Not sure if this is the right place...

Willow · #1 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 08:51 AM

Sorry if this post should have been posted elsewhere...

My mum had 2 mini heart attacks last w/e & has been in hospital since then. The doctors say she has also had pneumonia (which she has now recovered from) & a chest infection. They also say she may have diabetes. But about 14 years ago I remember she wasn't very well & her bs were slighly raised but went back to normal when she recovered so maybe this is a similar situation. I have spent the past week visiting her at the hospital from 10am to 8pm & although she is 60 years old she looks 80. It is so upsetting to see her like this, it seems like she has given up. My mum hasn't been eating well for months, she only weighs 6 stones. She has been telling my brother (who still lives at home, I live 200 miles away & my sister lives quite close to me) that she has a huge lunch at work & therefore she isn't hungry in the evenings. However, we have now discovered that she doesn't eat at work. She says that when she eats she gets trapped wind & then can't eat anymore. I think her body is now rejecting food. It is so distressing, she is unable to stand & just lays in bed with the oxygen mask on, which she has to have on 24 hours a day as her oxygen levels in her blood are very low. I've told her that she needs to eat to regain energy & she said she would eat for us but I told her that she needs to eat for herself. My sister had a baby 5 weeks ago & I really hope she realises that unless she helps herself she will remain in hospital & won't get to see her only grandchild.

I am at my wits end with worry & because of this I haven't been looking after myself properly & eating very little & not testing my blood. I know this isn't good & am trying to get back on track. It's hard though because I am worrying so much about my mum. I honestly think she doesn't care about what happens to herself anymore.

BeadieJay · #2 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 09:22 AM

((((((((((((Willow))))))))))))))) I'm so sorry to hear about your mum.

I hope things improve for her. I don't know what else to say - just sending you loads of love and hugs.

look after yourself as well, though I know it's difficult at times like this.

Suexx

buzzborne · #3 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 02:35 PM

Willow,

I'm really sorry to hear about your Mum, and hope that things look brighter for her soon.

Will be thinking of her and you, look after yourself, and sending you LOADS of *hugs*

Sarah xxx

Jenny · #4 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 03:20 PM

((((Willow)))) sorry about your mom. HOpe she getsbetter soon for your and her sake. TC

Jenny

nantomsuethom · #5 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 04:41 PM

(((((Willow)))))

I hope your mom gets better soon. I know you are under a lot of stress, but PLEASE take care of yourself.

Nancy

gettingby · #6 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 06:39 PM

Willow,
Sending love and hugs your way. PLEASE take care of yourself. I know that it is difficult to think of yourself right now but your Mum has the doctors to care for her. Remember that we are all here with love and support for you.
Cin

soremom · #7 (**permalink**) 11-14-2004, 07:27 PM

Willow, you and your mom will be in my prayers and I hope she gets better soon.

The best thing you can do for her is take care of yourself, not to be rude, but you don't want to end up in the hospital like her. It will do neither of you good. Please take care so you can keep yourself well to be there for her.

Kim

Willow · #8 (**permalink**) 11-15-2004, 04:20 AM

Thanks everyone for your support & kind words, they mean a lot.

To be honest I feel like I am in a trance at the moment. My mum hasn't improved, although she did have a good nights sleep. I know she is in the best place - the doctors & nurses are truly wonderful.

To top things off yesterday my brother was taken to A&E with an asthma attack...he is now on the medical assessment unit waiting to see the Consultant (they don’t work weekends). It all feels so surreal.

On a happier note I am pleased to say that I am taking care of myself.

Thank you all again.

gettingby · #9 (**permalink**) 11-15-2004, 04:24 AM

HANG IN THERE WILLOW !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Eri's mom · #10 (**permalink**) 11-15-2004, 06:53 AM

Willow...
Praying for your mom and you and your family!!!
Don't forget to take care of you either!!!
God bless...
Robin

KLD · #11 (**permalink**) 11-15-2004, 10:49 AM

Has your Mum been checking her blood sugars over the years since they apparently returned to normal? I'm wondering if it's possible that she's had undiagnosed diabetes for many years - that might explain why she's been feeling so terrible for so long. If so, she could have developed gastroparesis which might explain why it's so difficult for her to get food down. I'm sure they're checking all this now that she's in hospital, but just wanted to mention it as a possibility.

Karen

Willow · #12 (**permalink**) 11-17-2004, 02:38 PM

Thnx again everyone. I am pleased to say that my mum seems to be improving now & her appetite is coming back, albeit slowly. My brother discharged himself from hospital on Monday night as there is no-one to look after his dogs - he seems to be doing ok.

KLD - I don' think my mum has been checking her blood sugars over the years since the last time they were raised. I will mention gastroparesis to her. Thnx very much.