Covid-19 positive OFW who battles the virus also struggled with himself

An Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW) who was positive of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) recounts his experiece as he struggled not only with the virus but also with himself.

Photo Credit : gmanetwork.com

Billy Bruno is a nurse for 30 years, leaving and working for 20 years in United Kingdom. He lives with his wife Elizabeth who is also a nurse and their 3 children. They live together with their aunt and uncle who are senior citizens.

Billy tested positive with Covid-19 given the nature of his work as a frontliner. Last March, Billy felt tired after giving medical treatment to a Covid-19 positive patient. Days passed and he felt heavier and his body is in so much pain. This was the time he started to think to end his suffering by ending his life.

"Masyadong masakit na 'yung katawan ko, ayokong [maging] pabigat sa pamilya ko. Tapos nandoon ako sa third floor, sabi ko nakabukas 'yung bintana, tatalon ako sa bintana para tapos na ang lahat kasi hindi ko kaya eh... I want to end this thing, kaya I dont want to infect them," (The pain I felt from my body is too strong and I don't want to be a burden to my family. I was in a third floor, I saw the window open, I thought of jumping to end my suffering as I can't take it anymore. I wanted to end this thing, that way I won't infect them [family].) Billy relates.

However, Billy chose to be strong and prayed to God. It was April 4 when he was sent to the hospital, and it was April 5 when the hospital confirmed he was positive with the virus.

"Feel ko 'yung mamamatay na ako... 'Yung survival instinct na lang, ganu'n na lang nasa isip ko nung time na 'yun. Ang mahirap kasi 'yung pain eh, kasi 'yung pain ko is from top to bottom. Hindi na ako makagalaw," (I felt like dying, I just thought for me to survive. Although it's difficult because the pain I felt was from top to bottom. I can't move an inch of my own body.) Billy said.

Billy was even more distraught and worried when he found out that his wife, aunt and uncle tested positive with the virus, as well as 2 of his kids showed signs of Covid-19. He was so anxious. He felt intense sadness that it caused him to experience hallucinations.

"Nandoon ako sa isolation room, as far as I know, nag-iisa ako doon. Nagising ako one time, mga three o' clock in the morning, 'yung isang lalaki sa kaliwa ko nakaupo lang siya, nakatingin sa towards the toilet,"(I was in an isolation room, I knew I was alone. There was a time when I woke up at 3 o' clock in the morning and saw a man on my left sitting and staring towards the toilet.) Billy said.

"Tapos 'yung nasa right sit ko, bumubulong sa akin, sabi niya 'Billy, alam mong pinag-eeksperementuhan ka nila rito. Kung gusto mo makalaya, tingnan mo 'yung bintana, lumabas ka, umakyat ka sa bubong," (Then on my right side, another man whispers to me and said that the hospital is experimenting on my body. He said I should go out and climb the rooftop. If I want to he free I should climb up.) Billy continued.

Billy almost believed what the whispers told him untill he opened his eyes. 

With the help of his loved ones and a friend which is also a Covid-19 positive, Billy slowly healed and his family was discharged after a few days.