Three weeks ago, I wrote a blog post here on Inspired by Life about taking time to breathe. I’d hit a rare, strangely unfamiliar period where I actually had time to relax and simply enjoy the summer.
© Maglara / Dollar Photo Club
But August rolled in and, as I shared on my Robin Lee Hatcher blog, I suddenly had a full calendar again. I’m proofing pages for my next release, I’m delighted to be working on a couple of big website projects, my fall term college classes are about to kick into gear, and more. And eventually I’ll know what writing project will be next in line.
It all seemed such important stuff.
Then last week happened.
On Thursday, I had a wellness doctor appointment in the morning. Soon after I returned home, my husband Jerry, who had been in bed for a couple of days, not feeling well at all, got up to get something to eat. I won’t go into all that happened but to say he was disoriented and confused would be a mild description. After a while, it was obvious this man was in more than a little distress. I tried to get him to get in the car so I could take him to the doctor, but he refused to cooperate. A few more attempts at persuasion failed, and I finally dialed 911.
Nothing like six young men with a slew of medical equipment, confidence, and caring words crowding into your bedroom to make you feel a little less helpless and afraid.
Turns out Jerry’s blood pressure was so low it was “barely high enough to sustain life,” according to one EMT. Along with the low blood pressure was a racing pulse, which I’m told is an odd combination. The EMTs had to do some determined persuading to get Jerry off the bed and onto the gurney and on his way to the ER, but they succeeded where I had failed.
God bless EMTs!
I grabbed my laptop to take to the hospital with me so I could send out requests for prayer to friends via emails and Facebook. And we felt those prayers.
God bless praying friends, readers, and complete strangers!
Turns out, two medications were probably the culprits for the low BP, and the confusion/disorientation was severe dehydration.
God bless all the medical professionals who piled into his room and got him stabilized.
I am SO thankful to God for those dehydration symptoms because without them, who knows what would have happened. It could have turned out so differently. After an overnight stay in ICU, Jerry was home and 48 hours after that, he had energy that he hasn’t felt in months. Obviously the problem has been building ever since he was put on the second of those two medications. We just hadn’t realized the cause or extent of the lethargy he felt.
Let me tell you, although I did some work items during those hours at the hospital, it was to take my mind off what was happening, not because they seemed important. Only one thing mattered: Getting Jerry well and home again.
Priorities really do become evident at a time like that.
~robin
Robin Lee Hatcher
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Thanks for sharing this testimony! We don’t know what tomorrow will bring, or even the next hour, but with GOD…(my heart is filled w/ gratitude for you!)
GOD IS SO FAITHFUL! HE IS a Friend that sticketh closer than a brother…HE IS the One who controls the universe and knows the deepest needs & desires of our hearts!
GOD BLESS YOU & JERRY!
What a scare, Robin! So glad it turned out well.
Praise God! It’s amazing how God works isn’t it? He used the dehydration symptoms to motivate you to call 911 which then led to the discovery of BP and racing heart rate which then led to the discovery of the effect the two medicines were having on his body. I’m so glad to hear that he’s feeling better than he has in some time. God bless!
Oh wow! How scary. I’m so glad your husband is all right and the cause was found and treatable. So true that these experiences crystallize what is important.
Praise the Lord that that story ended well! Give him big hugs from all of your readers . . . if we have to wait a little longer for a new book, that’s just fine . . . we’ll share you (for a little while)! 😉
So thankful Jerry has improved so much, Robin! I pray that he is able to find new medications that will keep him healthy without these awful complications.
So glad he’s doing better!!
So glad to hear that he is doing much better!
So very glad that help was given when you needed it and that prayers were answered. Continue to enjoy and savor your time with Jerry.
Oh, Robin. So glad it turned out as it did. Thank God.
I’m SO thankful Jerry received the medical help he needed and he’s doing well now. I am sure that was so scary for you, Robin. As soon as I saw your facebook post about needing prayer, I began praying (along with many other folks, I’m certain). I hope and pray you’ll both continue doing well and enjoy the remainder of this summer. 🙂
Hugs, Patti Jo