Gerald H. Williams

Survivor

Well, a year ago, I was having lower side/back pain and could hardly walk. I called doctor that asked me the level of pain out of 10. My reply was 15+. His answer was go to the clinic so I did., The doctor on duty asked me a few questions and said I had a kidney stone on the move. (Sepsis and Kidney Stones) Sent me to the hospital with a note. Upon arriving at hospital, I was immediately met and assessed and put on a bed. Off to the ultra sound and an x-ray. 20 minute later was told temperature was at 103f and blood count was ‘off the scale’ Blood pressure was at 90/47. So the doctor came in and said I had a bad stone… 26 mm in size and it is moving and seems almost stuck. Off to the operating room and a (as doctor said) 1/2 hour and I would be better.

I awoke 3 hours later and was told we had a problem. I asked what, as I faded in and out of understanding. Was told as they got to the stone, and put in a stint, they hit an infection pocket and it broke open. It flooded my lower body with infection and they had to opened clean that and they assessed it as sepsis.

I was taken to ICU and for that first night the doctor sat on my bed checking me every 1/2 hour…or maybe more.
For the next 5 days, in ICU with the pain and the infection getting better. 4 more days in surgery recovery the doctor told me to go home.
I still had the stone , the stint, and a multitude of pills to take. Each second day went to the clinic and had blood work and when I went a week without any problems, I was invited back to hospital to remove the stone. My 20 minute operation now was in its 7th week, and finally the stone was gone. Blood tests for another 3 weeks, (every second day) and was to have another ultra-sound and an x-ray. A week after that went back to see the surgeon and get my report.
His opening remark was, he said, I thought I would never see you again, you were within minutes of passing away.
Well, it has been 18 months and I am here and still kicking. Next appointment in the follow up, is next week.

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