For Serah Muthoni, 47, who has had HIV for the past 23 years, the Covid-19 outbreak scared her. And when she contracted the disease and went into isolation, it was like a journey to hell and back. This is her story:
I’m battling recurrent cancer, which struck again in July after I had completed treatment. I started the second leg of chemotherapy and my doctor said the recurrence of the cancer of the vulva would lower my immunity.
When I went for the third chemotherapy cycle, I developed a very bad cold. I thought it was just an ordinary cold because I was coughing. One day I woke up and my eyelids were swollen. A friend visited me and insisted I must take a Covid-19 test. I was scared. I thought ‘I’m suffering from HIV and cancer and if I go for the Covid-19 test and I’m positive, that will be another disaster to cope with’.
I took the test on October 8, then I went for my normal chemotherapy session and I was shocked when the doctor told me my immunity was dangerously low — my blood count was six, while my immunity was 0.4. Normal immunity should be one and above. I could, therefore, not have the chemotherapy. I was admitted to the Cancer Centre.
At the centre, I had difficulty breathing. At one point, the doctor came to check my chest. Then I received the bad news that I had tested positive for Covid-19. The news caused a scare at the hospital. I had been interacting with the hospital staff and they were worried that they might have contracted the disease.
I was taken to Nakuru Level Five Hospital for isolation. I could not walk. I was very weak. I was admitted for seven days. One day, doctors discovered I didn’t have enough oxygen and I was put on supplementary oxygen for a night. My chest cleared.
I was discharged to do self-isolation at home. I didn’t hide my status and this came at a price. A bodaboda operator, whom I have been sending on daily errands, refused to take my calls. However, I was lucky my caregiver, Ms Francisca Cherutich, who although he was suffering the stigma, stood by me. She was tested for Covid-19 and was negative.
I completed the self-isolation and when I went for chemotherapy, the hospital staff were scared when they saw me. I saw them wearing two masks when handling me. I wear a mask and sanitise and I’ve cut the number of visitors to my house. I eat well and drink water and eat a lot of fruits, to stay safe.
This Covid-19 infection has taught me some lessons. The moment you’ve symptoms, isolate yourself and you will be safe. I had no immunity and I contracted the disease, but I have overcome it.
People need not fear. Contracting Covid-19 is not a death certificate. People will run away from you, but when you focus on your health, you will come out and meet the same people and they will wonder how you managed to come out of that situation.
I read motivational books. I also take time to pray. I’m a Catholic, and I pray for three hours a day. I sometimes invite my priest to come and we pray together as I wait to complete my chemotherapy on December 17.
I also have a prayer book that has hymns. My favourite is “Amazing Grace”. I love this song as it has strengthened my faith during this Covid-19 period.
When I sing, I remember there was a time I couldn’t sing because my chest was clogged. It is His amazing grace that has brought me this far.
