The doctor takes charge of his patient; but, what if the doctor becomes the patient? Two cardiologists who contracted COVID-19 shared their heartwarming journey during the Grand Rounds of the UP-PGH Department of Medicine last May 19, 2020.
Dr. Rody Sy, labelled as PH280 in DOH’s tracker, gave a scholarly presentation of his experience beginning with his medical profile, symptoms, and hospital course complete with lab test results like chest x-ray and CT scan (showed the trainees what an excellent presentation is, himself being a Professor Emeritus and National Academy of Science and Technology Academician!). His doctors “threw the book at him”; meaning, he received all forms of treatment such as antivirals, antibiotics, immunomodulators, multivitamins, prone positioning, high flow oxygen, and even Chinese medicines (from his relatives). Airlifting him abroad was even considered to avail of the experimental drug remdesivir!
The long wait for RT-PCR result was agonizing even if he expected the positive result. His was a harrowing and frightening experience- he was lonely, isolated, and had to do everything by himself like pulling his intravenous fluid stand for hourly visits to the toilet because of diarrhea and frequent urination. He remembered how painful the needle punctures were as he had them several times a day. He was afraid of being intubated because of his shortness of breath and low oxygen levels. Learning of several colleagues’ deaths during his most critical period made him think of the worst.
But all these caused a spiritual revival for Dr Sy. Later, he had daily devotional prayers with his nurse who happened to be Protestant like him. He prayed to God for mercy and felt stronger knowing so many people were praying for him. He soon realized it was because of God’s grace that he survived!
God has a mission for him in his remaining years. “Like a small boat sending big waves into motion” is how he pictured himself. And his advice to colleagues? Be compassionate and engage clearly and truthfully with your patients and their family. He ended his talk by saying, “I still have a lot of fight left in me!”
Dr. Nelson Abelardo was very candid about how he felt before contracting COVID-19. He had a comfortable life, was in tip-top shape, and felt invincible. He had that certain yabang which is not necessarily arrogance, but having that sense of control over his life.
But alas! His life was shattered when he and his wife had fever and diarrhea and were admitted. COVID-19 sent shivers in the deepest recesses of his body. “I was staring death in the eye”, he recounted. To him, the thought of dying spiritually unprepared was terrifying. During the wait for the RT-PCR result, anxiety was killing him faster than COVID-19. He had shortness of breath, nausea, bloating, and diarrhea; food was unpalatable and unattractive. He felt absolutely helpless knowing his wife was just in the next room. Solitude and fear broke him to pieces. Talking to God in an intimate way came rarely before, but at that time he asked, “Lord, please help me!” He opened himself to God through Jesus with prayer, reconciliation, and some bargaining. He described this as the turning point in his life. Soon, everything started improving, “crispy pata” was delicious again!
He now knows how it feels to be a patient. “Health is real wealth, do not take it for granted” is his advice. Fame, fortune, social status, and power are nothing. What really matters is your relationship with God, the only One who truly saves and can make you whole.
Both cardiologists expressed their gratitude to their doctors and those who took care, helped, and prayed for them. Dr. Anselmo Tronco, Chair of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine, gave the summary of two doctors who lived through COVID-19, went through the various stages of grief; but in the end, went beyond grief and found meaning in their ordeal.
Dr. Mark Anthony Sandoval | Published in Healthscape Special COVID-19 Issue No. 6
