I have debated for a few days as to whether or not I would post about this. It’s not often that I share my private life, but by posting this I hope I can raise awareness of an important issue or two and if this post helps someone, either with the same condition, or just to understand someone close to them who has this, then it was worth it.
I have been neglecting the blog and, to be honest, my business, for a couple of weeks now. For sure, this is a crazy time of year for all business owners and for photography business owners it is manic. There are album and framing company deadlines to adhere to, clients ordering precious photos in time for Christmas and, for me and many others, Christmas weddings and portrait shoots. The last thing we need, therefore, is any downtime.
Last Sunday, I had a lovely meal out with some local photographers, we chatted, we drank, ate, the usual. It was fun, everything was fine. The next day, having not over-indulged, I had my annual eye test and as I had to have my eyes dilated, I got a cab into town. I decided to walk home but halfway decided it was way too cold and icy underfoot, so I stopped at a bus stop … anyone who truly knows me will now be picking their jaws off the floor … Gill took a BUS ! LOL
On that 20 minute ride home, I managed to pick up the airborne Norovirus, easy to pick up, especially with someone who’s immune system isn’t always the best.
And so we come to Tuesday morning. I awoke with nausea, so I decided to sleep it off. No such luck. I vomited constantly for the next 28 hours. Straight. Every 20-40 minutes, again and again and again. I couldn’t THINK about food, I couldn’t hold down water. I was dehydrated beyond belief but no sooner did I try to get fluids IN, out they came. It was hell on earth.
To complicate matters, I have type 1 diabetes. With any “normal” person, the Norovirus will be painful, awful but will last a couple of days and hey presto, back to normal. With any severe illness, a diabetic’s body will suddenly become intolerant to insulin. This is a major problem, as you can imagine.
I finally called for help on Wednesday morning and was rushed into hospital. I was immediately placed on drips with saline for severe dehydration, potassium replacement and insulin, before being admitted for 2 nights and monitored constantly. Turns out the virus had led to Acute Ketoacidosis, a very dangerous condition.
The staff, doctors, nurses, were all wonderful. One of the most positive things was that I got MOT’d at the same time … ECG … check ! … Chest X-Ray? … check! (that latter was to check on my lungs … did you know that prolonged shallow breathing can lead to a build up of crap in your lower lungs which can lead to pneumonia … yes, really). I was well looked after and was out after 2 nights. Of course, I second guessed myself at every stage. Did I do something wrong? Something different? Could I have prevented it?
I had my follow up appointment with my consultant today. He confirmed the virus, alleviated my fears that this was something I could have avoided, as he put it “you got unlucky”. He started to build my confidence in myself and my control of my condition, something that this whole episode knocked for six.
So, what now. Well, I am on the mend more and more every day. I tire easily, but honestly that’s a side affect I am willing to work around and live with. I had to cancel a couple of portrait sessions which were scheduled days after I got out, mainly because I had so many blown veins I couldn’t be confident I would be able to hold a camera for any length of time. I have very understanding and caring clients. Thank you all.
I do, however, have 5 weddings scheduled between now and the end of the year and I am so excited to be shooting them. I am feeling fit, up for them and cannot wait to get there and get shooting ! I would like to thank John (aka hubster) who is helping me on Sunday, Sara for Monday, Steve for Wednesday and Matt for the last 2 of the year … in advance I already know your assistance is going to make the difference for me and for my clients. Thank you.
So, if you’ve made it this far, thanks for listening. Thanks for everyone who sent me messages on email, text and Facebook … you have no idea how much it was all appreciated. It got me through a horrific time. Thank you.
One final thought … take care out there, stay healthy, take vitamins, pace your workload, whatever it takes, take care.
And if I forget to tell you later … Happy Christmas to you all xx
Omg, sounds like you’ve gone through a lot lately. Take care of yourself and take things easy! x
Really sorry to hear about what you have gone through Gill, it sounds like an absolute nightmare. It’s easy to say, but I really wouldn’t go blaming yourself, things like this must be impossible to avoid. As your doctor said, you were just unlucky. On the positive side however it sounds as though you are now well on the mend and I am sure you will be right as rain in no time. Lovely to hear that your friends have rallied round as well – you can’t put a price on that. Good luck with your weddings and hope you continue to feel better 🙂
Look after yourself over Xmas. Glad to see you back on your feet and giving me grief as usual 😀
Wow! Sounds like you’ve had the worst week but good to hear you’re on the mend. Feel better soon and if I can help with anything let me know x
Phew glad your on the mend!!! I really needed your help this week LOL. Joking aside, take care of yourself, and keep popping those vitamin tablets….
C
Hey Gill – sorry to hear you’ve been so ill, but really pleased that you’re getting better. Take care of yourself over the Christmas period!
Hope you get better soon. Take it easy.
Miss Gill, I am so sorry to read about all the things you’ve been through lately. You are the world’s sweetest and bestest, and I am so glad you got the bottom of that pesky virus. I am so glad you are now on the mend. Be sure to avoid the stupid bus in the future. And take care of you. Love, Dina
Our thoughts are with you Gill. We know you are a strong person but take care. So glad you have recovered and if you need anything just shout. Look after yourself during the weddings. Dave & Em x
Wow, OMG Gill, you have been through hell. I knew you were not well but this……….. If I wasn’t away in NY visiting my daughter I would have happily offered help in any way I could. Hope you are truly on the road to a full recovery. I’m glad to hear you all fired up for those weddings, boy that was a close call. Get well soon.
XXXXX Merry Christmas and have a great new year.
Oh Gill! I had no idea you’d been so ill my lovely! Thank you for sharing this with us, and I’m so pleased to hear you’re feeling better now and raring to go. Please take good care of yourself from here on…
Much love,
Annabel xXx
It sounds like you had a hell of a week, I didn’t realise you had diabetes. It would make an awful lot of difference to how you handled that. I think we had the norovirus here and the hospitals where inundated and unable to cope with the sheer load over winter. Luckily none of our family here have had the virus. Great that you have had all the checks though… and your right about the pneumonia. In fact on a milder note I was told recently that just snoring (breathing in through the mouth as opposed to through the nose – which is so common) can result in your body not getting enough oxygen overnight and cause a lot of health problems for people long term. When breathing through the nose during sleep your breathing is considerably slowed down so your body has more chance to take in oxygen. Only learned that much as I had been doing that due to chronic sinusitis. I was thinking it’s no wonder I’m always feeling fatigued. So there you go… Makes you wonder how much crap is in the lungs of people who snore all their lives. Better still it is all totally curable by doing a specific mouth exercise to train you to keep your gob shut during your sleep apparently. LOL. Anyway, you’re a strong person and got through it all, and had I known you had diabetes last week, I’d have been up worried sick wondering about your ass. So thanks for keeping that under your hat. Take care of yourself and have a relaxing Christmas and New Year with your family Gill. Hope you’re feeling stronger as each day goes by and back to some semblence of “normal” in the 2011.
Valerie xx
Hi Gill,
I did wonder what was wrong with you when you posted the pic of you wired up to the drip. I have never met you but I have become a bit of a fan of your work and style – not to mention your adorable beagles! You are an amazing photographer and I do wish you well and a speedy return to your usual chirpy FB comments which always make me smile. Merry Christmas, take care and be safe.
Abi x