My husband who won’t stop drinking, I’m thinking he is dying. He will NOT go to the hospital or paramedics. He has been sleeping about every 20 mins so deep he does not hear anything, however tonight I helped him go to the restroom where he fell asleep on toilet and then got him up and dressed, his pee was very little and very dark. His stomach is extended and he has a hernia about the size of a cantaloupe coming out his umbilical. So since about 12:30 this afternoon, he has been sleeping without getting up, I think he is going to get up but still hasn’t, he won’t talk unless I say I’m calling the paramedics he will say No very loudly. His hands and feet are very cold, but his middle is warm, he is sweating on his forehead and neck. His hands are darkish in color and his arms have splotches up and down. He also moves his arms up and down, grabbing the pillow and clasping his hands together.
Good luck!
I would also request a psychiatric evaluation once he is there. He is to young to be so apathetic and he needs help to get back amongst the living.
As to whether or not he knows you're there, from what my sister told me and depending on what meds are used, he can be aware that you're there. When my father was intubated and in ICU for about 3 weeks, I visited regularly, played CDs and sang to him.
He was on a monitor which showed among other things, his brain activity. One of the nurses observed it and said he knew I was there, as brain activity increased when I visited.
You might also privately raise with them the fact that alcohol is involved. There may be a way they can take him to the ER, even if he refuses, b/c of the dangerous potential of alcohol, in combination with the negative physical signs he's displaying.
And the fact seems to be that he's unaware of his condition, raising the issue of whether or not he's cognizant enough to make decisions on his own behalf.
I don't recall the details, but have some recollection that in addition to a psych hold, there used to be a temporary hold for evaluation if someone was unable to make his/her own decisions. That's just a recollection from a long time ago; ask EMS when you call about that kind of temp hold, which might help get him straightened out enough that he's literally not on the verge of death.
I feel badly for you; it's really upsetting when someone is in such danger but won't accept help.
Also someone below said he might not be aware enough to give or withhold consent. Get them there. If he does die, you're want to at least have called them.
Please keep us updated on what happens. As someone else said below, we'll all be worrying now. Good luck!
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