Tara Murray
Peter Thomson wasn’t sure he would survive having coronavirus.
With existing health problems, the virus hit him hard last August. Doctors making the decision to put him in a coma and on a ventilator.
Peter doesn’t remember much of that first month in hospital fighting for his life.
It would be six weeks before he was found to be free of COVID-19 and he could moved out off the coronavirus ward to a normal ward.
More than six months later, the now 61-year-old is still suffering the side effects of the virus and remains hospitalised.
“I’ve been in hospital since August,” he said. “It was touch or go if I lived or not. I was petrified.
“For a lot of people it’s not just three or four days being crook. Those people are the lucky ones.
“I wouldn’t wish this on my worst enemy.”
Peter described the last six months as “hell“.
His once booming voice is now quiet as he struggles to breath properly.
He has to use a wheelchair to get around.
“It hit the lungs pretty badly, they weren’t 100 per cent beforehand,” Peter said.
“Coronavirus will hit whatever part of the body that is not 100 per cent.
“I’ve had bowel trouble most of my life and it’s made them worse. I’ve had blood clots and a blood infection.
“My smell went completely and hasn’t come back after six and a half months. I’ve only got about 30 per cent of my taste and don’t really taste what I’m eating.”
Peter also needs knee surgery, but he isn’t sure whether it’s due to existing health issues or due to the side effects of COVID-19.
However, doctors have ruled out performing the surgery any time soon due to the condition of his lungs and his breathing struggles.
Peter said the long stint in hospital had affected his mental health, as he struggles with not being able to live his life.
He said his depression has increased 10-fold since being sick, while the slightest thing makes him anxious.
Peter, who was nominated for the Brimbank Citizen of the Year this year, said he was unsure whether he would be able to return to his community work.
He’s currently unable to be part of the Brimbank Register, which would normally involve him calling Brimbank residents for a chat.
“The doctors can’t tell me if my voice will go back to normal,” he said.
“I just don’t know what I’ll be able to do. There’s so much that is still unknown.”
As well as the ongoing health problems, Peter is frustrated by the lack of information available about people who are still suffering.
“People don’t know about it,” he said. “How many people are still in the hospital with side effects?
“You don’t hear about the numbers who are still affected by it. When you finish feeling sick, that isn’t always it.
“It’s an extremely dangerous virus and it needs to be taken seriously.”
He is looking to start a group for people who have been through similar situations.
“If you’re finding yourself having side effects a few months down the track, go and see your doctor. There are still so many unknowns.”
Peteris hoping to get into rehab soon and then begin the process of going home.
