H continues improved, no more 'dementia' symptoms. But today he wanted to go to the hospital, suspecting a small stroke. At the ER they would not let him have even a glass of water, much less food. We told them he is diabetic and had not eaten for hours. They promised to bring a 'box lunch' but it never showed up. At every step or request for anything, it was 'we'll ask the doctor' -- then the person would disappear and never come back. He wanted to take his own insulin (pen inject) but they said "WE never give insulin under X BG."
This was not a big city ER with a lot of drama. During the hours we were there, only two other patients came into the area. Several pretty nurses had time to pop in and out several times to pet his cute service dog.* Maybe we should have nagged each one every time?
This sort of thing has happened at other hospitals. He is in ER for hours not allowed any food or drink. No real reason for it, just 'policy says we have to ask the doctor' and they never get back. Sometimes one of them eventually apologizes and says it was seriously wrong of them.
In his own medical purse/kit he has his own insulin pen; morn/noon/evening/night meds (heart stuff, anti-depressant, etc). No drink to take his meds with. After many requests, a nurse brought him some crackers. Luckly he carries 'jerky' sausages in his kit too. With that, he dared to give himself an insulin shot. Finally later anohter nurse brought him a 'box lunch' with a surprisingly good cold sandwich.
I guess I need to keep another emergency hospital kit in both cars, with picnic food, drink, cell phone charger, etc. Stuff he doesnt' want to clutter his kit with. Trouble is, he doesn't want the car 'clulttered' either. Duh. Have a little briefcase at home packed with such stuff, including underwear etc, but forgot to take it today; I didn't think they would want to keep him.
It just seems weird that we would have to sneak this stuff in. Dunno what would happen if they caught him using or eating what he brought himself.
I know in some cases, maybe as default, these restrictions would be reasonable. But in his case the restrictions are a big problem. How do other diabetics deal with this?
* His service dog is a medical alert who tells him when his blood sugar is too high or too low, so it is okay for people to pet the dog.
He was kept in the hospital for 2 nights for tests. He just called and said:
"The verdict was a small stroke, and no more rice."
Me: "No more rice?! Why not?"
Him: "No more MRI's. Because of the pacemaker."
I would not take insulin if all I had to eat was a few crackers, and I don't think jerky would add enough carbs to change that.
The fact is that managing diabetes can be complicated and I don't blame the ER for not wanting a patient to eat or use insulin until the doctor has evaluated the situation. Presumably there may be something seriously wrong -- that is why the person is in ER after all -- and it is unknown at this point what the treatment may require. You thought you knew what it might be and you thought food wouldn't interfere with the treatment (and you may have been right) but they really have to have a professional opinion,
I accompanied a young man who had attempted suicide to an ER. He kept hollering for water. No one would give him any until the doctor saw him. It may seem cruel but the rules are intended for the patient's safety. This man was miserable for a few hours, but he did survive -- which was the goal of the ER.
If the dog can sense high or low blood sugar levels, I'd wait for the dog's reaction. H was in a great place that could have quickly dealt with either situation, if it arose. Or, not having a dog, I would take my own blood sugar reading with my meter, and if it was approaching a dangerous number I'd call in the nurse at that point. Unless it was at a danger point, I'd relax and wait for the doctor.
I try to avoid ER for myself or my loved ones, but sometimes it is the best (or only) option. I accept that the experience is not likely to be pleasant. I accept that the rules might not seem to apply.
The last 5 times in an ER (with other people) the wait to be seen was less than half an hour. What really puzzles me in this post is why the wait was so long for a suspected TIA. Were they dealing with a major traffic accident that came in just before you? Was their regular ER doctor sick and they had to find someone else? Just what was going on?
Woops, I tried to click "Helpful Answer" and hit "Report this Post" instead! That's how tired I am.
It's not like one long wait. It's several nurses who come in, promise to do something -- then never come back. Actuallly the doctor showed up soon after we arrived, talked with H, sent him for a scan, etc. Naturally reading the scan etc would take a while.
The ER has reasons to tell you not to do something, but you never got an answer. Sometimes we have to forget our "nice girl" training to take care of our loved ones or ourselves. Yes, ask again every time the nurse comes in. Yes, follow the nurse out and politely inquire when she will ask the doctor and when you may expect a reply. Obviously, if every room is filled with screaming bloody patients, you sit down and shut up. If they don't seem busy, become a squeaking wheel.
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