Newham consultant says “thank you” to St Bartholomew’s for his recovery from Covid-19
In this interview, Newham Hospital consultant Anjum Bahadur tells us about his recovery from Covid-19 and why it’s important to remain hopeful and positive during times of uncertainty.
Can you tell us about your role at Barts Health?
I’m a paediatric consultant at Newham Hospital with a special interest in paediatric haematology.
When did you first suspect you might have Covid-19 and what were your symptoms?
I started having a runny nose and muscle pains on 2 March. As there was no cough or fever, I continued to work as per the guidance. I developed a cough on the 24 March when I started self-isolating. I attended A&E at Newham Hospital on 28 March as I was breathless with a cough, fever, muscle pain and sleeplessness. I was discharged with advice on this occasion. I completed a Covid-19 test which came positive and was readmitted to Newham Hospital on 2 April.
Can you tell us about the care you received at St Bartholomew's Hospital?
The St Bartholomew’s team are amazing and highly professional. I am deeply thankful to the nurses, consultants, junior doctors, therapists, health care assistants and house keepers. They provided me with impressive care and often did more than their professional duty! The enquiry hub (which involves redeployed staff calling families to updated them on their loved ones condition) is exemplary and helped in every possible way to keep my wife updated and reassured.
What has your journey to recovery been like?
Recovery is slow and frequently challenges my patience. The extreme weakness, breathlessness, memory loss and delirium has been difficult.
With the help of the excellent St Bartholomew’s team, I’m making progress. I’m finding my strength in faith.
Do you have any advice for people recovering from Covid-19?
This is an unknown territory, however, do not rush. Take it one step at a time. Follow advice from your healthcare professionals and keep yourself updated on new developments without being fearful. Stay positive, hopeful and maintain faith.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank?
I deeply thank all my dear colleagues, friends, juniors and seniors at Newham Hospital for the heart-warming support they showed me. It has been pivotal in my recovery. In particular, I would like to thank Dr Alistair Chesser, Dr Andrew Kelso, Sherry Manning, Dr Rehan Khan and Dr Mary White for their extraordinary support to my wife and I during this most difficult time.
I would like to also thank Dr Mathew, Dr Imdad, Dr Alam and Dr Ejaaz for their tremendous help and support to my family and I.
Has it changed your attitude to your own practice?
I have not returned to practice yet. However, I’ve found a new perspective to disease and health after this devastating experience.
Do you have any other reflections on your experience?
The ITU team at Newham Hospital took timely steps to intubate me electively and decided to transfer me to St Bartholomew’s early, which I feel played an important role in my survival and recovery.
Despite being an unknown disease and limited treatment options, there is hope for us and we should think positive.
Find out more about our response to the coronavirus pandemic on our website here.