Thursday, November 18, 2010

911 - Learning To Ask For Help

"Tell the people you love how much they mean to you every day! You don't know what each day will bring." ~Mama Hen I got a call this afternoon from my mom and she was crying and incoherent. All I heard was that she felt a numb, tingling feeling in the left side of her body. I panicked! The last time I got a call like that I raced to the hospital and my Dad was dead. I immediately called my friend (who is an angel here on Earth) and asked if she would come and get Little Chick. She said, "Call 911!" I did and then I brought my daughter to the next door neighbor and raced to my mom's house which is five minutes away. I was so scared and shaking! I heard the sirens and I knew they were for her. I drove behind a police car that was racing to her house. I did not care and drove the same speed. I figured if he stopped me I could tell him we are going to the same place. Sure enough he pulled into my mom's driveway. The fire engine and ambulance were already there. I could not get in the house fast enough! A police officer stopped me and said I had to calm down before I go and see my mom. I could hear her screaming in pain. I went and saw her sitting in the kitchen with quite a few people checking on her. I have never seen her like this - ever. She was crying in excruciating pain.

She was quickly brought to the hospital. I followed the ambulance with such fear and panic. My mom means the world to me and Little Chick. My wonderful friend's (the same angel that I can't thank enough) husband is a cardiologist and she had him meet my mom when she arrived. He was so sweet and my mom found it so comforting to see a familiar face. He said that what my mom was experiencing was not a stroke, however, tests would be done to see what was creating all the pain in her left side. Every two minutes my mom would scream in agony as her entire side from neck to toe shot a pain that she could hardly bear. It was terrible to see her like this and not being able to do anything about it.

She was given a strong pain killer and a Valium that did not help the pain. She was pulled in for an MRI and a CAT scan. They found a herniated disc in her neck that was creating such pain every few minutes.

Today was the first time I had someone watch Little Chick. She loves my friend and her children are her best buddies, but she has always been with me when we have play dates. I also had my neighbor come at night again and try to help her go to sleep, which is another thing she has never experienced. She did not get to sleep, but by 10:30 PM I was able to return home and she fell asleep in two minutes.

Today I learned to ask others for help. It is not such an easy task for me, but I needed to do it so I could be there for my mom. I am so grateful for the kindness my friend and neighbor had shown me during this frightening time. My mom was discharged, but the pain is the same. I will need to take her to see a specialist to see how we can help the herniated disc. Until then she will continue to be in severe pain.

36 comments:

  1. I'm so sorry that your mom was in a lot of pain. It must have been such a scary experience. I hope nothing is seriously wrong with her. Prayers go out to you & your family at a time like this. I hope her pain goes away soon.

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  2. Oh no, I am so sorry that your mom is in so much pain! What a scary experience for you both. I am so happy that you had such a wonderful friend to turn to during all this! Sometimes asking for help can be really hard but, it really is a blessing to have such wonderful people to turn to in a time of need. I will be praying for your mom and that they will help her get better soon. Hang in there, my thoughts and prayers are with you both!

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  3. Oh, dear friend . . . I am so so sorry that your Mom is going through such a terrible time. I sat reading this with my mouth wide open - I am just so sorry. If I were closer, I would be there to help in any way. But from here, I can only offer great prayers and thoughts. Thinking of you both so very very much.

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  4. Your post made me cry, as my late mom was always being sent to the hospital in a ambulance. It made me miss her even more as I read you post as I know the emotions you carried with you as you raced to get there for her.
    Your blog evokes such a sweetness and love for your family.
    I pray your mom is on the road to recovery. Take care,
    Viola of at www.alongawidowedroad.blogspot.com

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  5. Oh no, your poor mom! I'm so glad that you have a friend and neighbor so close so you could be there for her. I'm also glad you are so close to your mom! I'll be praying for her pain to ease and that you find a perfect specialist to fix her up fast! Xo

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  6. So sorry to read about your mum! Hope that she gets well ASAP! And it's a blessing that you stay near your mum and your wonderful neighbors are Godsend! Praying for things to be alright soon! Stay strong and take care, Mama Hen!

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  7. Thank you for the comment on your use of aloe. It is a wonderful plant.. Love your blog and your sweet little girl.

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  8. Thank god she is fine. Send my love to her. it is a big blessing that you live so close to each other.
    love u all

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  9. I'm so sorry about your mom! Asking for help can be hard, and I'm glad you have such a wonderful friend to help you when you need it! I hope she recovers soon from this horrible pain. My thoughts and prayers are with you.

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  10. Oh my goodness. How scary Mama Hen! I'm so glad it wasn't a stroke, but still, I hope your mom feels better soon. I hate to hear that she's in so much pain.

    You so did the right thing. It is so hard to ask for help, but that's what friends are for...you would do the same thing for them if they needed it. Please take care!

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  11. I can imagine how scary that must of been and hopefully it's something they fix quickly so that she can have relief from the pain. Thankfully, you live close to your mom and were able to be there so quickly. I'll be keeping your mom in my thoughts and prayers!

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  12. I'm thinking good thoughts for your mama - I hope all works out for her!

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  13. Thinking good thoughts! As someone who has experienced a herniated disc (lower back) -- I understand how painful it is. I *highly* recommend taking your mother to a chiropractor. They can help alleviate A LOT of pain, and then she will not have to take so much of those pain meds.

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  14. I KNOW how scary that must have been driving behind the ambulance racing to the hospital bringing back memories of your beloved father. I hope that she gets relief from her pain!! Good she's seeing a doctor as soon as possible.
    Keep us updated on her recovery.
    And it's good for Little Chick to get that sense of independence. She's a big girl to finally go off on her own. You have very good friends!!
    Bianca
    The "Let's Talk!" Mom

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  15. What a scary time! I think at least a herniated disc is something that can be fixed. How frightening that must have been for your mom who didn't know what was causing the pain, as well as you and Little Chick.

    I know what that pain is like. You can't move your head even a fraction of an inch without excruciating pain, the weight of your head makes it impossible to even get up out of bed.

    I agree with kt moxie about your mom getting to a chiropractor. They specialize in getting your spine in alignment.

    Thank God that it wasn't something even more serious. I hope you all have a more relaxing day today.

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  16. Just stopping by to see how you and your mother are doing! You both are in my thoughts and prayers!

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  17. Just like the mother eagle slowly removes the "cushy" lining of the nest to expose the spiky twigs and branches so that her little ones will learn to fly and gain their independence, sometimes I think God does the same thing for us. Because of your mom's experience, look at what you've learned: (1) how to ask for help; (2) that you have a support system you can rely on; (3) that both you and Little Chick survived the separation; (4) how to calm yourself when panic-stricken (for your mom's sake); etc. You can probably think of more. I'm just going by what I've read here. Although it must have been extremely scary, you found the inner-strength to "take care of business" as the situation required. Wishing your mom freedom from her pain until her health is restored.

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  18. So sorry for the scare with your Mum and hope she will not be in pain for long. My Mum has had similar problems and it hard to get about when you are in such pain. I was amazed you have never left your daughter before though :) Take Care my thoughts are with you and your Mum.

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  19. First of all, I am soooo glad it was not a stroke. Second - stay strong. I am sorry your mother is in so much pain, my God work fast on her healing!

    Little chick will be fine! :-)

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  20. Oh my gosh, how frightening! I'm so sorry your mom is in such pain and that you had to go through that. I am so close to my mom, I can't imagine how I would react if this happened to her. I'm so happy it wasn't anything life threatening. I'll pray for her healing.

    Stephanie
    http://www.dirtandlace.com

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  21. Mama Hen, that must have been so scary for you! But you did a great job handling everything and I'm sure Little Chick did great with your friend, and your neighbor. I'm sending up some prayers that your mom gets some pain relief and help soon. Keep us updated!

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  22. Oh dear - how frightening. I sure hope your Mom gets some relief from her pain.

    Thinking about you and praying for a quick healing! I'm glad you and LC handled this all so well.

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  23. oh how scary. Nice to know you have friends to count on in times like that...but SO happy your mom is ok. Keep us posted on her progress and what they do to ease her pain.

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  24. I thank God your Mom is o.k., but I am so sorry to hear she has to be in so much pain! I will keep her in my prayers. I too find it hard to ask for help. Being away from family I have the girls all the time, we even have to take them to hospital visits. I understand, you are blessed to be so close!
    Have a good weekend
    Blessings
    ,Jill

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  25. I am so glad your Mom is okay and that you could be there with her through such a scary time. Herniated discs are the worst! They really do create insane amounts of pain that hinder every move you make. Hopefully she will have a great doctor that will get her back on the mend. Thinking of you!

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  26. Thinking good thoughts for you and your family. I am glad you asked for help and didn't take it all on! Take care, Steph

    www.bepositivemom.com

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  27. Oh my gosh, Mama Hen! What a day you've had. What day your Mom has had! I am so sorry she is in such pain.It is so hard to see our loved ones hurting. I'm sending thoughts of comfort your way. I've had to call 911 before and it is scary, but also so good to know that we do have something like that call. Have as good a weekend as you are able. Your Mom is lucky to have you near by!

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  28. I will pray, pray, pray for you and your mom. She looks so much like Little Chick. God is near!

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  29. I'm so sorry Mama Hen! How scary for all of you. So glad it was not a stroke and hopefully some physical therapy will provide some relief. So glad you have amazing friends near.

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  30. Hey sweetie, just stopping by to see if you had posted any more about your mom. Hope her pain has subsided. xo

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  31. Hey Mama Hen, i'm so sorry i didn't come by earlier... Just wanted to let you know that i'll be sending prayers for your mom and you and little chick!!

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  32. What a scary moment for your Mum and yourself. Isn't it wonderful to have beautiful neighbours and friends to call on when we really need it, as hard as that is as a woman and a mother?

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  33. Mama, I'm so sorry for this! what a scary moment. I'm glad your mom is ok(at least home and safe). I will keep her in my prayers!

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  34. So sorry to read this! I can only imagine the fright that you were feeling. I will pray that they are able to resolve the disk issue so that she can be pain free.

    Isn't it a blessing to have wonderful friends that you can count on! I'm so glad that you have that, Mama Hen!

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  35. I am so, so thankful that your mom's condition turned out not to be a stroke or heart attack. Hopefully, you will receive some good news in regard to treatment of the disc soon.

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  36. I am so sorry to hear about your mom. I pray she gets relief from the pain soon!

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