Corona Times 2020 ....32. Srikanth recalls his battle against the Covid 19!

I had blogged about Srikanth, who is like my younger brother, on July 8, 2020. In fact, his wife Shanthi wrote it for me.

https://nidhibengaluru.blogspot.com/2020/07/covid-times-2020-24-when-someone-close.html

Mercifully, Srikanth has recovered and is at home! I asked Srikanth whether he was up to it to recount  for us how he had to cope with it all alone! Though he was permitted to use the phone, it wasn’t anywhere near the comfort of your near and dear  holding your hands and literally be there for you.

 A bit more  about  Srikanth :

He began his career with KPCL and retired as Executive Director after completing 34.5 years of illustrious service. He was involved in the operation and commissioning of 210 MW  Units aYt the Raichur Thermal Power Station ( RTPS), a challenging and interesting experience. 

After retirement, he spent time practicing music, counseling and became 'the man to go’  for family and friends needing help, support and advice.

Shanthi began as a teacher after her Masters and Teaching degrees and in time joined th Kippy e newly established Royal School at Jayanagar in Bangalore as its Principal. The school started with 12 children and grew to nearly 250 students with classes right up to SSLC.  She retired in 2002 and continued to be active as a part time trainer of Communicative English at Valuepoint Academy and editor of school books with Subhash Publishers till the year 2018.

For the last two years, both have been busy travelling, visiting family, sight seeing and going on  pilgrimages.

Coming to Srikanth’s battle with Covid 19, it was a hard fought battle. He is truly thankful to the doctors and staff of the RV Aster Hospital and is highly appreciative of his family and friends for their prayers, support and encouragement. I would add that the prayers of 1000+ who read the blog and many more who heard about his struggle would surely have helped in pulling him through.

In fact, there are distinct stages or scenes if you will!  Srikanth returned from his class on the Vedas, and complained of a mild cold, cough. A routine event, he thought,  but one which was to take a serious turn. The next scene is all about waiting at a nearby hospital for getting tested, As Srikanth recalls, every test was negative except the last one – the Covid 19 test which declared him Positive.

The frantic search for a hospital bed, which should have been easy, became a nightmare for the family, with his daughters and sons-in-law making innumerable calls without any luck. It’s almost a miracle that they found one at RV Aster Hospital, thanks to Dr Achint.  Then came another shocker- there was no ambulance to shift Srikanth to hospital.

The drive was full of tension. Shruthi sensibly opted to don a PPE kit, which made it hard for her to drive. Srikanth also had the presence of mind to look for landmarks to guide Shruthi to the hospital. One can commend Shruthi for choosing to go directly to the ICU to get the required medical aid. When the attending doctor asked her to take Srikanth back home after finding his oxygen levels normal, she refused on instinct. Lucky that she is a doctor and knew her patient well! She was thus able to convince the ICU doctor to keep him for a couple of days for observation.

 From here on, it is all Srikanth. His experience in the hospital was a roller coaster ride, only scarier. At first he thought he would be out in a week. In fact, he was even convinced that he would make it! Luckily, he pulled through, but it took almost 40 long uncertain days for him to go home! Let’s read what he has to say:

My Experience at Aster

“I was admitted on the night of 27 June 2020, a Saturday. It all began at 5 pm and in no way did I imagine that I would land in hospital by night. It was a rude shock when I had tested Covid Positive and  a ruder one at hospital when I was told  that no family member would be allowed to see or visit me. I had to accept it and my focus was now only on getting cured of my fever. The first night in the ICU was a bad experience with bright lights on, constant movement of people and patients yelling  and moaning in pain and discomfort. By the next morning, I had settled down and things seemed to be going good. On Monday night around 9.30pm, I was shifted to the ward but continued on 1-2 liters of supplemental oxygen. Thinking I had recovered, I was sure to be discharged in a day or two. I had no complaints regarding the food which was just Khichdi for meals, though I missed curds. Breakfast , soups and other drinks were quite tasty.” 

“However, the attending doctor told me the next day that protocol demanded  I stay in hospital for 7 or 10 days following which the test would be repeated and if  it was negative, I would go home. On 5 July, while watching TV and feeling all was well, I was suddenly told  that I was being shifted to the ICU. My oxygen levels had started falling. After a few blood tests among which my liver function test values were  found to be borderline, the doctors decided to start me on Remdesivir injections in the evening. Of course, they explained the situation to my family, took their concurrence and went ahead. Later, we came to know that there had been a shortage of this medicine in Bangalore on that day. Thanks to CMI Aster Hospital on Airport Road that I  got the injection well in time.”

“Rigorous treatment followed. Medicines given were strong dose of antibiotics, HCQ, Steroids  (Prednisone or may be Dexamethasone), Blood thinners, Remdesivir ( an antiviral drug), Tocilizumab   ( a monoclonal antibody that helps the body immune system to  battle the invading cytokine storm), Lasix to drain fluids in the lungs, Vitamin C, D and Zinc supplements, cough and Potassium syrup when required. I was put on high flow oxygen support through a full face mask which was painful as it had to be on for long hours. With all this happening, my mind started wandering and I wondered if things were getting serious, I which case it was going to be a long haul at hospital.”

“I fell back on my only strength –my belief in God and prayers to Him.  I chanted Gayathri and Mahamruthyunjaya mantras through  day and night. I felt I may not go home and was getting mentally prepared for a peaceful death on one hand. On the other, I was confident and hopeful of turning the corner. In fact, Shruthi told me that the doctors were very happy with my attitude and cooperation. I tried to put on a brave front but couldn’t control myself sometimes and I would breakdown. An attending nurse consoled me once saying an 80 year old man had gone home cured of Covid; why was I feeling hopeless?”

The next 12 days went by with Srikanth being in the ICU and constantly under the full face mask on 10-12 litres of high-flow oxygen. All that needed to be done medically had been done and dusted. Let’s read on to know what he says further.  

“Things seemed to be settling down with my oxygen requirement decreased slightly.  My condition had plateaued; there was no improvement or deterioration. The doctors looked toward improvement, naturally. However, on 17 July, there was another setback. I suddenly developed uncontrolled shivers and acute breathlessness.  Feeling depressed and thinking my end would come in 15 minutes, I called Shanthi and told her there is an emergency and that I would be able to call her only the next day, if at all. I was immediately  given increased high flow oxygen, medicines and  thus revived. In fact, in the morning I had disconnected the oxygen and even gone to the toilet with the help of a nurse. I had begun feeling I was getting normal. However, things had gone berserk. Thanks to the alert staff and their treatment,  I felt ok by afternoon and by evening, even better. They had put me on Lasix and the fluids had drained well, so I felt lighter and more comfortable. My breathing was definitely better.  Effectively, it was a rebirth. “

“By now I had completed 200 hrs of wearing the full face oxygen mask. The next day I felt normal and explained the whole episode to Shanthi in a low, weak voice. The staff objected to my using the mobile. Through the day I wondered why I was going through this ordeal.  Had I hurt my parents, my brother and his wife, Shanthi and the children? I begged God to forgive me.  I felt sad that I had not been able to stay  with my family for 10 long years due to my  job posting at Shakthinagar.  I had not seen my children grow up for I had been a visiting father. Shanthi had been father and mother to them. I also recalled some harsh decisions that I had taken at work. Trying to divert myself from this train of thought and calm down, I started reading the Vishnusahasranama when a ward boy came in and asked me, “ Where is  your God when you’re suffering so much?” I said, “Right now, you are my God as you’re helping me out so much.”  He turned and left without any reaction.”

To continue the story, Srikanth was moved from the ICU to a High Dependence Unit (HDU) on 20 July. He was given oxygen through an ordinary mask, a big relief. On 23 July he was moved to the ward. Two patients who were there were soon discharged and he was alone in the 5-bed ward. Later two more joined after two days.  On 24 July a HRCT  (High Resolution CT scan) was done. He was tired after that as he had had no food or drink till 5 pm. 

Srikanth continues:

“Well, the doctors tried periodically to reduce the quantity / rate of oxygen I was receiving. My saturation dropped drastically  as I was still not prepared for reduced oxygen. So they continued at 6-8 litres. I felt good when I was shifted to the HDU, a step down from the ICU and a step away from the ward. I don’t know how but I drew my own inference that I was going to be put on dialysis. I started worrying again but later found it was for another patient. I was now eager to go to the ward which I finally did on 23 July evening. My oxygen requirement had come down and I was able to hold my saturation at 2-4 litres per minute. In fact, the doctors and nurses in preparation for my discharge encouraged me to disconnect the oxygen for some time and walk in the corridor. I felt happy trying it out and did succeed in taking short walks. This gave me immense confidence. Late night on Monday, 27 July, my swab samples were collected– a negative result is needed to be discharged from hospital. I was told on Wednesday, 29 July morning that I would be discharged by evening. I waited till 6.30 pm and was informed that the same is postponed due to results coming out Positive. This was devastating. I called my wife, guru Sri Sivaram Shastry and my friend Raghuveer. I started feeling scared that my end now is imminent.  My guru consoled me and asked me to be courageous and I would be alright in two days.  I called Shanthi and told her I would not like to talk to anyone. I went into silence.  Gradually, I accepted the result and told myself I must surrender to God’s will. My tolerance was on test. “

“Days went by. My swab samples were again collected early on Saturday, 1 Aug morning. The attendant nurse asked me not to worry and assured that the result would surely be negative – she had heard of such cases. I was eagerly waiting for the results on Sunday, Aug 2. Results came in the afternoon and they informed me that I had tested Negative. I folded my hands in respect to all the nurses. I felt as if I had unloaded a huge rock from my head. I was now confident that I would be discharged the next day and that I will see my family at last after nearly 40 days. I prayed and thanked God for His immense help and blessings in curing me of the terrible Corona virus. 

 Dr Shivaraj came on 3 Aug morning and decided to discharge me by evening on two conditions: I must go home in an ambulance fitted with oxygen and continue to take oxygen at home. Shruthi had come to the hospital around 6.30 pm and cleared the formalities by 7.30 pm. I got the discharge slip at 7.45 pm and left the ward on the Third Floor with a kit containing books and medicines. All the nurses were busy  distributing dinner.   However, one of them helped me to reach the ground floor by lift.  I could not say good bye to the other nurses and ward staff.”  

“Ambulance Driver Mushtaq was waiting. Thinking I was fit enough, I tried to board the ambulance but  I  had no strength to even lift my leg.  With Mushtaq’s help, I got in and lay down with 2 ltrs of oxygen connected.  As he did not know the route to our house, I got up near Chalukya circle and guided him.  We couldn’t enter our lane as cables were hanging low. I walked the small stretch and reached home.  Shruthi also joined me soon. After Shanthi did the arathi, I entered home with folded hands and directly went to bathe. I then went to the pooja room.  I was beside myself as I thanked God profusely for bringing me back home to my family after nearly 40 days of hospitalization.  Shanthi had prepared a simple  dinner of badam kheer, rasam, rice and a palya. It was heavenly! I spoke to Shruthi and Shanthi for some time and called it a day. What a relief it was to be home, eat home food and sleep on my bed in my room!  I connected myself to the oxygen cylinder before going to sleep and quarantined myself for the next 14 days as per doctors’ advice. “

“I woke up early the next day.  It was now time to count my blessings. I could walk and go to the toilet on my own. I started getting back my sense of taste and smell. I had no complaints about the hospital food but I started relishing my meals better.  I could spend time watching the TV, reading the newspaper and listening to my favourite early morning radio programmes and  Vividh Bharathi in the afternoons and at nights. I was lucky to watch the foundation laying ceremony at Ayodhya on 5 August 2020. After a few days, I could do my pooja to a small extent sitting on a chair in my room.  Shanthi and I ate together after a long time though I would sit in the room and she, 10 ft away in the verandah. We continued to wear masks at home . Shruthi would join us at night after dinner. She wanted to be with us helping us to settle down. In about 3-4 days, I switched over from the cylinder to the oxygen concentrator; Prasan and Dr Vandana , my brother in law and his wife had very kindly lent it to me. I continued to be on 2-3 litres of oxygen. I had to monitor my saturation levels before and after every activity, such as going to the toilet, brushing teeth, bathing, walking inside the house. Every small activity put a strain on me. I had to ensure that at no point the oxygen saturation level dropped below 94. If it did, I had to take oxygen immediately.”

“My medications continued. I had to take Clexane injections for a week, repeat certain blood tests        (D dimer, CRP, CBC, Renal Profile and Electrolytes), and report to the doctor through a video consultation call.  My diet and medications were balanced depending on the blood test reports. Shanthi took care of my diet, including fresh fruit, vegetables, soups, Protinex or Ensure apart from the staples. She monitored my temperature, pulse and oxygen saturation levels through the day and maintained a record. We noticed that sometimes my pulse rate was shooting up and were told that it is ok as it would settle in due course.  She would keep my bath water and change of clothes ready and I was able to bathe independently. However, I found it tiring and I had to take oxygen immediately as my saturation level would drop to 92-94. I found that at other times -  mid morning, afternoon, evening and night – proning  (lying down on the belly with a pillow at the chest) would help me get my saturation levels to normal.  Gradually I increased my walking time though I was still confined indoors.”

 “After about a fortnight, I ventured outside and started walking in our lane, first in the mornings and   added evening walks too as I gained strength. Dr Achint advised me to sit in the sun and try climbing 2-3 stairs every day. Meanwhile, Shanthi started helping me to do some exercises such as leg raising, twisting at the waist, etc to regain my stamina and flexibility. By the end of August, I was able to walk up to 30 minutes morning and evening. I had earlier added pranayama to my regimen and continued to practise proning for 5-6 hours daily. One day I decided to climb more than 3-4 steps and found I could climb 10 and come down immediately without losing breath or feeling tired. That gave me immense confidence and from the next day, I started climbing the entire flight of 18 steps, sit upstairs for some time and pray,  then come down for dinner. Sometimes it pained me that I had to relearn  practically everything that I had taken for granted all  my life. It is only acceptance that has been helping me to move on day after day.  Soon I was able to squat down and do my pooja.  My  sleep pattern improved by the day. One evening, I drove my car and scooter up and down in our lane – this brought a smile as I felt I’m surely moving towards normal. I have been making conscious efforts at maintaining a busy and disciplined schedule. For the past 10 days, I am completely off supportive oxygen.  I am sure the Almighty has been guiding me and thus my inner strength is intact. “    

“It goes without saying that it has been a long fought battle during which I have had the support, love and affection of innumerable people.  Dr Jayanth and Dr Hema, my brother and sister in law who live in the US monitored my treatment and health status at hospital and continue to do so even today. They used to discuss with Shruthi on a daily basis and were very happy with the treatment administered at Aster.   Prasan and Dr Vandana  along with my mother in law gave immense support to Shanthi, Shruthi and Sankalpa. Shruthi and Sanki took turns to stay with Shanthi. Both Shyamal and JP, my sons in law stood by us like rocks. Their parents were very forthcoming and prayed for us relentlessly. We are really blessed to have such a wonderful family.”

“ Dr Achint’s help, support and concern have been invaluable as he not only got the hospital bed but monitored my condition on a day to day basis, discussed with Shruthi  and gave her and Shanthi a lot of courage. He continues to do so.  I am deeply indebted to him. “ 

“My sincere thanks to all the doctors, male and female nurses and others at ICU, HDU and the ward at third floor. They did yeomen service in taking care of me for nearly 40 days. As you have read, it is not a joke to fight this disease all alone against all odds. Thanks to the kitchen staff for giving me sumptuous and healthy food. I pray to the Almighty to give all of them the best of health and stamina to take care of patients. Their service remains unparalleled.” 

“I have no words to express my gratitude to my relatives, cousins, nephews, nieces, friends and many unknown people who have prayed for me and my family.  My cousins Sheela and Srinath, and a few of Shanthi’s friends performed special poojas for  my speedy recovery. After getting home, I spoke to all of them and thanked them personally. THIS CORONA SHOULD END WITH ME. NOBODY SHOULD GET IT. THAT IS MY SINCERE PRAYER."

Srikanth and I worked together to write the blog. 

Thanks to Shanthi for editing  and rewriting a bit to make the narrative flow!

Srikanth's quarters at Raichur Thermal Power staion
Where he stayed mostly alone for 10 years!

The Raichur Thermal Power installation from a distance. 

Meandering Kali river as seen from Sykes point.

With a wish that their life gets back to Normal including travel!