Part 5 of Personal Experiences
My second brush with death whilst in hospital was quite different from the first because, I believe, of what I had previously experienced. It came about because I have inherited at least two bodily defects, both of which are potentially life limiting: one affecting my heart and the other an autoimmune condition that frequently causes pain and inflammation to my lower intestine. In 2014, I developed major gastric problems and, after having tests, the diagnosis was that I was on the Ulcerative Colitis/Crohns spectrum. Unfortunately, this problem seems to have triggered problems with my heart that produced similar symptoms to the illnesses that led to the death of my father and his elder brother. Thanks to improvements in knowledge and treatment since my father’s death in 1981, my immediate outcomes were much better. I was taken to hospital in the early hours of Friday, 15th January 2015 whilst suffering from a severe pain in the centre of my chest and a stent was inserted to restore the flow of blood. I was also given various drugs to lower blood pressure and prevent blood clotting and connected to devices that monitored my vital functions. Because my internal inflammation levels were also dangerously high, I was assessed by the gastroenterology team, whilst on the heart ward, and the plan was that I would be transferred to their department once I was stabilised.
On Sunday, after I had been awakened to receive medication and breakfast, I was left alone and started a prayer of thanks. This became, without any conscious effort, a state of silent contemplation that was especially relaxed and blissful. I was out of pain and feeling free, but I was also aware of our local church community praying for my recovery. Our Vicar had visited me the previous afternoon and it should have been no surprise that my name would be included in the collective act of intercession but in this case, I felt the power of all these people asking for healing.
I am fortunate to have felt that I was in a spiritual state close to the ‘loving presence’ many times before but this was the first time that it had happened when there were heart monitors attached to my body. It seems that outputs from the sensors dropped below measurable levels and alarms went off. I was aware of people rushing into the room and trying to turn me on to my right side. I was being checked for a response and asked if I could help move myself. I wanted to assist but, initially, was not sufficiently part of my body to be able to cooperate. However, that wish enabled me to be able to open my eyes and tell them that I really was all right!
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