My COVID-19 Experience

I was struggling to breathe properly and my oxygen levels were dropping, reaching as low as 80. The heavy rain outside was accompanied by loud crashes of thunder and lightning. The doctors were monitoring my blood levels regularly, and my sugar and blood pressure were increasing with each check. The doctors warned that this was not a good sign. I felt dizzy and sleepy, and a nurse came in to administer yet another injection of remdesivir, making it the seventh one so far. I felt like I was being pushed down to the ground, and my health was deteriorating rapidly with each passing hour. I was determined to stay awake, fearing that if I fell asleep, I might not wake up again and succumb to death.

At midnight, the doctor came to check my blood reports and health condition. They informed me that my oxygen levels were still decreasing, and I might need to be transferred to the ICU for better treatment, including the use of a ventilator. Unfortunately, the hospital did not have the necessary facilities for such treatment. It was necessary for me to move to a better hospital to receive treatment for COVID-19 as soon as possible. An ambulance with oxygen was arranged to transfer me to Nagpur. All of my blood relatives gathered outside the hospital to see me off. In the morning, my spouse called me and said, "Pankaj, you have to fight and live for me and our innocent two-year-old daughter. We are waiting for you. Don't give up. You are a fighter and can overcome anything. Do your best."

Though I struggled to get out of bed, unable to walk even a step, I fought for every breath with the support of oxygen. When the ambulance arrived, I lay in the back of it, unable to sleep properly due to difficulty breathing. I asked the driver to increase the oxygen flow, which he did, and I felt more comfortable. We raced towards Nagpur at a high speed, arriving at the hospital within four hours of leaving the village hospital. The doctors immediately admitted me to the COVID-19 ward and began treatment. After being transferred to the laboratory, I underwent a city scan to assess the severity of my condition. The score was 15, which was very high, and I realized that I was on the brink of death. However, I felt safe and comfortable in the hospital, where the doctors and nurses were constantly checking my blood pressure and sugar levels, administering medication and providing me with oxygen support for 15 days.

Despite the constant threat of death, I remained determined to fight and make a full recovery. My friends called to check on my health, which was greatly appreciated.

After 15 days of battling against death, the doctors finally gave me good news- all my test reports were now normal and I could be discharged from the hospital. I had emerged victorious from the battle against my illness. After spending an additional 15 days in isolation, I was finally able to return home. When I arrived, my daughter ran towards me and gave me a tight hug. Both she and her mother looked at me with smiles on their faces and congratulated me for winning the toughest battle of my life. I smiled back at them and thanked them for their support.

"I am extremely grateful to Doctor SG Raut for his kind treatment and the support and courage he provided me with. His hard work and dedication saved me from the brink of death, and every time I saw him, I gained energy and strength. I firmly believe that he could have saved my life in any circumstance. He worked tirelessly throughout the pandemic and saved numerous lives."

"My brother Nilesh provided me with continuous emotional and physical support during my COVID-19 illness. He worked tirelessly to ensure that I received the necessary medications and treatments, and was in constant communication with doctors to discuss my health and recovery. I am grateful to have Nilesh as my brother and thankful for all that he has done for me."

Some experiences are difficult to put into words, and this was certainly one of them. Nonetheless, I have tried my best to convey the emotions and events that took place during my illness. Thank you for reading.