Been away, Mom had heart attack

Jean · Post by **Jean** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:23 am

Hi All,

My Mom had a small heart attack last Monday. She even drove herself to the hospital. I'm sure when she called the doctor, she minimized her symptoms. She said she had pain all week, but was hoping to wait until after Christmas.

She had 5 bypasses on Wednesday morning. She is doing remarkably well. She's 80, but in excellent health. She still exercises most days and is thin. Her biggest problem is very high cholesterol, compounded by her high fat diet and not taking her medication. She always finds a reason why her cholesterol meds make her sick.

I stayed in Chicago with her for 3 days. I'm home now, but will return when she is released from the hospital to take care of her for a few days. My birds are breeding, so juggling them and my Mom has been tricky. I have a few babies that went with me. Good thing I got laid off this week!

Jean

barbaranoela · Post by **barbaranoela** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:43 am

Jean-----your mom is in my prayers and today @ the christian services,that we attend with our friends here, I shall offer good thoughts for mom and you and all the family

Luve
Barbara

Post by **tex** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 8:46 am

Jean,

Your mom reminds me of myself, and possibly a few others here, who sometimes try to manipulate our schedules, in order to be sick when it's not quite so inconvenient. I'm glad to hear that she's recovering so well.

Between your babies and your mom, you have a pretty full schedule laid out for yourself. Don't forget to take care of yourself, too.

Love,
Wayne

starfire · Post by **starfire** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 10:24 am

Jean,
I'm really sorry to hear about your Mom's problems and operation. I'm glad it was a "small" heart attack.

I had to chuckle when I read that she drove herself to the hospital. My husband did the same thing with his second one. It wasn't so small though. The hospital staff couldn't believe he drove himself there. I was at work at the time.

I sure hope your Mom comes along OK during her recovery. Did they have to open up her chest? I'm not sure how it's done but I understand they have a less invasive way of doing it in some cases. Unfortunately, Bill's had to be done the "old" way - splitting the sternum and going on heart/lung machine. I'm hoping they didn't have to go that far with your Mom.

I wish I were close to you so I could help with the birdies.

:bigbighug:

Shirley

annie oakley · Post by **annie oakley** » Sun Dec 11, 2005 6:48 pm

Jean My prayers are with your mother. I hope she gets better. I hope you are doing ok as well. It's hard on you when your parents get sick. Is anyone staying with her when she gets home? Love Oma

JJ · Post by JJ » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:13 am

Hi Jean...wow, you have a full plate right now.....your mom will be in my prayers...take care kiddo...JJ

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 12:56 am

My goodness, Jean, wasn't that went the weather was so horrific up your way?
I can't even imagine having 5 bypasses at 80 yrs old!

Will you also be in Chicago over Christmas?

Yours, Luce

MaggieRedwings · Post by **MaggieRedwings** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 6:41 am

Hi Jean,

Am so sorry to hear about your mother and she will be in my prayers. What a gutsy lady to get behind the wheel and motor off to the ER.

I am with Tex on when you need to find the time with busy schedules to either be sick or to take care of doctor visits.

Love, Maggie

Polly · Post by **Polly** » Mon Dec 12, 2005 8:52 am

Hi Jean,

Your mom must be quite a trooper! So happy to hear the positive outcome. You sound awfully busy. How is "my" baby progressing? LOL!

Love,

Polly

Jean · Post by **Jean** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 8:57 am

Thanks for all of your thoughts.

I stayed with my Mom for four days. She's doing great now. She doesn't need anyone with her full time anymore. I knew she was getting better when she had to go upstairs because her suitcase wasn't unpacked and to the basement to clean out the freezer (she's a neat freak).

I went through all of her food and throw out the numerous cheese cakes, chocolates, cheeses and high sodium things. I cooked healthy meals for her and stocked her up on good foods. The day I left, she had my nephew get her a chocolate milk shake and a hamburger....sigh.

Jean

Tessa · Post by **Tessa** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 1:36 pm

Hi Jean

I am really sorry about your mother´s heart attack but glad she has recovered.
I imagine how frustrating it can be being unable to do something when this things happen but I am very happy about her recovery and that you have been with her. I know you still worry for her. It is difficult to cope with it but you have to understand her when she feels independent. After all your care with the food... A Hamburguer!

Well, you cannot check everything she´s eating... Even though... You know? I would also try to check it

You are in my prayers too, Jean.
Please, take care. You are not alone.

Love,
Tessa

Lucy · Post by **Lucy** » Mon Dec 19, 2005 11:36 pm

Jean,

Your mother sounds just like mine! She'll take that same order, thank you! Sounds like it's time to have a little food talk with the whole family, doesn't it?

Wow, climbing all those stairs -- does she even seem out of breath afterwards??

See where you get your get up and go to do all those golf courses, at least in your post M.C. healing days.

Yours, Luce