Covid a horror story for East Coast man

Road to recovery: Jason Collier is continuing his rehabilitation from the life-threatening effects of the Covid-19 virus. He had his first vaccination before falling ill and doctors told him it probably saved his life. He is encouraging people to get vaccinated. Picture by Liam Clayton

An East Coast man who contracted Covid-19 was put into an induced coma, needed a pacemaker installed and has had to learn to walk again in his long road to recovery.

Jason Collier is imploring vaccine hesitant people to get vaccinated or risk going through what he endured, or even worse.

The 45-year-old was living in Auckland when he caught Covid-19, setting off a harrowing chain of events.

He had his first vaccination two weeks before falling ill and subsequently testing positive for Covid-19.

“The doctors said because I had had my first jab, it probably saved my life.

“It started off as a dry cough but it wouldn't stop. On the second day I went and got a test.

“It would have only been about 10 hours after that they rang and said I was positive.

“I was scared and worried.”

Jason was taken to a Managed Isolation and Quarantine (MIQ) facility.

Three days into his stay, he collapsed.

“I was happy that the doctors were there to find me lying on the floor,” he said.

“I was put in an induced coma for 10 days but during my coma my heart couldn't cope and kept stopping, so they put a pacemaker in me.”

Another 26 days in ICU at Middlemore Hospital followed.

“I was just living and being fed through tubes so you could say I have been given a second chance at life.

“It was pretty scary, I wouldn't wish that on anybody. It's real, definitely real.”

And his life has changed for good.

Such was the toll Covid took on him, his rehabilitation has included such simple acts as learning to walk and talk properly again, relearning the alphabet and other simple tasks like showering and writing.

Jason formerly worked making cables for oil rigs but is now on a sickness benefit and unable to work.

He needs help from family to ensure he lives life at a much slower pace.

Jason was transferred to Gisborne Hospital last week (Sunday, November 7) after 41 days in Middlemore Hospital.

He arrived four days after the second wastewater sample from Gisborne tested positive to Covid-19.

Jason hopes to complete rehab here before moving in with whānau in Tikitiki.

Their support will be needed for another eight to 10 months.

“That's why I have come back home.

“I'm not sure why people don't want to get vaccinated . . . I don't want people to go what I've been through.”