A few Fridays ago, our family was reminded just how quickly life can change.

I was taking a medication as part of my treatment for Lyme disease. It was my third injection from a new lab, and within minutes, something felt very wrong.

First came the itching. Then the rash and hives. My face began to swell, followed by my tongue, and then my throat started to close.

I quickly realized I was having a severe allergic reaction.

I started feeling faint, so I laid down on the bathroom floor. I could hear my sweet daughter calling 911 while my amazing husband did everything he could to keep me calm, cool, and awake. I began sweating more than I ever have in my life, followed by vomiting and diarrhea. By then, the paramedics had arrived.

I was transported by ambulance to Sutter ER, where I required three doses of epinephrine, multiple doses of Benadryl, and IV steroids. Eventually, the reaction began to subside. Because of the severity of the reaction, I was admitted to the ICU for observation.

It was one of the scariest experiences I have ever been through—not only for me, but for my family.

My heart hurts knowing that my daughter and my husband had to witness me going through something so frightening. But I am incredibly grateful they were there. My daughter’s quick thinking to call 911, my husband’s determination to keep me awake and calm, the first responders who arrived so quickly, and the medical team who cared for me all made a difference.

The silver lining? I am now the proud owner of not one, but two EpiPens!

This experience also taught me something I had never really thought much about before: you never know when you might need to be prepared for a severe allergic reaction.

Several of the medical professionals who cared for me discussed the use of antihistamines such as Benadryl as part of my treatment. However, it is important to remember that Benadryl is not a substitute for epinephrine and should never delay using epinephrine or calling 911 when anaphylaxis is suspected. Epinephrine is the first-line treatment for anaphylaxis.

My takeaway is simple: know the signs of a severe allergic reaction, know where your emergency medications are, and talk with your healthcare provider about what you should do if you ever experience one.

I certainly never expected this to happen to me.

Our family has had a challenging summer, but through it all, we have so much to be thankful for. I am thankful for my family, for quick-thinking loved ones, for first responders, for skilled medical professionals, and most of all, for another day together.

Sometimes life has a way of reminding us to slow down, appreciate the people around us, and recognize just how precious each day truly is.

I am incredibly grateful to be here, grateful for my family, and grateful for the opportunity to keep moving forward.

Life can change in a matter of minutes. Be prepared. Be aware. And never take another day for granted.