My Dear Son Gaurav,

I wanted to write this to you to share my experience of fighting the coronavirus. I hope you take the needed precautions from here onwards. Life is precious, and my experience made me realize that our temporary life on Earth should be used for something good. 

I tested positive for COVID-19 on May 20, and I was one of 8,227 positive cases as announced by the Ministry of Health and Population that day. I fell victim to this deadly virus-- it gave me fever, body ache, headache and non-stop sneezes. I am telling you my story so you do not take this virus lightly. This virus is life-threatening, as you are not sure what to expect tomorrow, and the day after once it enters your body.

Since the virus started spreading rapidly in March 2020, there were several times when I could have caught the virus. I made eight international travels since the global pandemic was declared by the WHO in March 2020. I thought I was impervious to the virus. 

I took the first vaccine shot on April 05, and I contracted the virus on May 19. I flew home from Iraq on May 05, and followed home quarantine protocols as I always did after each trip. I had no symptoms. I was still careful and was in full compliance with the WHO prescribed COVID-19 health protocols, like washing hands, keeping distance, and wearing masks even at home. I was aware of health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health and Population. I was particularly worried as your father has pre-health conditions.

On May 19, I woke up around 6AM with fatigue, muscle aches and headache. I had a dry cough as well, but did not have shortness of breath, difficulty in breathing and respiratory problems. No nausea, no diarrhea, just a slight fever. Without consulting a doctor on the very first day, I took paracetamol, and stayed in bed most of the day. The next day, a healthcare professional came to collect my swab for a PCR test. I was tired and was sneezing the whole day. My oral temperature was 37.9 degrees, oxygen saturation was 94, and I was in an isolation at home.

On Day 4, I lost my sense of smell. This was a strange feeling as I had never experienced that before. I was drinking milk with chyawanprash, and realized that I could not smell. I then went to the bathroom and smelled a scented soap.There was no smell. I then tried Sancho, vicks, and sanitizer, but still no smell. My symptoms, however, didn’t get worse. My appetite was normal. I just lost about two kilos.

My dear son, the first three days of isolation were not difficult. However, after day four, I lost the smell, and I was scared due to uncertainties. This was when I realized that no one can predict what this virus is going to do to you. During the isolation days, I made several triangles-- from my bed to the bathroom and to the only chair in my room where I would sit to have my meal.

Day five, six and seven were difficult as I was coughing non-stop. I took medicine as prescribed by the doctor, and I felt drowsy. My parents were concerned that I was sleeping a lot. I slept on the sides, and on my belly to inhale more oxygen.

I had my first virtual consultation with a doctor from Mediciti Hospital on day three. Thanks to technology, I was able to talk to the doctor through Zoom every other day and follow instructions. The doctor’s team was professional, polite and helpful. Despite their heavy duty, they reassured me during these difficult times.

Your dad provided me food and drinks, and your little brother's random calls to check did not let me feel that I was sick and isolated in a room. I was tired of calls from the kitchen, asking what I wanted to eat or drink every second hour. My energy level was intact. My parents, sisters, brothers, other family members, and friends were sent messages, and checked on me regularly, boosting my morale.

I had lots of fruits, dry fruits, soup, and hot water with ayurvedic herbs. Your dad insisted that I take those in order to recover quickly. I watched a few TV shows, movies and listened to Brahma Kumari, Sadhguru and Jeewan Bigyan. I practised Pranayam and meditation for 30 minutes, following Shree Shree Ravi Shankar in the morning and evening everyday. This proved immensely helpful in helping lead a stress free recovery.

And, I could not be isolated from the current political events in the country. I read of dire situations in major hospitals across the country. People were scrambling for oxygen and hospital beds. This broke my heart. I felt lucky to be surrounded by family and friends who deeply cared about me. I felt a deep sense of gratitude to the frontline workers who have been doing everything in their capacity to help others overcome this virus.

I also realized that there is more to life than work. All the daily hustle seemed pointless. One of our neighbors and a close friend of mine in his 40s died of the virus. I learned the hard way how precious oxygen is. I felt my breathing up and close as there was no one around in my isolation room. I cried many times, but also smiled every morning as I was up and well.

On day six, everyone who came in close contact with me tested negative. On day eight, I woke up in sweats, but felt much better, and had no symptoms. “I am doing fine, thank you God,” I told myself. I informed my parents of my status, and they were happy.

I urge everyone to stay at home.

As I am on the verge of defeating this deadly virus, I wanted to support those who cannot afford to buy oxygen and hospital beds.

I was lucky to have developed mild symptoms, and I never lost my confidence throughout the isolation period. I prayed, meditated, exercised and stayed alert, and it worked really well. I remained positive and remained calm.

My dear son, you are in a powerful country where 50% of the population has been vaccinated. However, you or someone close to you may be spreading this virus without even realizing it. Please take all the necessary precautions even if the government says otherwise.

Daily New Cases in USA: courtesy Worldometer

We need to do our part to flatten the curve. If we all do our part, we can resume what our life was like before the pandemic. Please stay alert and help yourself, and others around you.

My dear son, I am writing this as a mother, wife, sister, sister-in-law and a friend. We will be able to organize events and parties. We will be able to hug each other, and feel the love. But we first have to defeat this virus.

Moving forward, I won’t be taking anything for granted in life. I want to be able to enjoy every moment with my loved ones.

I want to make sure that I live a full, meaningful life. May this letter be read by those who come to this planet long after we are gone, and remind them of our trials, and triumphs over a virus that we cannot even see through our eyes. May this be a small part of the rough draft of the history of our times.  

Lots of love,

Your mom

9th day of isolation, from Kathmandu

 
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