Obit: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis

Subject: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 06:39 AM

I have just been told that Pete is in hospital in Spain - and is critical with meningitis.

Apparently, according to the message I have just had via a slightly indirect route from Val (who phoned the White Horse from Spain) Pete will have been infectious for three weeks, and there are prophylactic measures you should take. Therefore if you have been in contact with Pete (or Val) in the last three weeks (or so) you should, I am told, URGENTLY contact your doctor to check what measures you should take.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 06:41 AM

Jeez, that's a real bummer. Hope he recovers OK, and soon.
Giok

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: The Barden of England
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:16 AM

Let's hope for good news - he's a lovely guy.
John Barden

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:20 AM

BTW - a short flip through pages on the web marked "meningitis" indicate that this flapping about taking medical advice if you have been in contact with Pete in the last three weeks MAY be overcautious.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Sttaw Legend
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:37 AM

You can never be overcautious with meningitis

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: The Sandman
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:43 AM

Pete hicks was very encouraging to me many years ago when Iwas a humble floor singer,Agreat guy who used to run a great club ,Farningham,getwell pete .Dick Miles

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Essex Girl
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 08:45 AM

That's terrible,he's always so full of life. Val, I'm keeping my fingers crossed for you.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Muttley
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 09:05 AM

Hopefully this is a word of encouragement to those of you who know Pete (I don't).

However, I have had a lot of experience with meningitis and from your time frames and where he is now - my guess is that he has Viral Meningitis (VM).

You are correct to be concerned but also to be optimistic - Viral meningitis takes about a week or so to "work up" to really affecting the victim and about 3 - 5 weeks to resolve: BUT - the recovery is usually complete and has no lingering side effects (except that he's gonna be REAL nervous about headaches for a few yers).

It's bacterial meningitis (BM) which is the worst of the two - I have transported several VM patients and took care of them as a paramedic and ALL survived with no loss of faculty.

However; I transported only one BM and he came through it alive, but with either his hearing or eyesight (this WAS 20+years ago so forgive my recall deficiencies) was slightly impaired after.

The only other contact I had with BM was when a student of mine at a boarding school 'collapsed' with a headache - I was lulled into a false sense of security by the principal who said she was the larest in a series of "flu" sufferers. I had recently also had the First Aid responsibilty for the school taken away and given to an ex-student who was now working there and had worked fro 12 months as a nurses aid (they were VERY inbred) who moaned and whined that she wanted it and since she lived 'on campus' SHE should have it - she was given it over my protestations.

Long story short - the student (who happened to be my absolute all-time favourite) died the next morning from BM and when I got the call that she couldn't be roused and rushed to the school - found the 'new' First-Aid controller standing at the child's bedside wringing her hands and asking what to do. Any wonders as to why I quit after coming out of quarantine?

Your friend SHOULD be safe and SHOULD turn out well especially as he is getting hospitl care. exhaustion from pain and dehydration are the commonest vectors for killing any VM patient and the fact that he is still in hospital fighting means he is most likely PAST the danger point.

Good luck with him and I think I'm safe offering all the best wishes of all of Mudcat and all our prayers (for those of us that pray) to his speedy and full recovery.

Slainte

Muttley

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 09:51 AM

The local quack says that unless any of us have been kissing or hugging Pete (no thanks chaps) we should be OK.

If Pete is to suffer impairment - let's make it his hearing. He's as deaf as a post anyway! Amazing he can still sing like that.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:02 PM

Hmm, refresh, sort of, old chap

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: melodeonboy
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:14 PM

Yes, rather worrying. Someone mentioned it at the Good Intent this evening.

Get well soon, Pete.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 07:52 PM

So sorry to hear this news. It's going to be a worrying time, our thoughts are with you both.

Fingers crossed all is well by Knockholt.

Hugs and best wishes.

Deb & Pat
{{{{{XX}}}}}}

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Dipsodeb
Date: 17 Apr 07 - 08:02 PM

Sorry that above post was from me just realised I wasn't logged in.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Goose Gander
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 11:36 AM

I had bacterial meningitis when I was two years old. Everyone thought I was just down with the flu, but my grandmother - a nurse - recognized the symptoms and I was taken to the hospital in time. While generally a childhood disease, meningitis can affect adults as well. Death or brain damage possible if untreated, if you think you've been exposed, seek medical attention.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: growler
Date: 18 Apr 07 - 04:30 PM

Get well Slats

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 19 Apr 07 - 07:51 PM

I have the following from Sue Urwin (Bishop Gundulf). I have no further information. I do not know what surgery, I do not know what type of meningitis or strain, I do not know why an induced coma was necessitated (which I gather is pretty rare, but is always, I think, used specifically to try to reduce intercranial pressure)

"Just to update you , Pete was in an induced coma ( for up to 48 hours) to enable him to recover from the surgery. He has today blinked his eyes and rejected the ventilator which is good news as it's a sign that he is recovering well and coming out of the coma. Val is said to be very happy with his progress. His daughters are going over to see him this weekend.

Please pass onto anyone else you may talk to who knows Pete.



Richard C is talking to Wadard and his friends outside the Morris so I said I would pass on the news to those from Gundulfs who are on email for him. Apologies if you already have this news from another source, just thought you would like to be informed.



Tony is in touch with Dutchy and Ian tomorrow. Its not possible to ring everyone, hope you understand, so please pass on when you can. "

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 20 Apr 07 - 02:49 PM

Again from Sue Urwin: -

"Good news ; Pete in mainstream ward now and progressing well. Looks like the worst is over."

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Girl Friday
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 09:25 AM

That's great news. We're all thinking of him and Val in Orpington. Especially Liz, who remembers our visits to the Victoria at Cliffe.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 02:19 PM

Puzzling, but seemingly bad news.

Apparently Pete has a viral infection of the brain and IF he is fit for it to be done he will have a brain scan in the middle of the coming week to try to discover more. His daughters are staying out there for the time being.

I don't fully follow because I thought a viral infection was one of the types of meningitis.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 06:06 PM

I gather he is back in a coma.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,dizzylisa
Date: 21 Apr 07 - 10:52 PM

The lack of posts says it all.....
We all hold our breath for him and wish him & Val lots of love and strength xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 04:54 AM

Val Hicks has this morning 'phoned me from Spain.

Pete is moving more, and will open his eyes on instruction, but is otherwise not obviously mentally present. He is breathing on his own during the day and is ventilated at night (so will therefore have the mother of sore throats when truly "waking").

The operation (effected within two hours of his admission, try getting that done in the UK) was to relieve fluid pressure on the brain. He had had a headache for two days and initially the local clinic diagosed migraine and prescribed painkillers - but within 12 hours of that arranged emergency admission to Valencia hospital. The fluid drained at that stage was observably infected (ie bacterial infection) but that is no longer the case. There is little fliud draining and it does not appear to have any bacterial infection.

No actual virus has been identified, yet, but he is receiving antiviral agents too. Also he is still receiving antibiotics. To me that looks like a major case of "don't know but lets cover all the bases. At one stage he had 12 drips up, but this is now down to 10(!).

A brain-scan will probably be carried out in four to five days time if there is no major improvement by then. Stroke has seemingly been ruled out, and it may (that is only a may) be that the present symptoms are the consequence of the pressure before the operation. It takes time to recover from trauma (including pressure) to the brain - witness the little Hammond creature from Top Gear. If that is all there is to it, there should be steady progress.

Hospital visiting is restricted, patients are logged in and out, and gowned and masked for visiting, under a strict cleaning regime. This may explain why Spain has a zero (or statistically zero) incidence of MRSA and C. Diff.

There is no clue yet as to any cause.

Val is staying with their friends, which is better than being in a hotel and on her own, but it is an 85 kilometer drive to the hospital, and at present the holiday insurance is refusing to pay for the car hire. Pete' daughters are returning to the UK very soon. One of them is a trained military paramedic and her observation is that it looks as if things are improving, slightly.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Kev The Clogs
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:13 AM

Hi, Kevin (clogs) from Bishop Gundulfs Morris - we are getting all of our news from Richard C who is in regular contact with The White Horse Pub. The last but one post by Richard Bridge got to us at the end of a great day of dancing yesterday. I have sent Val a text message expressing everyones best wishes, be they Morris, Folk, friends etc. Lets be positive - he's a tough old bugger :-)

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,woodsie
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 08:31 AM

I've only just spotted this thread. Get well soon Pete ... I'm told that Spanish hospitals are far superior to our run down, over managed, disgraces. I want to be hearing him around the campfire in June oi!diddley diddly diddly yaaaaarghh!

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Girl Friday
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 02:23 PM

So - far from being out of the woods yet then. Still he is a tough old bugger and not one to let anything beat him. If the insurance won't pay for a car for Val she should see if they will pay a hotel bill. Don't Spanish hospitals have relative's accomodation?
Hoping that the next news will be more positive.
Sue

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 02:53 PM

Insurers would pay for a hotel, but Val would be on her own and she needs to be with friends, unsurprisingly.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: growler
Date: 22 Apr 07 - 05:22 PM

Richard Could'nt we have a whip round?

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 05:01 AM

What about having a hat collection over Sweeps? Most of us will be in the Good Intent at some stage over the weekend.Pass on my love to then both

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,Gastove
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 06:42 AM

I had a call from Barry Laing Saturday. He told me that they had brought Pete out of an induced coma and he was now breathing on his own. Barry's gut feeling is that things are improving.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 06:52 AM

Yes, that was the information at that stage, Gastove, but my info was direct from Val on Sunday morning by phone from Spain, and it was not as clear cut as that.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,Gastove
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 07:30 AM

Thanks Richard, I'll keep looking for more news. Pete's important to a lot of people and we need to know. Keep it up and please give Val my love when you next talk to her.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 11:28 AM

Definite good news - from Peter Currie, who had the news from Val at 1400 GMT (Gundulf Morris Time) today, Monday.

Pete is conscious, and can communicate by blinking (the usual yes/no stuff).

The root cause (or so close as we can get to a root cause so far) is that the problem was similar to hydroencephaly, in that the drain from the brain-pan to the stomach stopped draining, resulting in pressure in the brain-pan.

This will be remedied by a further operation to insert a so-called "shunt" (presumably something like a stent) in his neck, in the near future, following which, if all goes well, his neck ought in due course to be able to resume previously normal functions (well, normal by local standards) such as the inflow of beer and the outflow of music....

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Girl Friday
Date: 23 Apr 07 - 01:08 PM

Yes, I guessed that Val would be better staying with people, I was trying to say that a hotel bill would cost at least as much as car hire. So that's double standards from the insurers. This latest news is better I guess. I think a collection at Good Intent would be a great idea. Perhaps some kind of raffle too. Just who is the anonymous GUEST who says he'll be there? How will we know if he's turned up or not?

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Essex Girl
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 09:16 AM

Sorry, it was me who made the posting re: collection at Sweeps. They've replaced all of our PC's at work and I lost my cookie!

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 10:38 AM

Essex Girl, shall I pass on your email addy to Richard Cartwright, Tony Urwin, and Kevin Tudor?

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:17 PM

From Blosson (Peter Currie) from Val, at about 9 pm Gundulf Morris Time, Tuesday.

Pete remains as he was 2 pm Monday. Eyebrow/lid communication only, no other obvious control.

Tomorrow they will try closing the valve (the drain) in his head to see if that will get the normal pathway for fluid (to the stomach) to work. If it does not they will insert a shunt. He will have another brain scan and possibly MRI as well.

The tube in his throat is probably causing irritation, so they will (very probably) also do a tracheotomy, intended to be temporary, to permit breathing and ventilation if needed in that way.

Val much appreciates everyone's good wishes, and indeed is very touched. That probably means that when she catches up with the well-wishers, they (or at least the male ones) are going to think they have been trapped in a Russ Meyer movie, for a while.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,Val Dilligaf
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:39 PM

Hello folks
Val here from sunny Spain Thanks for all the well wishes,I have nagged Pete to death over the last week which is probably why he is still not awake. As Blos says when he is awake he can move his eyebrows and chomps at the breathing tubes like some old horse.which is why they want to do the trachiotamy. The Hospital here is excellent. he couldn,t have asked for better the dianosed the fluid on the brain with an hour. If it had been left any longer without a doubt he would not have been here.The hospital have said what he needs is time to come round as his brain has been crushed and bruised.It may be some time and he may not get everything back but as he didn,t have a lot to start with I will be grateful for anything.
Thank you for the kind offers of a whip round but at the moment we are all right so just buy yourselves another pint and toast the old git and wish him well.I am now driving like a Spainard and know loads of medical words as well as how to order a beer.Love and hugs to you all I will keep in touch
Dilligaf

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: John MacKenzie
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 05:46 PM

Oh I do hope they can avoid the tracheotomy, I had one, and they're horrid. Mind you if it helps his condition they have to go for it.
Hope he gets better soon.
Giok

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 09:38 PM

Great to hear from you Val.

Big hugs to you and, of course, Pete. Tell the old bugger that all of us at Gundulf are rooting for him. Big Dick is doing a splendid job of keeping us under control whilst you are not here!

Take care. Kev T xxx

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,dizzy
Date: 24 Apr 07 - 10:17 PM

Hi Val, Sending lots of love to you both, from Korks & Porks and Motley.

I didn't imagine I'd ever say this but I'm REALLY looking forward to seeing him half naked in the mornings on Broadstairs campsite this year ...... !!!

I would throw huge quantities of money if needed, into a bucket bearing the Page 3 photo. However, on your instruction I'll just have another Newcy Brown and raise it to the old git and his full and speedy recovery.

Lisa Rob & Liam
xxx

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: The Barden of England
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 02:24 AM

I'm so glad he's doing well Val. Fingers crossed for a good outcome and hope to see you both fit and well very soon.
Buena suerte
John Barden

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: rick west
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 12:09 PM

Dear Val

Lynne and I were so worried when we heard, but reading your comments suggests that thankfully he's on the mend. Love and best wishes to you both, and hope to see you both soon. Good to hear about the excellent Spanish medical care - shall we now forgive them the Armada?

Rick And Lynne

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 02:41 PM

Val's text to me of earlier today indicated no change again - but the staff there this morning did not speak English. Maybe more news after Val has been able to trace English-speaking staff!

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: growler
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 04:48 PM

Hi Val
   Best to you and Pete, try wobbling your chest at the Doctors. if that doesn't work, try wobbling them at Pete

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Richard Bridge
Date: 25 Apr 07 - 08:50 PM

Now then, Growler, the present objective is to reduce, not increase, swelling (albeit of the brain).

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,sheila finn
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 05:27 AM

Wishing Pete a full recovery - let me know if I can help in any way, my niece speaks fluent Spanish having worked in Estepona up to last June and is familiar with their hospitals unfortunately if that is of use. Anything you would like to go into the Folk London for June please send to me. All love from Nick, myself and Gerry.

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: Sue Urwin
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 06:33 AM

Val, a big huge hug to Pete from us when he can manage it! Its good to have this contact. Thanks to Bloss and Richard C& Mc for the communication so far. Gill did us proud Monday night leading the ladies out dancing at little gem .We were all so pleased to hear of Petes progress, albeit teeny by the sounds of it and a long way to go but its a start. So your driving like a spaniard now are you? be sure to take substantial glasses of Carlos 1 before setting off and burn out that clutch at the traffic lights! thinking of you both Tony & Sue XXXX

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: vectis
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 08:31 AM

Just spotted this thread.
All the best for a full recovery and hoping to see you both at Broadstairs.
Mary (Travelling Folk)

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,dilligaf
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:32 PM

Hi folks just back from the hospital, got a REALLY NICE Cute spainish doctor who spoke excellent english, Pete is still semi comatose and paralised, they have said he is to get a traciotmy tomorrow or monday, seems Pete has a serious infection of the lower part of his brain(what brain) which has caused all his problems and they are trying a new lot of treatment from today, which hopefully he will respond to.as always its time. have given all your love to him and will fill you all in as soon as I know anything love to you all
Val Dilligaf

Subject: RE: Slats ('Streaky' Pete Hicks) meningitis
From: GUEST,Paul in Canada
Date: 26 Apr 07 - 04:44 PM

Hey Val. Our thoughts are with you. Tell my uncle Pete that he better recover soon or I'll have to show up and play Peggy Gordon and you know what he'd think of that! He's probably just off in Algonquin somewhere floating down the Otterslide. Just be sure to tell him to keep his shirt on!

Lots of love

Paul, Margot, kids and animals.