Exclusive: Dentist defeats Covid-19 with prayers and Panado
Dr Matthys Geldenhuys is now pathogen-free, bringing the number of recoveries in the province to nine.
DULLSTROOM – One of 23 persons to have tested positive for Covid-19 in Mpumalanga, agreed to talk to the newspaper about his experience.
Dr Matthys Geldenhuys, who was in quarantine on his farm in the Dullstroom area said that he is now pathogen-free.
“I was on a skiing trip to France where I contracted the virus. When I returned I started feeling ill and had myself tested in Pretoria. Since then, I voluntarily placed myself in self-isolation on the farm.
Geldenhuys, a dentist, said that since his diagnoses in March, the Mpumalanga Department of Health visited him regularly to conduct further tests on all, including workers on the farm. He said that he has nothing but praise for the way the department handled the situation.
“Being in the medical field myself I have to emphasise that they were very professional in their approach and how the situation was handled.”
Concerning the symptoms experienced, Geldenhuys said that he experienced severe headaches, muscle pain, loss of appetite and shortness of breath.
“I had no cough, no sore throat and no fever. I did, however, suffer the other symptoms. I have an oxygen test called a PO2 pulse oximeter used to test oxygen levels. Before the sickness, my levels were at 95 per cent. It dropped to 80 per cent during the illness. It feels as if you are standing on top of a high mountain where there is a decrease in air pressure. It affects your sleep and you are extremely tired. I can say that having Covid-19 is like having acute flu.”
He also said that the virus made him extremely sluggish and that he experienced nightmares at night. He was sick for five days.
“I treated myself with Panado. I took anti-inflammatory’s but experienced that it made me feel worse. I saw that these are not recommended for the treatment of the virus and I would advise not to use it.
Geldenhuys tested negative for the virus on April 16 at Belfast Hospital. “The hospital and its personnel are highly clued up. They know exactly what to do and how to handle the current situation.
“I am still on the farm and have reopened my practice for emergency dentistry as per regulation. I have experienced no consequences after contracting the virus and my oxygen levels are up to 95 per cent again.
The community has been extremely supportive during this time and I appreciate every message and prayer received during this time.”
