A WOMAN has told how she thought she had the flu... then woke up from a coma five months later.

Charlotte Podesta, 27, began vomiting and feeling very unwell in October 2020, but was convinced it was just the flu.

When her symptoms continued for over two weeks, she called 111 and then 999.

Charlotte, who was living in Lewes at the time, said: "That was the last thing I remember. I woke up five months later in Brighton hospital's ICU.

"I didn't know where I was or anything. I'd been put on a ventilator. It was scary."

Doctors then told Charlotte that she had been put in a medically induced coma after contracting pneumonia.

She said: "When I woke up I didn't know who I was, I had to learn to walk and talk again. It was horrible."

Due to her illness coming in the second phase of the Covid-19 pandemic, Charlotte says she feared she had coronavirus.

Charlotte has suffered from breathlessness since she came out of her coma and she worries about getting ill again.

She is currently homeless after being evicted from her flat in Lewes because she was unable to pay her rent.

Due to having a dog she cannot be given emergency housing by the council.

A spokesman for Lewes District Council said: As Charlotte has not registered this dog as a support animal, we are currently unable to provide her with emergency accommodation as pets are not allowed in this type of housing.

"We have contacted Charlotte today asking her to complete an updated application form to confirm whether her dog is registered as a support animal.

"If this is the case, we can try to find accommodation for them together.

"Alternatively, if Charlotte does not have anyone to look after her dog while placed in emergency accommodation, we can help with kennel charges while she looks for a permanent housing solution."

Ultimately, Charlotte hopes she can find a safe and secure home where she can live with her pet.

She has launched a Gofundme page in order to raise money to help her keep safe.

Charlotte says any donations received will help pay for somewhere more permanent to live, or be used for food, water and other essentials.

To donate to Charlotte's Gofundme page, visit www.gofundme.com/f/help-charlotte-beat-homelessness

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