What Happens After Hospitalisation: COVID19 Survivors’ Tales

Hundreds of thousands of those who were affected with the novel coronavirus and survived are now facing another unprecedented ordeal: the recovery stage.

Despite having successfully won the battle against this aggressive virus, many are still struggling to overcome the several troubling residual symptoms that have been persisting for months and it could continue on for years or even for the rest of their lives.

There is a common misconception that the novel coronavirus is a type of respiratory virus, much like SARS-CoV.

However, it’s much more complicated than that, and much more sinister.

Doctors are discovering new ways in which the COVID19 virus is attacking the body and damages to the kidney, heart and brain are slowly becoming less far fetch and more of a reality to many individuals.

In fact, those who returned home from weeks of hospitalisation are confronting other ailments on top of physical, neurological, cognitive and emotional issues.

With society and its resources stretched out thin, this clearly spells a problem.

It is too early to say how the recovery will unfold but let’s take a break from body hair removal articles to spare a few minutes to peek into their lives as COVID19 survivors and the future challenges posed in their journey.

The problems that arose after hospitalisation

Unfortunately, when talking about problems the patients face after leaving the hospital, there are just too many.

After all, the fight doesn’t simply end once the virus is kicked out of the body. The patients will leave with inflammation, scarring or damage of the organ tissues that have been affected by the virus.

For most patients, the problem they have to deal with is a persistent intermittent cough that will cause them to have a shortness of breath. This shortness of breath can be a prelude to a blood-clotting problem, or lung or heart impairments.

Since they have been lying in a hospital bed throughout their entire stay, patients tend to also experience muscle weakness. Thus, they can have trouble lifting objects, climbing the stairs or even just walking.

Some patients also suffer from psychological consequences. On top of neurological issues such as mental fogginess and fatigue, some patients may even suffer from PTSD, depression and anxiety due to experience of being sick and alone.

Recovery challenges

Studies have shown that those with pre-existing conditions, especially those with respiratory ailments, will find it harder to bounce back from COVID19.

Additionally, many patients are spending weeks on ventilators and weeks more in the facility even after having these ventilators removed.

The prolonged duration they spent on both the ventilators and in the hospital may result in repercussions to the physical function of the body, thus making their recovery journey much harder.

Another problem patients have to deal with once they are discharged is a phenomenon coined the hospital delirium.

This is a state that can involve anxious confusion and paranoid hallucinations, and it’s a condition that’s more common for patients who has undergone isolation, prolonged sedation and have the inability to move around.

Unfortunately, COVID19 patients tick all of these boxes.

The consequences

These problems don’t merely stop at the individuals either, but it bleeds into the social aspect of their lives.

For instance, many patients are struggling getting back to their jobs – due to their prolonged absence and the aftermath.

The fact that these chronic syndromes will take a relatively long time to heal poses a social and economic problem for these individuals and it could be disastrous if there is nothing done.

COVID19 assistance

Thankfully, the Singaporean government have set up several forms of assistance schemes for individuals and families that have been affected by the novel coronavirus.

For instance, COVID19 patients can apply for the Courage Fund where they’d be given financial assistance to help them during their stay in the hospital and when they’ve been discharged.

Moreover, there are several social support groups that are more than willing to help individuals who suffer from emotional and mental distress.

As a community, it is crucial to reach out to those who have been affected and support one another. Community participation holds the promise of reducing damage from the pandemic and of building future resilience.

Thus, let’s stay vigilant whilst still giving a helping hand to those in need.

With the implementation of Phase 2 of circuit breaker, we are excited to inform you that Datsumo Labo has once again resumed physical operations!

However, this is done with several precautionary measures to abide by the strict safety regulations that have been imposed by the government.

Thus, to better manage the foot traffic, we will need you to book an appointment with us via our call centre. Get the best hair removal treatment here at Datsumo Labo, all whilst staying safe and vigilant!