Jazz musician Robbie Jansen has made a ”miraculous” recovery from a near-comatose condition and is sitting up demanding fruit salad, his relieved record-company executive said on Wednesday.
Jansen was admitted to the Tygerberg hospital almost a month ago following his collapse at his home in Elsies River. At the time, doctors said there was little hope of recovery, said Mountain Records MD Paddy Lee-Thorp.
The hospital has reported that although Jansen is not yet in a completely satisfactory condition, he is sitting up and eating normally, Thorp said.
He still needs help with his breathing.
Thorp visited Jansen on Tuesday and although he could not speak, the musician scribbled on a notepad: ”On my way back to work, thanks to the care being given in the unit and the support from my friends and family and the many musicians who have rallied around me.
”I need a little more time here. Next time you come, bring me some fruit salad.”
Jansen has been suffering from emphysema, and his lung capacity is severely restricted.
His latest album has just been completed in Germany. Doctors will be consulted over the release date and a tour booked for the European summer. — Sapa