Mom has been sick for over seven months. The initial symptom was a severe, constant headache. This headache became progressively worse to include dizziness and instability, as well as nausea. She hasn't been able to eat much for quite some time, and has lost about 50 pounds in the last two months. She's been mostly bedridden for a few weeks. We have been working with many good and competent physicians in trying to find the source of these problems. A plethora of sundry tests have been taken, and we hope to get to the bottom of it soon. However, nothing has indicated anything out of the ordinary as of yet. A set of three MRIs over a year or two has deducted that the tiny cyst in her brain has probably been there her whole life and is not causing any problems.
On Thursday, Mom had a lumbar puncture in which they drew fluid from the inside of her spine. The test came back completely normal, however, the test caused her great pain. Later that night, she couldn't move her back without excruciating pain. Dad and I attempted to help her--practically carry her--to the bathroom. She was able to brush her teeth before she said she was feeling faint. Her color drained quickly and she passed out cold. We were able to quickly and safely lower her to the floor, and Dad was able to wake her up after we made sure she was breathing. She didn't know where she was or even who she was, but after talking to her for a while she understood. My wonderful Aunt Lynda, who had driven out from California earlier that day as a surprise and arrived at the perfect time, helped us to make the decision to call 911. The paramedics arrived shortly, and soon Mom was taken to Mountain View Hospital in an ambulance.
The doctors said that Mom was severely dehydrated, which probably added to the reason for her faint. They put her on an IV of fluid, which seemed to help, but Friday in the hospital was awful. Mom was hardly responsive, in a lot of pain, and just plain "out of it." The great nurses were able to give her some sleep medication along with her morphine and other anti-nausea drugs, and she slept well.
Saturday she was doing really well. They have the nausea under control, but that has given way to stomach pain whenever she eats or drinks anything. She was able to sit up on her own without passing out. She was joking more like herself. The only new development is that the Morphine seems to be getting to her--while visiting with Jan Christensen, Mom was trying to think of how to politely tell Jan that there was a big yellow stain on her blouse. Sister Christensen was not offended, and also not stained. Later, Mom asked Aunt Lynda to get rid of the big white butterfly that kept flying around. This morning, Sunday, Mom told me that she'd watched cartoons on her wall all night.
Mom is in good hands, and where she needs to be. We are receiving an outpouring of love, prayers, and help from all of you, and thank you for that. We are hopeful that today's fast will help the doctors discover the problem.
To keep our friends and loved ones (that is, friends who are ALL loved ones and vice verse) updated on the condition of Melissa Anderson, kept by her daughter, Britney.
