A 'COVID miracle': Pennsylvania man heads home after 210-day battle with virus

PENNSYLVANIA (KABC) -- After a 210-day battle with COVID-19, Wednesday was an emotional day for a Pennsylvania man who was released from a rehab center.

David Louis, 42, is not out of the woods yet, but he is on his way to recovery at home.

He was admitted to the hospital back in September with a case of COVID-19 so severe he had only 12% lung capacity.

Doctors say his lungs collapsed several times and he required multiple surgeries.

RELATED | COVID 'long haulers' see lingering symptoms for months

Many patients who initially experienced milder COVID-19 symptoms are now showing up at the doctor's office months later with debilitating problems. They're being called "long-haulers."

Louis also suffered seizures, strokes and a traumatic brain injury that left him almost paralyzed on the left side.

He also had to relearn how to do everything, from speaking, to eating and swallowing food and pills, moving his limbs and dressing himself.

His medical team calls him a COVID-19 miracle.

Louis is now permanently disabled. He can't walk and requires oxygen, but he's taking it one day at a time and is so happy to finally go home after 210 days.