Family of Cowplain grandmother tell of their anguish as she contracted Covid-19 - and their delight at her recovery

Sisters Hayley Perry and Lisa Vicos were left fearing the worst when their mother Janet Penny, from Cowplain, was rushed to Queen Alexandra Hospital in April with stomach pain and fatigue.

A few days earlier in a GP phone appointment, she was told it was gastric flu and to rest.

When her condition began to deteriorate, the family rang 111 who sent an ambulance to take her to QA.

After running numerous tests and administrating antibiotics, Janet was transferred to the ward to spend the night.

To the family’s surprise the following day, doctors confirmed a positive test result for Covid-19. The next 48 hours was a whirlwind for the family, who didn’t know whether the 74-year-old would pull through.

Lisa said: ‘It brings tears to my eyes when I think about Mum being taken away in the ambulance.

‘The doctor had a frank conversation with me explaining the seriousness of Mum’s condition and that she was very poorly. Dreadful to say, but we really thought that it would be the last time we saw her.’

Janet spent a week in the Cosham hospital and says most of her time was a blur.

She said: ‘I think when you are that poorly nothing really sinks in. My girls said when they saw me in the ambulance it was like I was looking through them.

‘The only time I really came to, was when the doctor was holding my hand to tell me I had Covid-19 and was asking if I would want to be resuscitated if needed. I was shocked and said of course.'

Meanwhile the family were struggling without being able to contact Janet to find out how she was but discovered the Patient Advice and Liaison Service and they were able to deliver her a bag of items including her reading glasses, mobile phone and a letter.

Hayley said: ‘The staff were just amazing and nothing was too much trouble.

‘The PALS team enabled us to keep some form of contact with our Mum. The team sent her lovely typed up letters that we submitted for her with photos of our family, which I know she will cherish forever.’

Janet said: ‘When the nurse came to me with a bag and an envelope I didn't know what to think but it meant so much to me.’

After a week in hospital, Janet was discharged on Easter Monday and able to reunite with her husband Rex. She has spent the last two months recovering.

Portsmouth Hospitals NHS Trust told The News last week that more than 360 patients with Covid-19 have recovered and been discharged.

She added: ‘I think it is only sinking in how lucky I am to have recovered. I went to clap for carers on my doorstep after I came out of hospital and my neighbours raised a glass to me.

‘I had tears rolling down my cheeks as it made me realise how lucky I am to have come out of hospital. I am still finding walking upstairs harder as you really have to build your strength back up but I am so grateful to be at home and can’t thank the QA staff enough for what they do.’

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