Serious thread: The flu nearly killed me. I spent 58 days in the hospital and 21 days in a skilled nursing facility (aka a nursing home). I was fortunate that I will make a full recovery. I don’t recommend my experience. Get a flu shot. 1/
I was in a medically induced coma for more than a week and have no memory from the wee hours of the morning on January 27th when I went to the ER at @mercysaintlouis until February 8th. 2/
I am considering having @tinymonstertees make me a shirt saying, “If you think I'm boring now, you should have seen me in a medically induced coma.” 3/
The docs and my family were concerned about brain damage when (if) I came out of the coma. 4/
One of my first memories after the coma was a doc asking me what was causing me pain. I pointed to my wife. I thought it was hilarious, she was less amused. That was her first clear sign that it was still her husband in there. 5/
When I woke up from the coma, it was overwhelming (in a bad way) to hear what I had just gone through and how near to death I had been. What they didn’t tell me for another couple of months is how serious my condition still was at that point. 6/
Before I left the hospital I did an hour long cognitive test to check for brain damage. My brain still work good. 7/
My grandmother and I lived in the same nursing home for three weeks — not an experience I expected. I turned 39 two days after getting out of the nursing home, which is just a weird sentence to say. 8/
It was also overwhelming (in a good way) to hear about the outpouring of support and prayers from friends, family, lobbyists, REALTORS, former classmates and colleagues - it was incredible and I am so grateful. 9/
I’m grateful to my employer, the @stlrealtors, for the support of the organization, leadership, staff, and members. My church, @thecellchurch, was also awesome in their support, prayers, and visits. 10/
I’m also thankful for the amazing people at the @stlregchamber. They sent me an incredible care package when I was feeling low while in the hospital. My wife and I had a 29 minute video call as she opened (one handed) all of the packages. 11/
The food in the hospital and nursing home sucked - #GetAFluShot and avoid bad food. I learned that my esophagus can atrophy - I didn’t know it could do that (also not a good experience). 12/
Every time I heard the word empyema it made me want an empanada. Now that I say that, I could go for an empanada. Googling empyema may result in a loss of appetite. 13/
I lost 40 pounds (mostly muscle) and it will be 6 to 12 months from when I got home in April for me to be back to 100%, especially in terms of strength and stamina. 14/
There are permanent effects from this experience. I have hearing damage in my right ear due to ototoxic drugs (I learned lots of new words). I have new scars due to surgery and drainage tubes. The emotional impact will linger as well. #GetAFluShot 15/
This past weekend, some friends joined me in getting flu shots and we all got ice cream. I encourage you to get your flu shot this fall as well. #HerdImmunity End/ 
