Concerns About Mum's Health After Morning Incident
This morning, I was engaging in a normal conversation with my mother when, just thirty minutes later, I discovered her collapsed on the floor upstairs, largely unresponsive. At 62 years of age, she is a white female, a non-smoker, standing at 5 feet 3 inches and weighing 11 stone 2 pounds. She battles anemia, inflammatory arthritis, and rheumatoid arthritis, along with plantar fasciitis. Although she was breathing adequately, she appeared disoriented and unable to comply with my directions. When the paramedics arrived, they noted that her blood pressure was slightly elevated and her temperature was raised, indicating a possible infection. Fortunately, over the course of about an hour, my mum became more alert, regained her ability to communicate, and was even able to recall the day, date, and details about a major sporting event. She explained to the emergency team that the only recent change in her routine was beginning a new injection to manage her arthritis, which she had started last Friday. Yesterday, she had felt unwell but chose to continue on. After reviewing the information on the injection and performing additional assessments, the paramedics speculated that she experienced an adverse reaction to this new medication. At this stage, she was responding better, albeit still feeling sluggish, but did mention a headache. They transported her to the Same Day Emergency Care unit for further evaluation. Currently, my sister is with her, and I’ve been assured that she is eating and drinking, appearing almost completely her usual self. Her blood tests and blood pressure readings are within normal ranges, though the headache persists. They are administering IV paracetamol in hopes of alleviating the headache, but if it doesn’t improve, a CT scan will be necessary. I realize I might be overreacting, but I can’t help but remember that seven years ago my paternal grandmother experienced a similar incident. What was initially thought to be a stroke led to the devastating diagnosis of an inoperable brain tumor after a scan, with a prognosis of only three years, yet she passed away within seven months. I am terrified of facing this situation again with my mother, but if it comes to that, I want to ensure both she and my sister are prepared for whatever may come.
Answers (1)
2/15/2026, 12:50:39 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to feel anxious after witnessing such an alarming incident with your mother. Her improvement and the fact that she is now able to communicate are positive signs. However, I recognize your concern for her well-being, especially given your family history. Here’s a structured response to help you navigate this situation:
Main Points
- Your mother's recovery is reassuring, but lingering symptoms warrant ongoing monitoring.
- Adverse reactions to new medications can happen, especially with injections for chronic conditions.
- Continue to monitor her symptoms and ensure she follows the medical team's guidance.
Explanation
Your mother's sudden collapse and subsequent disorientation are concerning, but her gradual return to alertness is a positive indicator. Anemia, arthritis, and the new medication could contribute to her symptoms. The elevated blood pressure and temperature suggest there may be an underlying infection or a reaction to the new injection. It's common for medical personnel to conduct further tests to rule out any serious conditions, especially given your family history.
Next Steps
- Stay Informed: Keep in close contact with the healthcare team and ask questions about her medications and ongoing assessments.
- Monitor Symptoms: Watch for any new or worsening symptoms, such as persistent headaches, changes in consciousness, or any other significant alterations in her behavior or health.
- Prepare for Follow-Up: Ensure that your mother has follow-up appointments lined up to review her condition and medication after this incident. If there are any significant findings from her current evaluation, it's important to understand the next steps.
- Support and Comfort: Be there for both your mother and sister as they cope with this situation. Provide emotional support and help them feel secure about the care that is being provided.
If you have any further questions or need clarification about her condition or treatment options, feel free to ask. It’s perfectly normal to feel anxious during such uncertain times, but focusing on what you can control is key.
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