Wednesday, March 2, 2005

Recuperate with Me -- Postscript

     Just when I considered myself on the mend enough to eat normally, I got a shock.  At supper I took a bite of sweet gherkin pickle and WHAM, my windpipe shut solid.  I couldn't breathe.  I was terrified and choking.  The pickle didn't seem IN my windpipe, but still I couldn't breathe. 

   My tablemate, Anita,  saw my distress and whacked me on the back, and that made me gasp and gave me a tiny bit of air. And then in tiny desperate gasps I got going again.  I had tears in my eyes and I had wet my pants. 

   A caregiver wheeled me to my room, and helped me find my inhaler.  I used the inhaler and washed the pickle remnants from my mouth.  I used the bathroom. 

   Then I went back to supper, slowly, and had some broth for supper, but no pickle.  I had a normal evening with cards, tv, and computer, but was afraid to go to bed.  Finally I retired and lay gingerly on the bed.

   I slept the night straight through and got myself up in the morning and dressed.  So far it seems like a normal day.  Let's hope that this is the final installment of Recuperate with Me.     

 

8 comments:

Anonymous said...

How frightening Chuck.  What an awful experience to have to go through.  I`m glad you are ok though.  Just one day at a time.  You are doing so well in your recuperation and we are all with you...... Take care,  Sandra xxx

Anonymous said...

That must have been terrifying and uncomfortable. Better keep that inhaler with you for a while--and stay away from pickles. - Karen

Anonymous said...

Geez! I wonder why that happened? How awful. Please take it easy for just a bit longer. But good for you that you went right back to play cards and all. That's the spirit.

Anonymous said...

Chuck I'm so sorry, I hate choking stuff.  I think it made you anxious and than you freaked out thats what I do.  I always make the situation worse.  Funny how important breathing is to us huh lol lol. Well it's a beautiful day here today I'll send you a pic later.....blue skies and the trees are such a great color of green, after their soaking. Love Debi

Anonymous said...

Oh dear! That indeed sounds scary.. Are you sure you havent maybe developed some food allergies or perhaps the medication you are on is reacting to certain foods also?? I hope it doesnt happen ever again! Feel better!! *hugs*Mel

Anonymous said...

Scary situation. I don't like those little ole' pickles anyway. Keep your chin up and get better every day. Paula

Anonymous said...

Whew! I had my throat close up on me when I ate macadamia nuts on an airplane one time. Totally scary (never knew I was alergic). Take it easy and stay away from foods that are too tangy or strong flavored for a while. :-/

Anonymous said...

hi chuck, that is awful! i agree with the previous comment, stay away from "irritating" foods for a while... no beef jerky for you! take care, and i still pray for you...
sara