Editor:
I’m home!
On March 17 I went to the ER at Delta Hospital with fever and cough and was diagnosed with COVID-19. From there I was immediately transferred to Abbotsford Hospital COVID-19 intensive care unit.
During 18 days on life support, I remember nothing but I do know that my son posted my condition on Facebook. The response was overwhelming with good wishes and prayers from so many people and churches in this community and even people overseas, many of whom I had never met.
This was a scary time awakening to find I couldn’t move my arms or legs from lack of mobility. The small amount of muscle mass I had was gone, leaving me very weak and breathless.
My husband also contracted the virus but fortunately a milder version. Thank you to all those who helped him during his isolation with meals and prayers for recovery.
After four weeks I was transferred back to Delta Hospital and I must admit I had some reservations. How could I go from high acuity care to a small community hospital? What if they didn’t know much about COVID-19 or I should suffer a relapse?
I need not have worried as arriving on the ward I instantly relaxed. Such a contrast from isolation to friendly nursing and medical staff and people to talk to and I was no longer hooked up to so many machines.
Recovery is very slow and will last several more weeks or even months for my lungs to heal. I’ve had to learn how to walk again and even swallow, making my first cup of tea in six weeks so delicious. I do get frustrated at times but then I reflect how far I have progressed and realize I must be patient.
This is a dreadful virus and extremely scary. I urge all of you to take the precautions necessary to safeguard your health. We are so blessed with incredible health care in B.C. and I marvelled at the courage of our nursing, medical and support staff during this frightening time.
It is not possible to individually thank everyone for their good wishes and especially their prayers for my recovery but I so appreciate all of them. Thank you. I am so touched by the people in South Delta. What a great community.
Kathy Robertson
