Scary times

[Guest guest]

and all,

This has been a day of mourning --and celebration--for me. A year ago today

I entered the hospital after being hauled to the ER with a gallstone-induced

pancreatitis which had caused me to go from the usual pain to vomiting and

collapse. What I needed the most was the morphine and diluadid to kill the

pain. I was mostly gorked out and in that bed for the next 11 days.

My dear wife basically saved my life by sleeping on the floor in my room and

being present virtually 24 hours a day to guard me. If I learned anything, it

was to HAVE A LOVED ONE with you when you are in the hospital. If no one

is in your life that loves you that much, get with it. It's truly a dangerous

place and vulnerable people there are killed and maimed every day. If

someone you love or care about is who in the hospital it behooves you to

guard them until they get strong enough to be safe. It's that simple.

As much as I'd like to get rid of the anger I have about the level of care I got

and the unwillingness by medical professionals to add even such simple

things as Vitamin C and Vitamin E for ICU patients, I can't forgive them

because of things they know they should do and then chose not to.

But today, thanks to the many things I have learned since one year ago, I

was able to go to the wonderful State Fair, eat a multitude of good foods, and

wander freely enjoying the fresh Autumn air. As I sat and pondered things

today, I couldn't help but think about and send a prayer to all the people lying

now in hospital beds and suffering all around the world while we go about

enjoying our life.

I'm fortunate that my pain and suffering was severe enough to make me

change my life. I know that I know I will be motivated for life to do the things

I

need to do to never have to go back into a hospital as a patient again. In

addition, if there is anything I can do to save one other person from going in,

I

will do it. Eventually, I hope that I will rise above the anger and resentment

that I still feel. I know it is something I need to do to get totally healed.

Thanks to everyone here,

Will, safe at home in Minneapolis