That wasn't supposed to happen: a very close call.

[Ambersilva]

I don't usually talk about myself on the forum but yesterday had a very close call.

I decided to do some Christmas shopping by myself. So an hour after lunch I started browsing in a large department store. As I went up through the floors I became aware that the atmosphere was quite stuffy and after a few minutes I began to feel hot and clammy. I tested blood sugar to make sure it wasn't low but in fact it was too high. so gave a small correction bolus and decided to make for the cafe to get some water. I didn't make it. My vision started to disintegrate. I asked the staff where I could sit down. A chair quickly appeared but sitting down didn't help. By this time I was feeling dreadful.

The next thing I remember was being surrounded by store staff and the store First Aid person who had called the Paramedics. The Paramedics took a BS reading that was only slightly elevated and a blood pressure reading that was so low that I did not feel the cuff inflate. I suggested that perhaps it was not working so they tested again and the result was the same. They sprung into action to put me on the floor with my legs raised and conducted more BP readings while they waited for my BP to improve. When I felt better the only option was to agree to let the Paramedics take me to A&E for assessment and observation with an ECG, X-Ray and numerous blood tests. I was discharged later in the evening.

I can only say that the treatment I received from the NHS was superlative from the Paramedics who kept me talking and an efficient caring A&E team. The experience was a shock to me and my husband. All day today, my husband has been keeping a close eye on me. Oh the joys of being a Type One Diabetic!

 

[himtoo]

wow -- not a nice experience for you at all-- has anybody given a diagnosis ?-- or do you have any thoughts ?
reading your thread I was wondering if dehydration played a part ?

 

[azure]

How scary! I hope you're not too shaken up by that, and that whatever caused it doesn't ever happen again and was just a one off . X

 

[ann34+]

yes it could have been hydration related, best for older type ones to keep well hydrated even if don't feel thirsty, and always carry a bottle of still water around, as there may be a tendency to have slightly low sodium - that would have shown on the blood tests. Did you have a low pulse rate also? if it is diagnosed as syncope, there is probably a sheet of rules to follow on line. wearing support tights is one rule, and getting your head as near the ground as possible is another, even if it involves sitting on a pavement! i have had a few incidents - did not fully pass out, but still very scary, and led to my not feeling ok going out alone for ages. possibly could also have been a type of vestibular migraine as you were in a hot brightly lit area, and had eye changes - my own problems seemed linked, hope things sort out ok

 

[SWUSA_]

Wishing you a speedy recovery!

 

[Ambersilva]

Thanks for all the responses and good wishes.

The worst part of the experience was having to call my husband from the Ambulance to tell him where I was being taken and from where he could retrieve my car. The blood test revealed that Potassium levels were low and it is thought that I was probably dehydrated. I shall see my GP on Monday.

I shall certainly write to the store manager to praise the swift action of the staff in helping me and watching over me while they waited for the Paramedics. They even moved mobile display stands to shield me from public gaze.

 

[Robinredbreast]

Thanks for all the responses and good wishes.

The worst part of the experience was having to call my husband from the Ambulance to tell him where I was being taken and from where he could retrieve my car. The blood test revealed that Potassium levels were low and it is thought that I was probably dehydrated. I shall see my GP on Monday.

I shall certainly write to the store manager to praise the swift action of the staff in helping me and watching over me while they waited for the Paramedics. They even moved mobile display stands to shield me from public gaze.

So pleased you are now safe and sound, it's very scary. I have been so low and collapsed and they had to ring my teenager at home, she was very frightened, as I was, but the lovely paramedics picked her her from our house and took us both to the hospital, she then stayed the night with a school friend. Take care x

 

[ann34+]

Thanks for all the responses and good wishes.

The worst part of the experience was having to call my husband from the Ambulance to tell him where I was being taken and from where he could retrieve my car. The blood test revealed that Potassium levels were low and it is thought that I was probably dehydrated. I shall see my GP on Monday.

I shall certainly write to the store manager to praise the swift action of the staff in helping me and watching over me while they waited for the Paramedics. They even moved mobile display stands to shield me from public gaze.

Glad you are ok. Yes i was told that electrolyte imbalances (ie sodium/potassium out of sorts) were a common reason, my own case seems to be low sodium, but keeping well hydrated at all times seems to work at present for me - especially if the blood glucose is either a bit high or a bit low. Reading up on the issue it seems, if i have understood correctly, that older - 65 plus - people can have this tendency, especially when they are even very mildly unwell, and that having type one (i dont know about type 2) and/or hypothyroid diseases make electrolyte imbalances more likely. Please post any more information your GP etc gives - i have had a very worrying time myself, with not much information, and lots of tests.