On 26th May 2018 while enjoying a family BBQ and despite being a warm evening the shivers started. The following day I was unable to raise myself from bed.
On Monday morning after placing my son on the bus to school, I again had to return to bed. On this occasion my wife took my temperature, this being +40deg. She immediately called for the doctor, who then had me taken to Western Isles Hospital ( Stornoway ).
A recovery team from Glasgow was brought to Stornoway and i was subsequently flown to Queen Elizabeth University Hospital ( Glasgow ) being diagnosed with Sepsis, Double Pneumonia, Invasive Strep A, Influenza B, Renal Failure and Neurological Failure.
I was on life support for 19days at which time the magnificent staff worked tirelessly to save my life, my wife being by my side at all times .. for which I will be forever grateful.
My resuscitation was, as I have been told attempted on 2 occasions, with the 3rd being successful.
Spending a few days in Critical Care before moving to High Dependency, where once more the care was without question magnificent.
But in addition to this, thoughts must be given to the loved ones who sit along side you during this time and the little ones who are at home with no understanding of the possible outcome. They are often missed, despite having to fight their own personal battles.
I am one of the very lucky ones, I escaped Sepsis with no physical scars, but the mental battle still continues. Not only for me but for those who supported and although distressed watch all the lows and highs that flowed during those heavy days.