Covid-19 survivor returns home after 102 days in hospital
Six weeks under sedation and 102 days in hospital has left the family in dire need of financial assistance to help Danie during his journey to recovery
Danie Lubbe (49) is a true survivor of the Covid-19 pandemic, having spent 102 days in the hospital due to complications arising during the treatment of the life-threatening sickness.
The RECORD spoke to him and his family about the harrowing experience they went through during the treatment process.
Danie was diagnosed with Covid-19 in June. The symptoms of the disease were light and after two weeks of isolation he was tested again and the tests came back negative. However, two weeks later, on July 16, the symptoms returned, this time much worse.
“He had an extremely high fever, was not eating and felt light-headed,” said Danie’s wife, Marilize.
On July 21, the symptoms had become so severe that Danie could not breathe and he was rushed to the Netcare Union Hospital for treatment. Upon arrival at the hospital Danie was not admitted immediately but was asked to wait outside while the hospital checked whether a bed in the Covid-19 ward was available.
While this was going on Danie was still struggling to breathe. According to the family, around 15 minutes later he was admitted and he had to enter the hospital through the back entrance.
Two days after his admittance into hospital, he went into a panic because panic because of an oxygen mask around his face. A decision was taken to place him under sedation. The mask, however, still proved to be ineffective and Danie was placed under intubation where a tube was inserted directly into his airway.
In one of the panic attacks while wearing his mask he damaged the tube by chewing on it. A final decision was taken to perform a tracheostomy to allow him to breathe.
On August 18 Danie was moved from the red zone within the hospital to the green ICU. Around this time, attempts were made to take him off sedation, but due to complications he was kept under sedation.
Complications in green zone
Two days after his move to the green ICU a further complication arose. Danie developed septicemia from an infection in a port in his chest.
“The doctor treating him saved his life that day,” said Marilize. The doctor called her and his daughter and son, Bianca and Dyllan, to the hospital and informed them of her suspicions.
Considering that she warned them that tests could take up to five days to confirm the diagnoses, she made the decision to start treatment immediately. Her suspicions proved correct and the treatment was effective.
On September 8, Danie was relocated to Rosebank. There, according to his family, was a marked improvement thanks to the diligence of the staff caring for him. The process of weaning him from oxygen started, as well as waking him up from the sedation.
Danie had spent around six weeks under sedation. During this time a serious complication had developed.
Danie had developed a neurological condition that prevented the communication between his brain, nerves and muscles.
This severely affected his muscles which wasted away during his time in hospital. His condition steadily improved while in Rosebank.
On October 15, Danie was moved to an intercare hospital where rehabilitation took place. He was finally discharged on October 30 after spending 102 days in the hospital.
Covid-19 is not just flu
“This thing is real,” said Danie when asked about the Covid-19 pandemic. “People need to realise this is not just flu,” said Lorraine Bekker, Danie’s sister. “You don’t know where or when you could be infected or to whom you might spread the disease.”
Marilize said that people do not realise how serious this disease is and how badly this affects the victims and their families. “Danie was saved by the grace of God but not everyone is so lucky,” said Marilize.
“When you are put in hospital with Covid-19 you are alone and your family and friends cannot even see you. People die in those wards alone. I think this is something government and hospitals should look into as the difference made by seeing family is major in a patient.”
Recovery
The road to recovery for Danie is long from complete. The effects of the virus and the complications he developed still affect him today. “He is not the same man as before,” said Marilize.
The massive costs associated with his treatment and recovery have taken a severe strain on the family. These costs continue as he needs to go for multiple weekly physio sessions, see a psychologist and buy several things to ease his recovery.
The family’s medical aid has been depleted.
To help the family with the medical costs, Hennie de Bruyn & die Kitaarkêrels will be performing on November 14.
The performance will be from 5pm to 11pm and will cost R250 per couple. All the funds generated by the performance will go towards Danie’s medical costs.
To book your ticket, call Marilize Lubbe on 079 261 5794. The family would also appreciate any other help that the community can offer.
ALSO READ:
