Location: Barcelona University Hospital, Barcelona, Spain
Summary: During a 2014 trip to Spain, I became critically ill in hospital and learned that my mum had passed away. Her spirit appeared to me, urging me to undergo surgery that ultimately saved my life.
Before the Hospital
In 2014, I took a two-city break in Spain, staying in Madrid for a few days before travelling to Barcelona. My mum had been ill for some time, and I was taking a short respite from caring for her.
Whilst in Barcelona, I fell seriously ill and was admitted to hospital, where I underwent several life-saving operations. My leg had become swollen, discoloured, and extremely painful.
My Hospital Stay
The senior doctor disagreed with the younger doctors about the cause, but they insisted on testing for infection. One of them took a sample from the wound and sent it to the laboratory.
During my stay, my phone battery died, and I lost contact with my family. A kind nurse took my phone home, found a charger, and returned it to me the next morning. When I turned it on, I found many missed calls and messages from my sister. Her first message told me that our mum had died in hospital the previous day. I was devastated and had to tell her that I was also in hospital and very unwell.
Later that day, the doctor returned with the test results. He explained that I had Necrotising Fasciitis and needed immediate surgery to save my life. He warned that even with surgery, I might lose my leg. I refused, saying I needed to go home for my mum’s funeral. He told me I had one hour to decide.
After he left, my friend Darren messaged from England, offering to drive to Barcelona and take me home in a wheelchair so I could attend the funeral. I told him I would think about it. When the doctor came back, I again refused the operation and fell asleep soon after.
Mums Ghostly Visit
When I woke, I saw the ghostly figure of my mum at the end of my bed. She looked peaceful but sad and pleaded with me to have the operation. I told her I wanted to go home, but she made me promise to have the surgery and keep living. As her spirit faded, I called for the doctor and told him I had changed my mind.
He seemed surprised but immediately arranged the operation. Within minutes, I was being wheeled to theatre. That operation saved my life. Even after her passing, my mum was still looking after her little boy.
To this day, I still talk to her and feel her presence watching over me. She has helped me through many dark times since then, especially during later hospital stays. I know I will see my mum and dad again someday, but hopefully not for a long time yet.
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