The true trauma of contracting Covid-19 has been described today by a Bahraini and an expatriate who both survived a severe bout of the virus during the height of the pandemic.
Most people infected have mild symptoms and recover quickly but it is more likely to go deeper than viruses such as the common cold.
More than 340 people have died in Bahrain and many others have become extremely ill with inflamed lungs, making it difficult to breathe.
Mohsin Ahmed Mohsin, 26, underwent 20 days of treatment at three different hospitals as he fought Covid-19.
He lost 10 kilos in weight and recalls praying to God to help him.
Those prayers were answered thanks in part to the dedication of the nursing angels and determined doctors working on the frontline.
Mr Mohsin needed to be placed on a ventilator. He was admitted to hospital on September 3 after arriving breathless and in a ‘dazed state’ and described the mental turmoil was equally as bad as the physical pain.
“I had a terrible headache and pain all over my body,” he told the GDN.
“The Covid-19 test showed positive and I was then taken to the International Bahrain Hospital where I received medical treatment for seven days.
“I was then transferred to the BDF Hospital as my condition worsened and had to be put on a ventilator for four days because I had so much trouble breathing.
“I felt like my heart was coming out of my chest. I have never felt anything like it before.
“I read the Quran and it helped. I was not afraid but just felt mentally exhausted.”
He was later moved to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC) for further tests and rest.
“I had another three Covid-19 tests and they all came back positive,” he added.
“I started to have doubt whether the virus would ever leave my body and almost lost hope.
“I just couldn’t eat and lost 10 kilos in just those 20 days.
“The medics at all the hospitals helped me a lot and gave me the medication and care that I needed. I cannot thank them enough. They were always checking on me and dealt with me in a very professional way.”
Mr Mohsin was finally released from SMC and instructed to stay at home for an additional 10 days.
Indian C Prem Prakash, 50, said the frontline ‘angels’ in Bahrain saved his life when he battled Covid-19.
He described a ‘life or death experience’ after being rushed to the same hospital gasping for breath.
The 50-year-old businessman, who has lived in Bahrain for 22 years, believes only the swift intervention of medics saved him.
“What a terrible experience,” he said. “I only survived with the help of the medical teams.
“I would like to thank Bahrain’s government for all its pro-active measures and efforts to spread awareness of Covid-19. It’s important everyone follows the guidelines.”
He said that he started feeling ill on November 9.
“I had no strength at all, I felt like jelly,” he explained.
His wife was so concerned about his deteriorating health that she called for an ambulance. Covid-19 was identified and Mr Prakash was immediately given oxygen.
“The moment I reached the SMC, I was immediately transferred to a trauma room, attended by a pleasant personality who introduced himself as Dr Israr, accompanied by a team of angels who seemed to be working on me faster than the ‘seconds needle’ on a clock.”
High-flow oxygen treatment helped stabilise his condition and he was transferred as an emergency case to the BDF Hospital.
“I was told that my situation was critical and that I should co-operate fully,” he said. “If it wasn’t for the doctors and nurses I would not be here today.
“I had to have two injections every six hours in my stomach. I was told that this anti-coagulant would help prevent blood clotting.
“All the time I was praying to God to give me enough strength to overcome this situation.
“The medicine list was bigger than a restaurant menu card but it worked.”
After two Covid-19 negative results he was allowed to go home on November 17 to self-isolate for six days and has fully recovered.
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