Community Chat

[jlkz]

Now that the adrenalin has subsided and its aftermath, I would like to recommend being prepared for emergencies.

This last Thursday, DH woke me at 5:30 AM to call 911 as he couldn't stand up.  His pressure was 79/44 which is very low even with the heart meds he is on.  The EMT's arrived and I handed them the typed updated list of all his meds and dosages. I was told to clear a path through the house and approaching the front door for the gurney.  They stabilized him with an IV and took heart monitor readings.

As soon as they left, I locked up and took the grab bag and drove to the hospital. By 1:00 all the vitals were back to normal.  Cardiologist agreed that DH had mistakenly taken double the night heart meds which keep his pressure low.

Suggestions:

Keep a meds list current ( dated with dosages ) and have copies ready for doctor office visits and EMTs.  Add any OTC products taken that day.

Have a grab and go bag ready: change of clothes, slip on shoes, toothpaste and brush, readers, and some small denomination bills for cash.

Have some reading material for both of you....the waiting can be very lengthy.

Have a shawl or sweater....hospital rooms can be very cold.

Have a tote bag for all the things you will end up carrying for both of you...ideally, your purse can also fit in it.

Keep your car gas tank at least a quarter to half full so there is no need to stop for fuel en route to hospital.

When this type emergency occurs, it is amazing how thoughts can get scattered....this adds to the already heightened stress level.  If you never have to use any of this, at least you can know that things are in place for quick access.

[millieshops]

@jlkz   Those of us who live in hurricane prone areas can use some of your advice, too.   Good list!

Glad DH's docs knew what to do!

[Lisa Y]

First, I'm glad to hear that your husband is ok after such a scary event @jlkz .  You offered some really good ideas for emergencies. It also sounds like you didn't panic, which is important, too. I will be getting a bag ready today. 
Thank you for this information. 

[teganslaw]

I already do that. My husband was in and out of the hospital a few years ago with back problems, so I was prepared ahead of time.

[Mz iMac]

@jlkz  "DH had mistakenly taken double the night heart meds"

Would this had of helped?

[justashopper]

@jlkz 

Hi

I am sorry this happened and thankfully DH is ok.  Thank you for the advice.  We had a serious health event happen in our family, too.  I now keep an overnight bag in my trunk with all the things you mentioned, including a tote bag.  I like your addition of the reading material. I hadn't thought of that but agree, important to have when waiting.  Even though I tend to read the same page 10 times.

[meallen616]

@jlkz,

Glad your husband is ok. I usually keep everything close by in a bag since we in New Jersey get hit hard with storms, hurricanes and tornadoes.

Thank you for this post,

[MamaWick]

@jlkz  I am so glad your husband is okay.   You have given very good advice!

[qualitygal]

So glad he's ok.  I too just dug out the pill cases.  They are different looking, so one can be a.m. and one p.m.  You do need something like the case shown (good idea) to help the pill taker keep them straight.  I hate thinking, did I take that pill or not?  Those little boxes are such a help.  I also carry a card in my wallet of his med's, dosages, and anything else worth noting.

Our medical records are supposed to be on file on the computer.  But I swear they have to ask over each time.  I'm done hauling all the little plastic containers.  On a 3 x 5  works just fine.  

[phoenixbrd]

@jlkz Grateful that your husband was in good hands and that he is well.  Thanks for your experience and excellent advice.  Your organizational skills were vital and helpful for us.