Onam at my sister's place went off well but I was tired. I drove the car a short distance before the driver took over. By the time we were in Kochi I was feeling feverish. A day later the Hyderabad episode repeated. My asthma and wheezing also acted up with cough.Then I realised something was really wrong. I phoned my cousin Pushpa in Aster who asked me to come to the hospital.
When pushpa told me that you are going directly to ICU it was a shock to me. I had a high fever and cough.I didn't realise I was seriously sick...I was...a portion of my lungs was not functioning and I had pneumonia.Added to that the muscles weakness.
It was my first experience with the ICU and I dreaded it. When I was wheeled in, all my direct access to outside world was restricted. I was conscious and wanted to function as well as I can. But that's when the firm hands of professional and well trained nursing staff came to play..
Be in bed... everything will come to you...if you need anything press the call button and we will reach you immediately..and it worked... within few seconds some one was at your bed side. My first objection was use of urine can..no way..you cannot go to the toilet. I had no other choice; then it was ok.the next problem was potty. They don't use diapers for patients like me.I initially held on. Then one of the PCA put it in the right perspective...potty is your private toilet..I had to concede. He cleaned me up with toilet paper; for a guy who travelled through Europe several times with a mug for water to use in the toilet ( since I hated toilet paper) it was the ultimate. I had to accept it..he did a good job.
They wake u up at 5 in the morning for a body wipe and the schedule starts.. medicines....
Tests.. i survived all that and also the food. I must thank the nursing staff.. professional and available on call. I have to point out one..she was professional and compassionate.she comes from a family with her brother an engineer and her younger sister doing engineering. She also joined for engineering but left it when she got admission for nursing course.. with her attitude it looks she made the right choice..
They even hooked up a TV for me..
When I was moved to the normal room I missed the attention I got in the ICU..
I stayed there a couple of days and then came home. I was still tired and weak. Spent most of the time in bed. Investigations and tests including muscle biopsy were on.
That's when I started to hear new names ... granuloma, sarcoidosis, myositis... I could have a disease which does not have any cure but not life threatening. I have to be on steroids and if needed immunosuppressents. It could be auto immune... anyway doctors are discussing the best course.
The day home from hospital I was reading the portion for the day in Streams in the desert...the opening sentence ..Have no fear..I am with you always...these words keeps me optimistic...yes...if God is with you why fear? In all my life ...in all crises these words helped and I have believed in somebody up there who will take you under His wings always,in bad times and good times.
