A message from Oddjob

[Oddjob]

Hi guys,

I'm home but still very poorly. I have decided to do a detailed post on what happened so it warns other not to ignore the symptoms like I did, this thing is a KILLER.

Over Easter this year we had a new bathroom fitted, one of the fitters had Covid and infected me. It was bad and really did a number on me, I thought I was on the road to recovery but my immune system was really weakened. Tried to get some antibiotics from the doc but they don't like giving them out these days. Eventually one sent me for a chest xray which showed I had fluid on both lungs. Another Xray and a course of antibiotics later and it was getting worse. I was rushed into hospital in an ambulance, all the time saying I was alright and I'd shake this off. Fairly stupid of me looking back but I hate hospitals.

I was taken to Intensive Care straight away, which sort of made me pay attention as I didn't expect that. After an assessment I was given the bad news, I had Bacterial Double Pneumonia in both lungs and even 15% oxygen wasn't helping me breathe, my oxygen levels were dangerously low and I was told I would have probably died in my sleep that night if I hadn't gone into hospital. News like that really makes you pay attention. They decided the only chance I had was to put me in an induced coma and give my lungs a chance to rest and heal, I remember the needle and slowly sliding under whilst wondering if this was my last thought ever.

After that I remember vey little, approx 3 weeks later they woke me up, things looked ok but then something happened and they were forced to put me back under. At this point I knew I was dying but there was nothing I could do to stop it. After a further 2 weeks of being under my family was informed that unless I showed some improvement in the next 7 days they'd just let me go. After 5 of the 7 my eldest daughter whispered in my ear, "please Dad start fighting", I was hearing things all the time whilst under but it was gibberish and whilst I knew they were talking about me I couldn't respond or even make any sense of it. However her whisper came through very clearly. 13 hours later I opened my eyes for the first time. I was intubated with a tube down my throat, catheter for peeing, one for oxygen in my nose another for food. I couldn't talk or move, all I could do was smile and let them know I was knew who they were. Many days passed like that we me getting stronger each day, now I could do a thumbs up but still couldn't talk just form the words and see if they could lip read. Then came the day to remove the breathing tube, if I could breathe on my own I'd most likely make it, if not, well no real alternative really. I managed to take my first breath unaided for 7 weeks and the looks on everyone's faces will stay with me forever, the relief on the nurses and doctors faces was easy to read. They said it was a miracle I'd pulled through, I really surprised them.

At this point I could just about move my arms but couldn't talk, I had to learn how to swallow liquids again, the first taste of watered down Ribena was just divine even if it was on a sponge. I had my tracheotomy removed well before they thought it was possible, my progress was surprising everyone. I had to pass a test to be able to drink fluids, which I flew through, I few days later another test to allow me to eat without choking, passed that no problem.

At this point all I could move was my arms, my legs tried  but they were to weak to respond.

A few more days and I was able to move about the bed by myself. Eventually I was moved to a general ward to recuperate. It was hell. Eventually all the tubes were removed and my wife took me for a long overdue shower, I'd lost a lot of weight and looking at my body was a shock. I had hundreds of bruises, some had scars or holes next to them and they were everywhere.

Time moved on and I convinced them to let me go home ( actually I begged) and that's where we are are right now, I'm learning to walk again due to muscle wastage, I'm extremely weak and just typing this post is taxing me. The worst thing however is my sense of taste. The antibiotics I was on were so powerful they have temporarily (I hope) altered them. Food I love tastes like the bottom of a bird cage, I'm having to try all sorts to see what I can stomach, I'm sleeping downstairs as I can't get up the stairs.

I'm getting there, it's just slow. Thanks for all the support and messages, I read them all with tears in my eyes, it meant a lot to me.

So if you're ill for gods sake go to the doctors, don't do what I did and think you can just shake it off, we ain't spring chickens anymore guys.

 

[JamesH]

Holy shite Ken, you've PROPERLY been through the ringer. Thanks for taking the time & effort to explain what happened and where you are on your journey to recovery. Makes very sobering reading. We're ALL sending you positive vibes & thoughts and take your time to heal and get back to the best health. Sounds like your girls have been utterly amazing. Take care and I'll have you in my thoughts this week when I'm singing 'bring him home' x

[Spitfire]

What a truly scary experience, and you are right go and get medical help if you are ill, I thought that I just needed stronger pain killers once due to the pains in my chest but in reality it was a heart attack.
I know better now.
Take it easy, do as the medical people advise, don't rush your recovery.

Cheers

Dennis

[Athame57]

Hi Ken
I'm glad you are getting better, it will be while yet but you'll be swinging your leg over that saddle and riding again when you're good and ready! 
Yes, people should see the doc or hospital sooner. I had pnuemonia myself about a year ago, my neighbour called an ambulance in the end because I couldn't talk properly, the recovery was longer than the infection! I never got it nearly as bad as you though. I'm glad you're still with us mate.

[Gromitdog]

Hi Ken
Great to hear that you're back home that's a massive milestone on its own 🤗 as the paper work and getting all the department to tick the boxes to let you out can be so frustrating at times, But your now home I bet that feels great well done mate.

It so nice to see your back on the forum and for taking the time to to explain what you and your family have been through over the past 7 weeks, Get your self well as that pension won't claim its self .......

Bacon sandwiches on tap now hope they don't taste like the bottom of the bird cage !

Best Regards

Nigel & Sheila

[Gromitdog]

HAPPY DAYS

[Nurse Julie]

Good to hear you're on the mend Ken.

[Johnwebley]

Best wishes Ken

We are supporting you from afar,

Just so you're not infected by us low lifes

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[andy120t]

Ken, I'm really pleased to hear you are on the mend. Best wishes! Andy.

[magpie114]

Glad to hear you’re home and getting better.
Best wishes
Alan


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[Seabeowner]

Welcome back (again) Ken. That was a close shave!

[3scs]

Good to hear your on the mend keep fighting
Si

[DomP]

Bloody hell Ken, I knew it was a near thing but reading that I realise just how near!  That must have been pretty scary for you all. 

[Johnny4428]

Thank god you’ve sent the old”reaper” packing!😂 Back to messaging at least. Look after yourself Ken.

[Laverda Dave]

Great to hear you are on the mend Ken. I know people speak of a near death experience but you've actually lived through it!
I assume one of tests you had to do to prove you were fit enough to go home included the polishing of a cast iron exhaust flange?
Take it easy on the road to recovery, have an extra Weetabix in the morning, I think you deserve it👍.