*taps*
Is this thing on? Cool.
So, uh, hi, everyone. Did I ever tell you about the time I almost died in Siberia?
Is this thing on? Cool.
So, uh, hi, everyone. Did I ever tell you about the time I almost died in Siberia?
I came to the Sakha Republic of Russia last month to do some field research and film a documentary on ice age fossils in the Siberian permafrost. It was, hands down, one of the most incredible experiences of my life, and I can’t wait to tell you all about it when the show airs.
I was feeling a bit rough towards the end of the two-week trip, and but I thought it was fatigue from the long days and jet lag. But the day we were set to fly from the remote town that was our base back to to Yakutsk, I was getting winded just walking to the bathroom.
Walking across the gravel runway to our plane, I felt like I couldn’t get enough air. I had this thought: I am *not* going to die here. I knew I couldn’t wait to get checked out at home. I knew I wasn’t imagining things. I called out to our producer, Guy, and the team doctor.
We got me on the plane. When we landed, I went straight to the hospital in Yakutsk. Ultrasounds, CT scans, and blood tests confirmed deep vein thrombosis in both legs, and large pulmonary embolisms in both lungs. I was admitted to intensive care. That was two weeks ago yesterday.
It was several dark, scary days in intensive care. I was alone here except for Guy, who stayed on in Yakutsk and made me and my recovery his full-time job. And I had incredible nurses who, through a hundred small acts of kindness, helped me feel like I would get through this.
Someday, I’ll be ready to talk about what it’s like in a Siberian hospital. But I feel very strongly that healing is not about infrastructure: it’s about people. People like Guy, who visited me every day, advocated for me, brought me food and toilet paper and translated for me.
People like Sardanna, a doctor who heard about my situation and checked out books in English from the library for me. Or Yevgeny, the cardiologist who’d taught himself English who stayed with me during my surgery to install a filter to block more clots from entering my lungs.
The international insurance company flew out the incredible @kejames, who launched #IceAgeRescue and has been a ride-or-die friend and advocate. My 72-year-old dad and his wife soon joined her. And I’ve had so many people pulling for me from home—friends, colleagues, family.
Yesterday, I was discharged from the hospital. I’m resting comfortably in a hotel while we wait for the air ambulance to be sorted out to transport me back to Maine. I’m still weak, but feeling a stronger every day. I’ll be on blood thinners for a while to prevent more clots.
My doctors have all been impressed with my recovery, given the severity of my embolisms. I told them I’ve been going to a personal training gym since May, and they said that may have saved my life. Lesson 1: if you want to make your fitness a priority, don’t wait.
Lesson 2: Know the risk factors for deep vein thrombosis. Wear compression socks, stay hydrated, and move often on long-haul flights (especially if you take hormonal birth control). Recognize the symptoms and listen to your body.
That’s all for now. The bed bugs, pickle soup, and babushkas will have to wait until another time. For now, I’m full of gratitude for all the helpers, and glad to still be here. I’ve missed you.
