Less than 24 hours after my “Grateful” post last week, I experienced severe and debilitating chest and abdominal pains. In fact, this was the worst pain I had ever felt. Going forward when the doctor asks: “What is your pain on a scale of 1-10?”… I now know what 10 really is for me!

So after being rushed to the ER by my wife, it was determined I had a blockage in my common bile duct caused by stone from my gallbladder. (Phew not my heart!) This caused pancreatitis, liver issues and immediate admittance. Doubled over in pain and begging for morphine, I thought “Now what?” My gratitude had been replaced with nothing but fear and panic.

Over the next 3 days, I had time to test and practice what I preach. Would I remain grateful or stay fearful? Thankfully, the blockage was successfully cleared, a stent was put in and the gallbladder was removed. The recovery will be slow, but am expected to make a full recovery. Praise God.

These experiences have a tendency to make me reflect on what just happened, what I learned and how sharing the experience might be able to help others going through similar challenges. Sometimes I even find something to be grateful for…

Here’s is what I have concluded so far:

Fear is normal, stay hopeful. Choose faith to stay grounded during health challenges and leverage available onsite ministry services if desired. During my stay I blessed with a surprise visitor, a Catholic Sister with prayer and communion. Divine timing!

It takes a village. Partner with your healthcare professionals and answer all the questions….even multiple times. Be patient, they are here to help and doing their best. Plus you have no idea what challenge they may be facing at the moment!

Stay curious and informed. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Make sure to achieve the degree of understanding you need to be at peace with your decisions. Consult others if a second opinion will be bring comfort.

Advocate for yourself (or get someone that can). Patient handoffs aren’t always consistent or thorough. The constant daily changing of healthcare professionals during a hospital stay can be frustrating and disruptive. Stay patient. Offering reminders on your particular situation such as medication allergies and the status of your care during shift change is not only helpful but necessary. Get use to repeating yourself and be kind. It’s worth it.

Our medical care system is great but nothing is perfect. Depending on your situation, mistakes or misses can happen. Make sure to address quickly to prevent delays or insufficient/incorrect care. Be patient but persistent. This is YOUR life!

Connect, be vulnerable. Some of life’s best relationships are healed or born amidst life’s “storms.” Don’t isolate. Lean on trusted friends and family, sharing fears and concerns. Having people “check in” on me with a simple text brought comfort and a smile to my face. Also, keep on the lookout for new connections. For example, my hospital roommate and new friend Dave below (fighting stage 4 cancer) inspired me to stay hopeful and close to my faith. Our midnight talks were such a blessing and contributed greatly to this post. God bless you Dave!

Keep your sense of humor. Make light of things when you can…laugh! This is sometimes hard, but a giggle here and there can work wonders. As my family says “Humor is best medicine.”

Inch by inch its a cinch. In a case like this, I always remember what my friend Stacey says, “Second by second, minute by minute, hour by hour, day day.” This perspective helps me stay focused on the present moment and what I can control.

Be proactive, be prepared. It’s inevitable that we will all have illness in our lives. Therefore assemble your medical team proactively and even do a “test” run. Where does your primary care physician and specialists want you to go in the event of an emergency? Keep regular medical checkups, get bloodwork, and be consistent with your health management plan. Even consider some of the Functional Medicine programs and Wearable Health Devices. I realized I can do more and as my mentor Jonathan quoted me from Robert Frost: “How many things have to happen to you before something occurs to you?”

Your health MUST always come first. You cannot help your family if you don’t help yourself first. Having a self care routine must be a priority. (I have some tips, DM me!)

Moderation (in everything) is one of the secrets to life. In this case, finding balance between the pleasures (caffeine, alcohol, sweets, carbs, fatty foods) you crave and the food that is actually good for you. If not, your body will let you know in a very unpleasant way…trust me! Remember YOU are the greatest defense against illness.

We are stronger than we think. I have a new “level 10”. I don’t wish it upon anyone but… I must admit the pain changed me. It changed my perspective on what I can overcome. It changed fear back to…

…You guessed it: gratitude

Above all else, stay grateful.