There are emergencies, and then there are emergencies

Remember how earlier this month I griped and whined about having to dip into my emergency fund in order to help float my sister's rent for a bit and used that as a reason to have an emergency fund?

That "emergency" now very much pales in comparison to what has happened since then.

On April 15-16, I came down with acute appendicitis.

Let me first start by saying that since that day I have spent many a moment profusely thanking the Lord Jesus, God, Buddha, Allah and whatever other deity out there as well as my loving, wonderful and smart parents that I was born, raised and live in the amazing and beautiful country of Canada. And not just because there isn't much else to do when curled up in a hospital bed.

Not only did I have to go into emergency surgery in order to get my appendix removed on the 16th, I also had to stay in hospital for nearly FIVE days afterwards due to the lingering effects of a burst, half-gangrenous (doctor's words, and yes, ew!) appendix in my body, namely that post-operation, I showed signs of sepsis.

All of the above can easily add up to well over $70,000 in medical debt in the States. ($20,000 for the surgery and $10,000 a night for care in hospital)

But Canada blessedly has universal healthcare. And as an appendectomy due to a burst appendix is hardly elective by any stretch of the imagination anywhere, the whole ordeal will be covered by OHIP as a result. This alone will be why I will never again complain about paying taxes in this province and country. Because this past week, I recouped on every tax dollar I have contributed and then some.

But while I was spared the life-crushing medical debt, I'm not out of the woods yet for this particular emergency health-wise or financially.

Currently I have only spent around $60 for two taxi trips and some prescription medicine for this emergency. I expect that number to multiply soon. There are still yet-unknown (at least until I'm mailed the hospital bill) auxiliary medical costs to worry about that isn't covered by OHIP. Some will likely be covered by my work benefits (another perk that I've been so thankful to have at this moment) but there will likely be a cost nonetheless.

Also I have missed at least seven days of work due to the surgery and hospital stay, and I don't yet know how that will translate to future pay cheques. Technically I do have sick days and if necessary, could apply for short-term disability through my work benefits, but that still will leave me short of money earned next month. That's something that I will have to figure out when I do get back to work.

But I have my health, my family and my friends, all of whom have been so supportive and helpful while I was in hospital. And that's what's most important as I continue my road back to health.