Todd Doherty wants you to take your personal health seriously, for the sake of your loved ones if not yourself.
The Prince George-Cariboo MP delivered the message from his hospital bed over the weekend, recovering from a serious health crisis. After a hectic work week, he was at a Prince George Cougars game 10 days ago but started feeling sick.
It got worse fast and he ended up in the Emergency Room.
"After a lengthy and painful period of tests, CT scans, X-rays, ultrasounds and more tests – it was determined I was in need of emergency surgery to remove my gallbladder," Doherty wrote in an emotional and expressive Facebook post. "During the surgery, I stopped breathing and after some time the surgical team managed to stabilize me. While in post-op, more complications took place and in short, (Doherty's wife) Kelly was informed that I was very very sick. My family gathered as they were told things were not looking well."
In addition to the gallbladder malfunction, a massive infection was also coursing through his body.
Despite the sedation, fatigue and other sensory challenges, he said, he could still see the anguish his family was enduring. He was overwhelmed by understanding that his own life-choices were at the root of this episode. He took quick and careful stock of his professional life and his personal life in those critical days of medical and emotional distress.
"I missed a critical component to being able to accomplish (my) goals - taking care of myself so that I was around to accomplish those goals," he said. "Despite the gym memberships, treadmill at home, gym at the apartment, I always find a reason to put off that exercise plan. There's always a pressing call, email, text or meeting that takes its place.
"Not anymore.
"I don't have the plan as to how I'm going to do it yet but I know I have too much on my 'to do list' so healthy changes are coming. And I'm challenging my friends, family and colleagues to do whatever you need to do to make this a priority in your lives also. Please."
He was discharged from UHNBC on Monday and is recuperating at home now and his staff are meeting with the public on issues with federal implications. Doherty is on the road to recovery and is expected back at his MP duties once his doctor gives him the all-clear. That depends on his body's response to rest and medical attention.
"In my quest to accomplish all my goals, I lost sight of what's most important - taking care of one's self," Doherty said. "You can't help others if you're not well yourself. So to my colleagues in Ottawa - who's up for some early morning walks and workouts? I've got a tough road ahead but I'm on the mend and when I'm back I'm going to be on a mission and if I can help it - I'm never putting my family through that again."
