I didn't sleep well last night- don't know why - I always sleep pretty well. Went downstairs to get the coffee and as soon as I got to the kitchen, I broke out in a cold sweat and thought I was going to pass out. DH was still upstairs in bed. Didn't have my cell or Great Call with me, but I managed to unlock the back door, grab the cordless phone before I went down. I didn't pass out - just had to get to the bathroom in a hurry! I guess it's just one of the bugs going around and I feel some better this afternoon.
This is a scary thing to happen. DH can't use a phone. No more wearing pj's without pockets!
Vickie, I hope you are feeling much better. Do you have anyone close by that you can call if you need to. I am going to look into a retirement community and check things out. Since Mac died I am completely on my own. I don't know any of the neighbours and the most they do is wave as they drive by! I was going to go on the 20th to check it out but my part time caregiver/friend had to cancel because his father died. As soon as he is up to it I will make another appointment. Take care and take things slow and easy.
I don't want to frighten you but your symptoms are indicative of a woman having a heart problem. Might be a good idea to have it checked out as soon as possible.
If it is any consolation, I didn't sleep well last night either. When I woke, I didn't feel too well. DH gets up before dawn, goes into den and turns on TV. I went in there and told him he might have to help me and why. He didn't say a word, didn't get up or register any concern. Scary when we might need help. DH can't use a phone either.
Full moon is coming. Maybe it affects the caregivers as well.
Thanks,Shirley. I go for my check-up 4/1. No heart problem so far. And, I now have diarrhea - so I think it's a bug. I do have a couple neighbors I could call, if I could punch in the numbers on the phone. I just wanted to get the back door open too. Guess we can never be fully prepared for the unexpected.
Maybe you should consider getting one of those call buttons to wear around your neck. Sid has one, but I am thinking that anyone who lives alone or caregivers whose spouses are useless in an emergency should have one. His is set up so when he presses the button, the call center person asks if you're okay or need assistance. If you don't answer, they call 911.
I have Great Call, it's a small thing that I usually carry around with me and it also works outside the home - at the mall, anywhere you may be and away from home. Didn't want one around my neck, but this one is wonderful. Of course, I have to have it with me - and usually do! I have tried others, but DH can't use any of them now, so I got what I thought I needed for me. They can track where you are, and if you don't respond to them, they will call 911 and also others' phone numbers I have give them. For $14.99 a month, it's a great little gadget.
so sorry vickie you are feeling badly. its good to hear you have a dr appt soon. hope its just a virus and passes quickly. never easy to be sick AND care for spouse.
Vicky, the breaking out in a cold sweat was my first warning of a pending heart attack. I would make an appointment and go this week if you can. My Dr. sent me directly to the hospital and I had not had any pain that would indicate to me it was a heart attack. However, since there is heart disease in my family, I knew that "a cold sweat" was not good. I also had a feeling "of impending doom. My attack was mild and did not cause damage but because the blockage was in the aorta artery had I waited - I would have been history.
Vickie, what is Great Call? I have also worried about what would happen if I get sick because I can't rely on my H to take care of me anymore so...I guess I will just muddle through somehow like everything else.
deb, go to greatcall.com. It's like a very small cellphone, with one button in the center that you press. They talk to you but if you don't anwer, they call 911, then any other emergency numbers you have given them. After you read about it if you have any questions, I'll try to answer. I love it because I can carry it with me ANYWHERE, not just in the house.
Several weeks ago, I had pain that started around the waist which proceeded to move up to my chest. As the pain became worse, I decided that if it got much worse, I would call a taxi and go to emergency. After a bit, it lessened and then I was able to sleep. I realized how much easier it is when it is only you to worry about. If it had happened when Gord was alive, I would have been worrying about how I would get him up and dressed, how he would react to being dragged out in the night. As I have said before, looking back, you really wonder how you did it and how all of you are still doing it.
Addition to my post above. Lastnight I was getting my SIL's papers together for tax purposes. They were in a file cabinet at the bottom of my closet. You would think I would know not to stay down too long because I have a hard time getting up but NO. When my knees got tired from kneeling I sat down when I tried to get up I couldn't get my legs under me and fell back. I hit my head on the corner of the wall and said a couple of words!!!! When I could move again I crawled to my bed and hauled myself up. I too have great call but it was in the living room...big help. Anyway I have a lump on my head and one in back of my right shoulder. The retirement community is looking better all the time. My friend came over this evening because I had emailed him about my falling. He has checked the RC and the next tour is March 20 so he is going to get an appointment. BTW, the friend is a RN and about 28 years younger than me so there is nothing romantic about the friendship. lol
Oh, Jean, how awful for you! But, I'm like you, too. I always leave the great call somewhere else! Unless I'm going out in the car, then I take it with me. Good for you - a younger friend is always good to have, especially if he's an RN!
Yeah, woman, you have to hang in there for all of us who look forward to your words of wit and wisdom. We caregivers are so used to just taking care of everything that we forget to consider the "what if" we can't take care of ourselves - darn scary thought. I guess we all should try to be better prepared for the unexpected at all times - Plan B. That one seems to be very hard for me to wrap my head around and actually get on paper and organized for. I finally got house keys to all of our kids and the next door neighbor and that's as far as I've progressed. I can think of all kinds of things I SHOULD do almost everyday and never seem to get around to any of them.
I'm so glad that you are ok and are seeing the doc soon.