Merle Haggard returns to Macon hospital for more treatment Merle Haggard has returned to the Macon, Ga., hospital where he had been admitted last week to treat his pneumonia for further care and treatment of three other medical issues, his spokeswoman said Tuesday. Haggard, 74, reported that his double pneumonia is now almost completely clear and that he also is recovering from three stomach ulcers, the removal of eight polyps from his colon and diverticulitis in his esophagus, spokeswoman Tresa Redburn said. "Thanks to the wonderful people all over the world that prayed those special prayers, I'm a new man," Haggard said through Redburn. He voiced "Another special thanks to the folks of Macon, Ga., for their kindness, intelligence and probably saving my life." Haggard is expected to be "back up and running in 30 days," she said. Haggard had been released from the hospital on Friday and was starting the drive back to his home in Redding, Calif., but realized over the weekend he hadn't fully recovered and returned for additional treatment. Haggard's website says his next live performance is Feb. 28 in Tucson. He is scheduled to play the Grove of Anaheim on Feb. 29 and Agua Caliente Casino in Rancho Mirage on March 3. Merle Haggard breathing easier now Photo of Merle Haggard performing at the 2010 Stagecoach Country Music Festival in Indio.