Covid-19 survivors share their story
George Booker and his wife, Ansie, are both survivors of Covid-19.
“I always wore a mask, washed my hands regularly, sanitised often and kept a social distance, yet the virus did not escape me,” George said.
George started feeling sick on January 2. By January 9, his condition deteriorated so badly that he was admitted to the ICU ward at Life Suikerbosrand Hospital.
“I was hit with total tiredness and have no recollection of my admittance or the first three days in the hospital,” George said.
At the time of his stay, George was one of 10 patients in the ICU Covid-19 ward.
“Patients don’t have any interaction besides eye contact, a wave or a thumbs up. I had seen doctors and staff disappointed and at a loss of words when they lost a patient,” said George, who also added that three of the 10 patients in ICU with him did not survive.
Many of the healthcare workers already had Covid-19 and know what the patients are going through.
“The medical staff touched my heart. They treated me with so much care and respect in a way that you could feel their love,” George said.
Covid-19 is a lonely sickness. It steals your breath and peace, affects your family and loved ones and before you know it, you are absent from your surroundings. Ansie, who contracted the illness four days after her husband, was also admitted to ICU.
Both George and Ansie are home and although still very tired, recovering well.
“We are grateful to every person who helped and prayed for us. For the doctors who saved our lives, we have eternal respect and gratitude,” Ansie concluded.
