Covid times 2020.....24. When you discover your close friend is affected by Covid 19
I know Srikanth since long. In fact, as a baby! He and my parents were neighbors and he has been part of our family since childhood. He called my parents Amma and Appa, and his parents Mummy and Daddy!
Around last week of June I called him to chat and asked how he was? His reply caused me a lot of concern. He was on his way to a hospital for a check up as he was not feeling well. I wished him well and asked him to tell me how the tests went. He later sent me a message that his chest X-ray was clear and he had some infection and should be alright in a week. It was a relief! A few days later my sister Srilatha called him for some reason and found that he was was in a hospital. He had been just moved to a room from the ICU on 29th June. Tests had shown he was Covid 19 positive.
It was a shock and I messaged his wife Shanthi immediately and spoke to her to know more about how it all transpired. Believing what she and her family are going through is very important to share, I asked her if she could tell us in detail how it was for them during such a crisis. She agreed and what follows are in her own words:
"Srikanth complained of uneasiness on 19th June, Friday, after returning from his Veda class. Feeling he was catching a cold, took a dolo and had some kashaya and felt OK. Next morning, he performed his normal routines of yoga, pranayama and cycling. However he felt uneasy that evening and this uneasy feeling was there every evening! On Monday, Shruthi (their daughter, a doctor!) suggested he take Montek LC tablet and cough syrup along with Dolo."
"Feeling better he went back to his routine of yoga etc the next day. I checked his temp, it was 99.2. He had a normal lunch and took a Dolo. Shruthi, not wanting to take chances added Azithromycin for the night. Next morning the situation changed, his fever kept rising. Dolo would give him relief for about 4 hrs, but then temperature went up to 103.2. He increased dosage of Dolo to 4 tabs a day. I also gave him cold packs now and then."
" On Thursday, 25th, we decided to get his tests done for Covid, malaria and typhoid. Shruthi contacted a person who promised to collect the swab at home as we were reluctant to go out. But at 8 pm he called to regret, as home collection was stopped. We consulted our physician, Dr Suraj who advised us to go to Mallige Hospital as both Jain or Ramaiah hospitals were running full."
"Shruthi drove Srikanth on 26 Friday morning to Mallige hospital for the tests. His X Ray was clear and oxygen saturation at 97 was normal. On his return, he developed a slight cough . He thought perhaps it was due to the N95 mask he wore for the visit. By evening we got the result for Malaria, he had tested negative. Our doctor waited for other results before prescribing antibiotics. Srikanth meanwhile took Dolo to control the fever. Next morning, we learnt that the typhoid test was also negative . The cough had increased but he was still able to take deep breaths in the morning. However, by evening, he felt breathless."
" I called Shruti and asked her to get an Oximeter when she came to deliver fruit and veggies. The meter showed that SPO2 had come down to 86-87. Immediately, Shruthi tried thru her contacts to get his Covid result, which was due only on Sunday. It turned out be positive. We immediately decided to admit him to a hospital fearing a further decrease in the SPO2."
"Our nightmare began from then on. Shruthi, Shyamal, Sanki and JP (Daughters' and their husbands) started calling hospitals, looking for beds and ambulances. Some of their friends also joined in the search. They drew a blank from Everywhere. Dr Suraj tried and was unable to help. Providentially, at that time, my brother made his customary call to find out how Srikanth is. I updated him on the latest development and the need to go to a hospital. He immediately contacted his wife's nephew, Dr Achinth, a neurologist at Aster RV Hospital, JP Nagar and sought his help. Dr. Achint finally called his CEO who assured him of a bed. No ambulances were available and 108 said their drivers' weren't calling back! Ambulances were completely busy ferrying patients. Even private ambulances weren't free."
"Finally, Shruthi decided that she and Srikanth would don PPE kits and she would drive him to the hospital. It was a huge challenge as driving, wearing a kit is not easy for the first time. Difficult to find the clutch and brake and the lack of a peripheral view! To top it all, ferrying one's parent on Bangalore roads needs tremendous presence of mind. Hats off to Shruthi for taking on all these roles."
"She reached JP Nagar in 20 mins. Meanwhile Srikanth's oxygen saturation had improved! And the hospital asked her to take him back home! She protested and pleaded with them to keep him for at least for 2 days as he's a heart patient and promised to take him home after 2 days if he remained stable. He was taken to the Covid ICU straightaway!"
This part of her narrative is very impressive! Shanthi with all the tensions she was going through, she had the heart to think about others who might have been affected and took action!
"Meanwhile , we listed the places we had visited in the last 16-17 days. The next morning, I stopped milk and newspaper delivery, informed our new neighbor not to use the gate on our side of the lane and started calling / messaging people to inform and enquire. We did contact tracing down to zero. To our relief everyone was fine. Where and how did the virus catch Srikanth is a mystery. Since I was the primary caregiver and Shruthi, a primary contact, we quarantined ourselves, me downstairs and she upstairs. She informed the BBMP, who kept calling her on Saturday night (night of admission) for details of the patient. No one came, the house wasn't sealed but we took all the care that were needed. It is probably because Shruthi said she's a doc, they must've felt confident that we would follow all protocols assiduously.'"
"I shared my experiences with my friends! They said there was a world of difference between what they hear or read and the ground reality. It's divine intervention in the form of Achinth and Shruthi that took Srikanth to one of the best facilities. Not to belittle Sanki's efforts as she tried calling 50+ hospitals in vain and took charge of all the documentation the hospital required which she completed by 1.30 am Sunday. Shyamal and JP have been giving rock support to us. My brother and sister-in-law have been by our side through and through. I feel extremely grateful for the sincere prayers of Shyamal and JP's parents, my mother and all our dear relatives and friends. I beg your pardon for I'm unable to list out the names that might run into pages. It only goes to show how much Srikanth is loved by all."
“ Jayanth, Hema, Chaya and Sheela...from the US make innumerable calls everyday and have been offering special prayers for Srikanth's speedy recovery.” (Jayanth is Srikanth's younger Brother!)
"The doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff left no stone unturned in providing the best treatment for Srikanth."
As I began exchanging messages with Shanti I realised there is much more:
"As you now know, Srikanth went straight to the ICU on Saturday night. He was shifted to the ward on Tuesday morning. We delivered his phone to him, and I gave my swab for testing. He was on O2 support thru nasal prongs. Till mid morning Sunday, he seemed to be on the path to recovery though the dependence on O2 continued."
"On 5 July Sunday the docs found that his saturation was dropping. So they moved him back to the ICU and gave highflow O2. Docs contemplated giving Remdesivir but his liver function test revealed his values were on the borderline. Anyway, they chose take the risk and administered it. He had gone into what is called a cytokine storm when the virus attacks the whole body. It takes up to 48 hrs to know response to this medication. On Monday he was given a shot of a monoclonal antibody, repeated on Tuesday. Remdesivir, I think, will go on till tomorrow."
"But today, 8 july, the doc said he has stabilised at the current level and concentration of O2 though it's highflow. All his parameters have normalised. Now he needs to sleep in prone position, on his belly, on order for his lungs to receive more O2. The doctors admired his attitude, determination to fight. We're continuing our prayers and believe that the Almighty will pull him out of this crisis."
"It has been very stressful for all of us, as we lose hope one moment, collect ourselves another , laying our trust in God and feel better."
"Hope I have not stressed you out with all these details. Since you said you are putting it on a blog, info has to be near complete for it to sound educative. I'm not a doc, I can't give complete info on the many medical issues of his treatment."
The narrative also illustrates wonderfully well that Shanthi, a retired principal of a well known school in Bangalore, is a bold and a calm person and a responsible Citizen! Her concern for all probable contacts and neighbours is highly commendable. Mercifully both she and Shruthi have tested negative. Shruthi is able to get back to work and to her home. Her two kids were missing their mother all through these testing times! For me, Srikanth is an 'younger brother', and it is tough to think of his struggle the last so many days coping and fighting this dreadful virus. The most unlikely person to get covid positive!
I met Srikanth after a gap of many years and I felt proud to learn that he retired as an Executive director at Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. Very creditable. He has pursued many hobbies including music since his retirement, which brought us closer! He is also a person who goes about helping people in his own quiet way.
It is difficult to imagine all that Shanthi and her family have faced. It is poignant to note that no one is allowed into the hospital ward. Luckily they are able to make video calls through WhatsApp. Shanthi also made a list of do's for her friends and family which is shared below:
A recap ...may nobody need these:
1. Vit C, D and Zinc supplements
2. ORS/ lemon juice/ water / soup
3. 3-4 masks, alcohol based sanitizer...if at home nothing like soap and water
4. Plain paracetamol for mild fever, Dolo if it keeps rising...3-4 tabs a day
5. Montek LC tabs...one tab taken only at night after dinner
6. A cough syrup
7. Azithromycin tabs
8. PULSE OXIMETER- SPO2 shd be 90-100, from experience , keep watch for falling levels below 95/94. By 90, better to take medical advice to prevent further fall
9. Steam inhalation 3-4 times a day...can add tulsi , turmeric, pepper, doddapatre soppu
if using a vessel.
10. Kashaya...everyone knows how to make it...use ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, tulsi. Even hot water infused with these gives relief.
11. Warm water gargling with a pinch of salt...don't add too much salt, throat goes dry. My music teacher ( Narayan's mother) wld always warn me against use of too much salt.
12. Right from onset of cold , cough, fever, even symptoms...start wearing mask at home, isolate. Others at home also to wear mask while serving food, giving medicines, etc
13. Keep record of temp/ Oxygen saturation levels ( SPO2)
14. Hydrate adequately and wash hands regularly. We also need to train ourselves consciously and intensely to refrain from touching our face.
15. KEEP CALM...each of us has to be responsible for ourselves and control our own mind, brain, heart,... whatever it takes. My pulse had gone beyond 100 , then I say down after shifting S to hsptl, switched off all lights, reprimanded myself and took control of myself.
If anyone can use a neti pot to cleanse your nasal passage, do so. They say it's helpful.
The recap is about what one needs to do to prevent the onset of Covid or handle mild fever at home. I'm sure you are aware of all of it.
Around last week of June I called him to chat and asked how he was? His reply caused me a lot of concern. He was on his way to a hospital for a check up as he was not feeling well. I wished him well and asked him to tell me how the tests went. He later sent me a message that his chest X-ray was clear and he had some infection and should be alright in a week. It was a relief! A few days later my sister Srilatha called him for some reason and found that he was was in a hospital. He had been just moved to a room from the ICU on 29th June. Tests had shown he was Covid 19 positive.
It was a shock and I messaged his wife Shanthi immediately and spoke to her to know more about how it all transpired. Believing what she and her family are going through is very important to share, I asked her if she could tell us in detail how it was for them during such a crisis. She agreed and what follows are in her own words:
"Srikanth complained of uneasiness on 19th June, Friday, after returning from his Veda class. Feeling he was catching a cold, took a dolo and had some kashaya and felt OK. Next morning, he performed his normal routines of yoga, pranayama and cycling. However he felt uneasy that evening and this uneasy feeling was there every evening! On Monday, Shruthi (their daughter, a doctor!) suggested he take Montek LC tablet and cough syrup along with Dolo."
"Feeling better he went back to his routine of yoga etc the next day. I checked his temp, it was 99.2. He had a normal lunch and took a Dolo. Shruthi, not wanting to take chances added Azithromycin for the night. Next morning the situation changed, his fever kept rising. Dolo would give him relief for about 4 hrs, but then temperature went up to 103.2. He increased dosage of Dolo to 4 tabs a day. I also gave him cold packs now and then."
" On Thursday, 25th, we decided to get his tests done for Covid, malaria and typhoid. Shruthi contacted a person who promised to collect the swab at home as we were reluctant to go out. But at 8 pm he called to regret, as home collection was stopped. We consulted our physician, Dr Suraj who advised us to go to Mallige Hospital as both Jain or Ramaiah hospitals were running full."
"Shruthi drove Srikanth on 26 Friday morning to Mallige hospital for the tests. His X Ray was clear and oxygen saturation at 97 was normal. On his return, he developed a slight cough . He thought perhaps it was due to the N95 mask he wore for the visit. By evening we got the result for Malaria, he had tested negative. Our doctor waited for other results before prescribing antibiotics. Srikanth meanwhile took Dolo to control the fever. Next morning, we learnt that the typhoid test was also negative . The cough had increased but he was still able to take deep breaths in the morning. However, by evening, he felt breathless."
" I called Shruti and asked her to get an Oximeter when she came to deliver fruit and veggies. The meter showed that SPO2 had come down to 86-87. Immediately, Shruthi tried thru her contacts to get his Covid result, which was due only on Sunday. It turned out be positive. We immediately decided to admit him to a hospital fearing a further decrease in the SPO2."
"Our nightmare began from then on. Shruthi, Shyamal, Sanki and JP (Daughters' and their husbands) started calling hospitals, looking for beds and ambulances. Some of their friends also joined in the search. They drew a blank from Everywhere. Dr Suraj tried and was unable to help. Providentially, at that time, my brother made his customary call to find out how Srikanth is. I updated him on the latest development and the need to go to a hospital. He immediately contacted his wife's nephew, Dr Achinth, a neurologist at Aster RV Hospital, JP Nagar and sought his help. Dr. Achint finally called his CEO who assured him of a bed. No ambulances were available and 108 said their drivers' weren't calling back! Ambulances were completely busy ferrying patients. Even private ambulances weren't free."
"Finally, Shruthi decided that she and Srikanth would don PPE kits and she would drive him to the hospital. It was a huge challenge as driving, wearing a kit is not easy for the first time. Difficult to find the clutch and brake and the lack of a peripheral view! To top it all, ferrying one's parent on Bangalore roads needs tremendous presence of mind. Hats off to Shruthi for taking on all these roles."
"She reached JP Nagar in 20 mins. Meanwhile Srikanth's oxygen saturation had improved! And the hospital asked her to take him back home! She protested and pleaded with them to keep him for at least for 2 days as he's a heart patient and promised to take him home after 2 days if he remained stable. He was taken to the Covid ICU straightaway!"
This part of her narrative is very impressive! Shanthi with all the tensions she was going through, she had the heart to think about others who might have been affected and took action!
"Meanwhile , we listed the places we had visited in the last 16-17 days. The next morning, I stopped milk and newspaper delivery, informed our new neighbor not to use the gate on our side of the lane and started calling / messaging people to inform and enquire. We did contact tracing down to zero. To our relief everyone was fine. Where and how did the virus catch Srikanth is a mystery. Since I was the primary caregiver and Shruthi, a primary contact, we quarantined ourselves, me downstairs and she upstairs. She informed the BBMP, who kept calling her on Saturday night (night of admission) for details of the patient. No one came, the house wasn't sealed but we took all the care that were needed. It is probably because Shruthi said she's a doc, they must've felt confident that we would follow all protocols assiduously.'"
"I shared my experiences with my friends! They said there was a world of difference between what they hear or read and the ground reality. It's divine intervention in the form of Achinth and Shruthi that took Srikanth to one of the best facilities. Not to belittle Sanki's efforts as she tried calling 50+ hospitals in vain and took charge of all the documentation the hospital required which she completed by 1.30 am Sunday. Shyamal and JP have been giving rock support to us. My brother and sister-in-law have been by our side through and through. I feel extremely grateful for the sincere prayers of Shyamal and JP's parents, my mother and all our dear relatives and friends. I beg your pardon for I'm unable to list out the names that might run into pages. It only goes to show how much Srikanth is loved by all."
“ Jayanth, Hema, Chaya and Sheela...from the US make innumerable calls everyday and have been offering special prayers for Srikanth's speedy recovery.” (Jayanth is Srikanth's younger Brother!)
"The doctors, nurses, and other supporting staff left no stone unturned in providing the best treatment for Srikanth."
As I began exchanging messages with Shanti I realised there is much more:
"As you now know, Srikanth went straight to the ICU on Saturday night. He was shifted to the ward on Tuesday morning. We delivered his phone to him, and I gave my swab for testing. He was on O2 support thru nasal prongs. Till mid morning Sunday, he seemed to be on the path to recovery though the dependence on O2 continued."
"On 5 July Sunday the docs found that his saturation was dropping. So they moved him back to the ICU and gave highflow O2. Docs contemplated giving Remdesivir but his liver function test revealed his values were on the borderline. Anyway, they chose take the risk and administered it. He had gone into what is called a cytokine storm when the virus attacks the whole body. It takes up to 48 hrs to know response to this medication. On Monday he was given a shot of a monoclonal antibody, repeated on Tuesday. Remdesivir, I think, will go on till tomorrow."
"But today, 8 july, the doc said he has stabilised at the current level and concentration of O2 though it's highflow. All his parameters have normalised. Now he needs to sleep in prone position, on his belly, on order for his lungs to receive more O2. The doctors admired his attitude, determination to fight. We're continuing our prayers and believe that the Almighty will pull him out of this crisis."
"It has been very stressful for all of us, as we lose hope one moment, collect ourselves another , laying our trust in God and feel better."
"Hope I have not stressed you out with all these details. Since you said you are putting it on a blog, info has to be near complete for it to sound educative. I'm not a doc, I can't give complete info on the many medical issues of his treatment."
The narrative also illustrates wonderfully well that Shanthi, a retired principal of a well known school in Bangalore, is a bold and a calm person and a responsible Citizen! Her concern for all probable contacts and neighbours is highly commendable. Mercifully both she and Shruthi have tested negative. Shruthi is able to get back to work and to her home. Her two kids were missing their mother all through these testing times! For me, Srikanth is an 'younger brother', and it is tough to think of his struggle the last so many days coping and fighting this dreadful virus. The most unlikely person to get covid positive!
I met Srikanth after a gap of many years and I felt proud to learn that he retired as an Executive director at Karnataka Power Corporation Ltd. Very creditable. He has pursued many hobbies including music since his retirement, which brought us closer! He is also a person who goes about helping people in his own quiet way.
It is difficult to imagine all that Shanthi and her family have faced. It is poignant to note that no one is allowed into the hospital ward. Luckily they are able to make video calls through WhatsApp. Shanthi also made a list of do's for her friends and family which is shared below:
A recap ...may nobody need these:
1. Vit C, D and Zinc supplements
2. ORS/ lemon juice/ water / soup
3. 3-4 masks, alcohol based sanitizer...if at home nothing like soap and water
4. Plain paracetamol for mild fever, Dolo if it keeps rising...3-4 tabs a day
5. Montek LC tabs...one tab taken only at night after dinner
6. A cough syrup
7. Azithromycin tabs
8. PULSE OXIMETER- SPO2 shd be 90-100, from experience , keep watch for falling levels below 95/94. By 90, better to take medical advice to prevent further fall
9. Steam inhalation 3-4 times a day...can add tulsi , turmeric, pepper, doddapatre soppu
if using a vessel.
10. Kashaya...everyone knows how to make it...use ginger, pepper, cinnamon, cloves, tulsi. Even hot water infused with these gives relief.
11. Warm water gargling with a pinch of salt...don't add too much salt, throat goes dry. My music teacher ( Narayan's mother) wld always warn me against use of too much salt.
12. Right from onset of cold , cough, fever, even symptoms...start wearing mask at home, isolate. Others at home also to wear mask while serving food, giving medicines, etc
13. Keep record of temp/ Oxygen saturation levels ( SPO2)
14. Hydrate adequately and wash hands regularly. We also need to train ourselves consciously and intensely to refrain from touching our face.
15. KEEP CALM...each of us has to be responsible for ourselves and control our own mind, brain, heart,... whatever it takes. My pulse had gone beyond 100 , then I say down after shifting S to hsptl, switched off all lights, reprimanded myself and took control of myself.
If anyone can use a neti pot to cleanse your nasal passage, do so. They say it's helpful.
The recap is about what one needs to do to prevent the onset of Covid or handle mild fever at home. I'm sure you are aware of all of it.
Comments
Good wishes to Shanti and family.
N.N. Sachitanand was hoping that there was a better system to book hospital beds.
"A very absorbing account. The hunt for a hospital has now become a common refrain with the rapid rise in cases in Bangalore. High time the state government centralizes the data on current availability of beds in all the city hospitals and creates a single number which one can call for getting firm allotment of bed and ambulance for a critical patient.
Very fortunate that the old couple had their daughter in town, a doctor to boot, who could provide immediate crucial assistance. Wonder how couples like us with all children abroad will cope if hit by the virus.
I would like advice on the following :
Is regular steam inhalation useful even if one has no symptoms ?
Is it useful to self-administer oxygen from cans if the oxygen saturation level starts going below 90 ?
How useful are home quarantine services offered by organizations like Nightingales ?
Wish full recovery to Srikant."
Ananad Kumar cautioned:"Very useful and informative articulation of the events. I have one suggestion. In the list of precautions/stocking of medications, Azithromycin is mentioned. Please do not take Azithromycin if you have any cardiac issues. It should be administered only by a physician/cardiologist"
Shanthi
Frankly I was under the impression that yoga and pranayama and exercise are positive protectors from the virus. This has been proved insufficient.
The tension you have endured and gone through is terrible. You are lucky to have a doctor daughter with you for medical and psychological support. In addition you have the support and good wishes of so many friends and relatives, SK has got to be back early.
Your friend has beautifully summarized the care giving nature of Shanthi not just for her husband but for every one around.
"The narrative also illustrates wonderfully well that Shanthi, a retired principal of a well known school in Bangalore, is a bold and a calm person and a responsible Citizen! Her concern for all probable contacts and neighbours is highly commendable."
I have a question to ask. At what stage did SK loose sense of smell and taste. Can it form a early warning self test.
My prayers with SK for early return to normal life.
Please do tell your friend that we were very moved by her account. Loved the tone - the simplicity and directness of it. Also the information and practical advice given was very helpful.
We wish and pray that Shrikanth ji recovers speedily and is back home very soon. Kudos to Shanthi ji and their daughter for keeping their calm throughout and meeting the crisis with fortitude. Best wishes to the family!
From
Sunaad Group wherein Tara is active!