Rachel White on her COVID-19 ordeal: “When I tested positive people on social media told me RIP”

03/08/2020

Actress Rachel White (who was seen in Karan Johar produced and Rensil D'silva-directed 'Ungli') had now tested negative for Coronavirus. Later in the day, we had a long chat with her on camera. Excerpts from the conversation:
How did your COVID-19 ordeal begin?
It began around July 8/9. I was shooting in Kolkata for15 days. I contracted fever, followed by diarrhea. I called up my doctor in Mumbai and she prescribed some antibiotics. She told me to immediately head for the COVID-19 test. I tested positive. I called her up and she asked me to find a doctor.
Was it easy for you to get the COVID-19 test done? I hear a lot of people found it tough to get even the prescription that they should head for the test...
I'll be very honest with you. It was not easy. I had to call up several places. I couldn't even get an appointment. At some places, I was asked to queue up and told that they'll see if they can do it. I then called up a senior editor of a media company whom I knew. He helped me to fix the appointment. I cried the whole night when the report came that I was infected with the virus. I was responding very well to the antibiotics. So, I was really shocked. Everyone around me had also told me that it was just not possible that I would test positive as I was much more fine now than I was earlier. I started talking to myself: 'I had been so careful at the shoot. Oh, why did I not stay back in Mumbai? Why did I take up the assignment and come to Kolkata?'
And then you called up your mother, who also stays in Kolkata?
No, I didn't call her, not even to my sister. I was not in a position to talk to them. To an extent, I was in denial. Maybe galat report aayi hai, maybe unka kit sahi nahi tha.
Alright, but how did you come to terms with it, say the next morning?
I spoke to a few friends who called me down. I realised I couldn't just sit and stop everything. I understood that I need a doctor right away.
Can you tell us what was the medical advice given to you?
I also spoke to a few people who had COVID-19 and believe me, we all had different symptoms. So, the advice would be rather different in different cases.But let me tell you my symptoms. Soon after the test, I started feeling breathless. I felt I had a rock on my chest. It scared me to no end. I called up the doctor and he asked me to check my oxygen level. I told him the reading and he said it was low. I was then advised to immediately get admitted in the emergency ward.
And then?
I didn't get admitted. I told my doctor that I would prefer to sort it out at home, instead.
Why?
The healthcare system across the world is on oxygen and soon it might go on ventilator if things don't improve. I got the oxygen cylinder and administered oxygen to myself. I was alone, it was playing on my mind. But if at all I was to advise someone, I would just say that 'follow your doctor and have faith in him/her as he/she will treat you as per your symptoms'. The doctor put on me on medicines that would help my lungs and some that were anti-flu. And yes, let me also tell you the doctor was checking the colour of my nails and eyes on the phone.
I think you are right, but unfortunately people google so much and end up confusing themselves quite a bit...
Yeah. Add this to the number of text messages flying. Someone saying you must be feeling better today, someone saying you will start feeling better tomorrow.
How much was your oxygen level when you were told to get hospitalised?
83.
That's really low. 97 is the optimum. How much time did it take for the levels to normalise?
10 days. And those 10 days became tougher. My body used to feel a tingling sensation, my head was spinning and my ears felt blocked.
Any restrictions in your diet now?
It is said that you might lose your appetite after you are free from COVID-19. So, I was also given medicines that would make me feel hungry. So, I am eating quite well. And no, there are no restrictions per se. Over and above, I am taking multivitamins and doing breathing exercises to regain full fitness.
Any self-introspection you did in those lonely days and nights? That's human nature when the chips are down...
Not really. I just hoped that I hadn't put anybody else to risk.
Did you start talking to God: 'Why me?'?
No (smiles). Before my test happened, I was utaroing nazar with nimboo-mirchi. While my test was happening, my sister was reading the Novenna and praying with the Rosary. I have always been connected to God and He hasn't left my side ever.
Any lingering symptoms?
The headache and sore throat is still there. I am still on a bit of medication.
Let's switch a bit before we conclude. How has your journey been, so far?
I am happy. Modelling always appealed to me more, so I wasn't too keen on movies earlier. I would rather look at what has come my way rather than what hasn't. Mumbai gives you several opportunities...
Are you saying that an outsider like you gets as many chances as an insider?
No, we don't get more chances. It has very often happened that I had auditioned for a role and a star kid went on to do it. It has very often happened that I wasn't invited for the premieres just because I had a parallel lead and not a part of a certain group. It has happened that the media hasn't written about me.
But it happens everywhere. There is no point in re-paradising the world because it won't happen. Let me instead focus on what all is left for me, if someone else has taken the other stuff away. I somehow ensure that I don't get bitter.
Anybody in your life who helped you to stay positive?
Living in Mumbai alone makes you understand how to get a grip on yourself. Experience is a teacher, it imparts clarity. And, I surround myself with the right people.
And to conclude, what's your take on trolling? Ananya Panday and Sonakshi Sinha have taken up the cudgels...
I do get trolled and receive obscene comments. When I got COVID-19, people started telling me RIP! I have started blocking people. Kabhi kabhi lagta hai that India was not ready for the social media wave.

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