Update on my mother

[Janet]

It's has been quite some time since I've given you all an update on my 84 year old mother. Recently she had her eyes checked. A few years ago, she had an aneurysm in her right eye. The eye Dr. suggested she have an ultra sound done on the arteries in her neck to make sure all was clear and that she wouldn't have the same thing happen to the other eye.

The ultrasound showed a 50-70% blockage in the right side and 50% on the left. They want her to have a CT A scan done where they insert the dye. That's all well and good, except for her kidneys. The dye can do damage.

If you remember her kidneys are functioning at 20% right now. The Drs. have told her that within a year to two years, she will most likely be on dialysis.

If she does not have the surgery to clear these arteries in her neck, she risks having a stroke that could possibly render her in bad shape of course or just affect her eyes. OR nothing may happen and she can just let nature take it's course in her aging.

If she does have the surgery to clear the arteries in her neck, she risks a stroke if some of the 'whatever it is that is clogging the artery, (I forget what he called it) breaks off while they are cleaning it out. PLUS the dye can cause severe damage to her already compromised kidneys and she could end up on dialysis right after the surgery instead of a couple years down the road.

She is very scared...I think more scared of this stuff she has to drink before the surgery to help save her kidneys. They told her it smells and tastes like rotten eggs, but it will help her kidneys. She doesn't know what to do and I have no suggestion for her. I help her go over the options, but it is ultimately up to her.

She asked what I would do and I told her at my age...52, I would probably have the surgery done, but I really didn't know if I was in the same health arena with bad kidneys if I would have it done at her age. I told her I would support whatever decision she makes.

She is thinking of going ahead with the surgery and get it over with so she can still go to Florida in January. I know this is pretty selfiish, but I almost wish if she's going to have it done she wait till she comes back in April. I know that is a long time, but if something were to happen to her over the holidays, heaven forbid, it would make the light of the holidays a little dimmer every year from now on.

Still....I will support whatever decision she makes.