Sorry Ive been off-line these past three weeks. I developed an infection in my upper left thigh on Friday the 7th November which quickly became Necrotising Fasciitis also known as the Flesh-Eating Bug. I saw my GP in Strathfield on Monday 10th November and was immediately rushed to the nearest hospital (Concord) and spent the first night in Intensive Care. It was operated on the next day (Tuesday) and the infectious bug cleaned out. For a week the wound was checked by the doctor and re-dressed daily (I had to be put to sleep each time), then a skin graft was required to fill-in the hole in my left leg. They took a layer of skin from my right thigh and grafted it onto my left leg, followed by two more weeks of observation and dressing changes. I was told I could leave hospital today, Monday 1st December. The infection has also raised my blood sugar levels, making me temporarily diabetic. The doctors say the diabetes will probably blow over in the next couple of months. Needless to say, I wont be playing Santa this year, and will be continuing to heal through December - itll probably take me that long to get through three weeks worth of emails and messages. Speaking of messages, I want to thank you all for your Facebook well wishes, and a million thanks to my little brother Keiron Summers for coming in on that first night at such short notice, and to flat-mate Sam Derwent for coming in to visit me - after his last visit, he was immediately rushed to Westmead hospital with a totally unrelated problem (it never rains, but when it does, it pours)! More thanks go to the wonderful people who kept in constant phone contact too, particularly Sue Tuckett (she made a gazillion phone calls for me), Tim Newsom (updating Facebook posts and friends etc.), Leanne Upton Upton, Catriona Sparks Sparks, Chris Newton, Tom Papas and others: I apologise if I sounded hazy, Ive been on extremely strong painkillers the entire time, they even gave me a few take-aways (combined with my strange surroundings, Ive had some unusually vivid dreams to boot). Last but not least is the staff at Concord Hospital, whose superlative care has kept me alive for a few more years, and were extremely tolerant during those times when I acted like a cranky old man. In fact I cant thank you all enough for your patience these past three weeks - I promise to try not to get sick ever again. Talk to you soon! Graham Garfield Barnard Phone 0424 286 337 Email [email protected]
Posted on: Mon, 01 Dec 2014 08:38:48 +0000
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