Oesophagus removed

Heinz Hoenig: Solid food is still taboo

After 143 days, he is back at home - but only temporarily. This means he can celebrate his 73rd birthday on Tuesday at home.(Bild: Viennareport/Foto: U. Glockmann / Future Image)

Heinz Hoenig, who turned 73 on Tuesday, is still not allowed to eat solid food after his operation.

The "Das Boot" actor spent the last few months in the intensive care unit of a Berlin clinic. After he was even in a coma for a time, his oesophagus was removed due to a bacterial infection, which is why Hoenig is now being artificially fed via a gastric tube.

Since he was finally discharged home last week - just in time for his birthday - his wife Annika has been looking after the actor. 

After 143 days, he has been back home since last week - but only temporarily.(Bild: Viennareport/Foto: U. Glockmann / Future Image)

Not covered by health insurance
"Without having worked in the medical field, you can't do it professionally," the trained nurse told Bild. "That was also the prerequisite for being discharged at home."

As Hoenig still does not have health insurance, Annika has to care for her weakened husband herself.

"Can't eat anything solid"
In an interview with the newspaper, Hoenig emphasized how lovingly his partner is currently sacrificing herself for him. "I can't eat anything solid because I no longer have an oesophagus. But Anni has bought me nice teas and juices," he happily revealed.

The fact that he is pain-free is "the main thing" for him at the moment. "Everything else just takes time. Like everything in life," explained Hoenig, who will have to go under the knife again for an aorta operation in the foreseeable future.