A nurse and grandmother, who was struck down by coronavirus and was treated by her colleagues at the hospital where she works, has shared her three key symptoms as she recovers from Covid-19.
Alison Riseley, 54, said fighting the deadly disease was "scary" and she feared the worst, but was comforted by seeing so many familiar faces.
The critical care nurse has been saving lives on the Covid-19 frontline at Royal Papworth Hospital for weeks but is fairly certain she didn't pick up the virus there.
Alison had been off work due to her asthma prior to testing positive at her local hospital but had been venturing out to collect essential medication from a pharmacy.
For updates on coronavirus, follow our live blog HERE.
“I can’t be certain where I caught coronavirus...it must have been picked up in the community rather than at the hospital," she told CambridgeshireLive.
She admitted her symptoms were initially mild but came on "more severe" suddenly leaving her "increasingly breathless" and without the senses of taste or smell.
"After seeking medical advice I was taken to my local hospital last Thursday,” Alison explained.
The veteran nurse of 28 years service saw her condition deteriorating rapidly and she was transferred to Royal Papworth just 24 hours later, where she was put on oxygen.
Having spent last weekend in the specialist heart and lung hospital’s critical care unit – the same unit in which she normally works as a sister – Alison was then discharged to a ward to complete her recovery before being allowed home on Friday.
“It was so strange when I was told I was being taken to Royal Papworth, yet at the same time extremely comforting because it felt like I was coming home and knew I would be in the best hands," she said.
"One of my colleagues who is also a very good friend came in to look after me two nights in a row, which provided me with a lot of comfort, alongside seeing all the other familiar faces and fantastic nurses, too.
“When you are a nurse you are used to looking after others and it was tough not being able to look after myself, as well as having that added insight into what might be happening and the treatment that I would need."
She said she thought of her children and grandchildren with worst case scenarios "running through your head at once", but is thrilled to now be back home and on the mend.
“I just want to thank all staff for their excellent care and compassion," Alison continued.
"I am thinking of them all and sending them my love and best wishes.
“Anyone can get this, at any time, so please do stay at home and only leave for essential trips. It’s so important to follow the advice and keep safe.”
Royal Papworth Hospital Charity’s COVID-19 appeal is aiming to raise vital funds for staff support, research, and patient welfare.
You can find out more at papworthhospitalcharity.org.uk/appeal/the-royal-papworth-hospital-staff-appeal.
