A DIRECTOR at Cuddington’s recently launched Delamere rehab clinic is keeping positive as he is treated for the coronavirus in a Barbados field hospital.
Mike Delaney, clinical director, was visiting a friend on the Caribbean island to celebrate his forthcoming 60th birthday when he became ill.
He had been experiencing headache and back pain, but when checked by a doctor he was found to have a low level of oxygen in his blood, and Mike tested positive for Covid-19.
But after 12 days in a makeshift hospital at a Barbados military base, Mike is doing well and is hoping to be discharged this weekend, although he is not sure where he will stay and how he will get home.
He said: “It’s all very organised and being very well managed here. Things could be so much worse.
“Fortunately my symptoms have been quite manageable. I had quite a bit of discomfort in my abdomen, back and organs for a few days in hospital and that got a bit difficult.
“The anxieties start to build about how bad things could get and whether anything could suddenly deteriorate.
“There was a frightening incident with a young man in the hospital who had seemed quite well then suddenly collapsed unable to breathe. Thankfully, they got him going again but it makes you aware again of the severity of all of this.”
Scottish registered nurse Mike did not have the common symptoms of a cough or high temperature before he was tested positive for coronavirus.
He is now looking forward to getting back to the Delamere and helping guests battling addiction, while he also plans to offer his services to the NHS.
Mike added: “You have to try to stay calm and accept that getting caught up in your own head is a dangerous place to be.
“You’ve got to reel your thoughts back in sometimes. You can become hysterical if you allow yourself to.
“I’m alive, not that ill and coping quite well. There are no shortages here at the moment. I got sick at a good time.”
Mike is now in contact with Government officials who are trying to organise return flights for Brits stranded abroad during the pandemic.
He has worked in addiction rehab and recovery settings since 1996 when he undertook rehab himself for alcohol and prescription drug issues.
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Mike said: “It’s not what I am used to. There’s rigid rules, we’re wearing masks all the time, all the staff are in protective equipment like in a science fiction movie.
“It’s difficult but I am able to see beyond the difficulty of the moment. In a couple of weeks I’m going to be well and hopefully immune and invaluable.
“Addiction recovery has taught me to look on the bright side and make the most of whatever happens.
“People in recovery have a bit of an advantage. We have taught ourselves to have an acceptance of things – that we can’t change some things. Although some things are difficult you have to try to work through them.”
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With the current pandemic an anxious time for many, Mike is offering reassurance to those who are currently struggling with addiction.
“People will be drinking more or taking more drugs than they normally would and becoming out of control is a real possibility for a lot of people,” he said.
“Because everybody is on lockdown there will be lots of issues with conflict and domestic violence. It’s a scary time for lots of different mental health issues, not just addiction.
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“Try to share how you are feeling, pick up the phone, share your fears and anxieties – they lessen when you share them. And if you are in danger or you know someone who is please, please reach out.
“Don’t be ashamed. There are lots of people who are very strong and get on with their lives that at this moment in time are very anxious and finding it difficult.”
Anyone who needs support with addiction can visit delamere.com or call 0330 111 2015
Alternatively, search online for ‘We are with you’ or visit nhs.uk
If you are suffering domestic violence or are worried for someone else call Refuge on 0808 2000 247.