✨ PART 1: The Emergency I Never Saw Coming

Sometimes life interrupts us in ways we never expect. One moment, everything seems normal. The next, everything changes. This past weekend, I experienced one of those moments. It was a sudden, frightening event that forced me to confront my health and my life in a way I hadn’t before. I’m sharing this story because it might help someone else recognize the quiet warnings their body sends before a crisis hits.

A hospital hallway with a gurney where a patient waits, highlighting the reality of overcrowded emergency rooms

The Day Everything Changed

What started as an ordinary day quickly turned into a nightmare. My family found me unresponsive and incoherent at home. My husband acted fast, using Baqsimi nasal spray, a rescue treatment for severe low blood sugar. Despite this, I didn’t wake up. The ambulance arrived, and I was rushed to Clovis Community Hospital.

At the hospital, doctors ran tests that revealed alarming results:

• My blood sugar had dropped dangerously low to 30 mg/dL (normal fasting levels are usually between 70 and 100 mg/dL).

• My white blood cell count was extremely high, signaling infection.

• I showed signs of a urinary tract infection.

• My insulin doses, adjusted after recent bariatric surgery and weight loss, were likely too strong.

  
  

These findings explained why I collapsed. My body was overwhelmed and struggling to cope.

The Reality of Overcrowded Emergency Rooms

Once admitted, the hospital’s overcrowding meant I was placed on a gurney in the hallway. This was not just uncomfortable; it was a stark reminder of how stretched healthcare resources can be. For three days, I waited there, uncertain of what would come next.

During this time, the ER doctors stopped my insulin temporarily to observe how my body would respond without it. This decision was scary but necessary. It highlighted how delicate managing chronic conditions like diabetes can be, especially after major changes like surgery.

Listening to Your Body’s Warnings

This experience taught me a vital lesson: your body whispers before it screams. In the weeks leading up to this event, I had subtle signs that something was off, but I ignored them. Fatigue, dizziness, and confusion were easy to dismiss as side effects of surgery or stress.

If you have a chronic condition or have recently undergone significant medical changes, pay close attention to these signals:

• Unusual tiredness or weakness

• Sudden mood changes or confusion

• Frequent urination or burning sensations

• Unexpected weight loss or gain

• Changes in blood sugar readings

  
  

These symptoms might seem minor but can indicate serious underlying issues.

Managing Insulin After Bariatric Surgery

Bariatric surgery can dramatically change how your body processes insulin. Weight loss often improves insulin sensitivity, meaning your previous doses might become too high. This can lead to hypoglycemia, or dangerously low blood sugar levels.

If you’ve had bariatric surgery, work closely with your healthcare provider to:

• Regularly monitor blood sugar levels

• Adjust insulin doses as needed

• Watch for signs of infection or other complications

• Maintain a balanced diet to support healing

  
  

Emotional and Spiritual Healing Matter

Lying on that gurney, I realized healing isn’t just about physical recovery. It’s emotional and spiritual too. Facing a medical emergency forces you to confront fears, uncertainties, and the fragility of life.

Here are some ways to support your emotional and spiritual health during recovery:

• Talk openly with loved ones about your feelings

• Seek counseling or support groups if needed

• Practice mindfulness or meditation to reduce stress

• Set small, achievable goals to regain confidence

  
  

What This Wake-Up Call Means Going Forward

This emergency was a turning point. It reminded me to respect my body’s signals and to prioritize my health in every way. It also showed me the importance of patience and self-compassion during recovery.

If you or someone you know is managing chronic illness or recovering from surgery, remember:

• Never ignore symptoms that feel unusual or severe

• Advocate for yourself in medical settings, even when resources are limited

• Healing takes time and involves more than just physical care

  
  

Your health journey is deeply personal, and every step matters.

This story is just the beginning. The next part will share what happened during those three days in the hospital hallway and how I reached a breaking point that changed everything. Stay tuned for Part 2: Three Days in the Hallway — The Breaking Point.

If you found this post helpful, consider sharing it with someone who might need a reminder to listen to their body. Your health is your most valuable asset. Take care of it.

Continue to Part Two →

“Three Days in the Hallway — The Breaking Point”