Reshen Reddy on the road to Covid-19 recovery

Reshen Reddy (45) suspected that he had Covid-19 after he displayed symptoms and both his daughters tested positive at the end of December.

“[I] was told by my GP that he’s treating me as positive also due to the exposure and symptoms.”

After his doctor’s diagnosis, the Reddy family began to self-isolate at home while on a full course of medication. Reddy recalls that on day three of isolation, his breathing problems increased and he made his way to the hospital. Reddy was thankful to his loved ones who responded with concern after he fell ill. “When I got to hospital I ended up in ICU for 14 days.

This was concerning for everyone as the initial six days were not easy. In total, I spent 19 days in hospital.” “I was poked 68 times, [in hospital] had veins collapse and lost 8kg – all muscle mass.”

While he experienced the worst of the virus, Reddy was concerned due to the high death rate of people claimed by the disease.

“The thoughts of leaving my kids and family were very unsettling. There were three days before my fever broke and I stabilised a bit that really had me despondent. Do not take it lightly! As much as one thinks they are healthy and immune, you are a target!”

Reddy was especially grateful to his parents and his brother Dr Luren Reddy, an orthopaedic surgeon based in Durban. “He took full control of the situation, getting me into hospital, liaising with my attending physician Dr David Adler. I went in as a private patient and Luren even started attending to the mounting bills.”

While infected with Covid-19 Reddy learnt how short life is. “A private joke I shared with two fellow patients in this regard is ‘life is toast’. I savoured the first slice of toast I had after the main ordeal.”

Reddy has remained at home on an oxygen concentration machine, sanitising and wearing gloves and masks to receive deliveries. Reddy implored people to take Covid-19 more seriously to avoid more collateral damage.

“Being self-employed, it creates more pressure on economic survival hot on the heels of a disastrous 2020.

“Last but not least are the medical staff – working tirelessly, leave being cancelled, at high risk: I thank you.”