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
A lot has changed since that time so I don't know whether or not the hospital and the Clinic are still affiliated, but from my limited experience with a neighbor whose husband had complex eye issues, he spent a lot of time in the Clinic, undergoing complicated procedures during diagnostic attempts.
I hope that whatever is diagnosed can be controlled and that your mother is stabilized when you return from the ER. Please continue to give us updates?
Waiting with you.....
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.
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
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
I'm so relieved!
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