Is anyone awake? I’m expecting bad news and I can’t sleep

[MyCake]

My dh is unwell and we have no idea what is wrong. We are getting scan results this morning but they were only to rule things out so probably not conclusive. However, I can’t see how this isn’t going to be something serious as he has declined so rapidly.

I feel sick. We’ve already lost most of his income through him being off work so I’m also worried sick about money. We have enough savings to manage another 2 months at the most.

My dc are already suffering, despite them
mot fully understanding how serious the symptoms are, as dh is pretty much housebound and I can’t physically drive them to all the clubs and places they need to go by myself.
I also work full time although thankfully I’m a teacher and break up this week.

My heart is broken just looking at him disappearing in front of me. The doctors are slow to take his symptoms seriously so sadly by the time he was sent to hospital he was already unable to work and very ill. It could of course be something very treatable but at the moment I feel suffocated with the fear of the worst case scenarios.
I am writing this as I’m lonely and scared and wondered if anyone is awake to say hello.

I have name changed in case anyone recognises me from this post. If you do, please don’t mention this as I am doing a great job of appearing strong on the outside.

It can be rough on the kidneys. It happens when you don't eat enough carbohydrates. Your body resorts to burning fat for energy instead. Ketones are the results of that process. They will be present in his urine if that's what it is. You can probably buy the testing strips in the pharmacy if you want to check.

Yes I used to buy ketostix when I had hyperemesis so I knew when to call the Dr.

Been thinking of you this morning @MyCake

Link to urine test strips if you want to check yourself. Ketosis is dangerous for diabetics.

Anyone on the fasting diets ie 16/8 will likely have ketones in their urine & not be in danger.

www.amazon.co.uk/Aidteq-Urinalysis-Parameter-Urobilinogen-Leukocytes/dp/B08KGHBDMF/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=2N2URTCSG5K88&keywords=urine+test+strips&qid=1674566559&sprefix=urine+test+strips%2Caps%2C162&sr=8-1-spons&sp_csd=d2lkZ2V0TmFtZT1zcF9hdGY&psc=1

OP I have been following this thread and haven't wanted to wade in before because I (I'm not in the UK) am shocked at the state of the NHS that he hasn't been admitted to hospital. From what you describe, there is not an ambulance/paramedic in my country that wouldn't take a look at him and forcibly admit him. He really should not be home he should be in the hospital. I have been thinking about you regularly and feeling really sad and worried for you.

I really don't know how to say this, but, I remember when my dad was dying, it happened very quickly, he had sepsis and his organs were breaking down. What I remember clearly is the foul sour stench coming from him and his mouth. It's one of my last memories of him, the smell. Smell of death/dying I think some call it. Please, if there is some way, any way to get him admitted today, do it.

I agree with @IAmWomanHearMeRoar1

Please take him to hospital

Yes, my parent started to smell strange when they were very ill with a rare neurological disorder.

They brushed their teeth/washed every day, but the strange smell was still there.

I also agree, this man needs to be in hospital, I'm shocked he isn't.

It's ketoacidosis that's dangerous for diabetics @IVbumble
(Known as DKA )
I do hope you get done answers today OP
The waiting and not knowing is just so unfair.

Both my parents gave off unusual chemically sour type smells when they were ill. Very noticeable and I think a new symptom to mention.

Did the GP say she'd see you DH early this week? Probably worth a call to chase and report the smell - it's a new symptom x

I meant to say too, the diabetic smell is often compared to pear drops, so possibly not that, but needs exploring.

You're right @HumourReplacementTherapy. I was thinking about having ketones in urine that is dangerous for diabetics.

I really don't know how to say this, but, I remember when my dad was dying, it happened very quickly, he had sepsis and his organs were breaking down. What I remember clearly is the foul sour stench coming from him and his mouth. It's one of my last memories of him, the smell. Smell of death/dying I think some call it. Please, if there is some way, any way to get him admitted today, do it.

Gosh yes, I work on a hospital ward, and we regularly have this smell of death / dying on someone's breath. I only just remembered when you posted about it

I can’t imagine the smell of death talk is helping the OP. People smell funny when they get sick. Diabetic’s breath can smell of pear drops, Parkinson’s can accompany a change of smell first detected by a women whose husband developed the disease (doctors are now working with her to develop a chemical signature skin-swab.)

My children smell noticeably different (to me at least) when they even have a cold though.

I saw this thread when you first posted it OP and I’m horrified you haven’t got to the bottom of it yet.

Can you call a GP/111 about the new symptom?

Hope your okay op. It’s terrible that your still waiting you must be so worried.Hoping and praying someone hears you and quick.

Hoping that you’ve had the promised phone call today.

being unwell definitely has a smell. Sour could be many things. Serious and not.

I hope you have some answers today. With solutions.

No actual answers, more questions and more waiting for more tests. It’s always ‘urgent’ but not quite urgent enough to be done quickly.
I am so fucking fed up I can’t actually give any more detail this evening as I am exhausted.

Your messages throughout the day have been such a support xx

Such a worry OP but surely to god they'd have him in if they thought he should be under observation while you wait? Really hope that is the case. Hope you both can get some rest.

What an anti-climax for you both when you needed answers so badly. Hang in there.

So sorry to hear that @MyCake keep on at whoever you can, no surprise you're wrecked.

Really hope that urgent does mean urgent, and that you can speak to the GP in the meanwhile about your new concerns

Sending a hug

I'm so angry on your behalf, @MyCake and wish there was something the collective hive could do to help. I will say how sorry I am, for you and for him, and send you a warm hug.