's health

[Guest guest]

Well, it had been several months since had one of his " spells " . I'd

forgotten how bad they could be. But he had one this week.

The spells involve cold, copious sweats, nausea and vomiting, abdominal

pain, and general weakness and pain. The nausea and vomiting usually lasts

about 12-18 hours (this time was about 18 or 20 hours) and are nearly

constant. Every time he takes some Gatorade or water he throws it right back

up.

For almost two days he felt like death was near. He was giving me

instructions about the disposition of his body, etc. Last night he said he

wasn't sure he'd make it through the night. To me this spell seemed pretty

typical of what he's experienced before, but he felt hopeless, like this was

the end of his life.

When I got up this morning, I found out he'd just scrubbed the kitchen

floor. Go figure. He's in better spirits and feeling much better this

evening. Thank heavens.

He refused to let me take him to the emergency room. He doesn't like our HMO

and wants to be treated at the VA hospital. I can't figure that out since I

don't perceive the VA as having particularly great care, and I don't think

from what I've read that he qualifies for them to treat him.

I wish we (or his doctors) could figure out what causes his spells and

figure out how to put an end to them. So far neither he nor I has been able

to figure out what brings them on. The nausea doesn't yield to any of the

usual prescription or OTC anti-nausea meds.

Anyway, thank goodness he feels better. We plan to catch up on rest this

weekend, then on Monday we'll go to the VA and see if he's eligible for

treatment there.

Cheers!

Dorothy