Barrie man's challenges one year after surviving battle with COVID-19
Barrie man's challenges one year after surviving battle with COVID-19
One year ago, Brian Gillespie beat the odds and left the hospital after a gruelling three-month fight with COVID-19.
The Barrie man survived a 45-day coma, a heart attack, and his lungs collapsing four times for a second chance at life.
"I was very optimistic leaving the hospital because, in a very short amount of time, I come from a person who couldn't move at all to a person that could stand and walk," he says.
His wife, Jill, says she will never forget the day he left the hospital.
"When he came out of the hospital in his wheelchair and being able to touch him for the first time, that was the best feeling ever," she recalls.
While Gillespie is grateful to be alive, he says his life is different after his battle, with unexpected challenges.
"I'm learning, first off, that I have much more limitations than I did in the past."
He explains not being able to lift anything heavy or walk for more than 20 to 30 minutes without feeling exhausted.
"My lungs are damaged for life. They will never be what they were. My breathing ability is pretty limited."
His life-changing experience with COVID-19 has impacted his mental health as well.
"Depression has become a bigger part of my life than it's ever been," he admits. "I don't meet the challenges that I anticipate that I should be able to meet."
But Gillespie remains determined to get his life back to a sense of normalcy.
"I've even started going back to work on a limited basis. I work from home," he says.
The Barrie man plans to head back to work in the office when he's able and looks forward to spending in-person time with friends and family.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Brown alleges political corruption over Conservative leadership disqualification
Newly disqualified Conservative Party leadership candidate Patrick Brown is alleging political corruption for his ousting from the race over allegations his campaign broke election financing rules.

Conservative party not printing new ballots despite Patrick Brown's disqualification
Despite being disqualified by the Conservative Party of Canada from becoming its next leader, ousted candidate Patrick Brown's name will still appear on the ballot.
Intense video shows worker dangling from crane at Toronto construction site
Video has emerged showing a worker dangling in the air above a Toronto construction site after accidently getting entangled in a tagline attached to a crane.
Air Canada, Pearson again rank No. 1 in delays worldwide; Montreal check-in freezes
Air Canada and Toronto's Pearson airport again claimed the top spots for flight delays on Tuesday, marking at least four days in a row where the country's biggest airline has placed No. 1 of any large carrier worldwide.
Air Canada temporarily bans pets from baggage hold over delays
Air Canada said on Wednesday it will not allow animals in the baggage hold until Sept. 12 due to 'longer than usual' delays at airports, as carriers and airports wrestle with complaints over lost luggage and long lines.
Planning a road trip? Here's how to save money on gas this summer
As gas prices slightly trend down this week after some of the highest national averages seen in recent months, some Canadians may be thinking twice before planning their usual summer road trip plans. CTVNews.ca looks at how drivers can save at the pumps while travelling.
OPINION | How much of a mortgage can I afford in Canada?
Prices have been easing slightly recently, but affording a mortgage is still a very difficult task for many Canadians. How much of a mortgage can you afford? Contributor Christopher Liew breaks it down in an exclusive column for CTVNews.ca.
'Most stressful experience': Express Entry draws resume, but long waits take toll
Canada's immigration department is restarting all Express Entry draws for immigration applications Wednesday, after pausing the program 18 months ago during the pandemic.
Climate change will create 'thirsty' ecosystems, new study suggests
A new study by climate scientists suggests some 'hot spot regions' around the world contain ecosystems that are at-risk due to water availability.