Merle Haggard says hospital team probably saved his life

(CBS/AP) Merle Haggard isn't ready to get back on the road just yet. After checking into and out of a Macon, Ga. hospital last week for a case of double pneumonia, the country singer has returned to the hospital for further treatment.

Doctors found the 74-year-old had several other ailments while he was recovering in a Macon, Ga., hospital. Spokeswoman Tresa Redburn says they diagnosed him with three stomach ulcers, eight polyps in his colon and diverticulitis of the esophagus.

Haggard checked into a hospital and postponed his January tour dates last Tuesday after contracting pneumonia. The country singer checked himself out Friday and tried to make the ride home to Redding, Calif., on his tour bus. He quickly realized he wasn't up to the trip and returned to Macon.

He's now undergoing a more aggressive antibiotic treatment for pneumonia. Haggard is expected to be "back up and running in 30 days," his rep said, according to the Los Angeles Times.

The singer's publicist told Country Weekly Haggard will likely be in the hospital for a few more days. It's unclear when he'll return to the road, though his website shows his next date is Feb. 28 in Tuscon, Ariz.

"Thanks to all the wonderful people all over the world that prayed their special prayers. I'm a new man," Haggard said in a statement issued through Redburn. "Another special thanks to the folks of Macon, Ga., for their kindness, intelligence and probably saving my life."

The "Okie from Muskogee" singer had part of a lung removed a few years ago while fighting cancer.