Hi everybody, my name is Naren. On January 6th, I went to the hospital due to ongoing chest pain, which I thought was a bruised rib.

To my surprise, it was not. I was actively going through sepsis and acute respiratory failure due to strep pneumonia and a ruptured abscess in my left lung, which started compromising my kidneys and liver. Two days after being admitted, I had to get an emergency thoracotomy for decortication of my left lung and insertion of 4 chest tubes. Three days after surgery, I needed another emergency surgery to create a pericardial window to drain my pericardium.

It’s been a long and slow recovery, spending a total of 2 months at the hospital. Life will not be the same, but I am determined to adapt to my new life and do as much as I can to regain some normality and raise awareness of how important it is to listen to your body and not wait too long to go to a doctor. And be grateful at every chance the universe gives you to live.

Any donations are appreciated! Funds will be used towards post care necessities, groceries, transportation to medical appointments etc.