Hi, last week the ambulance was here because my Mom was passing out and I grabbed her before she fell down. I walked her to a chair (she had problems walking) and made her sit down then I called 911. They did an EKG and other tests and told me privately they thought she had a TIA (mini-stroke).
Twice in the past couple of days she told me that she can't see out of her left eye. Could this be from the TIA if she did have one?
I just called and left a message with her ophthalmologist who she hasn't seen in years due to her having 20/20 vision after cataract surgery years ago. Waiting to hear back.
The EMT's think it's possible that she may suffer a major stroke.
If the ophthalmologist can't see her right away should I bring my Mom to the ER?
Thanks, Jenna
The good news is the doctor didn't see any blood behind my Mom's eye.
Of course my Mom is upset and she's worried about going blind.
Just wanted to update everyone.
Thanks again for your support,
Jenna
That’s fantastic! Hope your mom continues to improve. Wonderful to hear good news.
I'm so relieved!
Has her vision improved at all?
He doesn't believe she is at risk for a major stroke now based on the results of her tests.
So I feel relieved (though I know anything can happen at any time).
That's it for now.
Thanks everyone for your input and support!
Jenna
You reminded me that I used to make my Mom Green Smoothie drinks (blend veggies and add a banana to sweeten the drink (I would use fresh spinach leaves, kale, celery, etc.). I need to go back to making those for her since she would drink them.
Thanks!
Jenna
She did tell me that my Mom had 2 CT-Scan's: one of her head and one of her neck (one with contrast and one without).
My Mom did have an app't with her doctor before this last episode happened and the app't is going to be moved up sooner.
Also, the doctor's won't be in until tomorrow. Thus I will be talking to a technician or someone that knows about the blockage percentages later today.
I guess that they don't consider it an emergency gives me some relief until I know more.
Jenna
Thanks for telling me about your Mom. I think (my non-medical opinion) that my Mom has been suffering from TIA's for many years and my mom also has vascular dementia. She has never had a UTI (she keeps getting checked for that) plus I give her D-Mannose powder in juice everyday to help prevent UTI's.
Her last ER visit was due to her bleeding from her rectum and she had said it was her time to go and hospice was brought in. She has a DNR and I was all prepared to let her go when something happened and she changed her mind. That was over a year ago.
As I posted earlier I am waiting to talk to her doctor (hopefully today) to get his input.
Thanks, Jenna
He can also tell me what percentage of my Mom's arteries are blocked or clogged.
My Mom saw a neurologist a couple of years ago (for her chronic headaches) and after doing tests he told me she has vascular dementia.
Mom keeps telling me that her vision out of her left eye is still blurry but then she says to me "I'm glad I am old"... We did manage to play cards because she really wanted to play but I put a limit on the time we played since I don't want her to strain her left eye.
After I talk to her doctor I will post here.
Thanks again everyone for caring.
Jenna
Alva thinks the operation is an easy one. Its just a shame that you have to go so far to find a doctor and hospital that can do the surgery. I live in a small town but is considered a suburb of a small city that has these type of specialist.
Consider this carefully. As an RN of 78 I would do almost nothing. No dialysis, no this and no that but I WOULD do this surgery. Minimally invasive. In answer to another responder, no you cannot be awake during this surgery, no locals.
Your Mom is already having TIAs. She may be willing to die of stroke, but the problem is they often don't KILL you, they just knock you out with paralysis on one side, no speech, no swallow, and etc.
It is up to Mom but listen to the doctor with her carefully and know that this particular old RN would be signing on for this surgery. No guarantees, and I would not sign on for almost anything unless I had an obstruction somewhere that required it, but I WOULD have a carotid endarterectomy.
Look the surgery up online.
I am sorry she is facing this, but I am relieved she is diagnosed and has a chance. A FB friend just had this. Was home in two days, said the amount of pain in her neck surprised her for a few days as she had been told she wouldn't have much, and is right as rain now. Again, no guarantees for ANY surgery. But I sure would consider this one.
Sorry you are facing this down and glad she has you and hope you will keep us updated.
I believe in honoring my parents wishes for their own health, so I understand how gut wrenching it can be to just stand back and let the crisis happen.
Great big warm hug!
If her desire is to die in peace from a major stroke, you want to make sure that there are no last minute heroics that bring her back from the brink; she clearly doesn't want to live in a permanently disabled state.
It is going to take real fortitude on your part NOT to call 911 the next time she appears to be having a stroke; that's why you want Hospice involved, so you are able to get in touch those folks involved to make her comfortable.
(((((((hugs)))))))))
The closest surgeon is 3 hours away and my Mom doesn't handle car rides very well. If I take her somewhere that is 15 minutes away she starts getting anxious.
She has told me numerous times that she wants to die in her bed at home. I don't want her to be in a disabled state or uncomfortable in any way so yes, I would not call 911 and get hospice involved.
I'm not going to try to appear brave as I am scared and this is going to be hard on me because I love her so very much. That said, I want what she wants and if that means dying from a major stroke, so be it. I want to respect her wishes and not do what I think is the right thing to do. This is not about me it's about my Mom and her wishes.
Thanks again for taking the time and giving me different options.
Hugs, Jenna
1. Can this procedure (dont call it surgery) be done under a local?
2. What does the recovery period look like? (Home, rehab?)
3. Is there a minimally invasive way this can be done?
Start calling this a "procedure" not surgery. My 92 year old ex MIL just had it done, one overnight in the hospital and then back to Independent Living.
I think getting all the info might put mom's mind at ease.
She did mention a carotid endarterectomy which can not be performed at the hospital we were in but another hospital which is about 2 hours away.
My Mom (who will be 95 in December) doesn't want the surgery. From what I have researched she will most definitely have either a major stroke or more TIA's. Her mother (my grandmother) died from a stroke at the age of 97 if that means anything.
How old is too old to have this surgery done and should I put my Mom through this? Thanks everyone!
Jenna
We wanted to go home since there was no more testing they could have done in this small hospital so the results of the tests will be faxed to my Mom's doctor tomorrow and we will take it from there.
We were in the ER for about 7 hours, very tired right now.
Thanks for being there for me!
Jenna
Seems like my Mom did suffer a TIA.
Waiting with you.....
Glad your mom is doing better!
Best wishes to you and your mom.