Amid the constant stories of death and destruction caused by the pandemic, is the joyous news of a man who went home after spending 106 days in the COVID-19 Intensive Care Unit (ICU).
Sarawat Ajam (62) from Mitchell’s Plain had to mourn the death of his mother, spend no time with his family, missed his one-year-old great granddaughter, and celebrated his birthday at Groote Schuur Hospital (GSH).
He was diagnosed with COVID-19 after a positive test result and admitted to ICU when he collapsed on the day he was admitted. After experiencing many ups and down, and being placed on a ventilator he was finally well enough to go home 106 long days later, even his doctors were surprised at his recovery.
“It was not an easy time being in ICU for so long. I am one of the lucky ones; doctors still can’t believe I made it. I believe there is a higher power that was with me and helped me to survive. I also had God’s angels, the nurses, and doctors at GSH, that was there to look after me.
“I am eternally grateful to them. When I woke up from my coma the only part of my body that could move was my eyes, nothing else could. I was shocked to see how many pipes was on my body. I did not know where I was,” he said.
The thought of being hospitalised for 6 months is scary enough but the staff made sure Ajam was comfortable and up-to-date with family via technology.
“I am thankful to the hospital staff who always kept in touch with my family regarding my condition. The nurses would do regular video calls with my family. The hospital staff became like my family with my family.”
One of his doctors, Professor Richard Van Zyl-Smit, said Ajam was one of the longest staying patient, and a true fighter.
“He challenged us at every turn – having severe COVID-19 on admission, which he thankfully survived, but then developing multiple complications simply from being in ICU for a prolonged period. He also became physically weak which further delayed his coming off the ventilator.
“It is testament to the whole ICU team that supported him – but also to his own courage and determination to keep trying to keep working with the physio’s to get stronger and to his family and friends who provided the additional external support to keep his spirits up,” said Van Zyl-Smit.
The best advice Ajam has to share is that COVID-19 is so real!
“We might have personal revelations but believe me it is real. I have lost relatives and friends to this deadly pandemic. Please adhere to all the precautions that is being advised by the state,” he concluded.
How to avoid transmission:
• Avoid all large gatherings.
• Avoid any social gatherings where possible.
• If you need to go out to do activities such as shopping, always wear your mask and keep it short.
• If you must meet, keep it outdoors, small, and short.
• When indoors, dress warmly and ensure the windows are open so your space is well ventilated with fresh air.
• If you are sick, stay at home.
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