Alma Kasa is an oncologist in Italy, who a few days ago talked about the terrible war with the coronavirus for the Italian newspaper La Stampa. Today she tells more about this experience for Class Magazine. Being in the hearth of the infection, fighting on the front line, Alma was affected by coronavirus and is currently isolated in her home, thankfully in good health. Alma lives in Casale Monferrato, Alexander, with her husband, Blerim, and 18-year-old daughter, Martina. In this story for Class magazine, she tells more about how she passed this disease, about the emotion she felt when she learned that 30 doctors and nurses from Albania would arrive in Italy to help, but also about her beginnings in Italy. .
â??I graduated from the Faculty of General Medicine at the University of Medicine, Tirana in 2000. Immediately after graduating from school I emigrated to Italy. Of course, coming to Italy, as for all Albanians, was not easy, because I was starting life from scratch in all aspects. Professionally it was also very difficult, as our university diplomas were not recognized. So, after the birth of my daughter in 2001, I decided to dedicate myself to my studies and after many compulsory exams I graduated from the University of Turin. I managed to qualify to start working as a doctor at the "Santo Spirito" Hospital in Casale Monferrato, in 2005. Then I did many other specializations, - Alma tells Class Magazine.
As with any doctor, professional life has not been easy for Alma. The city of Casale is known for a deadly occupational disease, Mesotelioma Pleurico, which affects the pleura and is caused by asbestos debris. As Alma puts it, "this disease is a social and psychological drama for all the residents of the city where she lives." But this is not the only concern, as things have become even more terrible since the spread of COVID-19.
â??It's a disease that can be easily infected; through the overhead line and contact of surfaces such as clothes, plastic materials, metal, etc. It is very difficult to defend yourself. We doctors were very exposed at first, not knowing that the virus had arrived in Italy, because it was the period when protective equipment (masks, gloves, extra protective clothing, etc.) was not yet used in hospitals.
On regular visits to patients receiving medical treatment at home, I have had contacts with a patient who later tested positive for COVID-19. According to the protocols, after confirmation all persons with whom the patient has had contact must stay in the 14-day quarantine. After the seventh day of staying in solitary confinement at home, I began to experience the first symptoms: fever, joint and all muscle pain, and physical impotence. I asked for a test, which turned out to be positive.
As a doctor, I immediately understood the signs and started the treatment in the first stages and I had significant improvements in my breathing. Of particular importance is the treatment of the disease in the early stages to avoid acute respiratory failure, which is one of the main causes of death in patients, "- says Alma, who shows that in addition to poor health in which she was , was also very worried about her family.
"It was not easy for me and my family, I began to feel guilty that because of me, the people most dear to me were at risk of becoming infected with this ruthless disease."
Currently her health condition has improved significantly, however she continues to be isolated.
"Currently, I continue to be isolated from my loved ones, for almost 1 month. I am waiting for the final test answer. I feel very lucky that today I am giving this interview and I am showing my experience, because I have many famous people and colleagues who are no longer with us ", she says.
At Santo Spirito Hospital the condition is critical, almost all wards are transformative in COVID, where patients feel lonely and many of them leave solitary life, without the presence of family members, without having the opportunity to contact their loved ones, without a bouquet of flowers. It is a tragedy for both family members and doctors, nurses and sanitary operators. The psychological side of the medical staff is aggravated because they feel powerless to save lives. This is the doctor's mission to save lives, to do the impossible to keep them alive, not to die. "
For Alma, as for many Albanians in Italy, it was a great emotion when she learned from the media that 30 Albanian doctors and nurses would arrive in Italy to help in this terrible situation. The echo that the Italian media made of this gesture on the part of Albania made many Albanians in Italy and abroad proud.
"I was very excited by the words of Prime Minister Rama when 30 Albanian doctors and nurses traveled to come to the aid of medical teams in Italy. Believe me, doctors in Italy are working very long hours and a small help is worth it. I felt very proud to be Albanian, it hadn't happened for a long time. Many people have thanked me with messages and phone calls. â?
In the end, Alma has an important message for all Albanians, who should be aware of the good of all and especially that of family members.
"Life and health are the most expensive thing, so taking advantage of my experience I call on all Albanians to stay at home. Take protective measures: masks, gloves, wash your hands as often as possible. When you are out of the house, use alcohol-based antibacterial solutions. Do not go out without important reasons, keep the necessary physical distance from each other. Only then can this horror stop and we can start a normal life again. Save your grandparents and family by staying home.
I wish all Albanians to be aware of the common good. Avoid the same scenario that is happening in Italy. We know that we are a poor people and we cannot afford to face events of this nature, so protection is the best thing. Hope is the only thing that keeps us alive, at a time when the situation is very difficult to cope with. â?
