The next day I woke up in hospital feeling euphoric. If this were how I was to die, I would be happy.

I was surrounded by people but all I wanted was to go back to sleep. Their voices were distant, but I knew they were in the same room. I sat up, thinking I could get up and walk. I was told to lie down. Nothing much registered. My head was confused, and I wondered why all the people were around. I desperately wanted to go back to blissful, peaceful sleep.

The flying doctor took me to Perth. There I was told that I had had a sizeable stroke and had contracted golden staph. All of this made no significant impact on me as I was still feeling that it was all temporary and I would be home soon.

Little did I know!

Royal Perth Hospital

I was in Royal Perth for a month and then Fiona Stanley for another month of care and rehabilitation.

I had never spent a night in a big hospital before and it was a revelation. In these two places I saw a vastly different side of life. It was a very strange side of life, that I was not used to, but I felt cared for and secure in a strange sort of way.

At first, I was in a ward with four other men who all had different problems. I got used to the constant night noises. One man in particular let off ripper, noisy, long farts which could go on for at least 10 seconds. There was belching, snoring, coughing, sneezing, cries for help all night long.

(to be continued …)