Coronavirus: Bayelsan woman shares her experience, recovery process

Coronavirus: Bayelsan woman shares her experience, recovery process

A Bayelsan woman who lives in Newcastle, United Kingdom has shared her experience and recovery process of the pandemic virus called Corona. She took to her Facebook page to share the battle and the recovery process of her family. To her, Coronavirus is no joke, not political as some Africans (Nigerians) perceived it.

Read the article shared below;

COVID-19 BLUES

In March, my little girl came down with diarrhoea. Initially, I did not worry too much as I assumed she would be fine. I was wrong. As her condition persisted, I began to worry. The Paramedics came in and had a look at her. They informed me that her vital signs were fine. They suggested it might just be what it is – diarrhoea. A couple of days later, I observed that she had developed flu-like symptoms. So, in line with Government directives, I decided to “isolate” her for seven days. It was a nightmare. One day, you get some respite, then the next day, another symptom develops. All I could rely on was paracetamol. Soon, I ran out of paracetamol. Getting paracetamol was another nightmare. I could not go out. I had to call Emma Bunengi Waripamowei Johnson, a very kind friend who eventually got us some of the essential items that we needed.

I became so worried that I had to call 111 again. They said it could either be the Flu or COVID-19. However, the guidelines they had at the time meant that they could not carry out COVID-19 tests at that stage. They advised against hospitalisation at that point. Although puzzling at first, on reflection, their advice made some sense. The hospitals were beginning to be overwhelmed with COVID-19 cases, and unless there was a medical emergency, it would be unwise to divert much-needed resources from the fight against the virus. Nevertheless, I wished they did the testing as the result would have put me somewhat at ease. The uncertainty evoked all kinds of bizarre feelings in me.

By the 15th day, every child in the home had developed similar symptoms in varying degrees, from mild to severe. I would wake up all night, watching over them, contemplating whether the situation was “serious” enough to call the Ambulance. Clearly, the NHS was overwhelmed, and difficult choices had to be made. “Grab hold of that paracetamol and continue administering it”, the 111 operator told me one day. That moment, I realised the enormity of the circumstances that we were in and was determined to be psychologically strong for the children.

Just as the last of the kids was getting better, I began to have a dry, itchy throat and a blocked nose. I was also fatigued. Like the children, I also began to take paracetamol and tried to steal some rest out of my busy housekeeping/child-minding chores. Happily, we got through the difficult times and we are all better now.

It’s hard to believe we’ve been stuck at home for 5 weeks! I find it scary going out. My experience and the sad news of thousands of COVID-19 deaths around the world have triggered my emotions. I have become physically and mentally numb.

Yesterday, my cousin called from Nigeria. After our discussions, I told him to “stay safe”. “Sis, we dey immuned na. We be black people”, he said in Nigerian pidgin English to me. “Stay at home”, I said with emphasis. I wanted to tell him that early data in the US showing the number of COVID-19-related deaths indicated an over-representation of victims who were black. I wanted to add that a similar research in the UK showed that Black, Asian and Minority Ethnic (BAME) people were more likely to be seriously impacted by COVID-19 and end up in critical care. But I kept quiet. I know this turf in Africa. It is filled with inflexible confidence in the Blackman’s mystical immune system. African exceptionalism!

As I hung up, I reminisced about my colleague’s decision to return to his country in Africa to write-up his thesis. According to him “the virus will not survive under the intense heat of Africa.” When I reminded him that our average body temperature was about 37 degrees, which was hotter than the average temperature in his country, he brushed it aside. However, after the first COVID-19 case was recorded in his country, he quickly abandoned his plan to return. Like me, he now constantly updates his knowledge by going to the WHO website.

• Coronavirus: Bayelsan woman shares her experience, recovery process

Yesterday, I switched off the news midway. It was too distressing. I gaped in horror as the fatality figures reached 10,000. My mind raced to Nigeria. Thoughts of my family and friends there heighten my anxiety. I try to keep in touch every day. We talk about everything, including the conspiracy theories, many of which I find ridiculous.

Much of the science concerning COVID-19 is uncertain. However, we can concentrate on the known and follow sound advice from the experts. A strong immune system is key, I tell my little ones. They promise to reduce their sugar consumption. I provide a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables. It builds their immune system and keeps them energetic.

The COVID-19 holiday is challenging for everyone. “How much longer are we going to be in prison”, my boy quipped. “Perhaps, until such a time a cure or vaccine is found, or the virus disappears”, I responded. In the meantime, we will continue to obey the Government’s directive to stay at home. So far, quarantine has proven to be the simplest and most effective way to fight the virus. As for the cost, we shall find out soon.

PS:
Today we took a walk (residents are allowed one exercise per day) to the children’s Drama School. It’s spring time, but the streets of Newcastle are devoid of the buzz and excitement of the season. Save for a few joggers, the streets are completely empty. “Mum, my heart is dancing,” my little girl screamed as she sprang out of her bike and bounced excitedly towards the pigeons.

Entranced in a smile, the other waltzed round the corner, admiring the blossoming flowers. “Is it so that the earth is healed?” my “Greta Thurberg” son whispered to me. “At such a devastating cost?” he added in a melancholic mood such that my heart broke. We stopped to buy some ice cream from the shop while observing social distancing rules strictly. In times like this, something as little as sharing a tub of ice cream with family becomes a much-cherished event!

(This piece was written a couple of days ago. Sadly, the fatality figures have since increased. Please, stay safe everyone).

• Coronavirus: Bayelsan woman shares her experience, recovery process