Its hard to believe its an year since I collapsed at home and almost died. So much good came from this incident. While I wouldn't want to go through it again there were so many positives. I learnt I can keep calm. I knew I was in trouble but knew I couldn't do much. I kept calm and tried to keep warm as I knew I was going into shock. I didn't realise how bad it was which was a good thing. I finally contacted my friend who got help. Now I would ring the ambulance as I now have cover. But I didn't realise how serious it was at the time.
I went into hospital with a major fear of both drs and hospitals which I now do no have. I have never had a blood test and was so scared it would hurt because I knew how hard it was getting blood from mum and how she use to ask for prayer before blood test that they could get it in one try. I had seen how hard it was and thought I would be the same. I am not IF I have blood it is so easy for me to have the blood test. I had 4 transfusions and am now able to give blood and plan to donate when they come to my town in Sept. I also learnt how tired losing blood makes you and how when you have surgery you are tired and don't want people to visit for to long. I have never been as cold before in my life and remember how I felt so cold last year. I also learnt it takes time to recover and hadn't really fully recovered when mum passed away. I was so tired and still due to other issues as well tire easy.
I am so thankful for the drs in my town who saved my life and the medical staff. The nursing staff were so good also. I also learnt I have wonderful friends from many places. Some of the care from online friends was overwhelming and I will be forever thankful for my friend in Geelong whose call got me help.
I learnt have a toilet bag packed with comb, tooth paste, tooth brush and a few other items packed ready to go. I so missed not having a comb.
The past year has been touch with being so sick then mum passing then falling. But it all has made me a much fitter, healthier and happier person. Dealing with some demons has helped me have a change in thinking and I know many can see the result of that. While I don't want to go through this again I am grateful for all the good that came of it. I am enclosing a recent photos from my trip to show the difference and tomorrow will be the Gettysburg post to coincide with the 150th anniversary.
