A puzzle to mankind !!

  

Last 2 months feels like a bad dream! 

A state of mind which leaves us disturbed, unhappy, unsettled, waiting to get over.

We were inundated with information, theories, updates, best practices from all sources. Our children learnt new words like Pandemic, Social distancing, Hand hygiene. Adults learn to live life with new normal without house helps, working from home and no social interactions or entertainments outside our four walls.

In this situation, let me share few thoughts on how this unfolds to me as a medical person, as a cancer specialist. Though I am not actively practicing and works mostly on technology side of cancer care, did not remain immune from deep pain and trauma caused from this global pandemic to cancer fighters and caregivers.

Current situation put lot of stress on medical community to take tough decisions in interest of patient, staff and family members. Sometimes unfair too. 

Similar challenges for patients on dialysis and many others on prolong treatment protocols. End of this epidemic we would have lost few lives and thousands of dreams of living healthy life which will be unrelated to Corona. This totally disturbs me as I put myself in their shoes. 

Next intangible blow is for caregivers in hospitals, community workers. Doctors, nurses, wardboys and helper staff nursing patients, staff doing the paperwork in wards, housekeeping staff, people handling dying patients who are working relentlessly against this invisible enemy. In long times such kind of mass fatalities, morbidities are not seen by most of them. Hence in addition to physical fatigue the emotional stress amongst fear, death, uncertainty of response to treatment, staying away from families is taking toll on most of the healthcare staff. Some of them getting into depression and anxiety and waiting to take off duties. 
Especially countries like Italy where cases were getting admitted exponentially and with few ICU beds and ventilators available doctors had to choose which patient will get a chance to live and one who will not. 

Hardest decisions in life nobody would like to take part !!

Another aspect what we watch on TV is every day donning a PPE (personal protection equipment). This takes almost 10-15 minutes to wear layer by layer and to be carried onduring duty of 8-10 hours. Few of the staff commented that they had to wear diapers as you cannot go bathroom for your natural duties leave alone eating your meals on time. There is extra effort in communicating with colleagues, instructing nurses while taking care of patients in ICUs which adds up to their efforts.  

Hats off to all these warriors. They deserve nothing less than lifetime gratitude from each one of us.  

Corona pandemic is not only a medical emergency but a psychosocial emergency in true sense.

Many mental health patients are not able to cope up with fear, anxiety and uncertainty of current situation. It is not problem of Western world any more, but mental health helplines here too have reported substantial increase in calls. Hopefully, Indian culture of social inter-dependence has helped us to tide over such crisis of forced isolation and monetary problems to a majority extent.

Similarly, there are challenges with special kids. Kids who have learning challenges, behavioral challenges. These kids are set in their normal daily life pattern, they enjoy their walks,creative activities and school form important part of their life. Many parents are finding it difficult to channel energies of these children over long periods of lockdown and reported low morale.

But every day sunrise is equally promising. 

I sincerely believe that each one of us has put up a brave fight with positive spirit and smiling face in these tough times in a hope to enjoy a sunnier, brighter days ahead.

Good luck for your journeys, stay safe stay positive. 

Dr Anjali Kulkarni.