I have cut down on hours of work as I need more rest: Dr Ghanashyam Biswas

Dr Ghanashyam Biswas, a known oncologist who has recovered from severe illness due to Covid-19 and is back to treating patients, shares his journey of recovery with TOI’s Ashok Pradhan.
How did you get infected
Being a front-line worker, there was regular exposure from unsuspecting patients. In fact, there was a sudden surge in the number of cancer patients since April. This may be because of travel restrictions during the lockdown. Patients who would have otherwise gone outside state started seeking treatment locally.
I had got myself tested thrice earlier but all had come negative. On July 20, I felt unwell while I was in the hospital. I returned home. Later in the evening, I got a fever. I gave my samples to test the next day. The result came positive in the evening. Our hospital authorities got in touch with the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation to allow me to get treated in our hospital only (Sparsh) because then Covid treatment was allowed only in Covid hospitals. I drove to our hospital (Sparsh) and got admitted there. Two of my colleagues, including another doctor, also tested positive within the next two days and they also got admitted.
What were the symptoms?
Within hours of me getting admitted that night, my eyes had turned blood red like in conjunctivitis. I started experiencing pain in my bones. It became deep, excruciating and unbearable. I was feeling pain in the entire body. The body temperature was around 102 degrees Fahrenheit. This continued for around 36 hours after which I started feeling better.
In fact, my colleagues who were admitted around the same time had quite different symptoms. The other doctor friend had a fever for seven days and had lost smell and had lost appetite. His cough had blood particles. The other colleague’s blood sugar level had shot up exponentially and oxygen level had dropped. He required prolonged oxygen support. My appetite was almost normal except for the first two days when I had a fever. For the first 24 hours, I was given oxygen support.
What was the treatment?
Since I had past episodes of lungs problems and had pneumonia around a year ago and I am diabetic, 49-years old, I was classified a moderate risk patient. I was given steroids and remdesivir for five days. My CT Scan and chest X-Ray showed no further complications.
What kinds of precautions you had taken earlier?
I have taken hydroxychloroquine (HCQ) prophylaxis as recommended by the Indian Council of Medical Research for front-line workers. I have been using personal protective equipment. Also I have been doing regular swab tests post any exposure.
Were you neighbours supportive?
Yes they were. I am fortunate. In the Infocity Green Apartments, Shailashree Vihar, where I stay, the entire community was very supportive. After I tested positive and my family members stayed in quarantine, they ensured there is no problem in supply of any essentials to them. The Apartment’s office-bearers were on constant touch over phone extending all the moral support.
Was your family apprehensive?
My wife (Sutapa Biswas) is also a doctor. So, my family members broadly understand the situation. But since nobody is certain about how the disease will behave, being apprehensive is natural. Thankfully, all my family members including my aged parents, my son (Plus II student) and daughter (Class I) tested negative.
Any problem post-Covid?
There is still weakness. For some days, there was anxiety as well and I was finding it difficult to concentrate my mind. I re-joined work on Monday but I have cut down on hours I work to around 6 hours because I still feel the need of taking rest. It is improving gradually. During hospitalization, the anxiety level was very high.
Your advice to people?
One must not hide symptoms and go for a test as early as possible in case there is any symptom which could be of Covid-19. Just like any other disease, early intervention is very important here. This will help prevent possible complications and stop the further spread to others.
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