Severe Back Pain
22 August 2001
Last Wednesday, August 8, 2001, I received a call that my mom had been taken to the hospital with severe back pain. The pain turned out to be caused by an aortic aneurysm. I headed for Bangor with thoughts of my own aneurysm all the way! Another scan showed another aneurysm in her abdomen. A surgeon was called in and decided that surgery now would be to risky because of her blood pressure and other problems. I came home today with a heavy heart. My mom's kidneys are not functioning as should. I have never seen her so down. The aneurysm in her abdomen is large and needs to be taken care of, but the surgeon won't recommend it until she is more stable. Please family, keep my mom in your thoughts and prayers. I hated to leave her but I had to take care of things at my own place. I am 2 hours away but it seems like further!
She is at the Eastern Maine Medical Center on State Street in Bangor Maine, 04401 Her name is Virginia Tucker. She is in room 326. Any support of thoughts and prayers would be so much appreciated. And if anyone out there has gone thru this same type of aneurysm (s), I'm sure you could help her spirits. Thanks so much.
Update 16 Aug 2001
This has been a very long week. The second aneurysm that was found is somehow interfering with the blood supply to my mom's kidneys and liver. I had to come home Sunday night. I really hated to, but I had no choice. Now every time the phone rings, I feel sick to my stomach. I'm so afraid that the aneurysm in her abdomen will rupture before she is able to have surgery.
On Monday night my mom's blood pressure was finally down so "someone" decided to let her go home. She was only home for overnight and was rushed back to the hospital. I can not imagine why she was allowed to go home. But at least she will know have the surgery sooner than first planned.
I am not going to be able to go to Bangor when she has the surgery. And perhaps this is just as well. When I was there I didn't take good care of myself. I didn't eat or sleep. At least here I am forced to do what I need to do for my own recovery. I want to thank all of the family for the support I have received and for the prayers for my mom.
Update 21 Aug 2001
I just spoke to my mom. Today is what I call realization day. Her doctor came in this morning and told her about the surgery. He repaired 3 aneurysms and has decided to leave the one in her aorta alone. Up to today mom has been on pain medication, heavy pain medication and was just so thankful to be alive that she wasn't letting in what really happened. Today she is realizing what happened. And what her future will be .
Her doctor was very frank with her, as he should have been. When she returns home, he wants her to have a lifeline. One of those things you wear around your neck and push if you need assistance. Mom was crying because just 8 months ago her sister died. She had aneurysms and a lifeline and for some reason mom equates that to her situation.
It is always so hard to know what to say. I am hoping that once she is back on familiar ground she will feel better. As soon as she is back in Bangor I am going to contact the aneurysm support group there and ask someone to go talk to her. Thank God for the support groups!
Update 20 Dec 2001
It has been so long since I have asked my daughter to update my progress. The area in my abdomen where the 3 aneurysms were repaired in August are doing very well. I am still extremely fatigued and driving has become a problem, but all in all I'm doing ok.
Last week my doctor sent me for a few tests that concerned me but I didn't say anything. He called me at home later that day and told me that the aneurysm in my heart is growing. It is at the top of the Aorta.
So now I will have some major decisions to make. Just what I needed before Christmas. :)
I'm not sure if I will have surgery done to repair the aneurysm or just let it go. I keep trying to weigh all of the pros and cons. I just turned 72 and from what I have heard, this type of surgery is complicated.
Has anyone had an Aortic aneurysm in their heart repaired? What is done? How long does it take to recover. I just hope that I do not have to make the decision until after the New Year.
God bless you and the family and a very happy holiday to all
Terri's Supraclinoid Aneurysm narrative
Discussion, comments, or questions: Terri Chadbourne or Virginia Tucker
© Copyright 1999 Virginia
Tucker
All Rights Reserved - Fair Use
acknowledged
