What's your threshold for calling the ambulance? (possible trigger-intense symptoms)
Before I start, I'd like to say I'm going to be okay.
About a week ago, my symptoms (lightheadedness, fatigue, headache, etc.) started getting a lot worse, but I struggled through, even managing to go to school most days. Yesterday, about half-way through the school day, I passed out. It was brief, and I've certainly passed out before, but something was different this time. I felt like I had faded reality, and then I received a powerful jolt of adrenaline. Apologies to the anonymous friend whose shoulder I grabbed onto for dear life. I was able to walk down to the nurse's office, where I sat for about 10 minutes until I couldn't sit any longer. For the first 15 minutes of lying down, I was sure I'd get better soon enough. I took my meds and I waited. That's when the nurse left the room.
Had I not asked her to leave the door open, things might have gone very differently. I began to slip from reality again, losing feeling throughout my entire body. I was barely able to yell for help, which came in the form of a teacher. I was scared for my life. Each minute that passed was like an eternity, and I had to slam my fists onto the floor to keep semi-conscious. The teacher asked every few minutes if I needed more immediate medical attention (my mom was already on her way). I tend to be a rather stoic (and resilient, if I do say so myself) person, so I refused several times. Finally, my breathing was labored and my abdomen felt like it was being squeezed from every direction--I needed to go to the hospital.
So, my question to you all is: when do you call (or have someone else call) an ambulance? At what point are things bad enough?
I am glad you are OK, at least for now. It sounds like a very scary experience and good that your Mom was on her way. Your symptoms could be a lot of different causes. and we aren't supposed to give medical advice here, even if we have an opinion. A lot of us are medical professionals, but it would be unethical to offer that kind of advice in this setting. It seems like you may need a more thorough check up to get to the root of that happening and get proper treatment, but again- we are just here to listen and be a sounding board. You have to take the steps needed to get better. I can only suggest you take that step . Take care because all of here want the best for you, dear one.
While we shouldn't give medical advice it's totally okay to share from our own experiences.
@MusicCandy
@TCo
So to your question: "when do you call (or have someone else call) an ambulance? At what point are things bad enough? "
Before I started school or attend any longer lasting/repeating activities my legal guardians usually have a discussion with the teachers/adult who will be responsible for me throughout that time, to make sure they know when it is necessary to call an ambulance and when not. During these discussions the general rule of thumb usually is that if I am unresponsive or having a seizure for longer than 10-15 minutes (separately) or if I am responsive but under heavy pain/weakness/dissiness for longer than 20-25 minutes then they are told to get medical attention without my permission. Otherwise if I stop breathing, my lips turn blue, complain about chest pain, lungs tightening, or something new that I haven't experienced before then they call an ambulance and get medical attention as soon as possible (immediately).
Otherwise shorter period of absence/pain/seizures/fatigue etc. Don't usually require medical attention in my case as long as there is someone around who knows how to support/handle it. (Which is also taught in the discussions)
But these are my personal requirements and recommendations (given to me by my doctor) on how to deal with my issues and do not apply for everyone. So I recommend talking to your doctor and parents about what can be dealt with without medical attention and when the border is crossed and medical attention is necessary, as this can be different for anyone.
I'm glad you are doing alright and I hope things will get better in the near future <3
~Free Mookie 🍪 (Moose-cookie baked with extra love by moosey)
never i would call. even if unable to move for hours, in intense pain, large blood lost or having trouble to breathe
Why wouldnt you call? @vivelespatates
So sorry you had to go to hospital. I have Ehlers Danlos Syndrome so for me, i go if:
I have the flu and coughing up blood (that's my limit as it may be damage to my lungs)
If i think i have dislocated something and want an xray to check it out
If my chest pains are so severe i can barely breath or talk
In England for me it's pointless going if i'm in pain as my painkillers are as strong as anything in a hospital really.
@TCo
@ElanortheFair
What about England makes painkillers different/stronger? I'm very curious
Some countries will only prescribe certain medications from a hospital, for me the strongest i can have i already do have stored at home so that if i do have a fall or anything i have supplies ready. Other places they can be a little more restricted. Unfortunately we can't mention specific drug names on 7cups. @TCo
It's an interesting question. I do know my threshold for going to the hospital is actually higher than is recommended, I suspect it's the same for calling an ambulance.
I really don't know what would prompt me to call an ambulance with my chronic conditions. I have been in excruitating pain before but due to how I have been treated in the hospital in the past, I figured my suffering would only increase by going, at least at home I had constant access to ice, a numbing gel, pain meds, my bed and blankets, etc. I did see a doctor that time and she was more concerned about some eczema that actually wasn't even bad than the serious medical issue that I probably should have been in the hospital with.
If I felt a swell was interferring my breathing beyond just a discomfort level.
@AffyAvo
Sorry to hear that you haven't been treated nicely at hospitals. It's really important to receive the care you need, and being discouraged from seeking that care is definitely a negative. :(
I'm glad to know that you would reach out for help if necessary, though
