I’m feeling just a little bit freaked out as I write this – because last week, I nearly died.
The last time I had a near-death experience was under a general anaesthetic so I knew nothing about it, until I woke up in ICU the next day.
But this time was ALL. TOO. REAL.
I’d made roast lamb for dinner (one of my favourites) and we were watching TV as we ate – we’ve recently discovered the BBC series, “Would I Lie to You?” and have been enjoying it hugely.
However just as I was finishing my meal I started to laugh – and instead, inhaled a piece of meat which became firmly wedged in my wind pipe. I began gasping for air which would have only drawn it further into my body.
The husbear jumped into action and proceeded to thump me on the back, before resorting to a couple of rounds of the Heimlich manoeuvre (gosh that’s a hard word to spell!) which finally dislodged the culprit.
By then I was very light-headed and on the verge of passing out, and I remember thinking, “Well, this is it.” I was absolutely terrified and my only thought was that I didn’t want to leave my beloved Bear.
The crisis probably only lasted a couple of minutes but I think the trauma will hang around for a while.
I lost control of my bladder, and was shocked by how much pain I was in afterwards. My stomach and thigh muscles were extremely sore – I guess because my whole body went into spasm, choking and retching.
I still felt quite weirded out the next day, like I still had some food particles in my lungs, so saw a doctor and had an x-ray done before getting the all-clear.
I’d say I don’t know if I’ll ever be able to eat roast lamb again – but guess what, there were left overs which I had for lunch the next day (nothing like climbing straight back on the horse).
And we’ve since watched a couple more episodes of our new favourite TV show, but NEVER while eating or drinking.
I’m extremely grateful to still be here, I’m not ready to go just yet!
Have you ever had a near-death experience? Feel free to share in the comments below!
How very scary! I’m so glad you’re okay. A few years back I was out to eat, and my appetizer was lobster in olive oil with spices. I breathed in through my mouth as I went to take a bite and the spices caused my throat to momentarily close up! It was so sudden and panic inducing. I managed to keep calm and sip some water, hopefully so I could swallow it and ease the spasm. It worked, and I was none the worse for wear. But it was very very scary and stayed with me for a while.
How frightening!! I’m so glad everything ended well!
WILTY is one of our favorites! I also recommend QI and 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown, if you haven’t watched them already.
Thanks Denise, I’m glad I’m ok too!!!!
I’ve seen 8 out of 10 Cats does Countdown (being a crazy cat lady I loved the name!) but not QI – thanks for the tip!!!