AFL legend Kevin Sheedy has revealed he is “lucky to be here” after he suffered a medical emergency while on holiday with his family.
The former GWS and Essendon coach, 76, was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast in Queensland when he fell ill and required urgent medical attention.
He required urgent medical attention and was hospitalized for several days; His wife Geraldine issued a statement on behalf of the family.
“Kevin was visiting family on the Sunshine Coast when he developed a fever and sought medical treatment,” he said.
“He has since been admitted to hospital for tests to determine the cause of the problem.
“Like all athletes, he would prefer not to spend time on the bench and is looking forward to returning to Melbourne and resuming his commitments as soon as possible.”
Kevin Sheedy, pictured with his wife Geraldine, suffered a medical episode while on holiday on Queensland’s Sunshine Coast in August.
The former GWS and Essendon coach initially feared he had suffered a heart attack.
Now Sheedy has opened up about the terrifying episode and admitted he had reduced his work commitments as a result.
“I’m doing a lot better than I was a couple of months ago, in Queensland,” he said. channel 7.
‘It’s just a pleasure to get back on your feet.
“Probably in my life, it was quite a big reflection on just hitting the floor of your hotel room and waking up a couple of hours later and trying to get back to Melbourne to try and get some treatment.
‘In the end I was in hospital in Queensland for a couple of weeks, they were fantastic people…then I ended up coming back to Melbourne.
‘Reflectively, I’ve probably slowed down a bit, but I love the work. I really enjoy inspiring Australians with creative thinking, energy and making sure you give your life the best chance because, in reality, your life is a gift from your parents and you shouldn’t let them down.’
Sheedy was hospitalized for several days where he was treated for a virus that had caused him to faint.
Looking on the bright side, Sheedy said he could now wear his old suits and clothes again.
Sheedy described what was going through his mind as he lay face down on the floor of his hotel room.
‘The lights went out. “I found myself looking for my phone about two hours later, just to make sure I could get up and take the Uber to the airport to get back home to Melbourne, which I eventually did, which was nice,” he said.
“At that moment many colors passed through my mind. I know exactly in my head what happened and one day I will get an artist to paint it. Incredible colors passed through my mind.
“I’ve never talked about it, but I think I’ll find an artist to draw it.
‘No one thinks that you are going to have a heart attack or that you will simply cease to exist for a few hours of your life.
‘Anyway, I’m really enjoying being back here in Melbourne. I went to the finals and a couple of events I participated in and spoke at, which is really good.”
At first, the champion trainer thought he was suffering a heart attack, but medical experts confirmed that he had been affected by a virus.
‘I don’t know. “I thought I had a heart attack, but I don’t know what a heart attack is,” Sheedy said.
“And of course the other thing was that the brilliant specialist who treated me said they couldn’t find out what the virus was, but they think I had a very serious virus, caught somewhere in Australia or overseas. I had been in the foreigner speaking at a conference.
“They said it was pretty surprising that (they couldn’t) find it, but it happens from time to time, so I have to park it and get on with my life.”
‘I lost a stone in weight. I have a whole new range of clothes and outfits that I can wear again, which is fantastic.
‘But overall, I’m probably lucky to be here. I’m here; I’ll stick with that.