Huge response to David Dagwood Bissell Facebook hospital diary of health battle
An Aussie clown has sparked a huge reaction with his daily musings from a hospital bed as he faces the biggest battle in a lifetime.
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Aussie clown David “Dagwood’’ Bissell has sparked a huge reaction with his daily Facebook posts from a hospital bed as he faces the biggest battle in a lifetime dealing with lung disease cystic fibrosis.
Since being admitted in March to Prince Charles Hospital — for about the 175th time — the well-known Brisbane clown has posted dozens of hilarious and heart-wrenching messages.
He has chronicled battles with pneumonia, heart problems, cirrhosis of the liver, as well as kidney and pancreas ailments and blood pressure readings of 235 (the normal top, or systolic, pressure is about 120).
He now had so many potentially life-threatening conditions he joked in one post that he had “forgotten’’ he also had colon cancer.
But after numerous serious health scares over the years where it looked like the end was near, “Dagz’’ was refusing to give up — just yet.
“When five of your organs are only working at less than 10 per cent it makes life hard,’’ he wrote.
“I’m not sure where my strength comes from or why it keeps showing up when I need it the most.
“My poor body is broken. I know in life we all face challenges. For me it’s failing health.
“I believe we are all here for a reason and I’m still here.’’
His months-long struggle this time around has given others inspiration as he urged them to be “not just tuff but Dagwood tuff’’.
Or, simply: “Life equals hope.’’
“I’m under no illusion I’m in the final chapter of my life. The only question is how many pages are left to turn,’’ he posted on March 31.
“It could be 280 pages, it could be 15 pages, who knows?
“With multiple organs not working now, the challenge for me will be navigating the pain and discomfort so that I am comfortable.
“Remaining positive when you don’t feel well is so hard.
“I tell myself although I’m struggling, I could be worse off. Toughen up princess.
“Life is what you chose to make of it. Whatever your situation, look for the diamonds.’’
In another devastating post he wrote:
“As I lay here awake I contemplate my life. My days are getter harder.
“My body is working harder to stay in the game. My energy and strength is waning.
“I question if I’ll get better or back to where I was.
“Am I’m still slipping down the slippery slide of life? It’s hard to know.
“Whatever it is, I’m still here. I’m a fighter. Us Bissells, we’re built tough.
“What life I have left, I want to continue to share it with you and hopefully inspire others.
“I love life and I’m sure sucking the guts out of it.’’
Hundreds of people have responded to his public messages and hilarious photos.
After getting his first haircut in weeks he posted a photoshopped image with a ridiculous mullet and quipped:
“Three weeks in hospital today. Due a haircut soon. For a good time call...’’
Crazy outfits and crazier nail polish, the visual and verbal gags have kept coming despite the daily struggle to breathe.
Mr Bissell also posted about his identical twin Peter “Peebo’’ Bissell, who succumbed to cystic fibrosis in 2020.
His remarkable Facebook “diary’’ matter-of-factly described his 28 daily medications, gruelling dialysis up to three times a week, a bronchial biopsy and more, often told with astounding humour, nonchalance, or inspirational messages for his legion of fans.
“A lot of people ask me how do you keep going after facing adversity after adversity,’’ he wrote on March 28.
“My answer is always the same... you need to have a strong mindset.
“Being positive in the face of adversity is not easy, but we are all pretty bloody tough when the chips are down.
“We all have that inner strength to overcome any obstacles.
“We all can be stretched beyond we know we are capable of being stretched. You will do it.
“I always hope for the best and prepare for the worst.’’
THE WIT AND WISDOM OF DAVID DAGWOOD BISSELL
March 2
Everyday I fight against pain, suffering & breathlessness.
Some days I win, most days I don’t. I’m still here.
Not being able to breathe is scary.
March 6
I wish I was well ... I miss my old self.
March 7
Back in Prince Charles Hospital, not sure how long. Hopefully we can find some improvement.
March 9
my poor body
you endure so much
to keep me here
you get me through the pain
& tough times
so I can enjoy the snippets
of good times
I am grateful
time is the most important thing in life, you can’t buy it or make it, you are granted it
treasure it, for we do not know how long we have.
Smile Laugh & Love
March 13
Change of plans today. Meant to have a bronch biopsy this morning. Ended up in an ambulance to emergency. Not feeling the best.
March 17
When your blood sugars are 45 after 2 lots of insulin. A non stop insulin infusion is the next option. This is helping, my sugars have come down to 15, but still high above the 5-7.
My body is fighting constantly and it’s very exhausting.
March 18
I used to use 10% energy to live 90% of my days.
Now I spend 90% of my energy to live 10% of my days.
Don’t waste your days. Suck the guts out of life.
March 22
Its been another rough day on dialysis today.
It’s given me enough energy to walk downstairs to get some fresh air.
10 mins of once what I called normality is truly bliss — ️ small wins. Squeeze every last bit out of life.
March 28:
Had heart scan yesterday. Results show ticker working under duress now, hence very high blood pressure.
Thickening of the left ventricle, means higher risk of heart failure.
Told the Drs to add it to my resume
They said some extra medication should help.
I currently take 28 different medications daily, I said what's another 2.
April 2
No visitors at present, too weak.
April 4
Another tough day. Energy low & very weak.
Blood vessel burst in my eye due to high bp (blood pressure).
Exhausted. Need more strength.
April 13
Cmon lungs, breathe.
April 20
Dialysis again today. Looking like an eshay, bruh.
April 18
You can feel shit but still have pretty nails.
Saw my transplant team today, not much change in my right lung.
Pneumonia is still spreading. Life is short, live a little.
April 22
Strap yourself in for the next 5hrs - D day (for dialysis). Smile: check. Happy Monday.
April 23
Hospital free day. Small wins.
April 26
Today is a real struggle. Need (your) prayers.
April 28
I know my fate. I’m at peace.
It’s just being comfortable as much as can
Live life & Enjoy life, Daggy.
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