My mom called me and told me that she needed me to come pick up my four month old (she watches him every day) because she wasn't feeling well and that she thought she had a stomach bug.
Later, she told me that it isn't a stomach bug. She has something called "aortic heart valve regurgitation" and that she was having chest pain and pain in her jaw. Apparently, her valve doesn't work properly and leaks blood back into her heart. She is refusing to go to the hospital or call the doctor until the morning because she is feeling better. Nothing I say or do is changing her mind. She thinks she just started not feeling well and had a panic attack.
Of course, I looked on Dr. Google and it says that any symptoms at all, particularly with a moderate case like hers, means that she will need surgery to replace the valve.
You guys, nobody on her side of the family lives past their mid sixties, all because of heart related issues. Her brother, my uncle, just died two years ago at 56. She's my best friend. I can't lose her. I can't imagine a world without her in it or bringing up my son without her. I'm so scared.
***Update***
Thank you so much for all the thoughts and prayers. They found no blockages and my mom was discharged from the hospital this evening. She's glad she went and knows that she didn't have a heart attack, since they are so prevalent at such a young age in her family. She does have the aortic heart valve regurgitation and will need to be closely monitored and may eventually need repair or replacement surgery, but for now she will just need to go in for regular checks at the cardiologist. I am so thankful.
Post by compassrose on Mar 3, 2015 18:08:20 GMT -5
((hugs)) I am right there with you. I am so close to my parents-- a reality in which they aren't around is impossible to contemplate. Only now I have to. It's terrifying. I'm so sorry.
Oh specialk I wish I had some magical solution for you. Hopefully you can properly convey the critical nature of this situation to your dad, & she gets proper medical attn stat. I'll be sending sending positive vibes, dear girl.
I really hope your Dad and yourself can convince her to take her condition seriously and that she is able to correct the issue with surgery and proper care.
My Dad's family has severe history of heart and stroke issues. I know he is scared enough himself after seeing his parent's later years and is very anxious to do everything he can for himself.
This is obviously not my main concern, but I also don't know what I will do with my son if she can't watch him anymore. Of course, we will figure it out but he is such a hard baby and still will only nap on people and needs to be rocked and waked around for a while first. A daycare won't do that. It's just adding another layer of stress to everything.
Please try to convince your dad to take her in!! The jaw pain is a huge sign of heart attack for women, I know this first hand. We as women should never ignore our symptoms. She could save her heart from irreversible damage. Hope you guys can convince her to go in, always better to be safe.
a nanny would do all of that too. i held and walked a baby for 4 months when i was a nanny. i didn't mind at all! and if he has to go to daycare, they will all figure it out. one step at a time, though.
She won't let me come and I'm not going to pay it because she is worried about me leaving the baby sand driving in the sleet and snow to get to the hospital. The last thing I need is her stressing out more but it's going to kill me to wait for an update.
I am so glad she went. I refuse to listen to my when she isn't feeling well. She has had a TIA and a stroke. The second time, i just called an ambulance because she refused and it was the stroke. I hooe everything comes out fine.
So many ((hugs)) and prayers for you and your mom. I can relate so much to all your feelings right now. My mom has end-stage liver disease and likely won't make it through this year without a transplant. I'm here for you if you ever need to talk. Sorry you are going through this and hope that your mom is able to be around for you and your DS for many many more years. ((hugs)) friend.
Oh, luv2rn4fun I'm so sorry. I pray that your mom gets her transplant. Likewise, I'm also here for you. You've been an amazing support through the losses, pregnancy, and more and I so appreciate it.
Post by JamaicanPineapple on Mar 3, 2015 20:54:18 GMT -5
I'm so glad she ended up going in. My MIL had valve repair/replacement surgery back in the fall. It was very scary but the surgery was a success and she feels better than ever. She had it done at the Cleveland Clinic. Feel free to PM me if you have questions!