[Sid Coleman]

Bad week started Thursday. My son comes running in to tell us our neighbor (49!) is lying in his yard. I run over and check him, he's awake, but very hard to understand, and totally gray looking. Another neighbor comes over, and between the 2 of us, we get him up into a chair. We call 911.

Within a minute or so, he's talking OK, not slurring anymore, knows who he is, has use of both sides of his body. Wasn't quite as pale.

Paramedics show up. They all know him, as he was part of the volunteer fire department. Checked his blood pressure, blood sugar. At that point, both myself and the other neighbor leave to give him some privacy. Other neighbor says he smelled alcohol, I didn't. He must have refused to go to the hospital, no ambulance showed up.

Fast foward: Around 3:30am, wife see's ambulance next door, find out the next day he passed away. Cause currently unknown.

Just really makes me very sad. He was a really nice guy, left behind a wife and daughter who was just getting ready to graduate college. Owned a little store near the house, was always helpful to those in the community, coached girls softball.

Bottom line: IF you have any warning signs-don't be an idiot-get checked out!

 

[The Revolution]

Not to take away from the story here, but why is it that somebody always has to smell alcohol? Ive had no less then two occasions where Ive had to assist somebody, once was in a store were a old lady slipped and fell, some numb nut told the cops he smelt alcohol.

Other was an accidental shooting in a hunting party 1000 yards from mine, run over to assist when the yells come, somebody from the another group says she smelled alcohol, neither event i smelled anything

 

[Cameano]

Sorry to hear about your neighbor, Sid. You'll probably find out he was diabetic, which would also explain why his breath might've smelled like alcohol. This is one of the signs of low blood sugar, or hypoglycemia. Guy was probably used to his diabetes, thought he could weather it this round. Prayers for him and his family.

 

[Johnny O]

That's a shame, too bad he didnt at least get checked out. It might not have made a difference, but then again, maybe it would. Now that Im in my mid-50's, every time I feel something even a little unusual, I worry a little. At least I still go for a complete physical and blood workup every year. But even that's no guarantee!! I hope that ambulance crew that knew this guy didnt let anything slide because of that fact, and got a signed release that he refused transport...that could be a mess! Well, stay close to the family and help them out wherever you can. Again, sorry to hear.

 

[Phil Keller]

You did what you could. We need more neighbors like you.

 

[DG]

There is a sour smell associated with some one in Diabetic distress. Although I was told it is a nutty smell, or like almonds.

Sugar and diatetes are very related. Usually low/high blood sugar is the indicator of type I/II diabetics.

I am on the edge of type II myself.

 

[John_Muha]

Life sometimes is just not fair. Attended a service last week for a guy I worked with for years. Younger than me and was a great mentor for my son when they both worked with me. Momma keeps telling that boy to stop and smell the roses while they are in bloom.

 

[OutCast]

From your description of his symptoms, sounds alot like a stroke. Disoriented, loss of limb function. Wow 49's not old in my book.

Sorry for your grief.

 

[MrBill66Malibu]

Momma keeps telling that boy to stop and smell the roses while they are in bloom.

John,

You bring up a excellent point, We all need to take time out and enjoy the things around us. Even during the day while driving, enjoy the sunshine or the rain and everything that is blooming, even the fact that you have seen another day. Appreciate the people in our lives and the things we do have and try not to complain so much. My Dad died at 47, I'm 45 and I cannot believe how young he really was, at 12 I thought he was old. Not anymore!!!
My life isn't perfect,but the good parts are great and that is where I try to spend most of my time.

Bill

 

[SS_Dave]

Not to take away from the story here, but why is it that somebody always has to smell alcohol? Ive had no less then two occasions where Ive had to assist somebody, once was in a store were a old lady slipped and fell, some numb nut told the cops he smelt alcohol.

I felt the same way when I read this.
This idiot could have cost someone there life.
Trivialize the situation with a stupid comment like that instead of talking
the guy into going to the emergency room. Alchohol smell or not.

rant off..

 

[Jay65SS]

That is sad news. Another reminder how short and precious life really is.