Asha Patel reported the story for BBC News from the East Midlands. Anabel Sharma’s life took a tragic turn as she spent three months battling Covid-19 in intensive care, reflecting on the painful memory of losing her mother to the same virus five years later. Since 2020, Sharma has faced multiple hospital readmissions, most recently for double pneumonia that kept her hospitalized for the majority of January. Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and long Covid has presented her with a myriad of health challenges.
Recalling the heartbreaking moment her mother Maria Rico passed away in the hospital bed next to her, Sharma described the emotional toll of watching her mother take off her mask to share some final moments with her daughters. Dealing with PTSD has resulted in fragmented recollections of her time in intensive care, making it difficult for Sharma to confront those memories. As she navigates through ongoing health issues, she grapples with the mental and physical strain of her condition.
Despite her resilient spirit, Sharma’s health continues to deteriorate, marked by recurrent hospital visits for respiratory problems and other complications stemming from Covid-19. The toll on her well-being has extended to her family and social life, with her children voicing their concerns and anxieties about her health. Meanwhile, Sharma remains hopeful and determined, refusing to succumb to self-pity as she battles the aftermath of the virus.
Sharma’s experiences highlight the enduring challenges of long Covid and the struggles faced by individuals dealing with its lasting effects. She emphasizes the importance of quality healthcare services and cohesive support systems for individuals grappling with long-term health consequences post-Covid. Despite the setbacks and obstacles she faces, Sharma’s unwavering strength and gratitude for life serve as a beacon of resilience in the face of adversity
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