Personal Story

I am going to share a personal story with you today in hopes that it will benefit you. Please be patient  with me as I do.  stuff.

I bathed my dog last night and then thought I would do some vacuuming.   I know I am not supposed to do that much up and down movement with my head but I thought I was doing great for a change. The next thing I know - I was awaking on the floor with my dog licking my arm. I could hear the thunder and rain outside. I was in so much pain that it was hard to even think.  Evidently I had passed out again.

 I have my cell phone set so all I have to do is push 3 and hold it for a few seconds and it will automatically call my husband's job.  Less than  an hour later, my husband arrived home and took to the ER.  They gave me three shots for pain and I came home to sleep it off. I just now woke up.

My point in telling you all this is: You never know what will happen in this life. Cover all your basis. Have a plan. Set your cell phone or other way to get help.  I also have my cell phone set so I can reach 911 by just pressing 9 for a few seconds. Last night I was scared and knew my husband would help me.

I carry a paper in my planner with all my important medical information on it. The nurses in the ER and the hospital have said many times how they wish everyone would carry this information with them.  I have  the following on this paper:

Name

Address

Insurance information

phone number and husbands job number

weight

Date Of Birth

All my Doctors names and numbers

Medication Allergies

Medications I am on(when and how much I take)

Surgeries I have had

Medical Conditions

I also have a medical power of attorney and  Living Will ( you can pick up a copy at your local hospital, fill it out and have it notarized)

I have a port in my chest for IV use so I also make a point to add that to my list.

Our local hospital ER has begun asking "Do you feel safe at home?" Since I am often unable to talk. I have written on my paper "I do feel safe at home" and sign my name and date it.

I have a lot of allergies to medications. For this reason I am scared to go to the ER without my husband. I have contacted my local 911 office and if they receive a call from our home a red flashing light will appear and alert them to allergies and such.  I carry a list of them in my planner. Please prepare a list of sorts to keep with you in case you are unable to communicate. It may save your life.