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Original poster

DH has sweet smelling breath, and bedroom smells

419 replies

QuickNC789 · 07/05/2021 08:42

I noticed last night when I got home from work that DH’s breath smells very sweet. I also noticed it again this morning when he kissed me before going to work.

This morning our bedroom smells exactly like when you’ve been drinking the night before and wake up and you can smell the alcohol in the room.

I’ve read before that a pear drops smell could be a sign of diabetes. BUT he doesn’t have any other symptoms. In fact, over the last six months he’s been putting weight on as he’s had a really stressful time at work, gave up exercising and has been eating a load of chocolate and biscuits etc.

So I would definitely say he hasn’t got low blood sugar!

Can anyone think of what it might be instead please?

OP posts:
Finzi · 09/05/2021 15:50

I agree with @Thiscantreallybehappening. I do feel for you @QuickNC789, but if this is DKA, which is the most likely explanation for this symptom, then it will not resolve without intervention. It will not be resolved by changing diet and exercising more. If it is T1 (DKA is rare with T2) he will need to go straight on insulin. Even if it’s T2 if he has DKA he will probably need insulin or a GLP-1 agonist such as Trulicity.

BorderlineHappy · 09/05/2021 15:51

Are you aware that you can call 111 on another person’s behalf?

Whats the point in wasting their resources.Hes not going to go or listen to the op.

He will just have to learn the hard way.

Thiscantreallybehappening · 09/05/2021 16:03

@TheGoodEnoughWife
This has just turned into bullying and scaring of the OP to do something when she has done all she can.

I disagree, most (maybe not all but definitely most) posters that are urging the OP to contact 111/GP are coming from a place of experience and trying to help the OP. They know how quickly this can escalate and what the implications can be. This really can be a life threatening condition. However, in all my posts I have said it could be something that isn't serious but at least you would know.

He is a twat for not doing anything and for the stress he is causing the OP but that is on him.

The problem with this statement is, IF it is diabetes and sweet smelling breath is a key and serious symptom OP's DH will not be thinking rationally. He might be functioning but his whole body is thrown out and my family member behaved exactly like this being very stubborn, head in the sand etc. We were told, at this level the person can be very difficult.

I am laughing (I mean not actually but you know) people suggesting particularly A&E when how exactly is she supposed to get a grown man in the car and up to the hospital when he is clearly saying no?

Well, obviously this would be very difficult but the OP could ring 111/GP to explain her DH's symptoms and get some advice.

Interested in this thread?

Then you might like threads about these subjects:

Diabetes General health
TheGoodEnoughWife · 09/05/2021 16:08

The OP could ring 111 and they would suggest he needs an ambulance or to attend the hospital or to see his own GP (even if they would engage with her that far) but she still wouldn't be able to do anything!

And I think considering everyone's input on here about how serious it could be she already knows he needs to do one of those things.

(The only thing I would try now is to buy a blood glucose monitor and do myself with him around and hope I could engage him to at least do that but luckily I wouldn't be in this position because my dh would take my suggestion of getting medical help)

Fluffycloudland77 · 09/05/2021 16:20

My takeaway message from this thread is that a lot of people aren’t married to stubborn people.

Unfortunately both of us are married to stubborn people.

There’s nothing Op can do.

AbsolutelyPatsy · 09/05/2021 16:43

you have done a great job op,

RMNMummy · 09/05/2021 17:01

Hey OP - the best way to get diabetes diagnosed is by a HBA1c test @ gp/hospital

Test strips are only as accurate as the time you’re taking them...

Namechangedforthistoday · 09/05/2021 17:26

@RMNMummy do they now use the glycolated haemoglobin instead of fasting glucose and the glucose tolerance testing?

Usernamerequired · 09/05/2021 17:57

Hi OP. I feel for you and your husband. Great job picking up on the signs and symptoms. Having MH issues especially health anxiety is of course going to be a huge stumbling block. Your husband really needs bloods and urine testing though. Cutting out all sweet things suddenly may be the wrong thing to do. Carbs are a big issue too. Diabetes has ran in both sides of my family for generations, a mix of T1 and T2, some manageable some not. You have raised your concerns with your husband and hopefully he will take them seriously and go see someone. You are acting as a loving wife and your husband will see that even though he is afraid at the moment. Hugs to you both

TatianaBis · 09/05/2021 18:05

I have had success in getting a stubborn man (father) who refused point blank to go to a doctor - to the doctor. If I had not he would have died. The doctor even told him that.

I did not give him an option over tests, however, I just bought a monitor and did them myself.

The only thing OP can do now is wait and see if DH collapses from ketoacidosis.

Even without that he could be doing himself serious damage - kidneys, eyes, nerves.

Sylvia Path’s became ill. He convinced himself he had cancer and refused to go to the doctor. He was eventually admitted to hospital with a leg ulcer, at which point he was diagnosed with diabetes. It was too late to save him though and he died. If he had been to the doctor earlier he would have been fine - diabetes was eminently treatable even then.

TheGoodEnoughWife · 09/05/2021 18:08

@TatianaBis I am sorry that happened to you and your father but please explain how the OP will be able to perform a finger prick test on her husband against his will?

Usernamerequired · 09/05/2021 18:12

Annoyingly every single pop up ad during this thread has been for chocolate and chocolatey biscuits 🤷🏻‍♀️

TatianaBis · 09/05/2021 18:16

You buy the test and leave it on the table, as DH has health anxiety he will be tempted; if not you give an ultimatum.

However, I’m a strong personality and people don’t mess with me. The OP is perhaps a bit meek. If this were my DH he’d be in a hotel by now.

RainedOn · 09/05/2021 18:43

@QuickNC789

Thank you for the continued supportive posts.

He still is adamant that he does not want to see his GP or do any tests either with home kits or through the hospital.

He has decided to go cold turkey on all the sweet food. He says he is going to re-start his exercise too.

There is only so much I can do. We were ‘discussing’ it until 2am last night. He is not a 4 year old I can pick up and take to the hospital.

Of course I am trying to do my best to get him to book an appointment or even go to the pharmacy but I literally cannot force him.

Is he going to drop bread, pasta, rice etc too? Sadly low carbing isn't easy - I even have to ration my milk.
Chunkymenrock · 09/05/2021 18:47

So OP, he's basically 'self diagnosing' which is utterly unbelievable and unacceptable from a person who works in a medical environment. I'm afraid I can only conclude that he is lacking in intelligent, rational thinking and is therefore a liability to have around your children. You sadly can do no more I think. Well done for what you have tried but I'd leave him alone now if I were you. He's made it quite clear and you can't reason with stupid.

Icytundra · 09/05/2021 18:52

It's also worth saying low carving will do absolutely nothing for T1.

ineedaholidaynow · 09/05/2021 19:01

If you suddenly started exhibiting worrying health symptoms or you fell over and hurt your wrist in such a way that it looked broken, would he advise you to self medicate or get medical help @QuickNC789?

SunshineSuxx · 09/05/2021 20:17

I feel for you, OP. This must be really stressful, and he's firmly got his head stuck in the sand.

He sounds an absolute tool, and as though you're going to have to stand back until a medical emergency happens. At least you're aware if it does.

Thelnebriati · 09/05/2021 20:27

@RainedOn Does that apply to lactose free milk? I had to switch to it for lactose intolerance.

drspouse · 09/05/2021 20:31

[quote Thelnebriati]@RainedOn Does that apply to lactose free milk? I had to switch to it for lactose intolerance.[/quote]
Yes, it has different sugars but it still has sugars.

RainedOn · 09/05/2021 20:39

[quote Thelnebriati]@RainedOn Does that apply to lactose free milk? I had to switch to it for lactose intolerance.[/quote]
I'm afraid it still has carbs, yes.

Thelnebriati · 09/05/2021 20:43

I'll have to put my glasses on and read the label.

seepingweeping · 09/05/2021 20:47

Since he doesn't want to go to the GP.

Watch the carb intake. No more than a fist sized portion per day. Carbs convert to sugar. Ditch white bread, it's the worst for sugar spikes. Small baked potato for lunch.

If he's having pudding, have a smaller portion straight after main meal so his sugars only take one hit.

All milk contains the same amount of sugar, it's the fat content that varies. This is the same for lactose free milk.

Dairy substitutes are full of sugar to make them taste nicer.

I was diabetic with both pregnancies so I'm familiar with what's allowed and what isn't. Dd has a dairy allergy so that's how I know the sugar content of dairy free stuff.

Icytundra · 09/05/2021 21:31

But if he's type one low carb is no good. Feel like I need to say that again!

drspouse · 09/05/2021 21:46

@seepingweeping if he's at the point of pear drop breath, cutting out carbs with meals is not going to stop him going into a coma.

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