It is getting closer to that one-month mark since my last severe intestinal Hereditary Angioedemic attack, resulting in 9 hours of constant vomiting.
Since these attacks, as well as several other vomiting attacks, have occurred so frequently, I needed to make a few pro-active changes.
I always have the necessary medication, a puke bucket, and my phone within arm's reach (or just a few steps). But as of tonight, I have:
1. An updated medical history list (I usually update it every few months or when there is a new allergy, a new medication, a medication change, or a new diagnosis).
2. A 'hospital check list' that is posted on my refrigerator near the door. It includes medical info, lock Decker in his kennel, medic-alert jewelry, purse, keys, identification, a novel, my phone, a phone charger, socks or slippers, and a sweater or jacket, plus a few other key items.
3. There is a notice taped to my door that reads: "If you are paramedics that have been called, the door is unlocked, please come right in as I may not be capable of reaching the door."
Luckily for me, my attacks give me a few minutes in between vomiting where I can manage to unlock the door before I become too weak to do so, and to also get my dog in his kennel. These things are always done LONG before I end up calling an ambulance - since that is very much a last resort.
4. I always make sure that I have pudding, bottled water, Gatorade, Boost, and some soups in my house in case I can't get help and I am stuck on my own after a hospital visit and need to be on fluids.
The next attack (if I even have one this month) should not occur for another few days. Hopefully I won't have one at all. With that said, it is always nice to be completely prepared.
I wonder how many people out there have similar 'check lists'... I know for a fact that many people have similar routines to mine before paramedics arrive, such as grabbing a blanket and a pillow to sleep on the bathroom floor, to attempt taking anti-nausea and specific pain medication in between vomiting to try and get those down to dull/slow/stop the episode, and many other smaller tricks to make the time go as smoothly and efficiently as possible - for myself and for the paramedics.
Being prepared can make things much easier. Even if it is a little depressing that it happens often enough to have a note on my door for paramedics....
I feel old.