Donna Jobling, 58, survived but fears she may never recover after she contracted Legionnaires’ disease, a potentially lethal condition which begins with flu-like symptoms
A British mum who spent 16 days in a coma at a hospital after catching Legionnaires’ disease whilst on holiday in Greece fears she may never recover.
Donna Jobling, 58, was enjoying her a £1,500-per-couple all-inclusive trip on the stunning Greek island with her husband Sid, 70, and two friends when she was struck down with the disease.
She spent over two weeks in intensive care in an induced coma at Venizeleio Hospital, in Crete, leaving her unable to move from her neck down without assistance.
And after being transported back to the UK she was tragically diagnosed with life-changing illness, Guillain-Barré syndrome, a rare but serious autoimmune disorder which often follows a viral or bacterial infection.
Guillain-Barré syndrome is a rare condition that affects the nerves which can affect movement and breathing, according to the NHS. Donna, from Hull, Humberside. was hit by the disease whilst on the easyJet trip, and says the dream holiday has left her with no independence.
The holiday operator said they are “sorry to hear that Ms Jobling remains unwell” and they “hope the matter is resolved swiftly”. She said: “My life has been totally changed, as it has for my husband Sid who I feel so sorry for as he has to do everything for me now and is effectively my carer.
“I’m determined to stay positive and do all I can to get better, but it has been such slow progress that I do get frustrated and angry. Many days I simply can’t lift my legs to be able to get out of bed and I am just completely shattered. I’ve been told I may never get much better. It’s so difficult.”
Legionnaires’ is a lung infection caught from inhaling infected droplets of water, according to the NHS. After returning home t the UK she spent several weeks in Hull Royal Infirmary, where she was diagnosed with GBS.
The condition sees the body’s immune system mistakenly attack the nerves, causing weakness and respiratory issues, according to the NHS.
Donna was told her case was of the more serious nature, causing significant nerve damage. She first became ill after developing a chest infection on June 5, before falling seriously ill two days later and later was taken to hospital on June 11 and doctors put her in an induced coma.
Tests confirmed she had contracted Legionnaires’ disease, which caused acute respiratory failure and pneumonia. At the time Donna’s “devastated” family flew out to be by her side. She says now her husband has effectively become her full-time carer over the past 12 months.
He now has to help her with washing and showering, providing all her meals, and on the rare occasion she is able to venture out, pushing her in her wheelchair, as she is unable to walk any significant distance.
She fears she will never be her old self as little progress has been made over the past 12 months. Donna contacted Hudgell Solicitors who made a claim against easyJet.
Representatives of easyJet have agreed to cover the cost of regular physiotherapy sessions, but they claim they are yet to agree to providing occupational therapy support, which has been requested.
Hudgell Solicitors also claim the holiday operator is also still to confirm whether it is willing to accept liability for Mrs Jobling contracting Legionnaires’ disease whilst at the Sergios Hotel in Hersonissos, and the impact it has had on her life.
Mr Jobling said: “Our lives have been on hold for the past year, and at present, we can’t look any further than tomorrow. We have to wake up each and every day and assess how Donna feels after a couple of hours as to what we will do that day.
“Some days she’s able to come downstairs and speak to family and friends on the phone. Other days we are able to get out for a short time and I can push her wheelchair. Many days though she simply has to stay in bed and she rests most of the day. She has no energy at all and is simply too weak.
“I think it would be really important to Donna to see some acceptance from easyJet as to their responsibility. If they don’t accept responsibility, how will things change and prevent others suffering in the same way?”
Donna said: “I don’t want anybody else to go through what we have gone through over the last year, and continue to go through now. I’ve only recently started to feel a little more strength in my left arm, so that I can lift a small weight, the progress has been that slow.”
An easyJet Holidays spokesperson said: “We’re sorry to hear that Ms Jobling remains unwell and for the impact this has had on her. We’ve continued to support Ms Jobling, including funding an initial course of rehabilitation, and we have been exploring further ways to assist her.
“As this is an ongoing legal matter, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this stage. We hope the matter is resolved swiftly through the appropriate legal process.”
Symptoms of Legionnaires’ disease:
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
- Chest pain or discomfort, especially when breathing or coughing
- A high temperature
- Flu-like symptoms
These initial symptoms usually appear between two and 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. However, some other symptoms of the disease necessitate immediate medical attention.
The NHS advises people to call 111 or arrange an urgent GP appointment if they experience any of the following:
- A cough lasting three weeks or more
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain that comes and goes, or occurs when breathing or coughing
- Feeling short of breath
