For two weeks my mom had some pretty bad headaches. After being told it was nothing, then being treated for a sinus infection, a cat scan revealed a subdural hematoma.

In very simplistic terms, her brain was bleeding from a fall that occurred a few months back (The original cat scan showed nothing.) She didn't feel it at first, but ultimately the blood had no place else to go and caused debilitating headaches.

The news was very sobering, but for some reason both of us remained calm. We were relieved in many ways. It was good to know she wasn't nuts. She had pain for a reason.

We both got slap happy when we were transferred back to ER, waiting for the neuro surgeon. As we huddled together in Kaiser's crowded nurses' station (she in a wheelchair and I going on seven hours with no caffeine - guess who was more disabled at that point?) an elderly charge nurse took over.

Nurse (to my mom): Hello, Dear. Any idea why you're having headaches?

Mom: Because my BRAIN IS BLEEDING.

Duh, you dum-dum!

There's two ways to treat a subdural hematoma: Surgery or hope it goes down on its own with meds under tight hospital watch. Mom chose the second and so far is doing very well! (More prayers, good thoughts... thanks.)

While I'm obviously relieved that she's not going under the knife to drain the blood, I am a bit disappointed that the neuro won't be implementing my suggestion of plugging up her post surgery drilled head holes with some green Shrek antennae. Seeing her white hair and bright green sticks winking out over a hospital gurney would have made my year (not to mention a super blog pic!) Another time for sure.

Glad you're okay, Mom! (And how ironic that the day I start my period your brain starts to bleed. You just HAD to top me, didn't you?)

PS: Everyone, if you have older parents or know anyone older, remember that you need to be their advocate! Use your voice! Demand help! Let's keep them around to watch Shrek 11 with the great grand kids! Don't forget to scoot over to Karin's site! Give away ends tomorrow.

 


Comments

gretchen link
04/23/2009 16:48

Wow...that's one slow bleed. which is good news, as far as SDHs go, I suppose. Glad they caught it. Glad she's on the mend. And hoping that you get some caffeine soon. Unless you're trying to quit that--which gains a major hat-tip from me, especially on period day.

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meno link
04/23/2009 17:14

Well this sucks! Your poor mom. I hope it goes away on its own.

You guys are funny though.

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Deb link
04/23/2009 18:19


My heart just fell alllllllll the way to my feet. WOW! So glad to hear she's going to be OK. WHEW!! But...how are YOU?

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Sprite's Keeper link
04/23/2009 20:36

Wow, glad she'll be on the mend soon!

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Just Jiff link
04/24/2009 08:00

Wow. Hope she recovers quickly!

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Arwen link
04/24/2009 08:22

Glad they found it. Good luck to her.

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Debbie and Greg
04/24/2009 09:14

Please give Mom our wishes for a speedy recovery along with our love.

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Ash
04/24/2009 13:03

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Ash link
04/24/2009 13:05

Hey Andrea! It's good to read your blog again. I'm sorry I was away so long; I just needed a break from my internet life and had a hard time stepping back into it after being busy with so many other things. I'm so glad your mom is recovering and your sense of humor hasn't bled out!

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flutter link
04/25/2009 16:09

all of the sudden I feel bad for bitching about my migraines. Thinking of you and your mom, love.

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JCK link
04/25/2009 23:27

I could picture that scene so vividly. You and your mom waiting in the ER. Two funny gals.

I am thinking the good thoughts and prayers over here. Pretty scary stuff.

Miss you. Hope we can connect soon.

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kim/hormone-colored days link
05/11/2009 18:26

I'm backtracking here. It already sounds like she's doing better, but what a scare. I hope you 24 hours (more like only 14 maybe?) was refreshing!

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