Coronavirus: Grandfather, 82, makes 'miracle recovery' after contracting COVID-19
An 82-year-old man who contracted coronavirus has returned home after making a 'miraculous' recovery.
Sid Lovenbury tested positive for COVID-19 after being rushed to the Royal Stoke University Hospital.
The pensioner was experiencing a high temperature fever and suspected pneumonia after falling ill at Church Terrace Nursing Home in Cheadle, North Staffordshire.
When doctors confirmed he had tested positive for Covid-19, his family started planning his funeral.
But incredibly, the retired electrician beat the disease after being given a powerful course of antibiotics.
His devastated wife Jean Lovenbury and son, Dave Lovenbury, feared they wouldn't get to their final goodbyes as Sid was placed on ward 117 which is closed to visitors to stop the spread of the deadly bug.
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But much to their surprise Sid rallied round and after just four days was well enough to be discharged on Wednesday.
The pensioner - who has vascular dementia - will now be placed in quarantine in his care home room.
Son David, 51, admitted he had mentally grieved for his dad after receiving a call from Royal Stoke confirming his dad had coronavirus.
He added: “We were very surprised to hear that he was being discharged. He’d had no respiratory problems.
“It was unbelievable that he had made such a miraculous recovery. It’s been a rollercoaster for the family which has left us all baffled, bemused, drained, elated and deflated all at the same time.”
David even demanded a second opinion from another doctor, who also confirmed his dad had beaten the virus.
He said: “It contradicts everything we’ve heard about the virus so I insisted on speaking to a senior doctor for a second opinion.
“He told me that the virus behaves in extraordinary ways. Some people that you expect to died like dad can recover quickly while some healthy people die.
“My dad responded well to powerful antibiotics and after four nights in hospital he was well enough to be discharged.”
His wife Jean, who lives in Leek, said: “It is nothing short of a miracle. I can’t believe he is still here. I can’t wait to see him. He is still in quarantine but we are hoping to see him soon.”
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