Testing Positive - 1

 So, my greatest fear came true a few days ago. My parents who are both in their 70s tested positive. It began with a fever and cough, but we weren't too worried as we had taken paranoia to an extreme. We hadn't stepped out in 6 months. We had stopped the maids who helped us. (Thank God for the greatest invention of this century; the dish washer). We also left groceries in the car for a couple of days, before sanitizing and bringing them in. Even our contact with the outside world was limited to phone calls, whatsapp and Facebook. So it seemed unlikely that this was anything but the flu. We began antibiotics for my father who was ill first, and he felt better almost immediately. Then my mom got sick. Her fever was high, and her oxygen levels were fluctuating. So, at one point when I found it to be as low as 85, I immediately downloaded the "Apthamithra" app, and called the helpline. I was told I could call for an ambulance if the patient was displaying signs of being in distress. Otherwise I could wait for the call center to open. An hour later, a man who introduced himself as a doctor called to ask what the symptoms were. 

"Hmm, yeah. Okay", were his responses.

"What do we do", I asked more forcefully.

"I don't know. Ask your doctor cousin who is telling you what medicines to take," he said.

"Does she need to go for a test," I persisted.

"Sure. Get tested."

"Where?"

"Look on Google na", came his response. I had wasted a good twenty minutes talking to someone who had been of no help. So I hung up. 

Fortunately, the next day my mom was better. She steadily improved, and my father began getting a fever again off and on. We tracked their fever, and oxygen levels, and took medical advice from two of my cousins who are doctors.

My mother was okay on day three, but by then I began showing signs of getting sick. I took antibiotics as well, and recovered in 3 days. The kids who caught it from me also recovered immediately. My dad continued to get low grade fevers and nurse a bad cough. Then during the weekend, his fever spiked and his oxygen saturation levels dropped to 90. My cousin then said it was time to go tested. I woke up my sleeping parents at 2 in the morning, so they could be driven to Narayana Hrudhyalaya for the tests. My husband took them both, on what was a dangerous expedition. The Covid ward was full of patients; some waiting for beds. My parents sat far away, till someone came to test their oxygen levels. Then they had to endure what was a rather painful and uncomfortable nasal and throat swab.

They got back, sanitized, showered and settled for a nap, when the hospital called saying they hadn't recieved a proper sample. So my Dad needed to go again. I woke him up, handed him something to eat and sent him again. By the time he returned, he said he was feeling much better. We hoped and prayed the test would confirm our initial doubts. It just couldn't be Covid-19. We hadn't been in contact with anyone who was sick. It had to be the flu. 

So, when the report came hours later, I was stunned! I went through the motions of that first hour in zombie mode. I was terrified for my parents and my children. The husband wasted no time. He got on the phone immediately, to get a hospital room for my parents. It was by now quite clear my Dad needed oxygen. 

Calls were made and all hospitals declared they were full. Then a cousin approached her contacts and managed to them a room at the Baptist hospital. I couldn't have been happier. Unlike a lot of hospitals that wanted to see the lakhs first, this one seemed to have their morals intact. As per protocol, once the confirmation for the room arrived, an ambulance was called for. Still feigning much bravado, we smiled and waved to my parents who packed and left. The husband followed them in the car, to help sign consent forms and complete other joining formalities.

The ride to the hospital was long and tedious. By the time they got there, my Dad was visibly uncomfortable. He was wheeled into emergency for oxygen. Fortunately, he was much better after a few minutes of oxygen therapy. My parents were given a room together, and they were just happy not being separated.

The hospital has been good in terms of care and monitoring. The nurses are friendly and helpful, and the doctors are communicative and accessible. A million prayers are being said every day, thanks to the enormous support of friends and family. Despite the fact that getting that report had shattered my world, I've been seeing God's grace in everything since then. My mom is almost completely okay, but she is staying on as Dad's emotional rock. My father has congestion in the chest and he is being treated for it. It will clear, though it may take time. For now they are resting a lot, eating nutritious food and doing video calls with us.

Understandably, we needed to get tested too. We did. The children and I tested positive, while my husband didn't. Our CT values aren't too bad, so I am hoping we can be quarantined at home. Our symptoms are rather mild, and I hope we can tide this over at home. Anyway, the authorities will call tomorrow and a plan will have to be made. Now that's another post.