The longest night, holding on to hope in the SDU...

The real pain of an illness isn't felt until it turns dangerous. Growing up, we always heard that getting sick was a problem for old age. But that isn't true anymore. Today, diseases don't wait for age or time—they can strike anyone at any moment.

I recently visited a private hospital in Chittagong, and seeing the tears and suffering of the families made me realize how much people are hurting right now.

Every day, headlines are filled with news of widespread sickness. Dengue fever and measles among children have become almost like epidemics. When a family member suddenly gets sick, it turns the entire household upside down. Having gone through this myself, I know how painful it is to spend sleepless nights at a hospital, worrying about someone you love.

Just two months ago, near the end of July, my mother suddenly came down with a fever. For 2 to 3 days, her temperature kept going up and down. Normal medicine didn't help, so I took her to a specialist. The doctor ran some tests, and the results confirmed what I feared most: she was dengue positive.

Even after starting treatment, her condition didn't improve, so I quickly admitted her to a well-known private hospital in Chittagong. Paying for private hospital care is very hard for many families, but when it comes to urgent, life-saving care, there is often no other choice.

On the second day, her fever went down, and I felt a huge sense of relief thinking she was getting better. But that peace didn't last long.

The biggest mistake with dengue is thinking that a fever dropping means the patient is safe. In reality, the 5th and 6th days are the most dangerous. The next morning, the doctor found her blood pressure dangerously low and immediately transferred her to the Step-Down Unit.

My mother was bleeding internally due to plasma leakage, and her condition became critical. In the SDU, family members are not allowed inside; you just have to wait outside for the doctor to call you.

A few hours later, the doctor told me she urgently needed blood. It was shocking because just hours before, she seemed completely fine. Dengue is scary like that—patients can look normal on the outside while their bodies fight a serious internal battle.

I quickly arranged for two blood donors. The night passed in complete fear and anxiety as I waited outside, watching my mother fight for her life.

My mother has seen many doctors before, but her condition had never gotten this critical. I couldn't even imagine things would turn so bad so quickly, because just a few hours earlier, I was talking to her normally.

Watching the mother who gave you life fight between life and death is the most painful thing for a son. The night passed without a single moment of sleep, and I didn't even realize how time went by.

Thankfully, the next morning, the doctor allowed me inside and told me the good news: she had crossed the danger zone. After nearly two tough days in the SDU, she fully stabilized.

Private hospitals give us immediate care without a doubt, but for that, we have to pay a massive cost.

It was my bad luck that I had to immediately pause my curator tasks and withdraw my vesting because I had no other choice. because the expenses didn't just end at the hospital, it took time for the patient to return to a normal condition. But the fact that I could overcome the danger was the biggest relief.

It took more than a month and a half of rest, medicine, and careful monitoring at home to help her regain her strength alongside her regular health conditions.

Anyone who has seen a loved one fight for their life will understand this pain. Having financial preparation for health issues is extremely important because they can arrive at any time.

Right now, a large portion of people savings goes straight to paying medical bills because diseases have increased over time. For people who don't earn much, these huge medical expenses are like adding more pain to injury.

Anyway, everyone should stay extra cautious during this time, as seasonal flu is spreading from house to house. Along with taking care of your family members, it is equally important to take care of yourself. After all, good health is the root of all happiness.