Covid-19 coronavius survivor from Inverness wants to help in fight against the infection
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A coronavirus survivor has vowed to help with the search for an effective antibody test which could help save countless lives.
Sarah MacDougall, from Inverness, is keen to do whatever she can to combat the deadly disease – including helping city scientists at the forefront of antibody testing for Covid-19.
The 42-year-old care home worker is recovering after a life-or-death battle at Raigmore Hospital, where she spent two weeks in a coma on a life-support machine before rallying.
Now at home in Blarmore Avenue, she said she would not hesitate to donate blood plasma to help create an antibody test, and to help patients battling the virus.
People who have overcome Covid-19 are being contacted after 28 days if they have not had any further symptoms and asked to donate plasma – a clear liquid which makes up about half of a person’s blood volume.
The theory is that this antibody-rich plasma can be given to people struggling to combat the virus, and help them fight it off.
Mrs MacDougall, who works as an assistant cook at Ach-An-Eas Care Home, in Island Bank Road, said: “I would be willing to help by donating plasma to help find a way of getting help to other people that need it.
“I would be up for a trial, and will help the people working in Inverness. I know how much it means to other people and their families.
“If I can I will be signing up, as it might be the only way to help other people.”
NHS Highland and a lab at Raigmore Hospital are to lead the way in Scotland for antibody testing.
The tests will measure the population who have had the virus with little-to-no symptoms, with a view to developing a full antibody test for wider use at a later date.
No further information has been made public – despite repeated requests – since health secretary Jeane Freeman described the move as “another significant step forward in our understanding of the virus”.
Mrs MacDougall, who has a self-confessed fear of medical procedures and needles, said she would push her phobia to one side in order to help.
She left hospital three weeks ago and has ongoing mobility issues due to nerve damage caused by a lack of oxygen to her foot – a complication which can happen during the most intense period of the illness while on a ventilator.
However, she is annoyed that some people in Inverness might not be taking the virus seriously enough.
“My husband Harry tells me that some of the car parks outside shops are full,” Mrs MacDougall said. “I feel like going round there on my Zimmer frame and showing people what could happen to them if they don’t stay home and stay safe.”
The former Drakies Primary and Millburn Academy pupil believes her faith, and the love of friends and family, played a part in her survival.
While she was very ill, she was included in daily prayers at Inverness Cathedral, where she has been a lifelong worshipper.
She said her family were relieved that she was back home, but the problems with her foot were not going to be overcome quickly.
“The muscles in my calf are strong, but my foot is still cold,” she said. “But the physiotherapist is happy with me and she says I am making good progress.
“There are good and bad days, and I am starting to have flashbacks to what was happening. It can make me very upset and I keep asking myself ‘why me?’ but it passes and I realise everything that I have to be thankful for.
“I have more than 40 get well cards, and lots of support from family, friends and my church.
“One of my school friends was part of the team caring for me in the hospital and I have been keeping her up-to-date with my progress.
“I can never thank the staff at Raigmore for everything they did to help me.”
Related article: Inverness woman recovers from coronavirus after two weeks in coma
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