Should I Call an Ambulance for My Mom?
I reside 600 miles away from my mother, who is 80 years old, and there's no one nearby to assist her. I'm currently weighing the option of contacting paramedics for a wellness check versus trying to figure out how to reach her myself, which will take a minimum of two days. The situation has me quite panicked, so I’m seeking advice. My mother is in South Carolina and has several health issues, including lymphoma affecting her legs, ankles, feet, and arms. She also has high blood pressure managed by losartan, along with arthritis affecting her hands and fingers. Since March 2020, she has been struggling with long COVID symptoms such as AFIB, chronic fatigue syndrome, and brain fog after a ten-day hospital stay for this condition. Although her cardiologist is monitoring the AFIB, he has not provided any treatment. Up until January 20, 2025, she was working full-time, often on her feet for over eight hours straight. However, on January 23, she suddenly found herself unable to stand or walk for extended periods, despite no previous falls or unusual episodes. She went to the emergency room, where scans revealed a T12 compression fracture and an L4 endplate compression fracture. After staying in the hospital overnight, she was prescribed Flexeril and Tylenol for pain relief (she opted out of hydrocodone) and was given a brace for support, with a follow-up appointment scheduled for March 13 with a neurosurgeon. They also discovered a urinary tract infection and prescribed a strong antibiotic for that. During her follow-up visit, the neurosurgeon indicated that her T12 fracture had worsened and recommended she follow up with her general practitioner. The GP conducted blood work and a urinalysis, but I won’t have full details until she sends me the results. What I do know is that her blood pressure was low and she had a reduced white blood cell count. My mother is currently enduring excruciating pain and can barely walk. On the rare occasions she does manage to get up, her heart rate spikes to around 125, leaving her exhausted for the rest of the day. There are times when she cannot even get to the bathroom due to her condition. It’s important to note that she is the primary caregiver for my disabled husband, who relies on her despite his own challenges—diabetes, dementia, and being legally blind and partially deaf. She is suffering significantly, experiencing such intense pain that she often feels nauseated and vomits, which has led her to lose 47 pounds. I watch her health deteriorate with each passing day, as she battles extreme fatigue, spends much of her time sleeping, and some days is too nauseous to talk on the phone. I feel completely helpless in this situation, which would be easier to manage if it weren’t for the fact that my stepfather can’t be left alone. I’m deeply concerned and at a loss for what to do next!
Answers (1)
3/25/2025, 8:30:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear about the difficult situation you and your mother are facing. Your concerns are completely valid, and it’s understandable to feel overwhelmed given her serious health issues and your distance.
Main Points:
Given the severity of your mother's symptoms—including her intense pain, difficulty walking, and dangerously high heart rate—it's crucial to prioritize her immediate safety and health. Calling for an ambulance for a wellness check is a responsible option that can provide her with the urgent care she may need.
Explanation:
Your mother is experiencing a complex array of health challenges that require professional assessment, especially after her recent fractures, the urinary tract infection, and her longstanding issues like AFIB and chronic fatigue. The combination of these factors, particularly her excruciating pain and inability to care for herself or manage basic functions, warrants urgent attention. The symptoms you’ve described suggest that she could be in a crisis that may need prompt medical intervention.
Next Steps:
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Call Emergency Services: Contact paramedics immediately for a wellness check. They can assess her condition on-site and take necessary actions, including transporting her to a hospital if needed. Emphasize her current symptoms to ensure they understand the urgency.
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Communicate with Healthcare Providers: Once emergency services are dispatched, try to reach her primary care physician or her neurosurgeon to discuss her situation. Inform them about her recent deterioration and the specifics of her symptoms.
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Arrange Care for Your Step-Father: While you are working on your mother’s care, think about how to ensure your step-father is safe during this time. If you can, ask a neighbor or a friend if they can check in on him while you’re focused on helping your mother.
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Stay Informed: After the initial response from emergency services, follow up with her medical team to stay updated on her condition and what support she may require moving forward.
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Take Care of Yourself: It’s important that you also consider your own emotional wellbeing during this stressful time. Looking after a loved one can be very demanding, so don’t hesitate to reach out to supportive friends or services.
It's commendable that you are so dedicated to your mother and step-father's wellbeing, and taking these steps can help her receive the support she urgently needs. Please keep me updated if you require further information or support during this process.
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