It's been awhile since you've heard from me and many of you have called and e-mailed expressions of concern. As many of you know, I've been battling a bad cough for weeks. After two misdiagnosis by medical providers, a week ago Tuesday in the middle of the night I decided I was going to die if I didn't make it to the hospital immediately. A quick 911 call and ten minutes later I was in the able hands of several paramedics for Wishard, who transported me to the emergency room at Community East Hospital. The ER team determined within an hour of my arrival that I had a bad case of the pneumonia and immediately began administering breathing assistance and a battery of anti-biotics to fight the infection. I seemed to be stabilized rather quickly but my doctor had to perform a bronchoscopy to get a view of inside of the extent of the infection. Little did I know that I would wind up on a ventilator for the next three days following the procedure completely unaware of what was happening to me. I awakened in a state of shock, dismay and sadness. The pneumonia was a very serious strain. My doctors told me later they were unsure whether I would survive. Thankfully, my lungs and body were strong enough to fight off the infection with the battery of pharmaceuticals and excellent care I received from the staff at Community East.
Today, I left the hospital 25 pounds lighter and feeling as feeble as an 80-year-old man to begin my road to recovery. It's been a challenge to walk without losing my balance or feeling like my feet would collapse under me. The battery of meds I'm taking are very hard on the stomach, and nothing really tastes good right now. It will take me a few weeks to fully recovery so I will continue blogging infrequently as I fight to take advantage of this second chance with life God has given me. I truly appreciate all the kind letters, e-mails and phone messages I've received from so many well-wishers and prayer offerings. I particularly want to thank my family who took turns sitting at my bedside throughout this ordeal and my best friend, Mike Litmer, who so graciously attended to my affairs and cared for my cat during my hospital stay. I guess you have to almost lose life to appreciate what it really means to have one.
30 comments:
That's very scary.
My father, who IS an 80yo man, fortunately saw a doctor last week about his nagging respiratory problems. They diagnosed early-stage pneumonia and nipped it in the bud.
I am glad to hear you are on the mend.
Welcome back, Gary. I can't imagine you with 25 fewer pounds. Please take it easy; please rest, listen to your body...don't push it, no matter how juicy the story. Rest.
Glad you're still with us, Gary. I hope you have a speedy recovery.
This is the best news I've heard all day. My family was praying for you every day and will continue to do so as you regain your strength!
Glad to hear that you are OK. I was wondering what was going on. Get the rest that you need and get over this illness.
Gary,
I know we have jousted many times on this blog and in other venues, but I am eternally glad to hear that you are on the road to recovery. Best wishes to you.
I'm glad to hear you are on the road to recovery.
Gary,
I am so glad you are doing ok. I had a similar situation last year and I can relate to that.
God Bless you. Myself and all the other blogger's will be praying for you. Get well soon.
Tim Dugan
Good to hear your back, but concerned about your close call.
Keeping an eye on our elected officials (politicians)is important, but you have to be healthy to do that.
Take very good care of yourself!
Very happy you are on the road to recovery.
Take all the time you need to get better. We'll all still be here for you when you return.
Great to hear you're on the mend.
I know you'll bounce back and be your feisty investigative journalist self before long.
Good luck with your recovery. I'm glad you're still with us.
I am SO GLAD to see you back.
Sounds like a very scary time and I hope your road to full recovery is smooth.
We were worried and checked Advance Indiana every day for word of you.
So happy to see your back, Gary. I pretty much only know you through blogging...you were terribly missed by me on that front. No one has the institutional memory and eye for detail you have. I even had reporters call me and ask me where you were - that they missed reading your column to get the scoop on what's going on.
Nonetheless, nothing is more important than your health. It's good to see you're back on your feet. Rest assured, you have a lot of friends out there. We don't always show it but don't think they're not there. We appreciate you and all you do.
So glad to have you back! I missed your comments on everything that has been happening.
Ditto what varangianguard said!
You need to be back in fighting form to wage the good fight!
I, too, am glad to hear you're on the mend!
I'm glad you're back and hope you get better quickly!
Good grief. You don't have 25 lbs to lose. Gary, please lay low until you're right. You provide an irreplaceable service to the community, but I bet every poster would rather have you walk away from this stuff than be a dead legacy. Take a break. The bad guys will still be around when you're ready. Our family includes you in our prayers.
Glad to see that your on the way to recovery! Take it easy and eat well and relax. Or as my grandfather used to say "The secret to life is great meals and a good books.". Hang in their and get better!
Glad you are better.
Missed your keen insight and wit
Get well soon
Don't let this go to your head, but I used to have a list of around 15 blogs that I checked every few hours.
Around six months ago, I cut it down to two - Drudge and you.
Don't screw it up!
P.S. I'll GLADLY give you 25 pounds of mine!
I'm desperately wanting to lose 25 pounds myself but not in that matter. Get well soon.
Follow up - since you went to Community East I wonder if you had Dr. John McGoff as your ER physician
Good to see you back. I was worried about you.
Eat lots of pizza.
It's good and good for you.
Thanks for all your kind comments. I specically requested to be taken to Community East because of my respect for Dr. John McGoff, an emergency room doctor at the hospital. He was not on duty, however, when I was taken into ER, and I'm not sure that he ever became aware that I was in his hospital.
It is pretty terrible that you had to end up in emergency care in the hospital, and almost die, before finally getting properly diagnosed. So very sorry, and we thank you for sharing. Yea, for Community East.
I by no means agree with most of your normal political posts, but I kinda keep reading your blog to see the "other side". But I do especially appreciate your corruption type posts. I have been worried about your absence too and I am very glad that you back, feeling better and recovering. I hope this 2nd chance/rebirth will be a positive experience in the end.
My question though..how could the other doctors not diagnose this before?
Thank Goodness! I have been worried. If you need anything at all, just email. I am very close by and don't mind running errands or picking up things you need.
Yes I wondered when you didn't post. I'm sorry to hear of your illness and glad to hear that you are getting better. If there's anything I can do to help, let me know.
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