A woman who had the vaccine, then contracted Covid-19 and ended up in the ICU lived to share her experience, hoping it would make others realise the virus is real.
Renè Butho, a 41-year-old territory manager at a pharmaceutical company that lives in Greenhills, told the Herald that she didn’t know where she contracted the virus but it was when the third wave spread like wildfire.
She explained she got her first jab on June 10 and eight days later, on June 18, she wasn’t feeling well. She had flu-like symptoms. She had a rapid Covid-19 test and tested negative. Visiting her GP the same day, he told Renè she had bronchitis sinus. She was given an injection as well as some medication.
The following day, a Saturday, Renè got the chills and stayed in bed. The next day things took a turn for the worse and her husband took her to the casualty section at a local private hospital. On her arrival, she underwent various tests, including for her lungs, blood, and Covid-19.
Early Monday morning June 21 she received the bad news that she tested positive for Covid-19.
“The doctor confirmed it was Covid-19 pneumonia so they put me on medication. By day two, my chest was making strange noises,” Renè said.
Struggling to breathe, they then put her on high-flow oxygen but that didn’t work and she was moved to high care and ultimately ICU.
“The hospital had to call my husband and explain to him that he needed to come in to give authorisation for them to put me on a ventilator. I was on a ventilator in hospital for three weeks. By God’s grace I am alive.”
On September 1 the doctor was happy with her progress.
“The vaccine helped me big time. Just the fact that I have no damage to my lungs despite being ill for so long says something.”
Renè went for her second jab recently and claims to have had no side effects.
“I would like to thank the private hospital, doctor, all nurses, care workers and physio staff who looked after me. You are all true heroes.”
For Renè it’s like a second chance in life.
“Never take life for granted. Your health is your wealth and things can change in a split second. Tomorrow is not promised. Live each day as if it’s your last day on Earth. Appreciate your family and true friends.
“I am really blessed! Many people are not that lucky and die while on the ventilator. I am grateful for the gift of life, and I can’t thank God enough for His grace. Psalm 30:2 is one of my favourites: ‘O Lord my healing God. I cried out for a miracle and you healed me!’ It’s not over unless God says it’s over!”
Her message to the public is, “This disease is no hoax. I have seen with my own two eyes how people were dying daily while I was fighting for my life. I was very healthy with no chronic or underlying diseases. Covid-19 is so real and if you still don’t believe it go visit the ICU in hospital and see with your own eyes how doctors and nurses are fighting daily for people’s life.”
