The Unforeseen Battle: A Personal Account of COVID-19

the COVID-19 pandemia has left an indelible mark on countless lives, etching individual experiences into our collective memory. Among these stories, the ordeal of Marcelo Fortunato, a professor and drummer from San Martín, stands out as a testament to human resilience. A beloved figure known for his extensive network of students, rugby teammates, and fellow musicians, Fortunato faced a harrowing personal battle against the virus.

his journey, chronicled in his book, Every Day That I Did Not Die, details his 30 days in intensive care and subsequent 30 days of recovery. The title itself encapsulates the essence of his experience: a stark confrontation with mortality for a man who had always been the picture of health and strength.

Every Day That I Did Not Die is the title of the book he wrote about his 30 days in intensive therapy and his other 30 internship in recovery.

The Initial Infection and Rapid Deterioration

In January 2021, as the initial shock of the pandemic began to wane, a sense of familiarity, albeit a grim one, settled in. Yet, the virus continued its relentless spread. Fortunato, like many, initially felt immune. I thought, or felt, that everyone was going to have covid except me, he recalls. This sentiment, born from a concern for his family’s well-being, led him to overlook his own vulnerability.

On January 29,2021,a mild fever and congestion signaled the start of his ordeal. A COVID-19 test confirmed his fears. Despite the initial symptoms, Fortunato remained optimistic, focusing on upcoming family celebrations and vacations.However, his condition rapidly deteriorated. Within days, breathing became tough, prompting a consultation with Dr. Mariano Garavaglia, who ordered a tomography. The results were alarming, leading to immediate hospitalization at El Carmen hospital in Godoy Cruz.

The situation escalated quickly. Upon arrival, Fortunato was swiftly admitted to intensive care. This marks a turning point in his memory, as a full month of his life vanished, pieced together later through the accounts of nurses, family, and friends.

hallucinations and Recovery

During his time in intensive care, Fortunato’s condition was critical. There were moments when his survival seemed impossible. Yet, he persevered, defying grim prognoses and eventually transitioning to the San Andrés Rehabilitation Clinic. However, his arrival at the clinic remains a blur, with reality and vivid hallucinations intertwining in his memory.

these hallucinations, often a common experience for COVID-19 patients, took an unusual turn for Fortunato. The psychologist told me after this was very common in patients who had had Covid, but that most had ugly, very ugly hallucinations, related to death. I don’t. At least none of my hallucinations, from my dreams, ended badly. At least none ended up with me dead. Even some were very pleasant, he recounts.

One particularly vivid hallucination involved a motorcycle trip to the sea with his wife, Fernanda. He vividly remembers the sensation of a warm rain and the feeling of the wind on his skin, highlighting the intensity and pleasant nature of the experience.

A Triumphant Return and Lasting Impact

After two months of battling the virus, Fortunato returned to San Martín, greeted by a jubilant caravan of family and friends, including the mayor. His recovery was a long and arduous process, but he eventually regained his life, resuming his routine and his drumstick school. He even organized a moving performance at the Center for Congresses and exhibitions in San Martín, sharing his story of survival and inspiring others.

Marcelo Fortunato’s story serves as a powerful reminder of the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic and the remarkable capacity of the human spirit to overcome adversity. His book, Every Day That I Did Not Die, offers a poignant and inspiring account of his journey, providing hope and resilience in the face of unprecedented challenges.