I’m participating in this discussion, though I’m not interested in the money (if selected, I’ll give it away to someone else).
I’ve never liked being asked the question, “Where do you see yourself in # years?” because, honestly, the future is unpredictable.
Last December, during Christmas vacation, I discovered a pimple-like boil under my right knee. Within a week, it developed into a severely infected skin abscess. I was in excruciating pain, with a fully swollen right leg, extremely high fevers, shortness of breath, and early signs of blood poisoning. I was rushed to the emergency room in Copenhagen, where doctors performed an I&D and prescribed me with oral antibiotics to fight the infection. They said if I had delayed treatment by just 24 hours, I would have died from septicemia (sepsis). I am incredibly lucky to be alive.
From December 2023 until June this year, I battled recurring boils, infections, multiple rushed ER visits, and several courses of IV antibiotics. Doctors eventually diagnosed me with Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA).
After finally receiving the correct treatment to kill off the infection, I kept it private from most people, aside from my family. I continued managing my responsibilities and business as usual, even though the illness took a severe toll on my mental health. The multiple doctors appointments, recurring infections, antibiotics, sickness & trauma from my near-death experience of fighting off the bacteria left years worth of lasting damage to my body.
Thankfully, I’m now 100% cured and on a long but steady journey to restore my immune system, improve gut health, reduce inflammation, and return to full physical and mental health.
This experience taught me how important it is to prioritize health and to always stay positive. While others may seem like they have everything under control, you never know what struggles they’re truly facing. I never imagined something like this could happen to me, as I was as healthy and fit as most people. It just goes to show that life can change dramatically in less than 24 hours.
Thank you @mae for hosting this. If anyone takes the time to read my story. Take care of yourself—you never know what tomorrow holds.