After spending 149 days in the hospital, a long-suffering COVID-19 patient was finally discharged; he was under sedation for two months.
Anil Patel, 63, is a resident of Chadwell Heath in northeast London. The father of two daughters tested positive for COVID-19 after he collapsed at his home last May. He was taken and admitted to King George Hospital in Ilford. He would then spend the next four months in intensive care, including two months under sedation.
On Thursday, Patel was at last given a clean bill of health and discharged from the hospital so he can be reunited with his family. His wife, daughters, Aneeka, 28, and Nikeeta, 27, then took him to a residential rehabilitation center to stay until he completely recovers.
Speaking to Daily Mail UK, he said he only recalls his daughter calling the ambulance. He said that after he was taken to the hospital, he does not remember what happened during the two months that he was at the intensive care.
Video calling kept him busy
While he was at the hospital, he would spend his time video calling. Being in contact with his family, three sisters, nieces, nephews, and friends is what kept him occupied. He said that 90 percent of the time, he would be on the phone while the rest of the time he would chat with the staff and other patients.
While he still got to contact his family, it didn't feel the same as seeing his family in person. He did get to see them once when he was taken outside. He described that moment as very emotional.
He found a family in the hospital staff
He then described how at times, he would feel upset and take it out "on the wrong people" but would eventually apologize for it. However, all he could feel now is happiness and gratitude to the hospital staff that took care of him. "They saved my life," he said, "and have really looked after me."
Last August, Patel celebrated his 63rd birthday in the hospital with the staff's help whom he said "made a fuss of him" by singing and even making him a huge birthday card. He looks at them as part of his family now - the doctors, nurses, even the cleaners know him.
Everyone should wear a mask
Now, after spending four months at the hospital, he has a serious message to everyone who defies health safety protocols. He said that he would not want anybody else to experience what he had experienced.
He urges everyone to wear a face mask and take every precaution necessary to stay safe and healthy. He adds that he gets annoyed when he hears people are not doing what they should be doing. He said if only people would see how COVID-19 patients suffer, then maybe their minds will change.
He is raring to go back home in time for his daughter's birthday celebration in November. "I've got a lovely family," he proudly declares, "and I just want to get home to them."
Read next:
France's Oldest Doctor Refuses to Retire So He Could Still Help Patients Amid Pandemic
Dad Rides Daughter's Tiny Pink Bike to Raise Funds for Charity and Honor Grandfather
Dying Mom's Live-Streamed Video Shows Hospital Staff Uttering Racist Slurs
