Talofa lava, G'day & howdy partner,
my name is Samuel (Sam) Collins. I am 52 years young and this is my story! Now before I commence my ramblings, many of you who know me know that I detest asking for help. I don't mind giving help, but accepting help, now that's a different kettle of fish. There are times though that you have to swallow your pride and seek assistance.
I moved here to Queensland Australia with my wife and son 28 years ago from Auckland NZ. It was always my dream as a young child to move here to live in Australia. I have always loved the warm weather, the warm smiles of most people, and the good old Aussie battler spirit.
Throughout my life, I have almost always had health issues, whether it be Mental or Physical. I was diagnosed with type 2 diabetes 28 years ago. I knew there was something hindering my health, but could never quite put my finger on what it was. Fatigue, always thirsty, high blood pressure, Edema, you name it, I had it.
After consulting with my GP at the time, the question was asked as to whether there were family members with diabetes. To my knowledge, that was a negative. Unfortunately, but fortunately, I am the only member to have the disease they call "The silent killer!" Sorry if this sounds like a novel, but there is a point.
Longer story made a little bit shorter, and fast forward to 2015, I was working for Coles Pty Ltd at the time as an Online Delivery Driver and stock filler. I had finished a shift one day, I went home, had a shower and started to relax. I noticed a scratch on my third toe. I thought nothing of it and dismissed the fact that it could've been infected. I monitored it for two days and within two days, that little scratch had become a hole that could stand up a cotton bud till the tip was completely unseen. It was deep! Anyways, I went straight to my GP and he was very serious in telling me to go straight to the Emergency Department at the local hospital.
I was in there overnight and it was determined that my third toe, left foot needed to be amputated! I was besides myself as I pondered, how could it get this bad within a couple of days. Turns out I had Golden Staph infection, which led to septicemia. So now, that's one digit gone.
February 2017, another surgery needed to remove my big toe on my left foot, and also the ball of my foot, due to septicemia as the result of a second bout of Golden Staph. More crying and reflection of why this is happening before going into theatre the next day. As soon as I heard the electric saw start up prior to them removing more digits, I kind of had this feeling of do you really want to go through this? Thankfully, I have that kind of resolve and resilience that allows me to dig to the depths of despair to find the will to keep going. I was operated on the Friday, and signed myself out of hospital on the Monday to return to work.
The Doctors were displeased with my decision to return to work two days after the operation but hey, I told them I had bills to pay, children to feed, and just because I've had things happen that impact my life, I'm still a parent, a provider, and there are duties that need to be performed, like working.
October 2019, my first heart attack, due to discovering I now have heart disease. It came about as a slight pain in my left bicep and shoulder and blurred vision. Angiogram required. Yet another operation.
2020 my second heart attack while at work. No real warning, just a blank stair and things started to get blurry. I just collapsed in a heap and woke up in QEIhospital.
2021 Diagnosed with severe kidney failure, started Dialysis 3 days a week (5 hrs a day). Four percent renal function. Very serious, along with personal issues, ie marriage breakup after 23 years.
2022 July, admitted to hospital for pneumonia, which set off my third heart attack while in ICU, only to find out that I had tested positive for COVID 19 the very next day. Lucky to survive this ordeal.
2023 Seven weeks in hospital for an infection in my knee. You guessed it, golden staph again. This time, they were looking at removing my right leg from the knee down. Thankfully they were able to pump my body full of antibiotics, 4 doses a day of fentanyl, tapentadol and tramadol.
After 7 long weeks in hospital and a very short lived addiction to pain killersand having to relearn how to walk again, I was discharged from Logan hospital.
2025 In August I went home to New Zealand to bury my father. Whilst there, I showed up to the local hospital in South Auckland after burying my father that day for some much needed emergency dialysis, which I was refused. I flew back home to the Gold Coast on the Sunday. I got home from the airport and had a twitch in my left side. This was heartattack number four. Apparently, I may have been having a heartattack while on the plane.
That's just a snippet of me and my journey called life. Feel free to ask questions if you like. I'm basically trying to find avenues to financially foot some of these bills, and hopefully acquire a much needed vehicle, as I have five appointments every week regarding my health. I realise we all have tough times in our lives, and tough times ahead. Even in the physical state I'm in, I will always try to get out there and do what I can to survive and stay afloat.
If you feel like donating great, however if you are unable to, totally understandable. May 2026 and beyond yield much joy, love, laughter and the REAL wealth, your health. All the best, and thank you for the time you took out of your busy day to read this novel.
Sam Sinapati COLLINS