Scary day in the ER yesterday.

[CTyankee]

Hubby woke with a distended belly, saying he couldn't pee. A quick call to his doc's office at 8:30 am, they telling us to get to the ER NOW.

Lucky for us we live not too far away from Yale New Haven Hospital, one of the best. hospitals you can have near you. Also lucky: their ER was relatively quiet at the moment we came (it got busier at the end of our visit).

I had quickly googled hubby's situation and got the same message: GET TO THE ER NOW!

The ER doc and excellent staff showed me what I HAD TO DO later, before hubby went down for the night. We had ample staff who gave us unhurried attention. They contacted our doc's office and informed them of what was being done. I am the worst person in the world with anything mechanical but I do have a steady hand.

Hubby and I were able to successfully switch hubby's urine bag for the night.

He is still asleep as I write. We have the necessary bags and will switch the bags back and go first thing to doc's office for the follow up later this morning.

Fortunately, we have our housekeeper coming today. She is the BEST when it comes to helping out in a bad situation. I was able to speak to her last evening and tell her what the situation is.

Any of you medical folks here at DU, chime in. Not for advice, of course, but any experience you have had with a similar situation and can share.

Meanwhile, I hope this story helps anyone who might face this situation in the future.

[multigraincracker]

1. My wife, an RN has saved my life several times.

Wasn’t feeling good and thought I had COVID. She made me go to the ER and turned out to be sepsis. Got there in time.
Another time I told her I was really tired. She took my pulse and rushed me to the ER again. My pulse was 25 beats a minute. Came out with a pacemaker. Could have stroked out if I had just gone back to sleep.

[CTyankee]

2. I don't believe in the hand of fate but that sure was fortunate for you in that instance.

I dunno what to tell anybody. I can say that living in a progressive, Democratic city increases the chances that you will have better outcomes. So I am grateful that I live in New Haven with such a great institution and its wonderful hospital. I hate it when my neighbor complains about the high taxes here. Part of those taxes doubtless helped care for my husband and he is up and functioning this morning!

[multigraincracker]

18. I'm the luckiest man in the world. Half of it good luck and half of it bad luck.

[Scrivener7]

3. I'm glad it came out well for you, and that you have good support around.

But that's so stressful. Give yourself a rest as soon as you can.

[CTyankee]

19. I'm fine. We are both exhausted. His from having this disability so suddenly and me as his caregiver.

the whole issue of "caregiver stress" is one of interest to me. When I get a chance I'll research it further. But the advice "give yourself a break" is really hard to do and stressful in even thinking about how you'll do it.

[Scrivener7]

20. Having been a caregiver at times, I get it. A bit of time off is essential, even if it's just an afternoon.

Maybe you can ask the housekeeper if you can bump up her responsibilities for an afternoon or two each week, and negotiate some compensation for that if you can afford it?

Even just knowing a break is coming can make a big difference.

[CTyankee]

21. I am planning to do this. Next up: a PEDICURE! My toenails are way too long but it's a matter of money.

I can get one for $55 and can probably work it with my budget for next week...hopefully

[Scrivener7]

22. Perfect! But if your insurance is good, maybe a podiatrist can cut them down for only a copay.

[magicarpet]

4. Oh my,... medical emergencies can certainly be harrowing experiences.

You seem to be right on top of the issue. Hope his health stabilizes and he mends and heals.

[Diamond_Dog]

5. Good for you, CTyankee. You have a level head and good instincts.

Your hubby was very lucky you were there to take care of the situation. Thank goodness too for top notch ER care so close. Not to say it’s not scary and stressful! You did great. I wish you both all the best.

[JMCKUSICK]

6. I'm so glad things worked out well CTyankee

[irisblue]

7. Can your doctors office arrange for a paramedic or RN to check him over the weekend?

[CTyankee]

8. good idea. We had a visiting nurse help me out after one of my hospitalizations. It was a great thing and I felt secure

safe and well cared for, without too much "dislocation" of things.

[niyad]

9. So glad that you and hubby got such good care and attention. I hope you can

both recover and rest a bit today. Please keep us posted.

[AllaN01Bear]

10. i had to have a foley catheter installed twice in my life .

20 years ago forr # 1 . just after last christmas for # 2 just got it out. when at home i used the night bag exclusivly. on the road i used the leg bag. both painful. leg bag i had to plan every step in advance .
night bag allowed me to sleep 8 hours . be glad u r there for him and not a single person like me . got # 2 out a few weeks ago. freedom.wore bag # 1 for a year , wore bag # 2 for six months. my lastt urologist who is deceased , said , " if you cant void in 6 hours get to the e.r . STAT. i goto by ambulance as i dont drive.

[hamsterjill]

11. Goodness! Medical emergencies are the worst.

I'm glad you had a good outcome, and yes, you are fortunate to live somewhere that provides good care. I live outside of San Antonio, and we have good quality medical nearby. I am always grateful to know that.

Wishing you and hubby an uneventful weekend, and hoping that you both rest, recover and refresh.

[LiberalLoner]

12. I'm so sorry you went through that, but glad your quick wits and excellent medical care, provided a good outcome.

Praying things will be okay from now on. 🙏🙏🙏💙💙💙

[CTyankee]

14. Oh, that's very nice of you. Thank you!

[LiberalLoner]

16. 💙💙💙

[iluvtennis]

13. Sending positive vibes.

[JustABozoOnThisBus]

15. I had something similar ten years ago.

I had the Foley catheter for a few months, the big bag for sleeping, and the smaller thigh-strapped bag for daily activity. With the thigh bag, I was able to hike and walk a golf course, but no tennis or any other running.

After that, I "graduated" to single-use self-inserted catheters every few hours, so activity improved to include tennis.

With no improvement in "un-catheterated" flow, I had to get my prostate operated on. Big improvement, though there have been a few prostate operations since, to look for cancer. So far, so good. And, much appreciation for heath insurance.

Best of luck to both of you.

[CTyankee]

17. I completely forgot about prostate issues in the heat of the moment. I'll mention it to hubby...