Mom Passed Out

[Janet]

It has been a very stressful day today. About 9 this morning my older brother called and said Mom had passed out by her car and was outside for about 30 minutes. Ambulance was there....so I told him I was on my way. Rick was gone so Ricky wanted to drive me.

Mom had gotten up and was feeling just fine. She took her shower and when she was getting dressed for church...she felt a little 'strange'. That was the best she could describe it.

She felt better after a few minutes so went outside to start her car. The temp was around 18 degrees and her car door lock was frozen. She sprayed the de-icer on it, was able to get in and then started her car. While the car was warming up some, she sprayed de-icer on the windows. By the time she got done, her door was frozen shut again.

Two next door neighbor boys were out so she asked if they could help her. The neighbor across the street saw Mom and the two guys at Mom's car and told his house partner that something wasn't right. About that time he saw Mom go to the ground.

He told his partner to call 911 and he went running over to help Mom. They are very fond of her. They got her up off the cold ground and then helped her to sit in the swing on her porch. Her house keys were in the car, car was frozen shut so the neighbor called my brother who lives just a couple blocks away.

The ambulance arrived and checked Mom out. She refused to go to the hospital. By the time I got to Mom's the EMT's were gone and Mom was sitting in her recliner and my brother Jerry on the couch. I was so worried for her. I finally talked her into letting me take her to the Dr. He checked her out but was concerned because everything 'seemed' to be okay, but knew there had to be a reason for her to pass out. He thought it would be best if she went to the ER.

Mom didn't really want to go, but said she'd do whatever I wanted...she knew I was worried. So....I took her to the ER. They drew blood, took x-rays, did a blood culture and a couple more things. Nothing really serious could be found but the Dr wanted to admit her. She said NO, that she wanted to get home so she could watch the Colts football game...LOL. The whole time they were waiting on the test results....the ER Dr. kept Mom informed of how the team was doing....Colts won.

When we were leaving the ER...it was a little after 2:00 PM and Mom said she was hungry so we went to a Chinese restaurant. While sitting in the parking lot before we went in my brother called and asked how Mom was. I told him we were sitting in the parking lot of the Chinese restaurant and he just laughed and laughed. If you all knew my Mom and some of you probably think you know her as many times as I've posted about her....LOL.....you'd know this is so typical of Mom. Scare us half to death and then want to go eat....LOL.

After our dining, I took Mom home and waited until she got into her house dress (nightgown) and got comfortable. I was still a little nervous about leaving her but she assured me she would be okay. I finally went home around 4:30 PM.

The only thing the Dr. thinks could have happened besides mothers age and health issues is her body may have been stressed due to the cold weather and then her internal stress of worrying about getting to church on time.

I am so thankful for the two guys that tried to help Mom get into her car and for the neighbor across the street that actually saw her pass out. Right now...the only visual mark is a bruise on her nose. We think she hit her nose on the car door on her way down when she passed out.

I'm sorry this is so long, but didn't know how to shorten it. Please keep my Mom in your prayers. I do not want her going to Florida, but she's going anyway. I'm so afraid that if she goes....I'll never see her alive again.

[paula1961]

Oh Janet my heart goes out to you! Thank God those guys were there! I am so glad that she is ok! When they start aging..it does get sooo worrisome! I didn't know anything about her going to Florida. All I can say is that I will certainly keep your dear Mom in my prayers. And you as well!

[Gina]

Oh Janet, what a scare.. I am glad to hear that she is fine . Did they say that she should see her regular dr. for follow up ? Give her dr. a call tomorrow just to let him know. Your mom God bless her is a tough cookie and I don't think that you will be able to stop her. I understand your concern for her.. But the warm weather is probably best for her, is she down there alone ? Or does she have friends looking in on her?

I will keep her in my prayers.

[gja1000]

Oh Janet, I know you are so worried about her. I would be too. I don't have any idea what caused her to pass out. Gary passed out too, a couple of weeks ago, but we think it was that his blood pressure got too low. Sometimes you just don't know. With her dialysis, it could be electrolytes (sodium, potassium, chloride) that were out of whack - but if it were that, then it would have shown up in the blood tests.

I know you don't want her to go to FL - I know you are worried about not seeing her again. It is so hard, we want to protect them, they want to live their life. I have begged Gary to not do something so many times, and he just looks at me like I am crazy. He says if he dies doing XXX, then it will be OK because he was living his life to the fullest. Of course, that doesn't make me feel much better, but I suppose it is true.

Fact is, there isn't much we can do to "protect" our family (other than our children), even though we really want to.

I'm so glad your mom is OK. I hope she doesn't have any more episodes.

[Janet]

Thanks ladies. Gina...she does have friends down there in the little park that she lives in. Also we are going to call her Dr. and set up an appt. for Thursday. That is when her Dr. works. I'm so tired this morning, but I'm sure it's because it was so stressful yesterday.

[lynne b]

Oh Janet, I am so sorry about your mom passing out, thankful that the neighbors were there to help her and she didn't get hurt. I tried calling you yesterday but Ricky didn't say there was anything wrong.
I know you will be busy and worried about her but give me a call if you need anything!!!!

I have jury duty this morning (YUK) so there is no way i can get out of that but i will be around tonight.

You be careful on the roads with the snow, it's not much but just be careful and get some rest this afternoon.

Praying for your mom and you...Lynne

[Marilyn]

Oh, Janet, so glad your story had a good ending!!!! And I know you are concerned about her going to Florida, but the warm weather may be good for her. I can't imagine living where you have icing issues on your car like you describe. Sounds like quite a struggle to even go anywhere. We get upset here when we have frost on the windshield in the morning that has to be cleared. There are very few older ladies here who would even clear windshield frost by themselves, let alone try to de-ice their car. Your mom is one determined, tough lady. You are so blessed to have this time with her!!!

[Lindsey]

Oh Janet, I think the only option is for you to take a vacation and go to Florida with her

Just kidding, but I'm really glad the doctor didn't find anything serious. Your mom is really lucky to have so many people looking out for her!

[DianaB]

Janet, you poor girl, what a scare you had yesterday!!! My heart just dropped when I saw your title but I'm so glad that things ended up as well as they did. I know that you'll be concerned about her going to Florida but the cold weather won't be affecting her down there so that could be a good thing. You might as well get used to the idea that your Mom isn't going to go sitting in a chair!! I think that my signature is probably how she feels about life and death!!! Give her a hug for me and tell her to take care of herself and to NOT scare you so bad!!!

[Blueyes]

Sorry about your mom, Janet! Is she still feeling ok?

[Janet]

We're having trouble getting her blood pressure regulated. It's low most of the time now so they are taking her off her BP meds and hopefully this will help. It's been an exhausting week for sure.

[gja1000]

Ah! I'm sure that is what caused her to pass out! That is what caused Gary to pass out too a couple of weeks ago! Gary was dehydrated though - and maybe that is what happened to your mom too.

[Janet]

Thanks Gayle....I'll have to ask her and make sure she's getting hydrated. Would be so much easier for me to keep an eye her if she lived here, but she knows she's welcome anytime she's ready.

[2tiredmom]

Janet, just saw this. Hope shes much better today. In my prayers as always.

[Gina]

Just checking the thread glad to hear mom is feeling better.