There have been many sudies about how to avoid getting COVID-19 and what to do if you test positive. However, very few talk about what happens to the body post-recovery. Restored health and a return to normal body functions are expected, but a survivor shares how it has become a continuing struggle.
Aileen, an overseas Filipino worker stationed in the United Arab Emirates, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on June 11. Aileen is now free from the disease, but she noticed significant changes in her body post-recovery.
"Until now actually, may tail pa 'yung COVID-19 na parang nararamdaman ko sa katawan ko (Until now actually, COVID-19 still has a tail that I still somehow feel in my body.)," she said.
“Uncontrollable, sometimes may nasasagi akong bagay. Hindi ako aware about that. Iba na ‘yung katawan mo sa normal. ‘Yung lungs mo mararamdaman mo talaga na there’s something na kapag nakahiga ka nang derecho. Hindi ka makatulog, parang lutang. Parang nga akong astronaut—yung paglalakad. (Uncontrollable, sometimes I hit things. I am not aware about it. You’re body is different from how it normally is. You feel there’s something in your lungs when you lay flat on the bed. You can’t sleep, as if you’re floating. I was like an astronaut in the way I walked.),” she said.
Aileen said there were also times she could not hear other people talking or answer them properly. She went through mental struggles as well. “It’s my first time to experience anxiety and depression,” she said.
Aileen was no stranger to hardships, but she said none of her past experiences could compare to her battle with COVID-19.
“Ito ‘yung sobrang pinakamahirap (This was the most difficult.),” Aileen said.
Despite that, Aileen bounced back with renewed hope after surviving the disease. She said the true heroes of the pandemic are the doctors, nurses, and frontliners risking their lives to help patients recover.
