DKA?

[ljmc]

Well I have been a diabetic since 2001. Never been in hospital for my diabetes in all that time. I was working a late shift on Tuesday and threw up. Thought it was just a one off. Did it again about an hour before closing (I work in a shop) Got home and shook it off as something I ate. Wish hadn't. Spent all night ill to the point of being dizzy and throwing up blood. Rang for an ambulance which surprisingly took a minute to pick me up. Dragged into emergency for an hour, then resuscitation for 3 hours. Finally taken to acute medical until 1am Thursday they moved me to a ward. In all the time I was there I only saw a diabetic specialist once for a quick chat. Given pills for my stomach whilst in and that was that. Every hour woken up for bloods, obs etc but did not see anyone else. Even my nurse who was looking after quiet a few people admitted she leaves the diabetics to their own management. Kicked me out with discharge papers after a diabetic nurse saw me. Turns out I was asleep and she read some notes. As I was leaving I had to wait in the day room for my lift and found our that another patient was waiting for the very bed I left. Left like I was kicked out for not being sick enough. No idea why I went DKA. Still feel shocking and my throat is burned by all the acid. Can't really eat much nor drink as it hurts to swallow. Anyone else been turfed out with a piece of paper and no explanation? Aparently my diabetes team will be in touch. Whenever.

 

[Tylers73]

Yes I was diagnosed in July 2014 spent most my time in itu. Soon as I was walking goodbye

 

[noblehead]

How awful for you @ljmc

Can't stress enough how important it is to test your ketone levels when bg is high or your feeling unwell, make sure you get your Dr to add ketone strips to your prescription if you haven't already. Hope your throat gets better soon.

 

[ljmc]

Thank you. I have ketone strips. What ever happened just came out of no where. I guess I should of checked my ketones the second I got home. Still trying to figure out what happened. Was controlled, not eaten a funky takeaway, no cold or flu. If my blood is going to turn to acid at least I want the ability to claim walls and spit it at people :-D

 

[SamFergusson]

Hi @ljmc
I'm sorry to hear about your experience! That must have been terrifying & so frustrating too!!
I had a DKA when I was about 19 & it was the most horrific experience of my life. I was in a coma & it was so bad my parents were called to my bedside to say goodbye as the doctors didn't think I would make it through the night.
I remember being in ICU for a few days & even with 1 nurse per patient my Mum was outraged when I was given cornflakes with a layer of sugar on for my first breakfast after coming out of my coma.
Once transferred to the ward I was pretty much left to sort myself out, I remember being interviewed by a few student doctors but I don't remember any diabetic specialists talking to me in any depth.
My DKA was brought on by having gastroenteritis, so I'm always anxious when I am unwell just in case it spirals into another DKA.
I hope you get the info you need to help you avoid that situation in the future