What a going on

So, I've had gallstones ever since I was 12 years old. Over the years they have bothered me on and off. Years ago, a surgeon in Calgary told me to get it removed before it ruptures and can be life threatening.

And that is exactly what happened! February 17th, 2025 I strolled into the hospital in excruciating pain. Tests revealed my Gallbladder had ruptures I was then sent to another hospital about an hour away. After a few days in that hospital I developed two pleural effusions and a cardiac tamponade oh and I also went septic, I started on antibiotics, plasma and steroids. My health began to deteriorate and they brought me to the ICU, There Dr. Brazil performed a thoracentesis which is just a needly in your back that goes to your lung and drains the fluid. They pulled almost a litre of what looked like blood and I immediately could breath a bit better. I was then sent air ambulance to St. Johns. I was admitted to the cardiac ICU for two weeks. During this time I had consults with surgeons, cardiologists and hematologists. It really took a toll on my mental health as the steroids always give me so much anxiety and I was on high high doses. The other strange part was I don't full remember it all, at the time I went into the hospital I was suffering at home for days, I was dehydrated, malnourished and being septic can cause cognitive impairment as well. The whole time I was in the hospital my friends and family were growing increasingly worried (and rightly so.) In an effort to ease everyone's mind I would send little videos and pictures so show how "well" I was doing. However, it had the opposite effect as I was in fact not doing well at all and in the videos you can clearly see I am pale as a ghost, I can hardly breathe, my eyes are dropping and Im mixing up my words. Anyways, I got home and felt 600 years old. I was tired and contrary and I felt completely useless.  I turned 42 while I was in the hospital, I don't remember a whole lot about it seems like one day they just came in and my arm band said 42 instead of 41. The other thing about coming home is I saw how much my illness rocked my family. They were absolutely devastated and I feel like they are still traumatized and to be honest I am too. Any tiny tinge of pain in my stomach I spiral and think of the worst. At the moment I am back to work, happy to be back with my family and trying to manage my gallbladder at home. I eat small meals, try not to eat anything with too much fat, I avoid alcohol and take out. I worry that the next time this happens things will be worse. There was a low survival rate of what I went through and honestly I don't full know how to process it. There is something caused Post Sepsis Syndrome and I certainly feel that is what I am experiencing.  Keep me in your prayers. If you have any questions please let me know! 

The Audacity

So, let me start off this story by saying I have a valid, up to date accessibility parking pass for my vehicle. I got one when we moved to Calgary because the parking lot was huge and sometimes I would be taking myself to appointments. If anyone has been to the foothills hospital they know how sprawling that place can be. I remember bringing myself to an iron infusion and I almost didn't make it to the door. I thought about collapsing on the ground or calling for help but I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and made it to the door. Anyways, the point of my story is that I have many reasons why I use my accessibility parking pass including but not limited to, trying to avoid putting weight on my joints and muscles when I have a bleed, trying to avoid falling on the ice. So the other day I'm going into the pharmacy, as I walk in this old, dusty man comes up to me and says "Are you Handicapped?". I said excuse me? He yelled again, "Are you hadicapped."  I said are you a doctor? he said I don't have to be and repeated his catch phrase, so I said you are ignorant and rude and you need to get away from me. 

Which brings me to this PSA: If you see someone parking in any parking spot, mind your own business. If you are really concerned that they might be parking there illegally, walk over to their car and look on the dash board. The placard has to be placed on the dashboard, you will be able to see the date and make sure it is valid. If at this point you still just have to know if this person is parking illegally, go to the manager of the store, or contact the police. What you should never do is yell in someone's face "are you handicapped." Invisible illnesses are prevalent and someone's medical history is just none of your business. 

This particular incident happened where there were 3 accessibility spots available and the person accosting me did not have one of his own. So I'm not sure where he got the audacity to insert himself into the rules and regulations of a parking lot or the complete lack of self awareness to yell in someone's face in public. Anyways at the end of the day all I can do is take care of myself the best way I can, park where I'm legally allowed to park and ignore crusty old creeps.

-30-