Over the past two weeks, I have survived four close calls with death. I’m writing this from a hospital bed in Germany, profoundly grateful for the expertise and dedication of the medical teams who have repeatedly pulled me back from the brink.
The Ordeal Begins
Two weeks ago, I was rushed to the hospital by ambulance after experiencing excruciating abdominal pain, a high fever, and a persistent cough. Summoning the strength to dial 112 (the German equivalent of 911) may well have saved my life.
My wife was away on a multi-day cycling tour, and I could have slipped into a coma, undiscovered for days. That was the first of several lives spared. Thank you, emergency responders.
A Race Against Infection
In the emergency room, doctors discovered I had a massive infection. For context, a blood CRP (C-reactive protein) level of 22 is considered high; mine was over 500. I was immediately admitted and started on broad-spectrum antibiotics. My first stop was the geriatric ward where there was a bed available.
After a review of my CT scans, I was quickly transferred to the pulmonary ward — a critical decision that likely saved my life a second time.
Diagnosis and Escalation
It turned out I was suffering from “walking pneumonia,” possibly contracted during a recent hiking trip in Sedona, Arizona. Doctors also considered Valley Fever, a fungal infection endemic to that region, but lab results eventually ruled it out. The infection had encased my right lung in a thick, white mesh, rendering it nearly useless. Specialists transferred me to one of only two thoracic surgery centers in the country.
Surgery and Survival
Surgeons explained I needed a procedure called decortication to remove the fibrous layer restricting my lung. Before surgery, they drained liters of fluid from my chest. The operation carried a 20% risk of mortality, but I made it through my third brush with death.
A Setback and a Fourth Chance
The following day, I learned I had lost more than 1.5 liters of blood during surgery, and some of it had coagulated inside my chest, posing a new risk of infection. I underwent a second surgery to remove the clotted blood.
Saved again!
Looking Ahead
Nearly a week after these procedures, I’m finally on the mend. The doctors expect a full recovery, though it will take time. I am deeply thankful to be in the care of such skilled professionals-and relieved that this ordeal happened here, not while I was filming a documentary deep in the wilderness.
Takeaway
This experience has given me a new appreciation for the speed, skill, and compassion of emergency medical teams. If you ever find yourself in a medical crisis, don’t hesitate to seek help immediately. It can make all the difference.
If you have questions about pneumonia, Valley Fever, or the procedures I underwent, please consult your healthcare provider. This post is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice.
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