'It was touch and go... I'm lucky to be alive': Emotional George Michael thanks doctors for saving his life after battling pneumonia

By SARAH BULL



'I'm lucky to be alive': George Michael gave a press conference today reassuring fans that he is on the road to recovery after battling pneumonia



Looking frail and with a voice trembling with emotion, George Michael yesterday said he was lucky to be alive after his bout of severe pneumonia.

The 48-year-old star said he had come through ‘the worst month of my life’ after falling ill while preparing for a concert in Vienna.

Struggling to catch his breath and wearing a scarf to protect his neck, he revealed surgeons had performed a tracheotomy on him and it had been ‘touch and go’ if he would survive.



Announcement: Michael spoke against the backdrop of a Christmas tree outside his London home



He had been in a coma and the surgical procedure was needed to open up his windpipe allowing him to breathe.

The former Wham! singer flew back to Britain earlier this week after regaining consciousness a fortnight ago with his family and boyfriend Fadi Fawaz at his bedside.

Appearing outside his North London home he said: ‘I’m not supposed to speak for too long. Merry Christmas everyone.’

Asked how he felt, Michael, who had provided mince pies to awaiting reporters and photographers, said: ‘I feel amazing, I mean I am very weak but I feel amazing.



Emotional: Michael appeared to be struggling to hold back his tears at points during the press conference



Thankful: Michael also revealed he would be performing a special one-off concert to say thank you to the doctors at the AKH hospital in Vienna



‘I have to believe that somebody still thinks that I have some work to do here. If I wasn’t spiritual enough before the last four to five weeks then I certainly am now.’

The singer said it was ‘his family’ that had kept him going and the thought of all the people he still had to perform before.



Back on Twitter: Michael returned to the micro-blogging page after a month long silence



He tweeted: 'Hey everyone, your favourite homo is home :))).

I'm back and I'm proud, though not very loud...... (which, I assure you, will be temporary!) MERRY XMAS TO ALL OF YOU! ISN'T LIFE GRAND !! X.

'Good Night everyone, I'm getting an early night. Thank you all so much for your patience and your prayers. Don't worry, I'll be back to my foul mouthed ranting self soon enough.'

The star had been laid up in Vienna since November 21 after falling ill with the life-threatening condition just hours before he was due on stage.

He was admitted to intensive care with a statement confirming the condition as ‘severe community acquired pneumonia.’



source :dailymail