Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 Dirk, My father passed out in church last year, which earned him a ride to the hospital in an ambulance as a precaution. (Later at Dad's neurologist's office, I found out that the doc attends the same church, and remembered the ruckus it caused. Small world.) Dad's cardiologist adjusted his high blood pressure medication so that it would remain a bit higher, and that seems to have done the trick for now. Autonomic nervous system disfunction (the involuntary systems like digestion, blood pressure, etc) is common in LBD. Orthostatic hypotension (OH) is an excessive reduction in blood pressure upon standing and can cause fainting or dizziness, as it did in my dad's case when he was standing still in church. I have read that approximately 50% of LBD patients have OH, compared to only 5% of Parkinson's patients. So, between the OH and rigidity, falling is a definite risk for lots of LBD folks. The loss of driving is another tough one to swallow. My dad too was giving medications for a physical injury that restricted his driving. Medications clearly affected my dad's cognition, and he was not able to see the impact they had on him from his perspective. While the loss of independence is much more difficult than just an inconvenience, removing risk of injury (or worse) to you, your passengers, other drivers and pedestrians has to rule the day. Trust your doctor and family members on this subject. You will never regret it. All the best, > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 I'm sorry to hear that you had a fall - I hope you are feeling better very soon. That is very frustrating for you to not be able to drive, especially if you're in an area where you need to drive to get anywhere. I'd suggest getting a " Lifeline Medical Alert " . You know - the necklace goes around your neck and you just press a button if there's an accident. If for no other reason than to know you're safe, you should definitely do it. ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid decline from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. Update: on antidepressant Celexa, 20mg (still teary, but not as weepy) > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 Thankfully you didn't fracture anything but strained neck muscles must be very painful. Sorry to hear about your falling. My mom used to fall while she was still ambulatory. It was determined it was from blood pressure fluctuations. For a while we had her on a medication to raise her blood pressure and that seemd to help the blacking out. As well, while in her apartment she would wear a button to push for paramedic help if needed. Pushing it activated a speaker system. Someone at the receiving end would ask what was wrong and if able to talk, the person could tell them. If there was no answer, paramedics would arrive. I can't remember the name of the system but I assume you would have it in the States, as we do in Canada. I am sure losing the independence of driving is a real blow, but in your best interest. When Mom gave up her licence she said it was like grieving the loss of a friend. I am truly sorry for what you are going through. , Oakville Ont. Mom 92, 12 1/2 years " Parkinsons " 3 years ago LBD diagnosis, evident much longer in hindsight. Encouraged to give up her licence 6 years ago. Currently immobile, in tilt wheelchair, spoonfed pureed food. Spends most of days behind closed eyes. Eltroxin, Tylenol twice a day. -- In LBDcaregivers , Alan scott wrote: > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 My dear Dirk, Please make a downstairs room into a bedroom. You cannot take a chance on those stairs again. I understand the pain you are having about not being able to drive, because my husband is going through the same thing. I can feel his pain very much so. But, you don't ever want to be the cause of someone else's injury or death. You can have peace in knowing that you care enough not to do that to anyone. Your friend and admirer of your great strength, Imogene Caregiver for my True Texas Gentleman husband of 35 years. He has AD and possibly LBD, is Taking Aricept and Risperdal. Age 72 in May. In a message dated 4/3/2006 4:21:26 AM Central Daylight Time, balivehappy@... writes: I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. Your new member Dirk --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. [Non-text portions of this message have been removed] Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 I am so sorry to hear what happened to you yesterday. I think the 'black outs' happen as described in some LBD literature like sort of a lose consciousness state. My mother used to do those frequently, although she would feel herself going and sometimes we were able to get her to a couch fast enough (if she was up when it hit) so we could lay her down. It might last 20 minutes to an hour where she would not wake up. It seems to have stopped now, hasn't had one of those episodes in quite some time. If you need to be alone for several hours a day, I'm trying to remember the name of the unit my brother bought for my father, sort of an instrument to wear around that if you fell down or whatever, it would notify someone. I'll ask him about it and find out how it functioned. My father refused it so my brother took it back, but I'm sure he will remember. I hope you are able to find some comfort with the medications, although as you know, you need to be careful with them and whatever reaction they may have with LBD or other meds you are on. > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 The units that is referring to are often called " Lifeline " units or " Personal Emergency Response Systems " . Where I live, they are often available through the hospital (contact your hospital Social Work department) they will often set people up with these units when they go home and do not feel safe. There will likely be a installation fee and a monthly fee if the hospital or other medical facility is doing the setup. Also, locally where I live, there are units available through Radioshack that provide a similar service. I am less familiar with them, but understand that they work on the same principles. Often the service will notify, in order of your listing them, people that can come check on you, or notify 911 if none of these people answer or should it be a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack. This system would also require to you to have the 2-3 people that the service is trying to notify have house keys for entry to your home. I have also had clients who used the cell phone as well. Depends on availability and what has happened to you, could you actually dial, or is it simpler to just push one button. Hope that you find this helpful. Renae wrote: I am so sorry to hear what happened to you yesterday. I think the 'black outs' happen as described in some LBD literature like sort of a lose consciousness state. My mother used to do those frequently, although she would feel herself going and sometimes we were able to get her to a couch fast enough (if she was up when it hit) so we could lay her down. It might last 20 minutes to an hour where she would not wake up. It seems to have stopped now, hasn't had one of those episodes in quite some time. If you need to be alone for several hours a day, I'm trying to remember the name of the unit my brother bought for my father, sort of an instrument to wear around that if you fell down or whatever, it would notify someone. I'll ask him about it and find out how it functioned. My father refused it so my brother took it back, but I'm sure he will remember. I hope you are able to find some comfort with the medications, although as you know, you need to be careful with them and whatever reaction they may have with LBD or other meds you are on. > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 if you could find out the name of that alert device that is hung around the neck I would appreciate it. Dirk PS thanks for your words wrote: I am so sorry to hear what happened to you yesterday. I think the 'black outs' happen as described in some LBD literature like sort of a lose consciousness state. My mother used to do those frequently, although she would feel herself going and sometimes we were able to get her to a couch fast enough (if she was up when it hit) so we could lay her down. It might last 20 minutes to an hour where she would not wake up. It seems to have stopped now, hasn't had one of those episodes in quite some time. If you need to be alone for several hours a day, I'm trying to remember the name of the unit my brother bought for my father, sort of an instrument to wear around that if you fell down or whatever, it would notify someone. I'll ask him about it and find out how it functioned. My father refused it so my brother took it back, but I'm sure he will remember. I hope you are able to find some comfort with the medications, although as you know, you need to be careful with them and whatever reaction they may have with LBD or other meds you are on. > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 HI Dirk, Sorry about the fall and the pain you are feeling right now - hope it goes away fast. Is it too early to start talking about having someone come in and hang out with you for some or all of those 12 hours? that's a long time alone, no? - perhaps they can help around the house or drive you where you need to go (grocery shopping, doctor's) so that you don't have to give up your independence all together? Courage Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 3, 2006 Report Share Posted April 3, 2006 Thank you, Renae! You described it to a T. I wasn't able to reach my brother tonight, so I'm really glad you posted the info! It sounds like a good system, my dad was not ready for it yet, and he probably isn't. Sounds like a good thing though, maybe for Dirk, so you don't have to worry about what might happen if you are alone, help would come fairly quickly. > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. > I was told I cannot drive. > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > recommendations would be appreciated. > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Dirk, someone else posted it before I could get in touch with my brother and it was called a Lifeline Unit or Personal Emergency Response System. I'll see if I can find that email again and copy what she wrote in her email in my very next email so you don't have to go looking. > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. > I was told I cannot drive. > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > recommendations would be appreciated. > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Dirk, here's the rest of the info on that system called Lifeline: The units that is referring to are often called " Lifeline " units or " Personal Emergency Response Systems " . Where I live, they are often available through the hospital (contact your hospital Social Work department) they will often set people up with these units when they go home and do not feel safe. There will likely be a installation fee and a monthly fee if the hospital or other medical facility is doing the setup. Also, locally where I live, there are units available through Radioshack that provide a similar service. I am less familiar with them, but understand that they work on the same principles. Often the service will notify, in order of your listing them, people that can come check on you, or notify 911 if none of these people answer or should it be a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack. This system would also require to you to have the 2-3 people that the service is trying to notify have house keys for entry to your home. I have also had clients who used the cell phone as well. Depends on availability and what has happened to you, could you actually dial, or is it simpler to just push one button. Hope that you find this helpful. Renae > > > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in > a > > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a > possible > > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up > at > > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The > CT > > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain > killers. > > I was told I cannot drive. > > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do > not > > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left > alone > > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > > recommendations would be appreciated. > > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > > Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Renae this is so helpful thank you- Dirk wrote: Dirk, here's the rest of the info on that system called Lifeline: The units that is referring to are often called " Lifeline " units or " Personal Emergency Response Systems " . Where I live, they are often available through the hospital (contact your hospital Social Work department) they will often set people up with these units when they go home and do not feel safe. There will likely be a installation fee and a monthly fee if the hospital or other medical facility is doing the setup. Also, locally where I live, there are units available through Radioshack that provide a similar service. I am less familiar with them, but understand that they work on the same principles. Often the service will notify, in order of your listing them, people that can come check on you, or notify 911 if none of these people answer or should it be a life-threatening emergency such as a heart attack. This system would also require to you to have the 2-3 people that the service is trying to notify have house keys for entry to your home. I have also had clients who used the cell phone as well. Depends on availability and what has happened to you, could you actually dial, or is it simpler to just push one button. Hope that you find this helpful. Renae > > > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in > a > > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a > possible > > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up > at > > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The > CT > > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain > killers. > > I was told I cannot drive. > > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do > not > > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left > alone > > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > > recommendations would be appreciated. > > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > > Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 Thanks I feel I have enough info now to track it down God Bless all of you-Dirk wrote: Dirk, someone else posted it before I could get in touch with my brother and it was called a Lifeline Unit or Personal Emergency Response System. I'll see if I can find that email again and copy what she wrote in her email in my very next email so you don't have to go looking. > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. > I was told I cannot drive. > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > recommendations would be appreciated. > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > Great rates starting at 1¢/min. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 4, 2006 Report Share Posted April 4, 2006 dirk there is a life alert that is great that you push a button and then you can talk to someone who can call your son, the ambulance, etc, janet c do you have the phone number still hugs sharon m Date: 2006/04/03 Mon AM 05:08:22 EDT To: lbdcaregivers Subject: Fell yesterday I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. Your new member Dirk --------------------------------- Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 When I was googling for you, I noticed there are two - you should go with " Lifeline " because I read there are consumer complaints about " Life Alert " - see below: Plus - " Lifeline " has a better website - when a website isn't as professional I question how professional the company is - see for yourself: Life Alert: http://www.lifealert.com/ Lifeline: http://www.lifelinesys.com/ And here are the consumer report complaints about Life Alert: http://www.consumeraffairs.com/age/lifealert.html http://www.consumeraffairs.com/age/lifealert_responds.html So go with " Lifeline " > > > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. > Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I > woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was > there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my > neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a > neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible > fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at > the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT > Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck > muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. > I was told I cannot drive. > > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we > live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not > have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone > 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously > hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my > cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or > recommendations would be appreciated. > > Your new member Dirk > > > > > > --------------------------------- > > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. > Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 5, 2006 Report Share Posted April 5, 2006 A note on getting SS disability. We finally went to lawyer, and he got it for us with no problem. The Lawyer didn't cost much. SS will do all they can to stall, just out wait you. My husband has had two open heat surgeries, and dementia, so he qualified, and we knew it. Imogene In a message dated 4/5/2006 4:05:37 PM Central Daylight Time, jchristensen1953@... writes: If you are not able to work at all, can you apply for Social Security disability. I know it takes a long time and lots of paperwork, but they should be able to do something for you. My nephew's wife, who is a long ways from 65, has Multiple Sclerosis, and he just recently was able to get her on SSDI benefits, as she now no longer can work. You might check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 It may have been just a quirk of our local SS office. Some staff members love to " make rules, " and let the paper work lay on their desk. I know that for a fact. Imogene In a message dated 4/6/2006 11:28:27 AM Central Daylight Time, balivehappy@... writes: I got social security disability on my first try and was approved in 90 days. Go for it. I did not use an attorney. Dirk Iward27663@... wrote: A note on getting SS disability. We finally went to lawyer, and he got it for us with no problem. The Lawyer didn't cost much. SS will do all they can to stall, just out wait you. My husband has had two open heat surgeries, and dementia, so he qualified, and we knew it. Imogene Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 6, 2006 Report Share Posted April 6, 2006 I got social security disability on my first try and was approved in 90 days. Go for it. I did not use an attorney. Dirk Iward27663@... wrote: A note on getting SS disability. We finally went to lawyer, and he got it for us with no problem. The Lawyer didn't cost much. SS will do all they can to stall, just out wait you. My husband has had two open heat surgeries, and dementia, so he qualified, and we knew it. Imogene In a message dated 4/5/2006 4:05:37 PM Central Daylight Time, jchristensen1953@... writes: If you are not able to work at all, can you apply for Social Security disability. I know it takes a long time and lots of paperwork, but they should be able to do something for you. My nephew's wife, who is a long ways from 65, has Multiple Sclerosis, and he just recently was able to get her on SSDI benefits, as she now no longer can work. You might check it out. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2006 Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 Thought of you when I read something in " Learning to Speak Alzheimers " . Here it is: " Early one morning, Steve looked out his window on the 2nd floor landing. The day was going to be beautiful. He smiled as he felt the warm sunshine on his face, then he took two steps forward and toppled headfirst down a flight of stairs. An early-stage Alzheimers patient, Steve was having trouble distinguishing depth and contrast, and he did not see the stairwell's empty space. That afternoon Steve's son, Tom, laid strings of white Christmas lights against the wall along one side of the stairs,outlining each step, and installed an overhead light to illuminate the stairwell. A timer automatically turned on all the lights at 3 PM and shut them off at 9 AM. Tom also painted the stairwell yellow to contrast the white walls of the upstairs hall. Tom smoothly altered the environment to solve a potentially hazardous situation without resorting to safety gates or moving Steve to a downstairs room. " Hope the info above helps. And by the way, the book " Learning to Speak Alzheimers " is FULL of useful information like above (by Joanne Koenig Coste) - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid decline from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. Update: on antidepressant Celexa, 20mg (still teary, but not as weepy) > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest guest Posted April 19, 2006 Report Share Posted April 19, 2006 victoria, i am so happy you are sharing these wonderful tings you have found and thank you for sending me the reminscing boxes, i saved it too, thanks again, hugs sharon Date: 2006/04/19 Wed AM 06:57:48 EDT To: LBDcaregivers Subject: Re: Fell yesterday Thought of you when I read something in " Learning to Speak Alzheimers " . Here it is: " Early one morning, Steve looked out his window on the 2nd floor landing. The day was going to be beautiful. He smiled as he felt the warm sunshine on his face, then he took two steps forward and toppled headfirst down a flight of stairs. An early-stage Alzheimers patient, Steve was having trouble distinguishing depth and contrast, and he did not see the stairwell's empty space. That afternoon Steve's son, Tom, laid strings of white Christmas lights against the wall along one side of the stairs,outlining each step, and installed an overhead light to illuminate the stairwell. A timer automatically turned on all the lights at 3 PM and shut them off at 9 AM. Tom also painted the stairwell yellow to contrast the white walls of the upstairs hall. Tom smoothly altered the environment to solve a potentially hazardous situation without resorting to safety gates or moving Steve to a downstairs room. " Hope the info above helps. And by the way, the book " Learning to Speak Alzheimers " is FULL of useful information like above (by Joanne Koenig Coste) - HIGHLY RECOMMENDED ; loving daughter of Maureen of Boston, MA; finally diagnosed with LBD on 2/06 after also being diagnosed with everything from AD to Vascular Dementia caused by mini strokes to Binswengers...; was victim to rapid decline from Risperidone (or combination of Risperidone with other drugs OR possibly received another " bad drug " when she was observed/tested in a hospital in 10/05); in a NH since 11/05. Update: on antidepressant Celexa, 20mg (still teary, but not as weepy) > > I have had periods where I briefly black-out and fall down. Yesterday I blacked out while walking down a flight of stairs. I woke up at the bottom of the stairs dazed and confused. My son was there to help me and get me to the emergency room as I injured my neck and collar bone. The emergency room doc immediately put me in a neck collar. The x-rays showed no broken collar bone but a possible fracture of the neck. Needless to say I was scared as I looked up at the ceiling. The doctor ordered a CT Scan for a better look. The CT Scan showed negative for a fracture. I severely strained my neck muscles and am in alot of pain for which they gave me pain killers. I was told I cannot drive. > This hit me hard as I now have lost my independence. Also we live in a two story house with a flight of thirteen stairs. I do not have any warning as to when I am going to blackout. I am left alone 12 hours a day. This could be dangerous if I fall and am seriously hurt. I am looking for solutions. One idea I had was to carry my cell phone on my body at all times. Anyother solutions or recommendations would be appreciated. > Your new member Dirk > > > --------------------------------- > Talk is cheap. Use Yahoo! Messenger to make PC-to-Phone calls. Great rates starting at 1 & cent;/min. > > Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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