10/06/2023
About this time four weeks ago I was lying in an ambulance on my way to Royal Stoke University Hospital. I don’t remember much about the following 36 hours except that my amazing wife barely left my side. I thought I had food poisoning. Scans and X-rays showed a blockage in my small intestines. The emergency surgery that followed revealed a twisted bowel.
Post surgery I didn’t eat for over a week and I could only drink small amounts of water. I lost over a stone in weight. Eventually my insides ‘woke up’ and a bumpy relationship with food began.
2 weeks after successful surgery I was allowed home and two weeks later I am sitting in the sunshine enjoying a simple cheese and tomato sandwich.
I have some complications but they are in hand.
When the very basics and fundamentals of life are taken away from you, you re-evaluate what’s important.
I am so very grateful for the amazing care and attention of the NHS staff on ward 102, and the surgeons who skilfully and patiently corrected my intestines. They deserve so much more than a doorstep clap. I bought them biscuits.
I am also indebted to my friends, family and church community who have been there in the darkest, the most vulnerable, and the funniest of moments. Maybe there’s a story or two to be told at some point.
Before all this began I was 50 days into a 90 day video challenge. I’m undecided whether to pick that back up or move on. I’ll let you know.
Be grateful. Make the most of what you have. Be there for your mates. And eat like there’s no tomorrow:-)
