EVERYBODY has a story to tell. I asked some of my women friends and cousin who serve as healthcare professionals abroad about their COVID-19 stories.
I will start with my high school classmate, Dr. Aurora Madanguit, Physician / Hospitalist, Spectrum Health Lakeland, Michigan, USA.
She says, “My experience is a combination of fear for what we don’t know; possible lack of proper PPE which we are starting to experience; of being deployed to help other facilities; and most of all, fearful that our relatives will catch the disease.
Moreover, of anxiety and paranoia as we worry about not cleaning and sterilizing our work areas enough; possible break in my sterile technique in a room hosting a COVID-19 positive patient; that I might bring the virus inside my car and into my household.
Feeling depressed because I have not seen my mother in person nor hug or hang out with her in over 6 weeks because of strict household quarantine. I have to forego my normal routine – I am unable to hug friends at work; wear gloves and mask when I go to the bank; and eat crappy because I am unable to eat my mom’s prepared meals.
I can feel fatigue because of the extra effort I exert to assure myself that I am not followed by this virus everywhere.
In my house alone, I have to wear a set of flip-flops in different areas; mop the floors several times; clean the car thoroughly; and worse, double-sanitize washing my clothes every 2 days and ironing all of them for additional heat.
With all these protocols, my motto is: KILL COVID”.
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Joy, COVID ICU Nurse, USA, says, “COVID-19 is reversible. We have patients that come in, get examined, treated, and then go home. Those who have preexisting illnesses are the ones susceptible to complications. This is the vulnerable sector. However, for as long as one is healthy and with strong immune system, one can overcome. We see it in our patients who recovered.
Personally, when I enter a room that accommodates a COVID-19 positive patient, I can detect the strength of the virus. Even with complete PPE, I can sense the viciousness of the disease.
Presently, everything is on study-trial medication and -treatment because there is no confirmed treatment and vaccine yet. But so far, we have more recovered patients than expired.
We are fortunate because our medical center has state-of-the-art equipment that even if patients face imminent death, they can be resuscitated via medicines and devices”.
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Judy Pizarras-Garcia, Staff Nurse-Float Pool, VA Medical Center, shares, “As a front liner, you are concerned that you might get the virus yourself and pass it on to your loved ones, no matter how careful you are each time you take care of your patients.
However, the thought that God is in control gives me comfort. I trust that the same God who has numbered every hair on our head will provide us with perfect peace as we trust in His unchanging love for us.
As a Federal government employee, I’m thankful to the government of the United States of America; to President Donald Trump; and Vice President Mike Pence for their all-out support to first responders”.
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Evelyn, BSN-RN, Merit Health River Region Medical Center, USA, conveys, “What I learned is that COVID-19 is real! This is not just a stronger version of the flu! The virus is highly contagious. That’s why people need to social distance and all.
People need to understand that they might not get sick from it but they can harbor the virus and infect vulnerable individuals – the ones with comorbidities like diabetes, hypertension, asthma, etc. – whom they come in contact with.
So people’s cooperation in fighting the spread of this disease is very important. People can really be the real heroes in this fight! If people really value their lives and their loved ones, and value what we – the health workers are doing, then they will listen to what their leaders are asking them to do. They will Stay Home, Stay Healthy, and in doing so – Save Lives!”
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FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Because thou hast made the Lord, which is my refuge, even the most High, thy habitation; There shall no evil befall thee, neither shall any plague come nigh thy dwelling. For he shall give his angels charge over thee, to keep thee in all thy ways. – Psalm 91: 9-11
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For comments, you may reach the writer at belca.87@gmail.com./PN
