We’ve all heard the stories about how COVID-19 strikes; the virus latches on to your healthy lung cells and replicates, causing a chain of diseases and complications that if not overcome can result in death. Sadly its effects doesn't end there after recovery, as they manifest long after a patient tests negative.
Aileen De Guzman Remo, a OFW based in the United Arab Emirates, survived COVID-19. In an interview with Summit Media, she says that this indeed was her second life, and that fighting COVID-19 was the hardest thing she ever had to do.
“Noong pagpunta ko sa ospital, hindi pa naman ako hirap huminga. Noong kinagabihan n’on, I started coughing phlegm with blood.
“Ang layo mo sa family mo. Tapos hindi mo alam kung paano mo sasabihin sa kanila. Knowing ‘yong hindi aware about it, ang unang papasok sa mind nila is about death.”
She was eventually transferred to an ICU, where she shares that how one doctor helped her stay hopeful. “He’s a British doctor. Every morning, I look forward na makita siya. ‘Yong pagiging doctor pala, it’s not only about ‘yong job mo. It’s about doon sa maibibigay mo doon sa person…
“Noong sobrang nahihirapan na ako sa ICU… sabi niya, ‘You will overcome this.’”
Aileen eventually did, but the battle was far from over.
“Until now, actually, may tail pa ‘yong COVID-19 na parang nararadaman ko sa katawan ko… Iba na ‘yong katawan mo sa normal. ‘Yong lungs mo, mararamdaman mon a talaga na there’s something na kapag nakahiga ka ng deretso, hindi ako makatulog, parang lutang...”
Aileen admits struggling against the anxiety and depression brought about by her experience, but maintains that no one should ever lose hope.
See her full story in the video below:
Video Producer: Jean Saturnino
