As some of you already know, up until last Tuesday, I was, as they say, “incapacitated”. About a fortnight ago, early hours of Monday morning, I awoke vomiting blood — after passing the dreaded “black stool” the day before (sorry about the detail, but it saves having to fill in the gaps for people individually… it’s surprising how many people are fascinated by blood and stool 😉 ). My father immediately dialled 999 and I was admitted to accident and emergency.
To cut a long story short, it turns out I’d had a stomach bleed (we think.) A few minor ulcers that didn’t really explain the huge drop in my haemoglobin level — something that it is now believed was a false reading — but, we assume, something that could explain the bleed I did have.
I won’t dress it up; it’s been a pretty tough couple of weeks for me. Endoscopies, blood levels all over the shop (top up the potassium, down goes the phosphate — you get the picture), a central line put in my neck (the carotid artery, I believe) when getting blood in through the existing line became untenable and my signs were so screwed up they couldn’t get a line in anywhere else (this was an especially enjoyable process involving a mini scanner and what felt like a hand drill going into my neck… even that took four attempts!)… and, of course, numerous other indignities to boot, such as catheters etc!
It’s fair to say, I don’t think I’d have managed it had it not been for the constant support of my parents — who were there for me throughout the whole process, questioning when I couldn’t and generally keeping me strong and sane. Love you, guys!
Also, of course, the staff of The James Cook University Hospital were — for the large part (I’d be lying if I said there were not one or two nurses I didn’t get on with quite as well) — were quite wonderful, and I would just like to take this opportunity to thank them for their help, care and expertise. I know quite a few of them will possibly be dropping by because, naturally, my father never being one to miss an opportunity, whilst attending to his other fatherly duties, also managed to push my book quite heavily! (At one point he was — I kid you not — heard to say “Just think, one day you’ll be able to hold the book up and say, ‘I took his catheter out.'”!)
So how am I now? Improving — quite considerably. I’m still extremely weak and very much doubt that I’ll be back up to speed up for a week or two, yet, but I’m on the medication for my stomach and already feeling the benefit (no acid reflux whatever I eat!) I will try to respond to everyone individually when I can but, in the meantime, thank you for all the kind thoughts and good wishes. They’ve meant a lot. Truly.
Hey Gary! Wondered where you’d got to – thought you’d done a bunk whilst I was sunning myself in Spain.
Glad to hear you are getting back to your normal self (if that’s a good thing?!)
Had to hit the ground running on my return, so have not been Twitting much – have lots of catching up to do with Sal, Pam etc. And you, of course…
Meanwhile, take care!
Anne xxx
And I had thought you were off fixing the wonky rug…don’t get sick like this again. Ever. It’s forbidden. 😦
Sounds like you’ve been through the mill. Wishing you all the very best and hoping you’re over the worst of it.
Nik
Alreet Geez!
God that sounds like a nightmare, glad you are on the mend. I’ve had some hairy hospital moments so I can imagine a little of what your going through, but still… Black Stool! (A name for a Metal band if ever I have heard one)
Take care and get well soon.
Stu
Awful news to hear but glad you’re on the mend. Here I’ve been feeling sorry for myself since I’m now on day 5 of having h1n1–fevers and aches but no catheters to speak of! I’m looking forward to getting more news.
Gary, I’m so sorry for everything you’ve been through. I knew it had to be something quite serious for you to drop off the face of the… internet like that. I was growing very concerned, and had planned to ask Mike to look you up and give you a ring today.
Thank you for posting this to let us know that you’re getting better!
Don’t worry about sending me a personal/individual response. I’m just happy to know that you’re OK, and that you’re being cared for by such dedicated and loving parents. Save your energy for that next novel. I’m looking forward to it! 🙂
Love and hugs,
Lottie xx
Hi Gary, please do not worry about responding to us all. The most important thing in your life at the moment is to get better. We’re all here for you when you need us. I’m so sorry that you have had such a rotten time of it and at the same time so pleased that you have had such great support from your loving perents. Cherish that Gary.
I know that this will probably be hard for you – but do as you’re told and get plenty of rest.
Take care, Debbie xxxx
Sounds pretty rough, Gary. Hope you’re back on the mend soon, mate. All the best. If it’s any consolation I turned another copy of your book the right way on saturday, hopefully it sold 🙂
Good God Gary, what a scare. You don’t do things in half measures do you. I’ve been wondering where you were. You’ve missed the records I dedicated to you on Blipfm. So sorry to hear the horrid things you’ve gone through. Been there myself this year as you know, so can well sympathise.
I’ve been asking where you were and Richard sent me an e-mail today. You get yourself well rested.It’s all the excitement of being a top selling author that’s done it.
Glad to hear your Dad didn’t let the book promotion opportunities go though.Good for Dad.
Thinking of you and missing your tweets. Lots of love, xx
Hi Gary!
I’ve only just read this, as being abroad meant I’ve limited my internet use on my phone. I knew what you’d been through from your dad, but I’m really glad you’re now well enough to write about it yourself – though it’s horrible to think what you went through. Take care of yourself, and we’ll all look forward to your wit and wisdom when you feel better. Love, Frances xx
Gary my love I’ve only just caught up with you and your news. Sorry to hear about that, sending my quiff love and hugs to you. Rest up, take care and smile away.
Much love,
Kx.
Gary,
I’m sorry that you’ve had such a dreadful time of it lately. It is such a relief to hear that you are on the mend and will soon be back to your old ornery self. I’m grateful for the great parents you have who are by your side and for the competent care you received while in the hospital. Please take care and know that I’m wishing you the best.