Long time poster but NC as quite specific but I don’t allow my washing to get darked on!
Hoping there will be some MN experience and wisdom here about what I’ve got coming up.
Mum is 73. Has avoided doctors and healthy living behaviours for a long time. She moved to be nearer to us and we managed to get her to see the doctor due to breathlessness. Since then she has had lots of appointments and so far;
- Type 2 diabetes - on meds
- leg ulcer taking ages to heal
- fluid on lungs due to her heart struggling - diuretics, blood pressure meds and heart meds now prescribed.
- echocardiogram last week showed calcified artery. She will hear from consultant soon but was told not to push herself physically in the meantime and not drive or walk alone.
- alergic reaction now. Possibly to the gel used. Steroid and antihistamine given.
- Waiting for X-ray results due to anomaly on lung (GP said didn’t think it was cancer just being thorough).
She has changed her diet a bit and has lost lots of weight but still carries excess weight.
I’ve been supporting her to walk each day to improve her circulation for the leg ulcer and improve her heart health but we were told now she shouldn’t walk on her own by the echocardiogram clinician. Should I be worried? Would you leave your 11 year old overnight with her? We have a trip planned. She’s keen but I’m worried that she might have an event. Wed be an hour away.
What can I expect going forward? What are options for calcified artery? Dr Google says likely will need valve replacement but I can see there are different procedures. Any one have experience- what is she likely to need? What after care might she need? Our relationship is sometimes tricky (she can be critical and passive aggressive and gets cross with me) so I’m trying to prepare myself for needing to move in with her for a bit after an op. Will need to get myself in a peak physical and emotional state!
lots of questions. Just hoping for some lived experience and any wise words from the wonderful MN community. 🙏