It finally happened...O What would you do?

Yesterday a day from hell! I was never so nervous and scared at the same time!

I thought a client was having a stroke! Almost within 10 minutes of our date he became very sweaty (very) I suggested he take a shower to cool off, then he came out wasn't walking or talking very well...he layed down slept for about 40 minutes...In the mean time called Jenni for advice. We both came to the conclusion I had to call 911 or security. I kept patting him down with a cold cloth, his breathing was fine. I tried to put his clothes on with no avail. About that time my next appointment had called and I asked for his help, without any hesitation he came up to the room we got him dressed and after his observation came to the conclusion it was part heat and alcohol. The gentleman was not speaking very well as if I thought a stroke, so I called security who came to the room and called for medical attention, when they arrived and check his vital which were ok they too came to the conclusion it was more alcohol and heat related. The took him to the hospital for observation.

While one paramedic was going through his wallet found out he was a retired policeman...wow! you just never know!!

I sure hope this never happens again to me or anyone, it was scary. I feared for him but wasn't sure how to explain things...I did email him this morning and he did thank me for my help and it was due to low blood sugar and he is doing fine.

I thank Jenni for being there for me and to my gentleman friend for my cover up...wink wink..and of course making me feel so much better in that next couple of hours!!!!

wow what a day in the "BIG APPLE"!
Terri

I cannot believe you went through that and what a scarey experience. I've had men with stomach issues and feeling sick or light-headed but nothing like what you went through with a guy. Kudos to you, nice lady!

Hugs,
ciara

Re: It finally happened...O What would you do?

Terri,

I wanted to take the time to commend you on a job well done. Acute diabetic symptoms definitely can imitate either a stroke or inebriation. You could not have handled the situation any better than you did! I am guessing the Jenni you are referring to is Jenni of San Diego? She definitely is a good resource for all of us in the hobby.

Re: It finally happened...O What would you do?

Thanks babe, yes it was Jenni of San Diego and she has been a big help while here not of which was the best yesterday, cause she really did calm me down! I was concerned all the way around not only for the gents health but for his personal life as well for me. Was the hotel going to call law enforcement? You do go through a panic state, but your internal instincts do take over!

I did feel good when it was all over, but just never wanna repeat....wink!

Thanks for your post!
xoxox
Terri

-- Modified on 8/8/2007 3:16:16 PM

Thanks sweetie...it sure got my fluids flowing, but not the right ones though...wink...well not till later.

I do commend the gent that helped me, I don't think many would have wanted to be involved but I could be wrong...I hope I am!

a big hug back at ya!
Terri

Hi Terri,

I'm soo sorry you had to go through such an ordeal.  Glad everything was okay with him.

Here is some good information for everyone on the tell tale signs of a stroke this was from an email a friend of mine sent me:

Sometimes symptoms of a stroke are difficult to identify. Unfortunately, the lack of awareness spells disaster. The stroke victim may suffer severe brain damage when people nearby fail to recognize the symptoms of a stroke.
Now doctors say a bystander can recognize a stroke by asking three simple questions:
 
S * Ask the individual to SMILE.
 
T * Ask the person to TALK to SPEAK A SIMPLE SENTENCE(Coherently) (i.e. It is sunny out today)
 
R * Ask him or her to RAISE BOTH ARMS.
 

NOTE: Another 'sign' of a stroke is this: Ask the person to 'stick' out their tongue. If the tongue is 'crooked', if it goes to one side or the other that is also an indication of a stroke. If he or she has trouble with ANY ONE of these tasks, call 911 immediately !! and describe the symptoms to the dispatcher.

Hope that helps for everyone providers and hobbyist alike.

...Not Fade Away

i was a emt for 16 years( never told you that)..it would be easy to second guess and say you shoudn't have waited 40 minutes,,but i'm sure you had alot of things racing thru your head..glad it worked out for all involved..especially the gent...kudos to the helper..

Thanks babe, no you never told me that, but how fantastic.

Believe me I was watching him like a hawk, his breathing was fine, kept wetting him down...he was sleeping as if he were drunk and when he would awake he wanted water, which he drank lots of.

Yes many things run through your head, thanks to Jenni for the phone conversations in the interim.

Next time I'll call you...wink wink Thanks sweetie!

I always fell like I’m in good hands when I’m with you, and what could be better than having Jenni as a back up. Now you guys go and enjoy some NY pizza and wine on me I’ll pay you for it when you return.
T

not a bad idea to take a cpr course. I'm sure for as much as I watch tv I would be able to do it! But good to have some more emergency medical knowledge!
Thank you for the tips! Hope it helps all of us!
Terri

Very good TK! You get the Poon Valley Citation of Merit. I hope the ladies and gents will learn from your example. You recognized there was a problem, gave  supportive care and were not afraid to seek help.
Your citation reads.....
For Merit in keeping your head instead of giving head!
New TER performance  score 9.11  "nearly the last in a life time"
Good job lady