On December 5, 2016, I woke up and could not breathe. I went to my doctor's office. After being evaluated, I was sent to the hospital to be admitted. While at the hospital, a respiratory therapist fitted me with a mask and had me try non-invasive ventilation. I was scared and felt so alone.
The following day, a non-invasive ventilator was ordered for home use. Later in the day, on December 6, 2016, I was sent home with a ventilator.
I could never have imagined my life changed at the moment. I could never have imagined from that time forth, I would be attached to a ventilator wherever I went. My ability to breathe on my own was compromised. I was entering a new phase in my medical journey.
I will not lie. Six years ago seems like a lifetime ago. I have had more life or death situations than care to think about. I have had to learn about respiratory equipment and tracheostomy tubes. It has been a crash course and many trials and errors.
I hope, wish and pray one day I will wake up and never need a ventilator again. But in the meantime, I rejoice for the medical science and technology which helps me keep on keeping on.
May this next year be free from medical complications and hospitalizations. May this next year be my best year yet. Thank you for all your support. Happy Ventilator Sixth Anniversary!
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