As Soon as My Thoughts Returned, So Did the Reflex

“The crash left me in an ICU bed, surrounded by machines and uncertainty. I remember every detail leading up to it, but the aftermath was a blur of medical interventions and hushed conversations. By January, as I began regaining my senses, I was confronted with a harsh reality: my body had reached its breaking point, and the numbers on my medical reports were grim reminders of the damage I’d done.”

“In January 2023, my INR was 1.70—far beyond the safe range. My Prothrombin Time was 21.1 seconds, a clear indicator of how fragile my blood clotting had become. My liver wasn’t just struggling; it was failing me. Every number on the report confirmed the severity of my condition.”

By February, as I began to understand the full scope of my health, I started asking the questions that haunted me: ‘How long do I have?’ and ‘Will I ever recover?’

Actual Image: January 2023 Report

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“This report wasn’t just a document—it was a mirror, reflecting the fragility of my body after years of neglect. Seeing those numbers, I couldn’t help but wonder if my body was too far gone. The elevated INR and Bilirubin levels, alongside the struggling liver enzymes, felt like a verdict. This was my low point—a moment that forced me to confront the consequences of my choices head-on.”

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Facing the Reality

“Those numbers weren’t just numbers. They were a wake-up call. Every fountain of blood that erupted from the tiniest scratch, every moment of panic over uncontrollable nosebleeds—all of it suddenly made sense. But instead of giving in to the fear, I decided to fight back. I had to learn, adjust, and rebuild, even if it meant starting from scratch.”

“During this time, I also reached out to a friend, an MD in Ayurveda, and we likely started some Ayurvedic medicines to support my recovery. The reason for this was simple: I was at a point where I was contemplating whether I would even live through this. The discussions I had in allopathy, especially around life expectancy, weren’t giving me clear or hopeful answers. Turning to Ayurveda felt like I was adding another layer of care, one rooted in ancient practices of healing.”

“I will update this article with the exact details of the Ayurvedic medicines I started during this period once I have them confirmed.”

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The Struggle With Food

“One of the hardest parts of recovery was re-learning how to eat. My body needed protein to rebuild strength and support liver function, but I had to limit sodium to avoid complications like fluid retention. Finding that balance was particularly challenging within the context of Indian cuisine, where salt, spices, and rich gravies dominate the menu.”

“I had to rethink every meal—cutting back on processed and pickled foods, and choosing boiled, steamed, or lightly cooked dishes instead. Traditional comfort foods became a thing of the past, and even staples like lentils required careful portioning to manage sodium levels. Eating felt less like nourishment and more like a strategy—every bite was deliberate, calculated to help me heal.”

“It wasn’t easy, and there were days when I felt trapped by the restrictions. But over time, I learned to embrace simple, wholesome meals. Fresh vegetables, lean proteins, and low-sodium recipes became the foundation of my diet. The discipline it took to eat this way wasn’t just about following doctor’s orders—it was about proving to myself that I could take back control of my health.”

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The Turning Point

“Recovery wasn’t just about showing up for doctor’s appointments. It was about taking control of what I could. That’s when I turned to my diet. I learned about the power of Vitamin K in helping blood clotting and added green vegetables like kale, spinach, and broccoli to my meals. At the same time, I discovered that turmeric, something I’d always considered a superfood, was working against me. Its blood-thinning properties made it a no-go. These changes weren’t easy, but they were necessary.”

“With every meal, every adjustment, I felt a small shift. It wasn’t immediate, but it was progress. The unpredictable bleeding episodes started to subside, and for the first time in months, I felt like I had some control.”

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The Comeback: May 2023

“By May 2023, my efforts had started to show. My INR was down to 1.12, a number that felt almost normal. My Prothrombin Time had stabilized, and my liver function tests were finally reflecting the hard work I’d put into my recovery. For the first time in what felt like forever, I had hope.”

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Actual Image: May 2023 Report

“This report wasn’t just a sheet of paper—it was a milestone. Each normalized number felt like validation for every tough choice I had made. From my INR dropping to near-normal levels to the improved liver function tests, it was clear that my body was responding to care. This wasn’t just improvement—it was a victory, a testament to the fact that it’s never too late to turn things around.”

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Lessons Learned

“Looking back, those months taught me more than any crash ever could. They taught me that recovery is never linear, that every setback is a lesson, and that even the smallest steps forward matter. It wasn’t just about getting better; it was about becoming more mindful, more intentional, and more resilient.”

“The reports, side by side, tell a story of perseverance. January was the wake-up call I needed, and May was the result of refusing to give up. Those images aren’t just snapshots of numbers—they’re proof that transformation is possible, no matter how dire things seem.”

“If you’re reading this and facing something similar, know this: the numbers on your report don’t define you. Your actions do. It’s not easy, but it’s worth it.”

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Closing Thought

“My recovery isn’t over. It’s a journey I walk every day. But seeing those numbers improve, feeling my body respond to care and attention—it’s all a reminder of how far I’ve come. And if I can do it, so can you.”