Mark Briggs has another fortnight in hospital, weeks after life-threatening reaction to AstraZeneca vaccine

Rockhampton grandfather spends another fortnight in Rockhampton hospital after heart inflammation flares again.

Mark Briggs has suffered a setback, with the Rockhampton grandfather recently hospitalised for a fortnight.

The 55 year old had severe chest pain, and was admitted to the Mater Private Hospital where he was treated for a recurrence of myocarditis.

It was a terrifying scenario for Mark and his family as chest pain was one of the first symptoms Mark suffered before being hospitalised for almost three months.

Three times he almost lost his life.

Mark Briggs was hospitalised for another fortnight in Rockhampton, and was discharged more than two weeks ago. Picture: Zak Simmonds

An exhaustive battery of tests had failed to provide a diagnosis but in late August, a Brisbane specialist told Mark’s wife Sam that his condition was caused by a reaction to the AstraZeneca vaccine.

Mark had his first dose on June 15. He was hospitalised on June 24 and within days was critically ill.

He staged an incredible recovery, returning home on September 22, but weeks later was back in hospital.

Sam said it was frightening for the family, who feared it was “happening all over again”.

Mark was treated for the inflammation of his heart and was discharged just over a fortnight ago.

Rockhampton's Mark Briggs spent almost three months in hospitals in Rockhampton and Brisbane, suffering from life-threatening symptoms.

Sam said her husband’s biggest enemy now was crippling fatigue.

“He’ll try to do those normal everyday things but for the next three days he’s just totally exhausted so it’s going to be a slow recovery, with him getting used to being tired a lot,” she said.

“He comes with me to get groceries and then he’ll be really tired.

“We go for a walk around the block because we’re supposed to do that three times a day but he’ll get one in for the day and then he’ll be so exhausted he has to rest.

“The longer it goes on with his fatigue, and him seeing that he’s not making much improvement, the more frustrated he’s getting with the situation.

Mark and Sam Briggs enjoy a spot of fishing in Gladstone Harbour just before he was admitted to the Mater Private Hospital.

“Emotionally, it’s becoming a little bit harder for him because he can’t see that in six months he’ll be feeling pretty good.”

Sam was by Mark’s bedside for the whole time he was hospitalised.

She has now returned to teaching three days a week, while Mark continues to receive a partial wage from CQ Field Mining Services.

Sam said they were both fortunate to have employers who were so supportive and understanding.

As well as taking a heavy emotional toll, the whole ordeal had taken a financial one as well.

“It’s pretty tough and for us as a family, we’ve decided that no adults in our family will get Christmas presents this year, we’re just buying for the kids,” Sam said.

Sam and Mark Briggs relax at their Rockhampton home soon after he was discharged from hospital in September.

“We’re trying to cut back where we can and not spend money on those things that were luxuries before.

“We need to tighten our belts, which everyone has to do at certain times.”

Sam said it was difficult not really knowing what might lie ahead for Mark in his recovery.

“They still don’t know how this whole thing is going to keep affecting him and how long this will go on for, they just don’t have that evidence,” she said.

“Once you have myocarditis, it can keep recurring so we just have to keep an eye on it.

“For now, it’s a case of just a wait and see.”