Like most guys I know I rarely listen to what my body tells me. Aches, sprains, pains, whatever it is, I usually tell myself that it will go away with time. I would rather just push through the pain that acknowledge that something might actually be wrong. This drives my wife crazy.

So it was that I went to bed on July 6, not feeling well but hoping that by the time I awoke I would feel so much better. Little did I know that I was already significantly ill and it was about to get worse.

I woke up very early in the morning with a 103-degree temperature and a leg that was tender and so sore that I could barely touch it. Most significantly, my leg was swollen and hot to the touch. Still I waited for an hour or so thinking this would get better.

Finally, like a lightbulb being turned on, I came to realize that a trip to the Emergency Department at the hospital was necessary. Having done everything wrong to this point I decided to double down on my own stupidity and I drove myself to the hospital. Why did I do that? Well I could not disrupt my wife and children.

I will now concede that there are times that I am not the sharpest knife in the drawer.

Once I arrived at the hospital I was hit with a battery of questions about how long this had been going on. Looking back, I have to admit that I had not felt well in a week or more and I had just come up with excuses as to why I was not well.

Finally, I was diagnosed with a significant case of cellulitis in my right leg and a stubborn sepsis infection of my blood. This began a six-day inpatient stay that saw me go between the Intensive Care Unit and the Medical Unit. To say that I was sicker than I thought I was would be a great understatement.

Through my stay in the hospital the one constant for me what that my wife was always at my side. Never have I felt so helpless as when I could not do the things for myself that I usually take for granted. She never once complained and often became directly involved with my care when she thought it was appropriate.

I was finally able to leave the hospital after almost a week in their care. Despite some complications, which caused a very scary return to the Emergency Department, the last two weeks have been much better. Between doctors’ appointments and treatment my life, and that of those around me, has finally begun to get back to normal. Of course now there is a deep appreciation for getting things taken care of in a timely fashion.

I did not retell this story to do anything more than explain that you should listen when your body is telling you something. In reality I tend to be a pretty private person. However, the last month has made me definitely come to realize that when something does not feel right or you have that nagging issue it is better to have it looked at than hoping that it will just go away.

Putting any illness off does not mean you are tough, it means you are not that bright. Go see someone.

There are plenty of resources in the area. If you have a primary care doctor go, see them. If you need to find a doctor, there are plenty in the area and most are accepting patients. Make an appointment for yourself, more importantly, make an appointment so that you are there for those that love you.

That’s my two cents…

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Jonathan Crimmins lives in Brunswick and can be reached at j_ [email protected]