I spent the entire day in the emergency room at the hospital today with my mother. While she was fine last night, this morning she was acting very strangely, and her speech was extremely slurred. Both my sister and I knew immediately something was wrong...even though we didn't say it out loud, both of us were thinking "stroke".

Fortunately, we live very close to a major medical center, and it's actually quicker to drive her to the ER than call an ambulance. They ran a whole battery of tests on her, and couldn't find anything seriously wrong. Her GP works at that hospital, and she told us she suspected mom had a small stroke. After a long nap, she seem more lucid, and her speech had improved. They're keeping her overnight for observations, so we'll see in the morning.

So say a little prayer or think good thoughts for ole Mac's mom tonight, if you don't mind.

Hope she is ok.

Did they do an MRI?

Hope she is ok.

Did they do an MRI?

They did a Cat scan...didn't find any cats. :) She had an episode like this about 8 months ago, and it turned out to be low blood pressure, and they installed a pacemaker. This time, her blood pressure was ok...that's why the doctor thought it was a small stroke.

I'm a TOTAL momma's boy, so that's why I'm so worried. They don't make women like my mom anymore. Thanks for you concern, Arthur...it means alot. I lost my father in October...this was just more than I could handle...and just needed some comforting words.

Will pray to Crom for your mother




I hate hospitals and the emergency room too.... lots of waiting, paperwork, more waiting. Hospitals are also cold. I always end up shivering like a leaf before too long. I hate sitting in those little rooms surrounded by a bunch of crap you can't touch. The hard leather bed with the paper sheet on top sucks too. I think The monotony is almost worse than the medical problem.

It's exciting when you actually get to do stuff.... such as the the doctors or nurses coming to take blood samples or hauling you off to the x-ray/CT room.

If you're a visitor, the waiting room itself is pretty darn boring......nothing to read and nothing on TV. Hard to sleep because the chairs are uncomfortable. Most of the other people in the waiting room aren't much fun either. Watching new people show up with various injuries/ailments sucks.




Getting a room in a hospital (like when you need major surgery) is huge improvement though.

Thanks D.O. I'll take blessings from Crom or any other deities available.

Damn bro! After just loosing your Pa too! My thoughts go out to you man! Hope she pulls through! Keep us posted.

Thanks Scott....she's doing well the last I heard. I appreciate the sentiments.....I really need it right now.

Yeah dude, I'm a big mommas boy too! My mom got a little sick a few weeks ago, but nothing like what your mom is going through! But it made me think about how bad it would suck if something happened.

How old is your Mom?

Shes 84.

Thanks Scott...I appreciate the kind words...It's what I need to hear.

Well she sounds pretty sharp for 84! Just spend as much time with her as ya can man! But I'm sure you already know that!
But I'm off for now. I be thinkin of ya man!

Peace!

Thanks bro...it means alot.

Hello MacGyver,

I have no deities that I call on by name but I shall ask the universe to intercede on your mother's behalf, to restore her energies to balance and health. With all the tests they ran, I would expect that they would have checked her hydration and blood sugar as well as her B12 levels.

The holiday season can be very fatiguing for anyone and the recent loss of your father would also be on the minds of all present. Hopefully it is nothing more serious than nervous exhaustion but one is always concerned about stroke and mini-strokes when these symptoms present.

Fortunate that you are close to a major medical center and were able to get her there so quickly. My thoughts are with you and your mother and wishes for the best possible outcome.

I knew I could count on you Sche. Thank you so much for kind thoughts....it means so much to me.

Thank you all for your well wishing. I really needed to hear it.

Hang in there man. I have a solid feeling about this. It's going to be okay. Best to your mom and everyone.

You were on the ball again with your mom, thankfully she has you there to help out which I'm sure she's grateful for. Not many parents today can count on their sons or daughters so I'm sure she appreciates everything you have done. I've also had a similar thing happen to me and they did a series of tests including a MRI along with a CAT and found nothing there (perhaps that is why I've not been sane for so long now:D) and assured me that all is OK with my cerebral functioning. That doesn't rule out something happening quickly then disolving away so I'm on warfarin to insure that it won't happen again they tell me. I'm sure they will do what's needed for her there and when she's released for follow ups. Just do what you can and watch out for her as best you can but take care of yourself as well.

A very good point raised by cosmic. We tend to overextend ourselves when required to look after the needs of others but it is equally important to look after ourselves so that we can sustain this effort.

Anxiety and uncertainty utilize huge reserves of energy and often our appetite wanes just when we need energy the most. Stay well hydrated and keep some fruit and healthy snacks nearby at all times, as a suggestion.

I'm not much for prayer...

But, I'll be thinking about you, and your mom...And hoping all turns out well for you both.

Hang in there...

Hi Mac, that kind of stuff can really scare the living daylights out you. I know.
But since she's only there for observation, it looks like she's going to be alright.
My thoughts will be with you and your mother. Try to get some sleep if you can.

Oh poo. Sorry to hear this :( I hope she makes a full recovery soon!

...she's doing well the last I heard.

Good.

Is she out of the hospital yet Mac?

Good.

Is she out of the hospital yet Mac?

She got out last night, and is doing a lot better.

Good to hear.
So did the docs do anything but watch her?

They did a shitload of tests, and did some physical therapy. We have a nurse out the house right now, evaluating her to see if she needs someone to look in on her every once and a while. She had a good night's sleep last night, and is back to being her normal feisty self. (the apple doesn't fall far from the tree)

Really glad to hear it Mac.

Glad she's well man! Did they figure out what the problem was?

Hello MacGyver,
I'm sorry to hear about your mom. It sounds like she's going to make a perfect recovery though - we'll keep our fingers crossed and look for an update.
Take care,
Michael