Finding Support in a Crisis

Life with geographic atrophy (GA) is a challenge. That is especially true in times of crisis.

My husband started having chest pressure recently. He has a history of hiatal hernia, so he attributed his discomfort to that. After a week, the pain worsened and he decided to visit his local health provider. Little did we know we would not be returning home for a week.

Taking my husband to the ER

The doctor recognized his symptoms as heart-related and sent us to the nearest ER. At this point, my low vision became a problem. I am still legal to drive, but I am limited to familiar areas in the daytime. Luckily, my brother was available to drive us to the ER.

Once there, my husband was admitted to the ICU. My brother returned home. The following day, my husband had a heart catheterization. It was determined he needed to be moved to a larger hospital 3 hours away.

Tackling transportation issues

In a panic, I had to figure out how to travel to the hospital. My husband went by ambulance, but I needed transportation for me.

Once more, my brother came to my rescue. He drove me to the hospital where my husband would have surgery. He has two AirBnBs to take care of and had to leave me at the hospital without transportation.

Finding support at the hospital

I was faced with the challenge of helping my husband through his health issues. Without transportation, I had to figure out how to obtain meals for me.

After talking to the hospital staff, I learned I could order meals delivered to the hospital. One meal was free each day, and other meals cost $10 regardless of what I ordered. I had very little cash. No problem, since they took credit cards.

The staff gave me free rein over the coffee maker. Coffee is a little luxury, so it was very nice to have fresh coffee any time I wanted it.

Occasionally, I wanted a snack from the vending machine. No matter how hard I tried to read the instructions to use the vending machine, I simply could not. A helpful person in the waiting room helped me make a purchase so I could use the machine on my own.

Coordinating sleep and transportation

Figuring out where to sleep was a huge issue. The hospital did not have a hospitality house for family. I had no transportation to go to a hotel at night.

I shared my need to the nursing staff. I learned that the sofa in my husband’s room converted to a full twin-size bed. I was supplied with bedding.

Transportation was an issue upon discharge. My brother was unable to pick us up. I had to call on my son to come and get us.

A plan to be better prepared

Once home, I thought about my experience and came up with a plan to be better prepared in the future. I plan to carry more cash for emergencies in case credit cards are not accepted.

I am also packing a "go bag" with the essentials I might need should I have an unexpected overnight emergency. I am making a spare house key for a family member in case I need them to water plants or bring me clothes.

There will always be unexpected crises, but I hope to be better prepared in the future.