COVID WARNING FROM WOMAN LEARNING TO WALK AGAIN AFTER SEVEN-WEEK COMA
A 56-YEAR-OLD mum who regularly worked a 60-hour week before contracting coronavirus is now learning to walk again after spending seven weeks in an induced coma.
Tracy Evans, who was born in Dewsbury, was admitted to hospital in January after contracting Covid.
The mum-of-three caught the virus while working in Bridlington and was admitted to Scarborough General Hospital before being transferred to York Hospital, where she was placed on an Intensive Care Unit (ICU) ward.
Tracy said she was described by doctors as the ‘youngest and most ill in ICU’ and was put into an induced coma on January 31.
Her situation became so desperate that doctors allowed Tracy’s two daughters to visit at her bedside after giving her just 24 hours to live. She said she has since been told she suffered multiple organ failure. Her heart had to be restarted three times.
“I was not getting any better,” said Tracy. “They brought my two daughters to ICU because they were thinking of switching the life support off in 24 hours.
“One doctor saved me and said: ‘No, I want to give her a chance.’”
After seven weeks, Tracy made a miraculous recovery and was taken off a ventilator in March.
She has since been moved to a rehabilitation centre in Netherton, Huddersfield.
Tracy said: “I lost all my muscle mass with being in a coma so I could not do anything when I woke up.
“When I first came here (Netherton) I had to have everything done for me – I have pushed myself to get better.
“I am doing quite well and have managed to stand up. I use a zimmer frame but I cannot walk very far. I still cannot dress myself, write or brush my hair. My legs still feel heavy and I do have a few wobbles. I can’t go for a walk down the street.”
Tracy added she is finding her recovery particularly difficult as she was ‘very independent’ before catching coronavirus and worked ‘50 to 60 hours per week’ as a carer.
Arrangements are now being made for Tracy to live with her daughter in Heckmondwike.
“My daughter is going to become my carer when I come out,” said Tracy. “Hopefully that will be soon – I have been away from home for three months.”
Tracy is now warning others to remain vigilant as lockdown restrictions continue to be gradually eased.
She said: “We need to keep our distance. People are thinking that this is over – it is not.
“I am scared of getting the jab and I do not sleep well at night because I am scared that if I close my eyes I will not wake up.
“There is a lot of fear for me.”