Imdong Phom, a 92 year old from Unity village, with strong will and positivity defeated COVID-19 despite his co-morbid conditions. (Morung Photo)
How a nonagenarian defeated the Coronavirus
Atono Tsükrü Kense
Kohima | May 29
Amidst the gloomy statistics of COVID-19 related deaths and positive cases which has led to fear, doubt and uncertainty, here is a story of hope and faith.
It is incredible how nonagenarian Imdong Phom, a 92 year old from Unity village, Dimapur defeated COVID-19 despite his co-morbidity ailments with strong will and positivity. He has underlying health issues like diabetes, hypertension and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) according to family.
Narrating their journey to recovery, to The Morung Express, Phom’s daughter, Dr Anungla Imdong Phom said her father developed mild cough and fever followed by acute urinary retention on May 10.
Subsequently, he was treated, however in view of the persistent fever, his children who are all settled in Kohima decided to treat him in Kohima.
“In view of the COVID-19 situation, the family decided to go for testing,” said Dr Phom and recalled how her father’s oxygen saturation level dropped to 86 while awaiting the test result.
When the TrueNat report came positive, they immediately admitted him at Oking Hospital, Kohima. He was discharged only after the second test came negative.
“However, because of his underlying co-morbidities, even after he was discharged, he suffered severe weakness and loss of appetite,” said Dr Phom.
Despite his conditions, she said her father continued to stay optimistic and strong with his never-say-die attitude by keeping himself busy making handicrafts. She believes that his positive attitude and strong will power led to his early recovery. Today, Imdong Phom is back into doing his normal activities.
The family is grateful to the medical team in Oking Hospital for the much needed care and hospitality, particularly because of his health issues compounded with old age.
Imdong was hospitalised for five days and remained in isolation for two weeks.
After being in isolation for two weeks, the family decided to do another testing to confirm his status. And while awaiting the test results, Imdong insisted his children to know the result stating, “I want to know if I am pass or fail,” and to the relieve of all, he passed with flying colours on May 28 morning.
As a lesson learnt basing on their experience, Dr Phom viewed “during this pandemic, even if a patient manifests other symptoms, one should think of COVID-19 first.”
Early detection and treatment is vital in saving lives, she asserted and stated that one need not hide or be afraid for contracting the virus rather seeking medical help will save lives.
Also appreciating state’s doctors and health workers, she said, “they are second to none, so trust them. After all, they are assigned by God to heal the people.”
As an advice Dr Phom urged, “One needs to have the courage to face Coronavirus and not surrender and give up.”
Instilling hope for better days during these challenging times, Dr Phom conveyed, “above all else, leaving everything in the loving hands of Jesus radiates positive energy and hope. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and so this pandemic too shall pass.”
