DL was alert and awake when I arrived, though he seemed tired and weak. He was oxygen and a drip, as well as a heart monitor. He wasn't particularly talkative, but seemed pleased that I visited.
His face was drawn and he looked gaunt to me, but I haven't seem him in a month or so. I know, as you do, what he had been doing to himself, so I can't say for sure if he looked that bad because of the heart attack or his lifestyle before it.
He said they still hadn't found anything physiological that caused the coronary and I asked him if he told the doctors about his drug use. He didn't answer, instead stating that he didn't want to talk about it.
We talked about the book launch and in light of his illness, agreed that we will now aim for late autumn. I don't think he would be up to it any sooner.
I printed out all the emails sent in by his fans and brought them to him. I didn't count them, but it was quite a healthy stack and the folder I carried them in was bursting!
DL was extremely touched by all of your warm wishes for his speedy recovery.
DL told me that he hopes to be released perhaps by the end of next week, or maybe early in the following week. The doctors want to make sure he is strong enough and they want to be certain that he won't have another heart attack before they allow him to go home.
The impression I got from DL is that the doctors aren't sure he is completely out of danger.
I didn't stay very long, because he seemed so exhausted. I think he was probably asleep before I reached the end of the corridor. I feel very sorry for him, he's had quite a rough time lately, even if it is true that much of it was self-inflicted.
That's it for now, I may try to pop in to see him again this coming week. If I do, I will come back here and post another update.
- doug
