Exeter man, 29, with no underlying health issues survives two month coronavirus ordeal

Against all the odds, fit and healthy 29-year-old Tim Attenburrow has miraculously survived to tell the tale of how he came back from the brink of death after contracting coronavirus.

Tim was hospitalised for almost two months, and was finally discharged this week to recover at his home in Exeter where he lives with his partner Gemma Day.

It came as a huge shock to his family and friends because the cameraman, who works for a TV production company, had no underlying health problems.

Even Tim himself thought the virus did not pose any risk to him, but instead it has left him physically and mentally exhausted, and grateful to still be alive.

Tim became one of the most serious cases Royal Devon and Exeter Hospital doctors had seen at that point after developing a cough following his birthday weekend on March 15.

Following the government’s advice, he self-isolated at home for seven days and his condition gradually worsened during that time with symptoms including a fever, shallow breath and a cough.

Tim recalled: “Throughout the week my breathing kept getting shallower and it was seven days after my cough started that I couldn’t breathe and was gasping for breath.

“My girlfriend called 999 on March 23. Everything from that point on is a bit of a blur. I remember arriving at the RD&E feeling confused but relieved because the oxygen they gave me helped me breathe again.

“I was seen immediately and within hours diagnosed with Covid-19 and pneumonia.

“I remember being surrounded by four doctors telling me the severity of my condition and that they wanted me to go onto a specialist treatment. It was then that I felt aware that my life was at risk and I may not wake up.”

Tim was put on a ventilator, but when his health continued to decline he was ambulanced a week later to London’s Royal Brompton Hospital - the largest specialist heart and lung medical centre in the UK - to be put on a life support called Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation (ECMO).

The machine pumps and oxygenates a patient's blood outside the body, allowing the heart and lungs to rest.

Tim, who remained on ECMO for four weeks before being transferred back to the RD&E, said: “I suffered with extreme vivid, dark and disturbing hallucinations, all involding key people in my life. These I can remember with distinct clarity.

“I then remember moving from the ITU ward in Exeter to a respiratory ward. The biggest shock to me was realising my lack of mobility.

“Physically and mentally starting physio was very hard, but the more I became aware of what I’d been through, I realised how lucky I was.”

Tim returned home on Monday morning and left the hospital being applauded by staff.

Describing how it feels to be home, he said: “It feels amazing, surreal and emotional. Coming home was a big day for me and the exhaustion is starting to set in.

“I’ve had so many people get in contact that it's overwhelming, but I think it’s important for people to hear my story.

“Before this happened I was confident I’d be safe and much more concerned about older relatives or my girlfriend who has asthma.

“I know my case is incredibly unusual and my body responded really badly to this virus, but I hope it will allow people to learn more about this new virus and help others.

“I’ve never appreciated the NHS more than I do now. They are amazing people with passion you rarely see. The more I hear about what I went through and the life-saving decisions that were made based on expertise and knowledge, I realise how lucky I was.

“Although I still have a long recovery ahead, I feel much more myself now and more motivated than ever. Physically and emotionally it’s really hard, but it’s much better than not being here at all, and I’m now just looking forward to a bit of normality and the chance to get together with my family and friends to celebrate life.

“I hope the NHS and their staff receive all the appreciation they deserve in the aftermath of this historic event. I want to say a huge thank you to everyone who’s supported me and mostly to all the NHS staff.

Tim is continuing to make a slow but steady recovery with the help of his girlfriend Gemma.

She said: “At first I didn’t realise how bad he was. We were told that his body’s response to the virus was very rare. It all happened very quickly, only a few hours after being taken to hospital he was put on a ventilator as his oxygen levels were dropping.

“It was then one thing after another including infections, blood clots and his lungs failing. As coronavirus is so new they couldn't be sure how his body would respond.

“The whole time we were told to prepare for the worst. His chances of survival were quite slim, but we were unable to go into hospital to see him.

“He has been so incredibly lucky. When he returned from London back to the RD&E, the staff there were very emotional as they didn’t think they would see him again.

“It’s difficult because his family still can’t see him as it’s not worth the risk to his health because at the moment they can’t guarantee he can’t get it again.

“Tim was the most unlikely person you would think would be this affected by coronavirus so it makes you aware that anyone can be vulnerable. It can literally happen to anyone.

“I don’t think what has happened has sunk in yet. It's absolutely amazing, but quite overwhelming, to have him home again.”

A spokesman for the RD&E said: “The Trust and all the staff who cared for Tim are delighted at his recovery, and we wish him all the very best for the future.”