The power of convalescent plasma

 

Wanda and John Dorlean are a healthy, active couple in their early 40’s with no underlying health issues but when COVID-19 hit them, it hit hard – particularly John.

Wanda was the first to be hit with the virus after an outbreak at the hospital where she works as a medical technician. She describes her symptoms as like a bad flu.

The entire Dorlean family – including their three children ages 7, 10 and 12 – went into quarantine for 14 days with John holding down the household chores. Around mid-January John started to get sick but was still functioning, helping his wife around the house and, being a creative designer, working from his home office.

Then things began to change, Wanda noticed that John’s symptoms were getting worse, he was having trouble breathing. She was on the phone with a friend one day when her daughter came running downstairs shouting, “Mommy, Daddy’s calling you, he needs your help.”

Wanda ran upstairs to find her husband on the bed shallow panting and covered in sweat after experiencing a coughing fit. She took one look at him and ran to get an oxygen monitor she kept in their home. Wanda put it on him and after just a quick read said, “I’m calling an ambulance.”

When she and John arrived at the Emergency Room doctors immediately administered 4 liters of oxygen. Wanda was able to visit him in the COVID-19 unit where he was being treated; he was still sweating profusely. Doctors took her aside and said we’re going to have to increase his oxygen to 9 liters; being a medical technician Wanda knew the situation was grave. She knew if that number went to double digits John would be going to the ICU to be put on a ventilator.

From his vantage point in his hospital bed John knew that things were bad and tried to keep everyone’s spirits high and reassure Wanda he intended to win this fight. The doctors came to his hospital room and told the couple that John needed convalescent plasma to help him fight off the COVID-19 virus. Wanda understood what convalescent plasma was but quickly learned that her husband had a rare blood type that complicated the process a bit – his blood type was AB-Negative which is rare, and the hospital was searching for the plasma he needed.

Wanda immediately began putting the word out via social media channels that her husband was very sick and needed help. She thought if I can just inspire some people to give, and she did. People began responding immediately, sharing their own stories.

The hospital was able to locate the convalescent plasma that John needed, and he received the transfusion. Within 24 hours he could feel the difference; his breathing became less labored and the oxygen being administered to him was decreased. Within 48 hours he felt much better, he knew he was going to make it.

John had always been active and chafes against the limitations he still experiences as a result of COVID-19 but is feeling better and very grateful to the generous, volunteer donors who made his recovery possible.

“I had never experienced anything like this, but if my survival helps people to understand the power of their convalescent plasma I would go through it all again,” said John. “I am so grateful to all the donors who make the time to give, it’s truly one of the most selfless of acts. And the outpouring of support from the community was humbling and inspiring.”

“I want donors to know that the time they gave to donate their convalescent plasma allowed my husband to be here with me and our three children,” said Wanda Dorlean. “When John was being treated doctors began preparing me for the worst, making me aware that his situation could change very quickly. To every person reading this who makes time to donate, please know it is a great gift you give, don’t ever doubt it!”