Being a doctor, I was aware that sooner or later I will have to face the enemy but the way the enemy crept upon me was a total shock. I was exercising regularly, eating healthy and taking all the precautions needed to keep the enemy at bay and even if I had to face the battlefield, I thought I would be ready mentally and physically. But I was not ready for the way I got pushed into the battlefield without a warning!
I was on duty on Saturday and was looking forward for the Sunday off but on Sunday morning I woke up feeling feverish and lethargic. I measured the temperature which was not fever by medical definition. I thought it to be common flu as it was a long time since I suffered one so I went about my routine without any worry. Tuesday night I got a message that Saturday I had been in contact with a person who has tested positive for corona virus and all my sane thoughts flew out of the window. I panicked so much that I couldn’t think straight. I packed my bag ready to bolt out of the house in the morning to keep my family safe. After a restless night filled with all kinds of negative scenarios I woke up and was ready to go away but after some logical thinking and family’s insistence that if something was to happen to me there was no one to take care away from home so it was better that I stay at home with them and face the consequences. And so, I went into home quarantine. I consulted our family doctor and told him my history and asked him to write me a prescription of PCR. He advised me some medicines and told me that the test could be negative at that point of time and I should wait for a few days. I should do a CT chest after 3 days and decide further on the basis of the report of CT scan.
And I must tell you that waiting is not easy in such circumstances. For the next 3 days I was holed up in my room, maintaining physical distance from my family and trying to be sane. I was feeling feverish on and off with weakness and no other symptoms physically but mentally I was going mad thinking about worst scenarios and even worst outcomes. I must say that I may be better doctor but I am not a good patient and it is very dangerous to be on the other side of the table. Finally, after a restless wait I did my chest CT, the report came normal and I breathed in relief as during the waiting period I was even scared to breathe in my home. I don’t have any symptoms now but that does not mean the war is over as the duty is on but after this experience, I will be more cautious and alert.
I learnt that the word quarantine seems to be easy enough when advised to patients but not so easy to practice yourself. During such times it is very necessary for the support of your family as loneliness will cater to worst mind games ever played and lastly a healthy diet with proper rest will do wonders in recovery. I am fortunate enough to see the enemy from a distance and not let it come nearby but the danger still lurks from all the sides and we should not stop being alert.
Lastly, I urge everyone, medicos and non-medicos please do not hide your histories. It is very important to come out honestly if you have been exposed to the virus so that the persons near you be it your family, friends or work colleagues remain safe. Your stupidity could cost you a life of a loved one so it is better to be honest and protect people surrounding you.