On January 1, 2024, I experienced a medical emergency known as pulmonary embolism. The drama began at 5:30 PM as I became extremely light-headed the moment I stepped away from my computer to go bring my two dogs in from outside. Reality sunk in the moment I went outside and observed I was also short of breath. Instead of letting the dogs back in, I walked straight to my hubby and the couch he was sitting in. I hit the floor, admitting I couldn't breathe and we should call an ambulance.
As he called, it seemed as if my breathing was under control, so we cancelled. However, as I picked myself up and walked to the bathroom, I realized I was in deep trouble. The shortness of breath became a factor again and I found myself having to crouch back down to the floor again. This time, when hubby called the ambulance it was made clear the services of the paramedics was definitely needed.
Praying & Praising
Oddly enough, as I was experiencing what was a life-threatening experience, I was praying and thanking God. I learned as Gilbert (hubby) was talking to 911, there was an ambulance already nearby. This is rare considering we live in a small community that usually has to wait for medical assistance because of how far away we live from the nearest hospital. In this regard, I was already thanking Jesus that there was somebody close by to take care of what I knew was a life or death situation.
When the paramedics arrived, an oxygen mask was immediately thrown against my face so I could get my breathing under control. I learned my oxygen level was dangerously low. There was no time wasted carting me to the ambulance and to the hospital as it became apparent the paramedics knew my situation was deemed critical.
Again, I thanked Jesus for this. As soon as I was at the local hospital, it was realized I needed to go to a larger medical facility that was better able to handle my situation. I went from the small town Canora Hospital to the small city Yorkton Hospital. It was there I would spend five nights in its ICU (intensive care unit).
Prayers Pay Off
The first night at the hospital in Yorkton was somewhat of a blur. Everything was happening so fast and there was a huge focus to restore my oxygen level back to what the medical team deemed as normal.
The second night at the same hospital was also eventful. There was a persistent chest pain that wouldn't go away going into the evening and I was given some kind of a spray that was supposed to help make it go away. Instead of that, the pain became much worse. It didn't take long before I was thrusted into yet another critical situation where the medical team had to act fast.
As the team worked to deal with whatever medical emergency I was going through at the time, I was busy praying and thanking Jesus. I did overhear at one point from the doctor involved wanted to send me to the hospital in Regina. As soon as I heard that, I prayed to Jesus to please make sure I stayed in Yorkton.
I passed out shortly after making that prayer. When I woke up, I noticed I was still in the same ICU unit in Yorkton. Clearly, my prayer was answered and I once again thanked Jesus for having my back. As much as the medical team involved were efficient with my situation, I credit Jesus even more as he proved yet again he was the real authority figure who determined my outcome.
Moving Forward
After spending five nights in ICU, I was moved to general care for one night at the Yorkton Hospital. Already at this point, I was ready to go home. I knew I was ready but had to abide by whatever the doctor had in place for me. In the meantime, I was praying again for Jesus to help me return home so I could move forward with my life again.
While in the hospital, I learned I had a pulmonary embolism. The reason why I couldn't breathe properly was due to a clot that lodged itself in an artery that blocked the oxygen flow to and from the lungs. Knowing a thing or two about this condition, the fact I received the medical care I needed as fast as I did played a key role how I was able to survive the experience.
Timing truly is of the essence with pulmonary embolisms. People who had this but didn't receive medical care on time have died as a result. I have every reason to believe what happened to me on January 1, 2024 was more of a blessing in disguise than anything else. I also believe I survived the experience so I can testify as a witness who knows a thing or two about how prayers make all the difference between life and death.
While in the hospital, I also learned I have an ovarian cyst. The drama revolving around that medical condition has yet to be resolved but I have full confidence in Jesus to help me through it. Since leaving the hospital, I've done my research about the condition, as well as the pulmonary embolism. In so doing, I learned the best medicinal herbs and treatments to deal with these conditions come directly from the Holy Bible.
God's Medicine Cabinet
There are eleven herbs and food ingredients mentioned in the Holy Bible that stood out for their medicinal purposes while I was on the road to recovery from the pulmonary embolism. There are are follows;
- Aloe Vera - The most popular skin creams on the market use Aloe Vera as one of the key ingredients. Long before modern-day manufacturers used this plant in their product lines, Aloe Vera was used to topically treat burns, skin irritations, and wounds. It was also consumed internally to ease constipation symptoms.
Research has also established Aloe Vera helps lower blood sugar, which is great news for people suffering from type 2 diabetes. It's also a helpful tool ingredient to lower the effects of liver-related complications that come with excessive alcohol consumption.
- Anise - Throughout the Biblical timeline, anise was commonly used as a cooling agent against high temperatures. The leaves, seeds, and stems were used for this purpose. The plant was also used for medicinal purposes, especially when it came to digestion and flatulence issues. At the time, every part of the anise plant was used.
- Balsam - Also known as Balm, balsam was considered to be of great value throughout the timeline of the Holy Bible. It's highly fragrant and has been used as herbal salves and oils for centuries.
Balsam's history connects to Gilead of the Holy Bible as it was named for the region of Gilead where it was made as a balm used medicinally.
- Bitter Herbs - The collection of herbs that sum up bitter herbs include coriander seeds, endive, gentian, horehound, horseradish, parsley, tansy, and wormwood. These were commonly used as food according to the history of the Holy bible. This was especially the case when the Israelites were commanded to have bitter herbs with their lamb during Passover.
Nowadays, these bitter herbs are used to help prevent and relieve digestive issues such as dyspepsia. It also helps with blood circulation in the abdominal organs.
- Cinnamon - There was a time cinnamon had more value than gold. This is because cinnamon has amazing medicinal benefits. This herb has been scientifically proven to lower blood glucose levels, as well as treat act as an anti-inflammatory.
I learned after experiencing my pulmonary embolism incident that cinnamon would prove to become my best friend as an herb. This is one of the top herbs mentioned whenever referencing how to overcome serious medical aliments, including the ovarian cyst I was also diagnosed with.
- Cumin - Today, cumin is used to help fighting diabetes. The Israelites in the Holy Bible used this herb to flavor their food. It's still a common practice today as a culinary favorite.
Cumin also has an anticancer phytochemical known as thymoquinone and is now being researched more thoroughly as a potential drug to treat cancer patients. Since I was diagnosed with an ovarian cyst and am on an extended waiting list to be able to do anything about it, I am aware of the potential of it becoming a form of cancer to contend with. Because of this, cumin has been incorporated in my diet more often as I strongly believe in the benefits of preventative medicine.
- Frankincense - In the Holy Bible, frankincense was often used during ceremonial offerings. This popular anti-inflammatory herb has also been used as an analgesic, antidepressant, and as a sedative. This powerful healing herb also has a proven track record of reducing stress.
While I was in the hospital, it was learned I also had blood pressure issues. Frankincense helps reduce those issues naturally. Although I am on blood pressure medications, I also lean in favor of Frankincense as an herb as I continue to heal from the pulmonary embolism I experienced.
- Garlic - One of the best ingredients to use while boosting the immune system is garlic. This also helps prevent heart disease. During my hospital visit, I learned I had heart damage. It also helps fight against hypertension and high cholesterol. When consumed regularly, it helps guard against cancer formation in the body.
As an ingredient, garlic is one of my personal favorites. Even before the embolism, garlic has been one of go-to seasonings for just about everything I cook. Since I was hospitalized, garlic consumption has increased somewhat.
- Hyssop - This ingredient is a great fighter against high blood sugar levels. It also helps deal with respiratory issues such as asthma, bronchitis, and coughs. In fact, when I first learned of COVID-19, I began to consume hyssop tea as a form of preventative medicine.
Before COVID-19 became headline news in 2020, people around me during the fall and winter seasons of 2019 were becoming ill with what I regarded to be an odd flu. Hyssop became my best friend then and this was the case again after experiencing the embolism.
- Myrrh - Throughout the bible, myrrh is one of the ingredients mentioned the most often as an herb and as an oil. It has been established as far back as ancient times that myrrh effectively treats a variety of medical ailments mankind has encountered.
- Saffron - Perhaps there is a reason why this spice is the most expensive in the world today. Even during ancient times, saffron was extremely popular for its medicinal properties. It was also popular as a yellow dye, just like turmeric.
Saffron was used to battle the bubonic plague, as well as smallpox and upset stomachs. Today, it has also established itself as an effective fighter against cancer, depression, and obesity.