Tuesday 4 August 2009

I nearly died

Rather a dramatic title I know but sadly its true.

As you know we had our family get together on Saturday 25th July and I felt fine and enjoyed myself. I will post some pictures later.

Anyway woke up on Sunday morning still feeling ok but by the afternoon was begining to feel breathless but put it down to the heat and having to much to eat the day before. Went to bed about 11 on Sunday and dosed off but woke up about 2.30 shivering violently enough to shake the bed! This was followed by a period of profuse sweating. I rang the chemotherapy help line at the hospital and was told that it was sun stroke and to take a couple of paracetamol.

I was no better in the morning so I took myself to hospital and they discovered that my blood pressure had dropped to 70/42 and my body was slowly closing itself down and risking chronic kidney failure as I was suffering from an e coli infection. They admitted me to Intensive Care where I stayed until Saturday night when I was transferred to an ordinary ward coming home this evening.

I can not praise the staff in Intensive Care and Lord North Ward at Maidstone Hospital enough but suffice to say that it was an experience I do not wish to repeat and its thanks to there efforts that I am still here.

Andy

10 comments:

Beth said...

Andy, oh my goodness! I'm so glad you were able to get in for treatment. Yes, E coli infection can cause kidney failure, so I'm so glad you called and got in so quickly. I'm so happy you're okay. Hugs, Beth

Liz said...

I am so glad you have survived this ordeal and realise your thanks are directed to the correct people but I have to ask what idiot told you to take paracetamol for such life-threatening symptoms?
Some Help-line! Not in my humble opinion worth the BT charge.

Ken Riches said...

Glad that you were wise enough to go to the hospital. Sounds like a very scary situation.

Jane Thompson said...

Oh my goodness Andy - thank God you went to hospital that day. Just goes to show you should always trust your instincts. What a terrifying experience for you - as if you dont have enough to put up with at the moment.
Take care and get plenty of rest,
Love
Jane

xxxx

egtara said...

So glad you are ok.

Frances said...

Oh, Andy, I am so glad everything turned out right for you. I know it was very scary for you, but going in to hospital was exactly what you should have done.
Take care of yourself, my friend.

Funnyface said...

Hello Andy

What a very scary time for you it has been. Sooooo pleased to hear you are now feeling so much better. Please be careful in the future. ((((((Big Hug ))))))
Big Luv, Jaynee X

Anonymous said...

Glad you're ok. Paracetamol! gosh! pleased you listened to your instincts :) rache

ADB said...

Sorry I am so late catching up with you on this development, Andy. I am very relieved you made it through, and I hope you'll make a full recovery. E. coli is very nasty

Anonymous said...

you're quiet! hope you got your cd.

rache