Communication

I recently had a lesson in school where the instructor was trying to stress how important language and communication are.

Honestly, I thought I had learned the lesson that he was teaching and was ready to go on, but alas the good Lord was about to open my eyes and show me how arrogant I had been.

A week ago I had a stint placed in my ureter (the tube that runs from your kidney to your bladder) and all seemed to go well. The same day of my operation I went to class and went on as if nothing ever happened.

Tuesday morning; however, I was in more pain than I have ever felt in my life. I am not normally a weak person who lets pain win. I have stood the test been beaten down by my ex, ran over by my ex, ran over by a Santa sleigh, and endured having my rotator cuff cut open without batting an eye or shedding a tear.

This was different though. The pain I felt left me hysterical, unable to communicate, and wanting to literally die. I begged my mom and the doctors in the emergency room to kill me. Honestly, that is the only thing I could say.

My mother was my saving grace. She is the one who reported my medical history, allergies, and all the important information to the hospital staff. If it had not been for her then there would be no way that the hospital would have known that I am highly allergic to morphine and I would not be here today.

I wanted to post this to stress the importance of having everything you need in a medical emergency written down before hand. To help others be prepared in case they face the same fate that I did.

It is something rather easy to do, but often times over looked and thought of as unnecessary. Simply write on a piece of paper what medications you are currently taking, the dosage amounts and how often. Any previous medical conditions, and your allergies.

Place this paper in your purse, wallet, or something that you carry everyday next to your ID. This is free and in the end a little measure that may just save a life.

--Sher

Thank you for the insight into a problem that could be avoided with merely information.
I had a thought....don't know if it could work or not. Perhaps people with allergies or medical conditions could simply have a med alert on their I.D. or drivers license so that in case of this happening or an accident they would know what not to administer or perhaps what the problem may be to beging with. Just a thought but then I am not sure if other states have implemented this but Georgia doesn't have anything like this in place

Actually that works if the person is not already taking alot of medication. Sadly, I am one of those who would need three or more med alerts for all my medications and to simply explain why I take all those meds.

The goal is not only to alert the physicians of what you are allergic to, but also what you are taking and why you take it so they do not give you some medication that can cross with each other leaving you dead from a fatal combination overdose.

--Sher

Good advice.

Thought I would take the time to read that, and regret losing such valuable minutes of my life. However, this was good advice, and I completely agree.

Outstanding advice you're giving Sherry, when I was in my car accident, I was rushed to the emergency room, and like you said in your post, I was unable to communicate, I was in a state of shock, etc. etc. but lucky for me, I am not allergic to anything, but I highly advice people to take this seriously for it is a very serious matter.

Peace, Joe

Thanks guys ... I am glad to pass on my horrid experience in hopes to help even just one person!

--Sher

Bump