Not seeing red

My mother has always battled several health problems, as far back as I can remember. In recent years, though, age has taken its toll and she has suffered more than what seems her fair share. She suffers from Lupus (Systemic Lupus Erythematosus), Sjögren's Syndrome, fibromyalgia, and a weak back, as well as osteo-arthritis and all the other common aches-and-pains that comes with increasing age.

Sjögren's Syndrome affects (among other things) the connective tissues in the body and can cause tiredness, so we didn't think too much about it when she became more tired than usual recently. She has also been complaining of chronic and acute indigestion/heartburn every single day, has experienced some dizziness (particularly when rising from sitting or lying down), difficulty sleeping (even with pain meds), and some mental confusion/forgetfulness. After presenting this list of symptoms to her Internist (Chang) today, he immediately suspected a "bleeding ulcer" and anemia to be the cause. After questioning her about the presence of any black stools lately and hearing her positive answer, he ordered an immediate test of her hemoglobin. A nurse came in and drew a vial of blood from Mom's fingertip and the doctor reappeared a few minutes later with the confirmation of an
anemic condition. Based on the test result, my mother's pale skintone and pinkish mucous membranes rather than the customary red color, he decided to admit her immediately to the hospital.

So, my father and I drove her over to the hospital and reported to the nurse's station on the second floor, per the doctor's orders. Nurses and doctors came in before long to get my mother settled and ask her additional questions so they could tend to her care. My father and I stayed with her for a while, then ran some errands, then returned to the hospital for another visit before going back home. He and I both called Mom later that night, and I spent quite a bit of time on the phone with my husband, brother, and boss, telling the story of what happened and making plans for my staying longer than originally expected this visit.



© 2008 Sapphire Words @ Blogspot.com