An OFW in Dubai miraculously survives COVID-19 after being revived 4 times

A Filipino Overseas Worker working in the food industry of Dubai has miraculously survived his near death COVID-19 experience. In his 72-day confinement in the hospital, he was revived a grand total of four times.

In an episode on Frontliners, Francis Feliciano narrated what he can remember from the incident. Francis said he couldn't figure out how he got infected with COVID-19 as he said he is a healthy person.

He felt sick on April 13, and upon learning his body temperature was 39 degrees, he quickly took a cab to the hospital, where he was met with a wheelchair in the emergency room.

"Nakalimutan ko nang bayaran ‘yung taxi," he said. "Hindi ko na alam kung ano ang nangyari noon."

His wife, Shiela recalls Francis was still able to call her in Canada, where she is working as a private caregiver.

"Sabi ko, 'Bakit nandyan ka? Ano’ng nangyari?'” Shiela narrated. "Kasi nakita ko siya, may suwero na siya. Tapos hirap na siyang makahinga. Sabi niya, 'Sige, magpapaalam na ako kasi hindi ko na kayang huminga'.”

She called him the next day, but instead of hearing Francis' voice, a Filipina nurse answered and told her that Francis has been intubated.

"Iyak ako nang iyak, gabi-gabi hanggang sa umaga. Hindi na ako makatulog hanggang sa umabot ako sa pagte-take ng pampatulog para lang makatulog nang ayos," she narrated.

Even though they were miles apart and her husband was already intubated, Sheila continued to check on her husband.

"Every time na tumatawag ako sa doktor, ‘yun ang sinasabi, na tulog daw si Francis kasi na-intubate na raw siya," Sheila said.

"Hindi ko inisip ‘yung gastos sa pagtawag. Nagti-tiyaga akong kausapin ‘yung doktor, inaalam ko kung ano ‘yung sitwasyon niya," she continued.

According to Sheila, Francis' doctor would always tell her to pray for her husband.

Francis' doctor Dr. Fatima Zairi recalled how Francis' oxygen saturation and blood pressure dropped many times, while he was in the ICU (Intensive Care Unit). 

Sheila admitted she was losing hope.

"Hindi mo maintindihan, kung mabubuhay pa ba siya o ano. Lalo pa four times ni-revive, buti na lang hindi gumive-up ang mga doktor, talagang inilaban din nila," she said.

Sheila said she fought to stay strong for their child Andrei, who is left the Philippines.

"Ang ginawa ko, sa Kaniya na ako kumapit. Kay Lord na, 'Bahala na Kayo, Lord, kung anong plano Ninyo sa amin, kung ano talaga. Ibinibigay ko sa Inyo ang desisyon', sabi kong ganoon. “Wag Ninyo na lang pahirapan si Francis, napakabait na tao po noon," she said.

Francis remembers dreaming of three cats, while intubated. They made him choose between life and wealth. 

"Nakakapagsalita rin sila tulad ng lengguwahe natin. At may tanong sila, ‘yung tatlong pusa na ‘yun, kung ano ‘yung gusto ko, buhay ko kayamanan? Syempre, I chose life," he narrated.

Within his 72-day stay in the hospital, Francis underwent several treatments including tracheotomy or an incision in the windpipe or throat of the patient connected to the lungs to help him breathe.

On June 28, he was removed from intubation.

"Nabuhayan ako na, 'O, gising na siya! Oo, gising na gising na siya,' sabing ganoon. 'Makakausap mo na ang asawa mo,'" she said.

Dr. Fatima said she can describe Francis as "a big fighter and he's a hero, really. This is really a miracle and this is a blessing from God for him."

But the doctor said Francis' COVID-19 fight didn't end there because he also got stroke.

"He was not able initially to move his right side of his body," she said.

At the moment, Francis is undergoing physiotherapy. "Nagsa-cycling ako palagi with the help of the physiotherapist and walk with their assistance. With the help of the walker, nakakatulong din sa mga reflex ko," he said.

"So hanggang ngayon sinisigurado nila na makalakad ako palagi," he added.

Francis said he is also experiencing a mild temporary memory loss. For instance, he can't remember his passcode on his phone.

He is able to communicates with his wife, thanks to the nurses on duty.

Even though he is going through one of the toughest times in his life, Francis said he is continuing to fight not just for himself but for his family as well.

He said, "Everyday nagpapasalamat ako, bawat gising ko, sa Panginoon. Masasabi ko lang, ‘wag mawalan ng pag-asa. Don’t lose hope. Salamat sa mga prayers ng mga kaibigan, kapamilya.

His hospital bills went up to 800,000 in UAE Dirhams, which amounts to P10 million.

Thankfully, his hospital bills were covered by his insurance provider and his employer.

After almost four months in the hospital, Francis was discharged from the hospital just last Friday.

And because he wasn't able to work for months, their family's source of living has also been affected and they are struggling to put their child to school who is in college.

To those who want to help they can donate in this account.

NYMA FLORDELIZA P. COS
BDO Lipa Branch
000840530781

— Jannielyn Ann Bigtas/LA, GMA News