dad was vaccinated while he was infected already. However, I strongly believe that the first dose of vaccine played an important role in fighting the infection.
2. Both me and wife expected to tested negative but the virus 7/n

is very contagious. Even as we took measures early on and had minimal masked contact with dad, we tested positive. So it spreads really fast.

3. Home remedies coupled with doctors advice help us fight the infection better. Being physically active as much as possible is good. 8/n

Finally, I want to say that
1. Vaccination is effective and must be mandatory.
2. Masks, distancing and staying home are the most powerful tools.
3. Being mentally strong is extremely important. Prayers and meditation help you make clear and correct decisions. 9/n

And always remember....

Logistical issues I faced during this ordeal:

1. Test reports were delayed due to surge in cases
2. SRF number was unavailable for a week after test results were out.
3. BBMP was unable to generate BU number.
4. Unavailability of hospital beds and unresponsive 108 due to no SRF

Logistical issues. What I did about them?
1. Made a list and repeatedly called all nearby hospitals.
2. Picked up the first bed available and ensured treatment was started immediately.
3. Only registered on Arogya Setu and reached out to apthamitra twice.

Where luck played a role?
- Medically dad needed O2 and remedesivir injections which the hospital was equipped with.
- we were lucky that dad did not require plasma. There is a whole different struggle to get plasma and I've seen it when my uncle was hospitalized last year.

Emotional strength and well being.

For most people, testing Covid +ve can be overwhelming. This is because we've never been through anything like this b4. Gaining an understanding of the actual status is very important. Talk to a doctor who can patiently answer your questions.

When we know the actual status, we can make sense of the information. The doomsday fears will vanish when you get the right information. It is like the moment you wait for the question paper after having done reasonable preparations. Once you see the paper, you can make sense.

Take time to sit down to get a clear picture of the situation. List out things you need to act upon. Take a break and meditate along with doing pranayama. These things appear superficial but are effective tools to maintain emotional and mental balance. Have faith and courage.

Finally, the physical experience. Your doctor should be able to tell you if the infection is mild, moderate or significant. Your symptoms will play out accordingly. Myself & wife experienced some common & some different symptoms. First, dad's symptoms who had Moderate infection.

1. Recurring fever between 99.5 and 102°.
2. Extreme fatigue. So much so that lifting his own arm was a huge effort.
3. Loss of taste and consequently appetite.
4. Body pains, vomiting and bad stomache.

With mild symptoms, I experienced,

1.Severe back ache.
2. Recurring fever 99-101 range.
3. Tiredness.
4. Bad stomach.
5. Loss of taste.

All these physical symptoms will disappear with the right medicines and by day 14, I felt alright. As I said, logistical issues, emotional aspect, the physical experience can be managed by following simple guidelines, staying calm and consulting a good doctor.

I hope that my experience can help at least a few people. The key is to stay calm, not panic, seek help and do your best with what you have. Remember to mask up, 6ft distance and stay home.

May almighty Srihari bless everyone with great health. #NahamkartaHariKarta