Holiday in Devon

[DenB]

My husband and I are having a lovely holiday in Devon. It will be the second year in the same beautiful bungalow with wonderful views out to sea.

I was lucky enough to find it on line, last year.It has hoists, wet room and hospital bed.

My husband is in the latter stages of CBD and I have driven down from Kent.

I am the sole carer for my husband and so I am used to looking after his every need and I have never felt daunted about taking him away for a holiday on my own.

A couple of days into our holiday, my husband woke me and I realised that he was having a seizure. I have read how others on this site experienced seeing their loved ones having seizures but this was a first for my husband and a first for me watching his whole body and head jerking uncontrollably. It really frightened me but he settled after a while and fell back to sleep, only to wake me again two hours later with the same happening.

I rang my doctor at home and he was going to ring me back the next day. I just needed some reassurance that I was doing everything right because if this was going to be our new norm, then I would just cope with these new seizures and not worry.

I read up about seizures on my trusty iPad so that I would learn about them a bit more.

This morning at 5.30, my husband woke me again with really shallow loud breathing but this time, his body was still and not jerking. His eyes were rolling in his head and I couldn't rouse him at all! All the time I was trying to rouse him, I was wondering if this was still a seizure, or something worse, I couldn't be sure. my heart was beating so fast, It was so scary.

In my desperation, I rang 999 and a wonderful team came out to my husband.

All his vital signs were normal and after a while he started to come back from wherever he was but was very sleepy. The ambulance team were so lovely and stayed with us until I felt more at ease and he seemed OK.

I spoke with my doctor too and he thought that he had been having another seizure.

So, this maybe after all our 'new norm'.

I had started to pack and go home early but now that my mind is more at rest, my husband is fine for now and we are back on the patio of our holiday bungalow, in the sunshine,I realise that as I now know what was happening with him I am feeling able to cope with that better, with thanks to our lovely doctor and the even lovelier ambulance crew and the lovely people who have posted about seizures on this site....thank you, I might just stay until tomorrow at least. (we are due to go back Saturday).

Well look at the view! Well I would send a photo but only have my iPad or iPhone with me here.

I will try when I get home.

Denise wife of Roy xx

[dollydott]

You did so well remaining calm and I'm glad the ambulance crew and your doctor were there to reassure you.

Enjoy your last couple of days I hope it is peaceful and calm.

It's lovely weather for you both 🌞🌞

Lynda 😊

[DenB in reply to dollydott]

Thanks so much Lynda. X I think the days will be fine it is just the night times that I may have to worry a bit more! X☀️😎

[Dadshelper]

If the doctor has put your mind to ease, I'd stay as long as you can. A change of scenery is always good, it gives a slight break to same old routine. Congrats to you for remaining calm and getting done what needed to be done.

Ron

[DenB in reply to Dadshelper]

That is exactly my sentiment, Ron! Now, I hope I will be fine and know how to handle it, when it happens again.

It's the not knowing that makes me all of a twitch!!!!

I probably wasn't as calm as I made myself sound but going back over it all afterwards.......I was very calm!!! ha, ha!

D x

[doglington]

Well done for staying. I'm glad to hear that you got such good support.

It sounds so frightening but I found that once I'd survived a "New norm " I could cope. The memories you are sharing are more precious than anything else.

Enjoy the rest of the holiday.

Where in Kent ?

Love Jean xx

[DenB in reply to doglington]

Thanks Jean

Higham, near Rochester in a Kent.

Dx

[Nanny857]

I'm glad you got the help and support and are feeling more able to cope with what may be the 'new' stage of this awful disease. Enjoy the rest of your holiday and that lovely view you mentioned. Lots of love Nanny857 xx

[DenB in reply to Nanny857]

Thanks Nanny857

Dx

[Katiebow]

You certainly sound as if you are able to cope in the face of adversity, well done for keeping it all together and feel that you can continue the holiday. I thought I was OK at coping but not sure how I would have dealt with his symptoms being away from home without support, I take my hat off to you. Enjoy your last couple of days in Devon, so pleased the weather has been kind to you both, always a bonus.

Love Kate xx

[DenB in reply to Katiebow]

Thanks Kate.

Enjoying the sunshine and in the evenings, when Roy is tucked up in bed, watching The Chelsea Flower Show!

Dx

[Javan]

When these seizures happen it is like the old bag has gone into reset. It normally after she has been trying to do something she has not been able to do for some time, and after it clears she is back to normal.

[DenB]

Thanks for your reply Javan

D

[raincitygirl]

You are courageous and practical Denise - and must be a very strong individual. I'm willing to bet big your Roy feels very confidant in your hands.

Blessings and hugs XXX

Anne G

[DenB in reply to raincitygirl]

Thanks for your kind words Anne.

Xxxxx Denise

[Dance1955]

Ah you poor thing it’s one thin after the other isn’t it hope you can stay till sat after all you’ve probably paid until then and let’s be honest who knows when you’ll be able to go again hugs my friend

💞 Irene

[DenB in reply to Dance1955]

Thanks for the hugs Irene. Although a tiny bit traumatic at times, I did have a lovely time down in Dawlish but I decided to come home yesterday, Friday, just incase I had any other episodes to deal with, be out by 10am and then have the long drive home afterwards. Glad I did now!

Dx

[Unicorn2022]

Denise you sound amazing and keeping so calm. I’m not sure if I could have been so calm under pressure. Enjoy the rest of your break. Sounds beautiful, can I be cheeky and ask you for the details as I have been looking for somewhere that has good facilities xx

[DenB in reply to Unicorn2022]

Hi, Unicorn2022. Thanks for your lovely reply.

The bungalow you will find on the internet under this address,

aplaceforeverybody.co.uk

It is booked for most weeks this year but look at the site. It has everything I need to care for my husband and that is a rare thing to find.

There is another bungalow that we have stayed in which is in the New Forest .It was equally equipped and that is called, Our bench. They have 3 great bungalows that are in Lymington.

Dx

[Richard33]

Denise,

Poor you - nothing is easy! I do hope you get a chance to relax with a glass of wine in your hand. You know you deserve it!

Richard x

[DenB in reply to Richard33]

Thanks Richard

Dx

[bazooka111]

Praying that you are surrounded by angels that will continue to bring you comfort and guide your decisions as you so bravely care for your husband. I read these posts in here, and I feel I am surrounded by gladiators! Virtual hugs coming your way - Today’s moments are tomorrow’s memories. ❤️

[DenB in reply to bazooka111]

Hugs to you too!

I have read your posts and I know how wonderful you are with your mum

too and yes, each moment today is one of tomorrow's memories. I have plenty to cherish!

X for you and X for your dear mum