Columnist Ross Gittins recounts his 44-day ICU stay after a near-fatal heart infection and complex surgery
Consensus Summary
Ross Gittins, a well-known columnist, recounts his harrowing 44-day ICU stay after a severe heart infection that originated from a dental issue. Initially misdiagnosed with bronchitis on a Danube cruise, his condition worsened, requiring emergency surgery in Australia. The procedure, involving a German surgeon and an ECMO machine, had a 30 percent failure rate but ultimately saved his life. His recovery was prolonged by complications like peripheral neuropathy and muscle atrophy, forcing him to rely on leg braces. Gittins highlights the intensive monitoring and bureaucratic processes in modern hospitals, including constant vital sign checks and strict medication protocols. He also reflects on the emotional and physical toll of prolonged hospitalization, noting the lack of sleep, repetitive TV programming, and the overwhelming sense of dependency on medical staff. Despite the challenges, he praises the care of nurses and doctors, particularly during his critical phase.
ā Verified by 2+ sources
Key details reported by multiple sources:
- Ross Gittins spent 44 days in ICU after a heart surgery for an infection that spread from his teeth to his heart
- The infection required an 8-hour 'commando procedure' involving a German surgeon and two others, reconstructing heart valves with an ECMO machine
- Gittins underwent a tracheostomy during treatment, leaving him unable to speak initially
- He lost 20 kilograms, significant muscle mass, and developed peripheral neuropathy ('foot drop') requiring leg braces
- Gittins was hospitalized on a Danube cruise ship in Budapest before returning to Australia
- The hospital where he was treated is a major teaching hospital named after a long-forgotten royal with a failed assassination attempt claim
- Gittins was sedated for weeks post-operation and had his heart stop multiple times (five times, per his count)
- He was on a Webster-pak (medication organizer) post-hospitalization, doubling his daily pill count from seven to over 14
- Gittinsā wife and daughter were present during his critical ICU phase, praising the nursesā care
- ECMO machines cost up to $300,000 each, per Gittinsā estimation
Points of Difference
Details reported by only one source:
- Gittins references a 'deadly fungal outbreak' at the hospital he was treated at, implying it was averted
- He mentions 'Nigellaās Variety Concert from Westminster Cathedral' being played repeatedly on TV in his hospital room
- Gittins describes hallucinating three documentaries about the hospital with himself as the 'star' during unconsciousness
- He notes the hospitalās venetian blind was broken and maintenance staff examined it without fixing it
- Gittins explicitly states the operation had a '30 per cent failure rate' as told by his surgeon
- He references a 'Webster-pak' (medication organizer) and notes he was 'diabetic' before the incident, requiring seven pills daily
- Gittins describes nurses using 'fancy machines' for repeated blood sugar measurements via finger pricking
- He mentions the hospitalās name was 'after some long-forgotten royal whose only claim to fame was a failed assassination attempt on a visit to Australia'
- Gittins humorously notes nurses saying 'sorry' repeatedly, suggesting it could be a title for his story ('Sorry, Ross')
Contradictions
Conflicting information between sources:
- No contradictions found between the two sources as they are identical in content
Source Articles
Ross Gittins spent 44 days in ICU and almost died. This is his story
Our economics editor is on the mend. Here he recounts his medical misadventure that began on the other side of the world....
Ross Gittins spent 44 days in ICU and almost died. This is his story
Our economics editor is on the mend. Here he recounts his medical misadventure that began on the other side of the world....