COVID diary part 2

Covid diary phase 2

This is the most important phase of COVID

The second week of COVID is when the complications are coming more and more. Eternal sunshine of the spotless mind is a great thing but being doctors were well aware of this and sometimes knowledge causes fear!

The reason Knowledge causes fear is that no one has complete knowledge. In spite of this dreaded pandemic being there for more than a year now, frankly though, no one has a clear idea on the proper treatment of COVID.

We treat the complications and symptoms of COVID but there is no proper treatment of COVID! Hence the fear which is actually a big issue in the treatment of COVID had crept in slowly.

So while we had this big problem of managing two kids and being isolated from each other since even though we were positive we could not be together as it increases the viral load.

Of course division of labour was something which was going on for the past one year, we cannot be working full time since it was tiring. So while breakfast and lunch was Minu; lunch/ Dinner was my responsibility! In between snacks if healthy were courtesy Minu but junk snacks (read tasty!) was mine!

Many suggested to get food from outside but we had decided that we will struggle but get the food done in house!

Our apartment is very well maintained in that vegetables, provision and medicines were delivered at our doorstep and in short time. We also used to get our parcels and food delivered from outside specially by the security.

If any COVID positive patient needs to go to the hospital then they are arranged an escort and need to wear full PPE set. In emergency of course we have a direct access to ambulance but getting bed is a big inside in Bangalore so we were just praying that we do not need one!

The 8 to 10 day blood tests are important and this is the advice we give to everyone now. Any new symptoms or fever or breathing difficulty must be taken with caution.

I developed throat pain with fever and Minu developed stress induced palpitation. Of course in consultation with other doctors we started proper medication and we also went to the emergency to get the basic investigation done. Our blood tests were a little abnormal but bit very disturbing and in accordance to that we started some medications.

One of the chief problems we tend to ignore is gastritis because of stress, abnormal food timing and the medications. This must be taken care and treated very well and you must not be stingy when it comes to taking medication for control of this.

The problem was not getting the secondary symptoms, the problem is knowledge. I personally know so many cases who from throat pain and fever and palpitation go from there to ICU on a one way trip.
It was difficult to put a brave face when someone used to call or even in front of your children. Surprisingly Minu one day had a frank talk with the kids which of course led to some excess crying and sad moments which was becoming more and more frequent lately.

Having said that, the kids and your close family and friends are your biggest positive motivators! You have to be positive for them!


So our routine was me sleeping till late morning and working till late night, me being a night owl and Minu used to get up early morning and try to sleep early. Kids had their own routine of tab phone and computer with TV in between! No other go!

Every work we did, every move we made, it was immediately followed by severe lethargy and tiredness. Taking bath was a big task and so tiring!
Since I also had tonsillitis and was doing video consultation, it was a big strain to the throat and I listening to my own advice started voice rest in a big way.
Minu also had some complication which necessitated her being in complete bed rest and reduced stress which was of course easier said than done!

Slowly the house was becoming a mess especially my isolated room which no matter how much we clean still became dirty by the end of the day!

Sleep sleep and more sleep was the order of the day and since by nature I used to sleep late, my best sleep was in the morning when the whole world was awake! But then the world did not know that I was sleeping so all the calls used to come in the morning which was disturbing though I was too polite to say! Most who know me used to call me after sending a text that they are calling me which was sweet!

Kids and dad were the most understanding and my dear brother who has always been cool as a cucumber used to call me every single day to just ask about my health! My dear Bhabhi used to everyday ask about the kids and took care of dad so well that my biggest worry was settled!
Close family and friends made sure they enquired everyday! My dear Athai who has been a big pillar of support to my dad and me after losing my mom made sure I get a peppy positive message from her everyday!
My dear periamma, my brother Narayan Anna, my close friends, Mamas and mamis and my in laws were big pillars of support!

Many of my patients whom I was simultaneously treating used to suddenly ask me how I was doing! It was magical how the whole humanity came together as one big family!

My co workers who were doctors remained official in asking my health status but the concern was the same!

Many who were in the same boat as me became my COVID associates! My dear friend Abhijeet and Prachi to name a few.

Minu and me would never forget Dr Garima who picked up our phone (I first messaged her!) In the middle of the night! And her timely help was literally live saving!

In between all this my mother in law who just two days back asked to take care of the kids became seriously ill and had to be rushed to hospital. Two doctors in the family in quarantine so my father in law all of 78 years old managed all that by himself. While we were called in all the favours in the world to get them ambulance and bed and updates! Thank God for technology that we were able to manage everything online! We even sent him food at the doorstep of his Hospital!
She is also doing well and discharged! Small mercies after so much stress!

After close to 17 days, all my symptoms got better. My exercise tolerance got real good, luckily we did not lose any weight and our sugar levels were under good control!
Just going out and seeing patients was a big relief to me! It was as if I have been released from a prison. Of course first day going out was tiring which was a shock to me since I have always been active and this was just not me!

The very first day Minu went to her hospital, I took a mid week break and we cleaned the house in stages! Clean, rest and clean!
That night when the whole family slept together was the best sleep I had in ages! Early morning phone call not withstanding!

The fact of the matter remains that we were lucky that the variant which affected us was mild or we were healthy enough to bear through.
This whole episode and experience I would not wish for my enemy, it takes a huge emotional toil and physical also.

I can never forget the body pain and helplessness which I used to feel some nights sleeping alone in that room.

Of course that just makes sleeping in this big comfortable bed with your family all that sweeter!

This was just a quick spurt! If I remember anything more will add!

Thanks to all of you from the bottom of my heart who prayed and wished for our recovery! Some memory loss is expected in COVID so if I haven’t mentioned someone or something it’s probably due to that! Please don’t mind!

Stay safe…