UPDATE: A father, Brian Wands, is sharing his incredible journey of survival after spending seven months in hospitals, including four months in a coma. This urgent update highlights his heartfelt tribute to the medical teams who saved his life.
Brian’s ordeal began in March 2022 when he was first admitted to Glasgow Royal Infirmary after experiencing excruciating abdominal pain that caused him to pass out. Following an intensive treatment cycle, he spent a staggering 84 days in intensive care, undergoing multiple life-saving surgeries and receiving a remarkable 95-unit blood transfusion.
In a powerful letter, Brian expressed his deep gratitude to the hospital staff who played pivotal roles in his recovery. He stated, “I was kept alive and brought back by people who combined skill with compassion, consistency, and courage.” His recovery journey was supported by a dedicated team across various departments, including intensive care and high dependency units.
Brian specifically named key staff members, such as consultant surgeons Euan Dickson, Fiona Leitch, and Phil Stevens, along with intensive care consultant Dr. Tara Quasim, who provided crucial support during critical moments. He also acknowledged dietician Caroline for her assistance throughout his recovery and physiotherapist Jill Meldrum, who helped him regain his mobility.
The heartfelt gratitude extended to nurse Lesley Tough, who had a profound impact on Brian’s recovery process. He also highlighted the importance of the InS:PIRE clinic, which helped his family navigate the challenging road back to normalcy.
Brian’s emotional letter concluded with a powerful reminder of the significance of the healthcare teams: “To everyone involved, please accept my deepest thanks. I may not know every name, but I will never forget what was done for me.”
Now recovering at home, Brian has regained fitness levels he never thought possible during his darkest days. He practices daily pilates, can hold a five-minute plank, and is excited to embark on his first family holiday in three years.
This story serves as a testament to resilience and the life-saving capabilities of dedicated healthcare professionals. As Brian continues to heal, his journey inspires hope and gratitude, emphasizing the importance of compassion in medicine.
