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Original poster

I need some problem solving minds on this thread. Need a system to alert my husband if I don't feel well.

40 replies

nevergoogle · 03/10/2014 23:36

Back story is that I had a cardiac arrest six months ago. I have a history of fainting/vasovagal episodes and now have a implant loop recorder to record an ECG the next time I collapse.

This afternoon while home with my six month old baby and recovering from the implant surgery, we both took a nap. I put my phone on silent.

By the time we woke up, there was missed calls, texts, emails from DH and a friend was shouting through my letter box. Convinced I was in a heap somewhere unconscious, DH was in a total panic and had left work early. He'd also spoken to the police who were on standby to knock down my front door if my friend hadn't been able to get me at home.

He's obviously anxious but it was made worse by a text I replied to in the morning hadn't sent so he hadn't heard from me since he left in the morning, although i was unaware of that and clearly he was getting more and more worried as the day went on. I'm not sure how much his anxiety is justified really, maybe he needs help with that, more than anything.

I'm wondering if there's an app for my phone that I could alert him simply if i was feeling unwell. Or any other creative ideas.

I had an amazing sleep btw.

OP posts:
Original poster
nevergoogle · 03/10/2014 23:46

Obviously just offering to call him if I am unwell isn't enough I guess.

OP posts:
hufflebottom · 03/10/2014 23:51

Some phones have an sos message setting that if you press a button a certain number of times it will send a message to a designated number automatically.

The problem with that is if it's in a bag and you catch the button it may send it off.

Jux · 03/10/2014 23:52

Glad the rest was good Grin and sorry to hear you've been so unwell.

Would a panic button help?

VeryLittleGravitasIndeed · 03/10/2014 23:55

Oh your DH sounds lovely!

Since you're not 100% and presumably he has cause to worry, is this as simple as you making sure you check in periodically, eg if you're going to have a nap let him know by text?

BertieBotts · 04/10/2014 00:02

Yes I think I would just text him if you're switching your phone to silent. Annoying but would negate any worry from non contact, and then as time goes on he'll probably worry less and when your phone isn't on silent, you can always reply straight away anyway.

Alternatively I think there is a setting on some phones which means you could set everyone else to silent but not him? Or everything except the ringer? Check your settings.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 00:05

Me unreasonable: It's a total ball ache though isn't it, having to be checked on and having to text my every move. And besides, If i felt unwell i'd phone 999 not him an hour away.

Me being reasonable: i'm waiting for a new phone, I'll see if it has an SOS thingy. and yes, i could text him to say when i'm going to be uncontactable for a bit.

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 00:07

Jux, do you mean like an old person personal alarm with the intercom thingy. Yes, I'm sure he'd love something like that. I'd only agree to wearing a pendant alarm if he did out of solidarity.

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smallcosmos · 04/10/2014 00:11

You could set up a webcam app to monitor you at home. Of course it would mean he'd be able to see everything you're doing! And if you passed out somewhere like the bathroom he might not notice for some time.

www.pcadvisor.co.uk/how-to/pc-peripheral/3510687/how-use-webcam-as-cctv/

catspjs5 · 04/10/2014 00:18

Do you have an iphone? If you do could you set up 'find my iphone' on it and your DH have the log in details to 'find' your phone if he can't get hold of you for a worrying amount of time? Using this to find my phone overrides the silent mode and makes a noise loud enough to wake you up/alert you. Not useful for letting him know you're feeling poorly but useful if he's in a panic about not being able to contact you while your phone is on silent - would save the police knocking down your door while you're having a snooze!

Ruhrpott · 04/10/2014 00:38

Having gone through something similar myself I can see why he panics. I now have an icd implanted so my husband knows l'll be shocked if I go unconscious due to my heart arrhythmias and therefore panics less if he can't get hold of me. I know I hate being different and try and play it down but the risk is real so contact him regularly to reassure him.

HowsTheSerenity · 04/10/2014 00:44

There are lots of apps that send text messages and an alarm to designated mobiles. Mandown and emergncy alarm are two I know if.

Unfortunately, as I'm sure you're aware,,if you arrest again there may be no warning. I'd recommend not putting your phone silent. Do you wear a medic alert pendant?

Jux · 04/10/2014 00:49

"an old person personal alarm" Grin

They are also for people who are disabled, or ill, not just old people. My dh is home all day, so I don't need one, but it has been offered! I have ms, but am not (yet) an old person. Grin

Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 00:57

if they're not for old people, then why are they beige? Grin

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 01:00

i don't wear a pendant. it's all a bit unknown at the moment what caused the arrest. it was during an elective c-section. cardiologist wants implant to figure out if my previous vasovagal episodes are connected. in a way, he is trying to prove that it wasn't a true arrest, but a 'pause'.

if i do arrest, and resuscitation is what will be needed, it's unlikely anybody would get here quick enough to save me. somebody would need to come and look after the baby though.

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PausingFlatly · 04/10/2014 01:02

There are systems with pressure mats under carpets and door monitors, which are a half-measure between no surveillance and full camera surveillance.

They just record movement round the house, and would spot if there is none.

Sorry don't have link but I first found them through google anyway.

They couldn't distinguish between nap and collapse though. Although if you could put one under a bedside mat, that would at least give some indication of a planned rest.

HowsTheSerenity · 04/10/2014 02:04

You could be on the side of the road. People do do CPR on strangers so anything is possible.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 12:06

the mandown app looks perfect thanks!

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Theboulderhascaughtupwithme · 04/10/2014 22:58

Op if this is reasonably likely to happen again I think I would seriously consider getting a personal alarm ( you can have a pendant, 'watch' or even take it as far as wearing a small sensor which can tell if you fall and/ or don't move at all for a predetermined length of time. The alert goes through to a control room who then can either send someone out, send emergency services out or alert a friend/ family member all dependent on what you have arranged with them in advance. You definately don't have to be old to have one, in fact I know two people who have epilepsy who have these and also have small kids and it's a lifeline and offers so much reassurance to them and their families.

Obviously you don't have epilepsy but if these is a chance you might not manage to alert someone if you are feeling I'll then might be worth looking into.

Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 23:25

my collapses have all followed a pattern and i can pretty much predict when they are going to happen. for this reason the cardiologist thinks they are likely vasovagal in origin as there's no way i've had 7 cardiac arrests. firstly, i haven't needed resuscitation, and also my heart appears to be healthy from scans etc.

the cardiologist is not suggesting i wear any sort of alarm, it's more to have a backup plan to reassure DH.

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 23:27

although i was resuscitated during c-section, there's no knowing whether i may have spontaneously started my heart again, as they are allowed to sit back and wait and see.

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Original poster
nevergoogle · 04/10/2014 23:34

*aren't

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sashh · 05/10/2014 09:19

I have a phone alarm, it came with the property. There is a button on the phone that rings an emergency number and they can talk to you to see if you need help and what help you need.

What about something like I spy - set up motion detectors and a web cam that your dh can monitor remotely

www.ispyconnect.com/about.aspx

Or a couple of nanny cams with remote access?

britishbakeoffblues · 05/10/2014 09:27

If you went into cardiac arrest for long enough that they had to do CPR, then the MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS felt your heart was not going to start itself again.....!!
I think your husband had every right to be concerned about you!
And so what if lifeline alarms are designed for an aging population? If they suit your needs, get one and spray paint it some funky "young" colour other than the neutral beige they come in!!

Original poster
nevergoogle · 05/10/2014 11:12

well no, it's policy to start CPR immediately, regardless.

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Imnotaslimjim · 05/10/2014 11:20

Take a look at ICEassist, it sounds ideal for you

And my sympathies, I suffer with vasovagal response myself