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LIFE AT LUBOMBO REFERRAL HOSPITAL

15/11/2020 05:40:00 BY Alex Nxumalo

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“The tragedy of life is often not in our failure, but rather in our complacency; not in our doing too much, but rather in our doing too little; not in our living above our ability, but rather in our living below our capacities” - Benjamin E. Mays

When I received a notification of a missed call early this month, on November 4, it was a Thursday afternoon, a week or so ago, from a number my mobile phone, Truecaller application identified as belonging to the Ministry of Health, I gave it cursory attention. The same number flashed again on my phone a couple of minutes later. I picked up my phone and a lady on the other end queried if it was yours truly, that was responding and I responded to the affirmative. My world came crashing down, with my head spinning in trepidation as the calm, cool and collected voice informed me that the COVID-19 virus, results of the tests I took early that week, had come back. They reflected that I was positive - in simpler terms, I had the virus! She asked me to confirm my details and against all hopes of it being a mistaken identity, it was indeed truly yours truly’s results. She told me that I needed to be admitted as soon as possible and the only hospital at the moment where I could be admitted was the Lubombo Referral Hospital, down in the Lubombo Lowveld district. She informed me that a car from the ministry would fetch me at my place of abode the following day, which was a Friday, to take me down to the hospital and pleaded with me to be ready to leave at 1pm. I reluctantly agreed. She politely thanked me and terminated the conversation.

diligence

Why me? After religiously and with diligence, adhering to all the laid down, preventative measures to avoid contracting COVID-19 or spreading it, where, why, and how did I contract it? I wear my mask every time I venture outside, satinise my hands, any building I enter, be it in places of business or nearby retail shops, my hands are sanitised ... what the heck is going on? I had no option but to accept the verdict - I was positive. I told my family in a calm demeanor, reassuring them that I will be fine and daddy is a fighter and survivor, and that the Ministry of Health would do contact testing to rule out any possible infection of my family members. The much-anticipated but dreaded, Friday arrived, and after having made adequate preparations like packing basic amenities of travel, a minibus from the 977 Emergency Services Department collected me and we drove down to the Lubombo Lowveld. My journey to the unknown had begun. A lot had been said about the conditions down there, at the ‘infamous’, but famous, Lubombo Referral Hospital. Negative news were mostly doing the rounds. In a determined stance, I grabbed this opportunity - strangely, I must confess - with a somewhat surprising gusto, positively determined that since I was a writer and columnist for a leading newspaper, this was opportune time to inform the world what was going on in that hospital and what it meant to be a COVID-19, infected person.

updates

Below are extracts from some of the updates I sent to my friends in social media platforms, telling it as it is ... and updating them about all that is happening down here:

Day One: “Situations, more often than not, arise during our sojourn in this life, which calls for us to be brave, portray a positive attitude and leave everything in God’s capable hands. Dire situations test our faith in God. As Africans, we at times conveniently blame our predicament on bad luck, of being bewitched etc., forgetting that our faith needs to be constantly tested so that we can put our trust in eternal things. “The world and its desires pass away but those who do the will of God live FOREVER. We constantly go through the valleys of the shadows of death in life. But if we have faith in God, no amount of fear of the unknown in life can separate us from the love of God.

“I’m facing a matter of mammoth proportions that’s going to test my faith in God. Prayers from friends, saints and my readers, are most welcome. Watch this space. God bless you all, this Friday which is the beginning of Sabbath at sunset. Have a lovely and blessed weekend, everyone...”

Day One continuing...:

“Hi, bangani/friends: I’ve just been admitted to the Lubombo Referral Hospital (3.11pm, to be precise, this afternoon) after testing COVID-19 positive. Did tests Monday this week after experiencing mild, flu symptoms and shortness of breath which was accompanied by an intermittent pain just below the left breast. Results came out positive yesterday. Emergency 977 collected me from home and brought me here. Seemingly, that’s the normal, mode of transportation to come here, so don’t stress about it being an emergency arrival ... lol.

“The referral hospital is very huge, good landscape and wow, so meticulously and impeccably clean; you fear even touching any surface, or stepping on the squeaky, clean floors. Staff very nice ... very friendly - from orderlies, nurses to doctors. Rooms clean and well ventilated. Have been taken chest X-ray, awaiting results. Just been given medication - from fast acting Flustat syrup to respiratory meds.

irritating

“All in all, am feeling great and positive, in spite of an irritating, runny nose, hot flushes around the ‘thinking’ computer (head) and a bit of shortness of breath, which I believe are some of the classic signs of infection. Basically, it’s not the dreaded adventure, this far, some people have so negatively portayed it to be. My advice? Please don’t act after it’s too late. Seek medical help; see a doctor if you exhibit flu-like symptoms! Do not deceive yourself by brushing it off as an ordinary cold or flu!

“I’m updating you, my friends, because it’s a glaring fact that this virus does not discriminate. Whether you’re a pain in society’s lives, a celebrity, or a columnist like yours truly, a doctor, or a priest, sex worker, a Donald Trump, a thug or whatever, COVID-19 is real and does not care or discriminate. Will keep the updates coming and you keep the prayers going, friends. Happy Sabbath to all ye Creation!...”

Day 3, onwards...:

“A short article, I’ve penned to motivate my fellow friends in FB and hopefully, it will be shared: “Life is unpredictable. We’ve heard this phrase used numerous times in the past. Indeed, life is very uncertain. We live in a fast-paced environment which is constantly changing, pregnant with opportunities, failures and disasters.

“One of the most important facts about life is that you cannot guarantee that your existence, let alone your health, will still be there with you when dawn comes the following day. We are strangers in this world. Our lives are not permanent in this sinful and broken world. “A week or so ago, I never dreamt I will be writing this short article, housed in the loneliness of a ward in the Lubombo Referral Hospital, after being diagnosed with COVID-19 virus. But here I am, this early dawn of a Sunday morning, lonely, with no one to converse with, except the occasional, hospital staff, who move around, checking on the few patients admitted to this huge and beautifully built, referral hospital. I’m sharing a room with nobody. Time stands still. I’m possibly here for the next two weeks. My planned projects have been put on hold, disrupted within the blink of an eye. “Being diagnosed with COVID-19 came as shock, like a bolt of lightning, out of the blue sky.

interrupted

The loneliness, the interrupted routine of life, made realise that as much as we can make plans about tomorrow, there is just no guarantee that we will be alive tomorrow. As I reflect on the fact that illness, or even death, can strike anytime, anywhere, the only stance we can adopt which guarantees us hope about an unpredictable tomorrow, is to put our plans and trust in the One who holds our destinies in His hands - our loving Creator, God.

“I’m thankful to Him that I came to this beautiful, but serene and tranquil hospital, while I was still walking on my two legs. Many patients arrived here in a very critical condition. Some didn’t make it. Friends, as one acquaintance put it, we are all COVID 19 suspects. I thank you all for your well-wishes for a speedy recovery.

“All is in the capable hands of God. Keep safe as the week begins. Trust and surrender your life to Christ. There’s no guarantee one will be alive tomorrow. Death and sickness, like our shadows, constantly stalk us. COVID-19 is REAL. Take care and may God bless you! “A good morning to all my beloved friends, once again. It’s Day 4 since I’ve been here and time moves at a snail’s pace.

Day 4, 5, 6: “Yesterday, it was one of the hottest days since summer began. Fortunately, the place, due to its spaciousness, is very cool. I whiled away time yesterday afternoon by watching a derby game between Chiefs and Pirates. Sorry Kaizer Chiefs fans amabhoza are in the final of the Nedbank Cup, lol. “I forgot to mention that there’s free Wi-Fi here - a plus for people like me who want to be in sync with what is happening around the world (from how spoilt brat, President Trump is sulking after his trouncing defeat by ‘ntsanga yethu’, Biden, to how the local ‘emabandla’ will smile all the way to the bank with new salary perks increases, while the elderly forage for a living with pittance, social grants).

Doctors and nurses periodically check on us patients and there’s absolutely no complaints in that department. Bedding is changed every two days. You’re implored to state whatever grievance you might have against staff treatment or anything. Courtesy is the name of the game here. Hospital matron called me day before and inquired about my health, treatment by medical and cleaning staff. She knows every tiny bit of patient medical records and mind you, I haven’t met her as yet, and she was calling from home since she’s off duty. That’s quality assurance, at its best!

Stay blessed

“The week ahead is long. But hey, I have FAITH in God ... a faith if one does not have, can make you go loony here.

“Stay blessed. Please do take precautions and practice all the COVID-19 preventative measures. Go test PLEASE at the slightest hint of symptoms. Don’t underestimate symptoms of the common cold. As the wise never falter to say, ‘prevention is better than cure...’, let’s do it. Have a blessed day!”

The above is basically, a narration of what goes on, as I see it so far, during my stay here at the Lubombo Referral Hospital. I am still admitted. I understand it’s a minimum 10-day admittance. You are discharged after very intense and exhaustive treatment and elimination of all symptoms. I am determined to follow to the letter the treatment regime.

It is my life that is at stake here. I have tried my utmost, unbiased and level best to present facts and personal observations, as objectively as possible. All I can plead for is that, for now, in humbleness, my fellow countrymen, let us all support our government and health workers - especially those in the frontline fighting against the pandemic - in this mammoth fight against the enemy.

The hospital is beautiful, modern and I dare say, top of the range. Patient treatment? Sublime and the best! Refrain from engaging in ‘get-togethers’ and social entertainment escapades, etc, without strictly adhering to the laid down regulations. There is a projected, second wave coming anytime. Health ... or death? Let us choose life! Shalom!