Dear Gregz~
I can understand how you feel, apart from anything else the decision if to press the panic button or not is taken away from you , and by the sound of it you are in fact the best judge (at least most of the time).
I have had long term acquaintance with someone who was in a very limited physical shape and was quite often locked in spasm, plus the usual side effects.
This person was quite a forceful character and managed to get the carers to always be the same ones, with a buddy system for new ones. This was probably contrary to the provider-firm's normal practice but in this instance they cooperated.
This of course meant that for "usual" adverse reactions they quickly got to know what was to be expected and did not in fact become unduly alarmed. They had in any case receive preliminary instructions by the client each time as the attacks was preceded by identifiable symptoms. In fact carers tended to make cheerful jokes about the matter as it progressed.
It was only sometimes when matters became atypical external help was called.
This course of action was approved by the supervising GP who visited regularly
Things did change, and with new shortcomings in the client's body starting up such as oscillating blood pressure matters, once the prescribed medication had been taken if no great improvement was evident then the ambulance was called, even if the client was not keen for that to happen .
I guess all I can say is that if the same crewing of carers can be arranged and sufficient instruction given by the client and the supervising doctor then matters may go smoothly for usual events, however with the unusual then the panic button should be pressed.
I'll finish by addressing the readers of this post. Each person is unique and has their own particular conditions and are in differing circumstances.
Nothing here should be read as a suggestion for the way others are handled, that is up to the medical team in charge who should issue the appropriate instructions in conjunction with the client.
Croix
