BEING IN THE ICU, PNEUMONIA + SEPTIC SHOCK

I don’t know how I got through this acute health crisis.

I don’t remember much of this traumatic ordeal.

I do know that I was in the Medical ICU for 2 days and 2 nights.

You see, I had Pneumonia + I was in Septic Shock, with barely a blood pressure.

I had an access IV line in my neck, sutures in my wrist (for blood pressure and blood gas), a catheter and other medical paraphernalia in me and coming out of me.

The doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and other hospital personnel worked with efficiency, experience and competence to save my life.

I was given an abundance of fluids, several IV antibiotics, medications to raise my blood pressure + other treatments and medications.

I remember very little of what happened to me of those 2 days and nights in the medical ICU, at the hospital I go for my medical care.

I am, now, having difficulties processing what happened to me.

I do know this medical dilemma happened quickly.

It began with me being abnormally freezing with a high temperature.

Knowing my body well, I called an ambulance, which took me to the hospital.

At the hospital’s Emergency Department, I had a fever of over 104* with barely a blood pressure.

It went on from there….

I am now out of the ICU and in a medical unit at the hospital.

I still have the scars from this traumatic ordeal.

Some scars are noticeable and some are more permanent and not visible.

These invisible scars reside in my inner being, in the fortress of my mind.

Yes, my friends, I am here, on that long road to wellness and fortunate to be alive to tell you of this traumatic experience.

I need to thank the hospital personal at the hospital for all they’ve done for me, especially saving my life.

As I remember praying that 1^st night in the ICU, I realize it was the Grace of God that saved me.

It was Jesus who was with me, watching over me and protecting me.

As I sit on this hospital bed, writing, I feel overwhelmed, frightened and confused.

I, then, bow my head in prayer.

                    Evelyn Pinto

                    July 20, 2019