Day 13 Health Update - Cole Thompson Photography
I want to thank everyone who has written me, I’ve been touched by all the love and encouragement shown. And as I’ve laid in bed, reading these emails, it made me feel a bit like Huckleberry Finn, who attended his own funeral. And thank you for understanding that I could not reply. Until today,
August 12, 2026I want to thank everyone who has written me, I’ve been touched by all the love and encouragement shown. And as I’ve laid in bed, reading these emails, it made me feel a bit like Huckleberry Finn, who attended his own funeral. And thank you for understanding that I could not reply. Until today, Day 13, I could not do anything but lay in bed. When I came home I thought all would be easy, but it’s been a tough week since I was released. The hand is fantastic:But my body has been ravished by tons of meds, each causing its own side affect, which in turn required another drug, which creates a new side affect, and on and on and on. Here are some of the things I’ve just learned that happened to me:When the paramedics arrived, they could not get a blood pressure reading. The snake venom kills by opening up blood vessels, dropping blood pressure. To counteract this, I was given 10 liters of fluid. I gained 25 pounds in the hospital and within three days of being home, lost 30 pounds. Within hours of the snakebite, my white blood cell count hit 38,000, a number that astounded the doctors. I received 62 vials of anti venom, an unheard of number according to poison control. This was the worst snakebite that anyone at our trauma center or poison control has ever seen. But the great news is that today, I’m feeling a little better. This event has changed me in a way I never imagined, I have become hypersensitive to acts of kindness. Each time I see one, I break down in tears. I’m going to be more kind and loving from here on out. But I’m also going to be more outspoken about my photographic beliefs, (John’s probably thinking “that’s not possible”). I feel compelled to be loud and clear and I will try to remind people that these views are coming from my perspective as a personally expressive photographer. I don’t know how this near death experience will change my Vision, but how could it not? But there is no need to force it or rush it:Que Será Será. Now another thought that’s been tumbling around in my brain: seemingly you and I are connected by photography…seemingly. But after this experience I’m not so sure. I think that we are connected by something bigger than photography: Our humanity. Our kindness. Our commitment to being good people. I guess this is where I’m supposed to say something like: I hope nothing like this ever happens to you. But you know what, part of me actually does because if you are lucky enough to have a near death experience, it will profoundly change your life. Thanks for ALL of your emails. Thanks for your prayers. Thanks for your offer of meals. Thanks for just saying hello. Reading your emails was the only thing I did while in the hospital and they made me feel loved. ____________________________________________________________Unluckily for me, a day after I was snake-bit, my new portfolio was released via LensWork Bonus Edition and I’ve not had a chance to promote it. This is my tenth portfolio to be featured in LensWork, and I’m very proud of that. I told Brooks that this is the only accolade I aspire to. If you’re a LensWork Online Subscriber, you can view it now. If you’re not, please consider subscribing. It’s absolutely amazing what you get for $59/year!LensWork Computer and Tablet EditionLensWork Bonus EditionsHere’s a Thought (my favorite)Photography and the Creative ProcessLooking at ImagesSeeing in Sixes CommentariesFinding the PictureLensWork Digital Back IssuesEvery Picture is a CompromisePodcastAfter the InterviewBackstoriesKokoroCreative LabsDarkroom TourseBooksEditor’s CommentsExploring the PossibilitiesFeedbackInterview with PhotographersLensWork MonographsPhotography, not CamerasPhotoshop and InDesign TemplatesReaders PDF GalleriesQ&A with BrooksSpecial InterviewsThose who Inspire Me and WhyVoice of the MastersWorkshops, Seminars and Recorded TalksThere is so much content, it’s ridiculous! Learn more aboutLensWork Online. And if you love the printed image, then consider subscribing to theLensWork print edition, which is the finest printed publication on the planet. The reason I love LensWork is that it focuses on personally creative photography, and not the technical. If youreallywant to help me to recover, please subscribe (smile). And no, I don’t get a referral fee, I just admire Brooks for all that he’s done for our type of photography.