This is just a quick note because I'm still as weak as a newborn kitten. I think after I get some more food into me, I'll be back on my feet.
I spent yesterday afternoon in the ER. I woke up around 2 a.m. on Sunday morning, not feeling very well (kind of 'flu-ish') and decided I'd better call in. Did so, took aspirin and allergy meds and went back to bed.
When I did get up, I dragged myself to the recliner and chilled so hard I didn't think it would be possible to get warm. But, no fever.
About 12:45, I felt a coughing jag coming on, so I sat up in the recliner, and my throat swelled shut. I was making great big wheezing sounds, saying "I can't breathe, I can't breathe...." and Robert said "I'd better take you to the hospital." My face was this horrendous shade of red, and as he's scrambling to put his shoes on, I staggered to the phone and grabbed it and threw it at him. By this time I couldn't even speak, never mind the lack of oxygen.
Bless his heart, he was concerned, but had absolutely no idea why I'd handed him the phone. He finally figured it out, as I was punching in 9-1-1, figuring the dispatch would hear my gasping and would send aid.
By the time the first responders arrived, my breathing had started to be easier, but my 02 sats were running lower than normal so I let them convince me to head to the ER.
I'm an anomoly. Though I had a temp of over 103, they couldn't find anything wrong with me. Nothing significant in blood chemistries, no pneumonia, nothing other than a fever and a sore throat from coughing. The medicos are assuming it is viral, since there is certainly nothing bacterial going on.
But, damn, I was scared. I have no idea how folks deal with severe asthma. The doc gave me an script for an albuterol inhaler to keep on hand in case anything like that happens again. But, I'm free to go back to work, free to teach, and so on.
It's odd to remember the thoughts that were running through my head during this; not exactly those 'life flashing before your eyes' sort of things, but I was grateful to have had our wills done, pissed off at myself because I haven't gotten rid of so much of my neglected papers and such. (I wouldn't want my kids to have to go through all that stuff) and pissed with the realization that I've neglected to make sure I've kept in touch with the people who are important to me.
It was a good reminder of how we never know what is in store for us.
5 comments:
Oh. My.
They couldn't find anything at all? I think that would upset me almost as much as the episode itself!
"Whaddya mean nothing wrong? I went through all that for NOTHING?" ;) LOL
Other than the weakness, you're ok though? Take care of you!!!
*hugs*
Apparently, I'm okay. I still feel pretty much like s***, though. I just took my temp and it's running at about 99.5, so I've already called in sick for tomorrow. I'm going to drag myself to the shower and get dressed, as I have to go fill that script, and then since class is in town this semester, I'll run by there, introduce myself and let Jan do the rest. And, before you yell at me that I'm nuts for doing that, I'm only doing so because I have to go into town anyway - if I didn't, then I'd stay home in my jammies with hot tea by my side!
Kate -- Geez, that's scary stuff. I'm glad you're (relatively) okay.
Time for your hubby to learn some MacGyver ink pen jack-knife tracheotomy moves, no?
Maybe you should just put 911 on speed dial.
xoxo
I'd laugh, but I'd start coughing, Robin! That's funny!
But, as I was chatting with Two Wolves last night on the phone, I did mention to him that I'd wondered if I'd be able to stab myself in the throat to do my own tracheotomy!
Heck, if I can draw my own blood, maybe a trach is just the next thing! LOL
Good grief Kate that must have been terrifying! I'm sure glad you're feeling better. :-(
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