Close Call Today, I Wonder Has Anyone Here Suffered This?

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

Sorry for my boredom, but Papa had a really close call and ongoing bad day. 
 

My hospital stay will now number four tomorrow, due to close call today, if not more. Thankfully two nurses were in my room this morning, as I was “attempting” to return to my bed from the bathroom. I sort of remember one nurse call out to the other, ‘He is not going to make it”! Without warning, my blood sugar dropped very suddenly. I am told, since I had passed out, my count dropped to 25, nurses we trying to get me to follow instructions, shouting, while slapping me in the face, for me to drink through a straw, trying to get me to drink Orange Juice. What I remember was thinking to myself, “OK, how do you do that”, then I passed out again, despite being slapped in (or on) my face. I had an IV port, I came too because one of the nurses was pushing a sugar solution into my IV port. Once I was awake, they gave lunch, which I devoured. While eating, I began shaking and sweating, only to find out, it was happening again, this while eating a piece of cake. So, even more sugar being injected, so now I am one a sugar IV drip. A blood test (according to my doctor) shows abnormal kidney function. 

More and more, it seems as if I have a hit squad going after one or more organs at a time. I had my wife on speaker phone when leaving the bathroom, after washing up, so she was hearing way too much. Since they won’t let her in the hospital, she assumes the worst, yelling out on speakerphone. In short, not a good day, and so far, not a good week. 

Have any here had to go in the hospital, with loved ones locked out? If so, how have those loved ones coped? I don’t like being sick and in the hospital, especially under these circumstances, but I worry more about my wife What words can be used to help them (her) cope? 
 

Oh, since our Temple remains closed, it would be nice for those who have fully operating Temple to put my wife, Pamela Lee on your Temple rolls. I had to get to the hospital so quickly, I have not, and can not get a Priesthood Blessing. So prayers from family, and friends, including all of you, who read this, are what I have. So, here is hoping, no more passing out, comas, or too many more days in this place. Thankfully, I have a private room. Not because I am special, but it is a newer hospital, and it was built with only private rooms. I worry for my wife, in just three weeks, will mark our first date, 45 years ago. The two of us have gotten to the point that there is no, “me, only we”. 

[Calm]

My husband had day surgery two weeks ago and was not allowed to have anyone there during recovery. It is a concern that something might happen when nurses aren’t paying attention. 
 

My daughter will be in overnight for removing her thyroid next week. She at this point will be allowed one visitor only, but is comfortable with the idea at this point so it will probably be me there for a couple of hours as she comes out of recovery. My health is such that more than a couple of hours will have me in the bed next to her (if I could stay horizontal actually, it would be no issue as it is a combo of back and ongoing vertigo I just can’t get past due to lying down too much).

Our biggest concern is if my mother gets sick as she has dementia and will likely be frightened and capable of hurting herself.  My sister was the go to caregiver (hospital currrently allows one person only if a necessity like for a child or someone like Mom), but will be back to teaching next week so no longer an option. Everyone else has health issues and/or needs to work.  We might have to pay one of the younger grandkids with no children so they could afford the time off from their work. They got Covid in her residence two months ago, but thankfully a very mild strain as no one got very sick at all even though about 25 tested positive. 

[MorningStar]

That's so hard! I will pray for her and you. 

[Kenngo1969]

Brother Bill,

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles.  I submitted both your name and your beloved's to my local Temple (Mount Timpanogos/Pleasant Grove UT).

Best wishes from a Brother in Christ,

-Ken

[bluebell]

So sorry!

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

6 hours ago, Calm said:

My husband had day surgery two weeks ago and was not allowed to have anyone there during recovery. It is a concern that something might happen when nurses aren’t paying attention. 
 

My daughter will be in overnight for removing her thyroid next week. She at this point will be allowed one visitor only, but is comfortable with the idea at this point so it will probably be me there for a couple of hours as she comes out of recovery. My health is such that more than a couple of hours will have me in the bed next to her (if I could stay horizontal actually, it would be no issue as it is a combo of back and ongoing vertigo I just can’t get past due to lying down too much).

Our biggest concern is if my mother gets sick as she has dementia and will likely be frightened and capable of hurting herself.  My sister was the go to caregiver (hospital currrently allows one person only if a necessity like for a child or someone like Mom), but will be back to teaching next week so no longer an option. Everyone else has health issues and/or needs to work.  We might have to pay one of the younger grandkids with no children so they could afford the time off from their work. They got Covid in her residence two months ago, but thankfully a very mild strain as no one got very sick at all even though about 25 tested positive. 

You will all be in my prayers. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

2 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said:

Brother Bill,

I'm sorry to hear of your struggles.  I submitted both your name and your beloved's to my local Temple (Mount Timpanogos/Pleasant Grove UT).

Best wishes from a Brother in Christ,

-Ken

Thank you I have a friend who does, unless he retired who does maintenance at this Temple. 

[Kenngo1969]

1 hour ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Thank you I have a friend who does, unless he retired who does maintenance at this Temple. 

Cool.  Small world!

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

7 hours ago, Kenngo1969 said:

Cool.  Small world!

It is indeed, a small world. 

[cacheman]

On 8/18/2020 at 2:52 PM, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

Sorry for my boredom, but Papa had a really close call and ongoing bad day. 
 

My hospital stay will now number four tomorrow, due to close call today, if not more. Thankfully two nurses were in my room this morning, as I was “attempting” to return to my bed from the bathroom. I sort of remember one nurse call out to the other, ‘He is not going to make it”! Without warning, my blood sugar dropped very suddenly. I am told, since I had passed out, my count dropped to 25, nurses we trying to get me to follow instructions, shouting, while slapping me in the face, for me to drink through a straw, trying to get me to drink Orange Juice. What I remember was thinking to myself, “OK, how do you do that”, then I passed out again, despite being slapped in (or on) my face. I had an IV port, I came too because one of the nurses was pushing a sugar solution into my IV port. Once I was awake, they gave lunch, which I devoured. While eating, I began shaking and sweating, only to find out, it was happening again, this while eating a piece of cake. So, even more sugar being injected, so now I am one a sugar IV drip. A blood test (according to my doctor) shows abnormal kidney function. 

More and more, it seems as if I have a hit squad going after one or more organs at a time. I had my wife on speaker phone when leaving the bathroom, after washing up, so she was hearing way too much. Since they won’t let her in the hospital, she assumes the worst, yelling out on speakerphone. In short, not a good day, and so far, not a good week. 

Have any here had to go in the hospital, with loved ones locked out? If so, how have those loved ones coped? I don’t like being sick and in the hospital, especially under these circumstances, but I worry more about my wife What words can be used to help them (her) cope? 
 

Oh, since our Temple remains closed, it would be nice for those who have fully operating Temple to put my wife, Pamela Lee on your Temple rolls. I had to get to the hospital so quickly, I have not, and can not get a Priesthood Blessing. So prayers from family, and friends, including all of you, who read this, are what I have. So, here is hoping, no more passing out, comas, or too many more days in this place. Thankfully, I have a private room. Not because I am special, but it is a newer hospital, and it was built with only private rooms. I worry for my wife, in just three weeks, will mark our first date, 45 years ago. The two of us have gotten to the point that there is no, “me, only we”. 

Hi Bill,

My wife was discharged on Friday after 20 days in the hospital.  Despite the physical pain and trauma she went through,  by the end of her stay,  the loneliness and forced separation seemed to affect her the most.  The most difficult aspect for me was seeing my wife in extreme pain being taken away in an ambulance and not even being able to be with her in the emergency room.  It was 11 hours before I could even get any information about her.  She was scared and felt alone despite the doctor's and nurses being with her.  Once she was admitted,  I was the only visitor allowed,  and that was also limited. 

It's a tough situation all around.  I feel for you and your wife, and hope things improve.  

We 'celebrated' our 25th anniversary in her hospital room.  Not how we envisioned it.  But,  after wondering if I would lose her the week prior,  our anniversary celebration was one to remember, despite the surroundings. 

Unfortunately,  pain and suffering is a fact of life.  But being separated in those times makes it much worse.  I felt helpless. 

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

12 hours ago, cacheman said:

Hi Bill,

My wife was discharged on Friday after 20 days in the hospital.  Despite the physical pain and trauma she went through,  by the end of her stay,  the loneliness and forced separation seemed to affect her the most.  The most difficult aspect for me was seeing my wife in extreme pain being taken away in an ambulance and not even being able to be with her in the emergency room.  It was 11 hours before I could even get any information about her.  She was scared and felt alone despite the doctor's and nurses being with her.  Once she was admitted,  I was the only visitor allowed,  and that was also limited. 

It's a tough situation all around.  I feel for you and your wife, and hope things improve.  

We 'celebrated' our 25th anniversary in her hospital room.  Not how we envisioned it.  But,  after wondering if I would lose her the week prior,  our anniversary celebration was one to remember, despite the surroundings. 

Unfortunately,  pain and suffering is a fact of life.  But being separated in those times makes it much worse.  I felt helpless. 

 

My wife and I started dating 45 years ago, and in January we will be married 45 years. So there is no, “me” anymore, there is only “we”, and it has been harder on her than it has on me. Thankfully, I got home last night, so for the most part, “we” finally slept. 

[cacheman]

3 hours ago, Bill “Papa” Lee said:

My wife and I started dating 45 years ago, and in January we will be married 45 years. So there is no, “me” anymore, there is only “we”, and it has been harder on her than it has on me. Thankfully, I got home last night, so for the most part, “we” finally slept. 

That's good to hear. I can only imagine the bond that has developed over 45 years (almost double the time I've been with with my wife) .  I'm glad you're together again at home! 

[Rain]

I highly recommend getting an Rx for a glucagon shot/emergency kit before you go home. After getting it make sure your wife reads through and understands the instructions before it needs to be used. It is only for emergencies - when your sugar goes so low you pass out. 

Over the years most of mine have expired after lack of use, but the few times I have needed my husband to use it it was a true lifesaver.

Another thing to consider is a continuous glucose monitor connected to a device that will let you know when it is dropping. Mine is connected to my insulin pump, but depending on your circumstances that may not be right for you. Some CGMs will connect to smart phones. This may/may not help you get the juice before you pass out.

I'd also consider what you have on hand to bring up blood sugar. Orange juice is good for me when I am going down slowly.  Apple juice is much better for me when I am going down quickly.  In fact, I avoid apple juice unless I can't regulate the lows any other way.  You may be different than me though - just consider other sugar sources that may be better.

And now to your question.  I have not had the hospital thing.  In my pregnancies and other times though I have always thought it was much harder on my husband and later my children than on me when I have had bad blood sugar reactions.  They were terrified at times. It's tough to be the reason for that terror.

[Calm]

That reminds me, we need to get our daughter a new glucagon. She never goes low without her restless legs giving her warning, so we have gotten complacent.  
 

Maybe when her thyroid is out, she will find it easier to use a CGM. 

Edited August 21, 2020 by Calm

[Calm]

2 hours ago, Rain said:

They were terrified at times. It's tough to be the reason for that terror.

We had to climb over our townhouse balcony to get into our neighbour’s bedroom because her door was locked and she wouldn’t answer her 8 year old daughter. She was just sitting on her bed staring at us and wouldn’t respond.  She usually used Coke (the soda) for low blood sugar, but I couldn’t get her to take that or any honey. She would not crack her jaw open, so I just spread some honey on the inside of her lip...and then thankfully the paramedics showed up and all I needed to do was be maternal to her daughter until she became coherent. 
 

I just felt so bad for the daughter having to live with that responsibility and grateful we were able to be good enough friends that she hadn’t had to face asking relative strangers for help.  Worried some when we moved.

When our daughter was diagnosed as diabetic 15 years later, I was not looking forward to that kind of thing and for years I would sneak into her room and make sure she was okay...still do on occasion. But we have been very lucky...well, is it luck when it is one disorder that plays havoc with her day to day life and overall health appears to prevent her going into the danger zone with blood sugars?

 

Edited August 21, 2020 by Calm

[Tacenda]

11 minutes ago, Calm said:

We had to climb over our townhouse balcony to get into our neighbour’s bedroom because her door was locked and she wouldn’t answer her 8 year old daughter. She was just sitting on her bed staring at us and wouldn’t respond.  She usually used Coke (the soda) for low blood sugar, but I couldn’t get her to take that or any honey. She would not crack her jaw open, so I just spread some honey on the inside of her lip...and then thankfully the paramedics showed up and all I needed to do was be maternal to her daughter until she became coherent. 
 

I just felt so bad for the daughter having to live with that responsibility and grateful we were able to be good enough friends that she hadn’t had to face asking relative strangers for help.  Worried some when we moved.

When our daughter was diagnosed as diabetic 15 years later, I was not looking forward to that kind of thing and for years I would sneak into her room and make sure she was okay...still do on occasion. But we have been very lucky...well, is it luck when it is one disorder that plays havoc with her day to day life and overall health appears to prevent her going into the danger zone with blood sugars?

 

😢I hate diabetes and thyroid problems they both affect so much more in the body.

[Calm]

29 minutes ago, Tacenda said:

😢I hate diabetes and thyroid problems they both affect so much more in the body.

1 week minus 2 days (yes, we are in countdown mode which is probably why I am having more trouble than usual sleeping....also my 6th sense which is my overdeveloped sense of doom is in full force of course ) and daughter’s thyroid won’t be the problem, the lack of it will be. 

Hopefully a simpler, more predictable and controllable one. 
 

She just got tested today for Covid, goes into isolation...in other words, normal life for her, even old normal. 
 

Her response after getting tested, “eww, it touched my brain!”  Apparently the swabs are rather long. 

[Tacenda]

2 minutes ago, Calm said:

1 week minus 2 days (yes, we are in countdown mode which is probably why I am having more trouble than usual sleeping....also my 6th sense which is my overdeveloped sense of doom is in full force of course ) and daughter’s thyroid won’t be the problem, the lack of it will be. 

Hopefully a simpler, more predictable and controllable one. 
 

She just got tested today for Covid, goes into isolation...in other words, normal life for her, even old normal. 
 

Her response after getting tested, “eww, it touched my brain!”  Apparently the swabs are rather long. 

Aww darn it! One thing after another. Wish the saliva one was given to her. My sister-in-law had her thyroid taken out, if you'd like me to ask anything she'd be glad to answer. But knowing you you've researched plenty. 

[Calm]

Her sister in law helped, she researched it herself as well. Thanks for the offer. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

6 hours ago, Rain said:

I highly recommend getting an Rx for a glucagon shot/emergency kit before you go home. After getting it make sure your wife reads through and understands the instructions before it needs to be used. It is only for emergencies - when your sugar goes so low you pass out. 

Over the years most of mine have expired after lack of use, but the few times I have needed my husband to use it it was a true lifesaver.

Another thing to consider is a continuous glucose monitor connected to a device that will let you know when it is dropping. Mine is connected to my insulin pump, but depending on your circumstances that may not be right for you. Some CGMs will connect to smart phones. This may/may not help you get the juice before you pass out.

I'd also consider what you have on hand to bring up blood sugar. Orange juice is good for me when I am going down slowly.  Apple juice is much better for me when I am going down quickly.  In fact, I avoid apple juice unless I can't regulate the lows any other way.  You may be different than me though - just consider other sugar sources that may be better.

And now to your question.  I have not had the hospital thing.  In my pregnancies and other times though I have always thought it was much harder on my husband and later my children than on me when I have had bad blood sugar reactions.  They were terrified at times. It's tough to be the reason for that terror.

Great ideas, thank you for you advice. God bless you. 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

4 hours ago, Calm said:

We had to climb over our townhouse balcony to get into our neighbour’s bedroom because her door was locked and she wouldn’t answer her 8 year old daughter. She was just sitting on her bed staring at us and wouldn’t respond.  She usually used Coke (the soda) for low blood sugar, but I couldn’t get her to take that or any honey. She would not crack her jaw open, so I just spread some honey on the inside of her lip...and then thankfully the paramedics showed up and all I needed to do was be maternal to her daughter until she became coherent. 
 

I just felt so bad for the daughter having to live with that responsibility and grateful we were able to be good enough friends that she hadn’t had to face asking relative strangers for help.  Worried some when we moved.

When our daughter was diagnosed as diabetic 15 years later, I was not looking forward to that kind of thing and for years I would sneak into her room and make sure she was okay...still do on occasion. But we have been very lucky...well, is it luck when it is one disorder that plays havoc with her day to day life and overall health appears to prevent her going into the danger zone with blood sugars?

 

Glad you were there to help, as an angel of mercy that day. Who knows how that may have turned out had you not have been able to help. Great job' 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

4 hours ago, Tacenda said:

😢I hate diabetes and thyroid problems they both affect so much more in the body.

Amen, I suffer from both, as well as Sarcoidosis, which causes so many other issues. My quality of life is almost non existent (hope I spelled this correctly). Also, I feel like such a burden to my wife, I hate that she has to deal with my many health problems. She deserves better! There are times I wonder if just being gone would solve both our problems, as I suffer very often from depression. 

[Tacenda]

Keep on truckin' Papa! Your family need you, no matter what! But I understand the frustrations. But I no way understand the extent of your suffering. You're in my prayers.

[USU78]

I hadn't seen my handicapped son since Valentine's Day. I first saw him a week ago Friday after his fatal accident had left him brain dead. It was just a matter of time till the autonomic processes shut down.

Happily Utah Valley had put in place more liberal visitation policies the very day he was rushed to the ER. My daughters, my wife and I were permitted at least to be with him and sit vigil two at a time.

Will I ever get over my resentment over being locked away from him his last six months?

 

[Bill “Papa” Lee]

On 8/30/2020 at 10:02 AM, USU78 said:

I hadn't seen my handicapped son since Valentine's Day. I first saw him a week ago Friday after his fatal accident had left him brain dead. It was just a matter of time till the autonomic processes shut down.

Happily Utah Valley had put in place more liberal visitation policies the very day he was rushed to the ER. My daughters, my wife and I were permitted at least to be with him and sit vigil two at a time.

Will I ever get over my resentment over being locked away from him his last six months?

 

God bless you and your family, sometimes it seems as if the losses we must bare with break us.