"The disease exists, and it is horrendous…»
The story of the COVID-hospital patient Olga N. Bazhanova sends goosebumps down the spine. Coronavirus divided the life of this Nizhnekamsk resident into "before" and "after." Olga was discharged from the infectious diseases hospital on August 25, but still remembers with horror and fear what she had to go through.
"At first, my husband got sick, lost his sense of smell, complained that he did not feel the taste of food. After the bath, his temperature rose to 37 degrees, but everything returned to normal in the morning. The next day I realized that I was on fire; the thermometer showed 38. I immediately called a doctor and warned my husband. We were both given sick leaves. Medications did not help; the temperature did not decrease. Five days later, we called an ambulance. After the CT scan, we were hospitalized.
Interestingly, the effect of treatment with my husband was completely different. My husband was doing well, and he was recovering quickly. Despite the treatment, my condition worsened. The CT scan showed a 75% infection in the lungs. Because of the constant lack of air, I needed oxygen. The worst thing is shortness of breath. I couldn't even walk to the bathroom because every movement was strenuous. Two or three steps to the toilet turned into a real test. I was shaking all over, and all my muscles seemed to be atrophied. I was suffocating from any action. I was powerless. I couldn't walk to the ward; the girls would pick me up and put me on the bed, like a frog, on my stomach. I didn't even have the strength to swallow, and I had a huge fear that I would swallow and suffocate. I just thought I didn't have enough air during my meal. My neighbors in the ward supported me, urging me to overcome my fear and eat. It was tough, even to raise my hands, comb my hair, or lift a spoon – all this was an impossible test for me. During my illness, I lost 8 kilograms.
On August 25, I was discharged. I was so exhausted that I couldn't even climb up the stairs to my apartment. My husband carried me home in his arms. At home, walking to the kitchen and eating was a whole job for me, after eating three spoonfuls of food, I just fell. My strength returned gradually. The first time I went to the doctor by myself was on September, 11. All this time, I called in for a home visit," says Olga Nikolaevna.
Now Olga Bazhanova is undergoing rehabilitation in the day hospital of polyclinic No. 2. Inhalations, physiotherapy, physical therapy, and strengthening IVs will help the patient recover completely. Even though a month and a half have passed since the illness, Olga admitted that she still fears COVID. However, the desire to live is much stronger than fear. Now, she leads an active lifestyle and engaged in Nordic walking. She never ceases to thank the doctors and nurses who do everything 24 hours a day to make patients recover.
"It is so hard for doctors, nurses, orderlies in the hospital! They work there in these suits, poor things. They are so intelligent, so kind. I would especially like to mention Olga Khrustaleva. What a lovely woman she is! She explained everything, came with tests, and gave recommendations. I liked her. I wish I could see her face behind my glasses and mask.
Now I realize that I walked on thin ice. I tell all my friends and close people, do not think that this is a fiction; it exists and can touch absolutely anyone. Take care of yourself and loved ones, and listen to yourself," Olga Bazhanova wished everyone.