A dad who spent an astonishing 67 days in intensive care battling coronavirus is now recovering – and looking forward to becoming a married man and a grandfather.
Brian Fernie, 46, had one of the longest stays with COVID in the intensive care unit (ICU) at University Hospital Hairmyres in East Kilbride, including 61 days in an induced coma on a ventilator.
Following nearly 10 weeks of expert care from NHS Lanarkshire’s ICU staff, Brian has been transferred to a ward and has vowed to marry his long-term partner, Lisa McCutcheon, following his illness.
He’s also delighted to discover he’s going to be a granddad after his 20-year-old daughter, Brooke Fernie, surprised Brian by sending him her baby scan.
Brian, from Cambuslang, said: “I have mild asthma but I was fit and healthy before I got the virus in November – I’m a window installer so I was very active. But I lost four stone while I was in ICU and my muscles are severely weakened. When I woke up I couldn’t even lift a finger.
“All the staff have been fantastic and I’m now working with the physiotherapists to get back on my feet. This week I’ve managed to stand unaided for the first time and I’m able to walk a few steps using a walking frame.
“I’ve put a stone in weight back on and I’m feeling positive about the future, although I know it will take time to recover.”
Giving Brian something extra to look forward to is the birth of Brooke’s baby in May and his marriage to Lisa in June.
He said: “Brooke was going to tell me she was pregnant but she didn’t get a chance before I fell ill. So she surprised me by sending me a card with the baby scan after I was moved out of ICU. I opened it while I was on a video call with the family, so they could see how delighted I was when I found out.”
Brian and Lisa, who have another daughter, Ellie Fernie, 16, have been together for 22 years and have talked about tying the knot for a long time – but Brian’s experience has convinced them there’s no point waiting.
“We’ve booked Gretna Green for early June,” added Brian. “If COVID restrictions allow, we’ll marry there and head off to Thailand for our honeymoon.”
Brian’s now encouraging everyone to follow the COVID guidance and take the vaccine when it’s offered.
“This is a life-changing illness so I’d urge folk to get the vaccine – I certainly will when I can,” he said.
University Hospital Hairmyres chief of nursing services Lise Axford said: “We’re all delighted to see Brian’s rehab going well and would like to congratulate him on becoming a granddad and on his upcoming wedding.
“Our dedicated staff have done a remarkable job caring for him over a lengthy period in ICU and since he has moved onto the ward.”
