LETTERS: It is still painful for me to recall that I had to deal with the Covid-19 virus during my third trimester at the end of last year. I had to be quarantined and underwent treatments at the hospital, leaving my 2-year-old child with her father.
I had not expected to contract it as I adhered to the standard operating procedures stringently.
It all began when I developed flu, cough and body aches.
After three days of falling ill and feeling concerned about my unborn baby, I decided to have a swab test at Universiti Malaya Medical Centre on Dec 28. Upon prognosis, the doctor arranged for admission due to my below-normal oxygen level.
Despite having no shortness of breath, the doctor suspected it was serious since I was pregnant. Upon admission, health workers administered me oxygen. I was in tears when they sent me to the emergency ward, escorted by a medical team in personal protective equipment.
Only the Almighty knows how I felt at that time and hearing my 2-year-old child crying while looking at me. I prayed to God for another chance to return to my family safely.
While in the isolation ward, I took another swab test. I realised that I was alone and started to tremble with fear. In less than 24 hours, I received the news that I was infected. I said to myself: "I am ready for this, be strong, I will fight".
I was shifted to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) so that medical personnel could monitor my health and my foetus' development since pregnant women are considered high-risk. There, nine other patients were unconscious, supported by ventilators.
This scene made me more scared. There, I was wired to an electrocardiograph, blood pressure monitor, oximeter, foetal doppler, oxygen support and saline drip. I had my blood samples taken every six hours to monitor any abnormalities, and the gynaecologist checked every morning to ensure there was no contraction pain, bleeding and water leakage.
A CT scan of my lungs was done, and blood-thinning medicine was administered to me twice a day to prevent blood clots. The medical team educated me on the importance of lung exercise, which must be done at least 10 times per hour. Initially, it was hard, but it helped me to breathe after two days without oxygen support. After four days, I was transferred to a normal ward.
I stayed at the ward for another two days to ensure that both me and my unborn baby were no longer at risk before I could be discharged. Less than two months later, I gave birth to an adorable baby girl. There were further follow-ups to ensure she remains healthy.
Many thanks to the Almighty. He sent good souls to be around me, especially the medical team whose continuous support and care throughout my seven days of ordeal at the hospital when no one else could be near me. My husband, Rizq, motivated, supported and encouraged me throughout the time.
Not forgetting my family members who never failed to video call me every day to remind me that I have my 2-year-old daughter was waiting at home. To my immediate bosses and colleagues who unceasingly spread positivity and provided support, "you guys were awesome".
I am glad to have a good circle of people around me. In these difficult times, all we need is love, empathy and compassion. This experience has made me stronger. I am grateful for where I am now.
NOR BAIZURA MOHD NOORDIN
Kuala Lumpur
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times