This is a date I will always remember.
That was the day I presented to hospital with crippling abdominal pains and 2 days later, a crash call was made due to my being unresponsive with a significant bleed on the ward.
I underwent my first operation on the 11th to perform a laparoscopic small bowel resection.
My second operation was performed on the 13th and a further laparotomy was performed with another section of small bowel removed.
I was discharged this evening.
I am to be on blood thinners for life, which I’m not happy about as they quell sexual ardour – muted orgasms and the like.
I only came off blood thinning treatment a few months ago because of these issues – I had a Pulmonary Embolism in 2017 and that fateful decision has clearly led to this new medical event.
I’m not happy that I will likely now be single for life however having tasted my own demise and having just spent 11 days in Intensive Care, it’s not something I am keen on repeating.
I won’t bang on about Universal Healthcare which is free* at the point of service for all however I am ever so grateful I live in the UK where this treatment was provided for me at no expense other than an *incremental amount of tax taken from my wages throughout my life compulsorily up until this point.
I have taken my first blood thinning tablet this evening.
I have lost so much weight from my face and I have a pallid, grey listless type of look however I will rally. One week ago I was messing several pairs of diapers per day and now I am able to sit here, with full control once more of my bowels. Simple pleasures. I have recovered so quickly in terms of food as well. One week ago, I had a line in my neck and was being fed intravenously.
In time I will go back to see all the doctors and nurses who tended to me and thank them personally. They were magnificent. This has been an ordeal and very nearly a tragedy and it shows that life can change in a moment because on the 8th I felt perfectly well and healthy.
I am sat here listening to The Allman Brothers. My mum has been remarkable, walking nearly a mile through the hospital complex each day to come and visit me, at age 90. Both cats are close by and the garden hedgehogs have just been fed.
Things right now could be a whole lot worse. I’m alive and for that I am grateful.
Jonathan's Journal 
My dear friend. Words on the internet cannot suffice. If you still have access to WhatsApp, we need to talk . . . when you are ready. Let me know some good days and times, we’ll figure out the time zone stuff, and I’ll accommodate.
For now, my heart goes out to you and your mum💖 and to all those folks who saved your life. There is a reason for this life-threatening situation, and it definitely has to do with your LIFE choices in the here-and-now, and how you deal with death.
Also, garden hedgehogs?! Give my love to Bonnie and Lexx.
We have so much to talk about.
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Hi Sharine.
I have sent you an email from my mailfence address.
I have reinstalled WhatsApp and I have Telegram and can see you on it but can’t seem to connect with you at all 😦
I am free all the time at the moment.
Yes, garden hedgehogs. 7 of them. Cute little critters.
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