I spent half that time in Critical Care (much of that on a ventilator, a small amount sedated), and most of the rest in a specialist neuro-rehab unit. I would have died otherwise.
Fortunately it cost me nothing - Thank Bevan for the NHS - but if I were in the US I imagine I would be financially crippled!
I am doing better though it’s looking like I’ll need another transplant at some point.
Fortunately, I had good insurance through work and because I ended up in renal failure that makes you automatically eligible for Medicare (one good thing Nixon did). Also, the billed amount gets discounted based on whatever deal your particular insurance has with the provider, so billed amount ≠ paid amount. Unless you’re uninsured.
I did ended up going through bankruptcy anyway but that had more to do with my choices and lifestyle leading up to all of this. It did wipe out any portion of that bill that would have been my responsibility though
How were you living before to become bankrupt?
As an alcoholic whose life was barely under control.
The long story short version is that, over 10ish years I drank myself almost to death, ended up hospitalized with liver and kidney failure, got discharged and went through treatment and the ended back in the hospital in pretty serious need (so they told me) of a transplant.
Fortunately for me I got listed and was transplanted 5 days later. After that I realized I was given a second chance most people don’t get and worked to turn my life around.
I’m now 8 years sober, good credit, married with a house, 2 dogs, 2 cats and I wake up every day grateful to have this extra time.