Medico’s journey through Covid-19 outbreak
“The pandemic came with endless uncertainties and we started out knowing very little about the virus, what it does, how it affects the body, which systems are affected and the exact pathology that had to be treated. Everything about this virus was one big learning curve, but we took it head-on, stood together as a team and figured it out,” a doctor shares experience of working through the Covid-19 pandemic.
Navigating through the unprecedented Covid-19 pandemic has become a learning curve for medical practitioners as it came with uncertainties with little known about the virus and yet they held the hat of having to help patients.
“Covid-19 is unpredictable, we never know what is going to happen, which way this disease will affect the patient and the family. All we can do is to be constantly vigilant,” a medical practitioner shared her experience of working through these unprecedented times.
Dr Rochelle Lee, a medical doctor working in the emergency department at Zuid-Afrikaans Hospital in Pretoria, said she was in grade 2 when she first released she wanted to become a doctor.
She never imagined then that her journey as a medical practitioner would also have to strive through one of the most challenging pandemics.
“As the clock struck midnight to mark the end of 2019, I had many aspirations for 2020: new tasks, new courses, changes I wanted to make to change lives and make a difference. Little did I know that 2020 had a far bigger plan for all of us.”
Lee said that the tough times grew many aspects of her career as a medical practitioner.
“I have learnt that life is short, but that we are far more resilient than we thought.
“The pandemic came with endless uncertainties and we started out knowing very little about the virus, what it does, how it affects the body, which systems are affected and the exact pathology that had to be treated. Everything about this virus was one big learning curve, but we took it head-on, stood together as a team and figured it out.”
Lee said there were several challenges doctors were faced with but the unpredictability of the the virus was the biggest.
“We never knew which way the virus will affect people – will the patient complicate, will the patient need a ventilator in the next 24 hours, it is an endless circle of watch and wait, monitoring and anticipating the possible course.
“I have seen very ill patients who walk out of the hospital after a few weeks and do so well while other patients who presented with moderate disease complicated within hours.”
Lee said communication of patients and their families became increasingly difficult as families were not allowed to visit.
“I have learnt that communication is an essential asset and tool in a pandemic. I have made many voice notes, sent WhatsApp texts, video calls, to family members to make sure they are okay or update them on a loved one’s progress,” she said.
“Visitors play such an important role in recovery and patients struggle not being able to receive visitors. When they do see someone, it is with a mask, at a distance and facial expressions elude them.”
Lee said during the second wave of high infection in the region, she saw people getting very sick with most needing immediate intubation and ventilation.
“Some days three of four patients would come in at the same time, all needing immediate intervention leading to a shortage of hands at that moment – we knew we could call on our team to aid and help.
“Teamwork and camaraderie at the hospital allowed us to meet unprecedented challenges with creative solutions and it continues to carry us through the tough times.”
The pandemic has also affected the social aspect of many. Lee shared how her social and family life was affected.
“My daughter used to run to me every time I come home from work and would give me the biggest hug, but now, that has to wait.
“Now, I come home in the evenings, shower in a separate part of the house, demarcated with a red line on the floor to remind my daughter that she is not allowed to go in the room.”
Lee and her partner, also a frontline worker, said they had to limit family gatherings as they were more afraid of unknowingly infecting them.
“There is always a chance of getting infected by some or other pathogen from a patient, but it has never stopped us from doing what we do – helping others.”
Emotionally and mentally, Lee said that the impact of the virus was daunting, “but I held onto my faith, friends and family, regular chats and phone calls and leaning on my partner a lot”.
“I have learned that time we spend with family is some of the most precious moments and we should never take it for granted and colleagues become family.”
As the country continues its fight against Covid-19, she urged people to be the everyday hero.
“Do what we do in the hospital to keep ourselves and our family’s safe – wear your PPE/mask no matter where you are, sanitise your hands and keep your social distance.”
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