MS Relapse
Posted: August 29, 2011 at 8:00 pmMy mom has had another multiple sclerosis relapse and is in the hospital.
Talk about a damper to a day that started off on a high note – coming off from a crazy good weekend, having a productive morning, and feeling the love from my little ones.
Then, I get a call around 9:30 this morning. From my mom, all laid back and asking how I’m doing and about my weekend…but, oh by the way – “I’m in the hospital because I had trouble breathing and they don’t know why”. What the what now?!!?! But, that’s my mom. The quintessential selfless woman always worrying about others and glossing over her own struggles.
I love my mom. And not to sound hoakey or anything, but aside from Jesus she is the biggest inspiration in how I hope to live my life and the kind of person I want to be. Every time I hear she faces another relapse or has another scare related to the MS, a little piece of me crumbles. Yet she somehow remains so strong.
She was diagnosed this past February after having some weakness in her legs and trouble walking. Her regular medicine normally helps her feel fairly normal, but it seems every two months things become more difficult on her lower body again. The treatment for her relapses typically helps her to function as normal again within a few weeks. It carries standard side effects of additional fatigue, headaches, and nausea, but my mom just acts like my mom and sails through it all as serenely as possible.
This time was different.
After three days on the treatment for her relapse, she started noticing some trouble breathing. She was advised to stay home, rest, and monitor her breathing. It became worse and she ended up in the hospital last night around 9 pm. She had to be placed on an oxygen machine and has remained on it since last night. Every time they try to allow her to breathe on her own, her oxygen levels drop significantly.
The doctors are unsure whether this is a side effect or possible allergic reaction to the treatment or separate from treatment and caused by the MS. She has received numerous tests (an EKG, X-Ray on her chest, and CAT Scan on her lungs) to help determine the cause. The uncertainty and lack of answers bother me the most. Yet, there’s my mother. Full of peace…at least outwardly…and worrying about others.
Obviously, I spent my afternoon visiting her without a second thought to the spin class I missed or the list of to-dos that would not get done. I baked her peach muffins (recipe tomorrow) instead of folding laundry. I shared Mama Pea with her instead of hoarding the laughs for myself. And the Glamour? Just in case the Mama Pea stories make my mom cry….that’s just how she is.
It’s days like today that make me so grateful to have my faith.
It’s days like today that remind me that our relationships with others and with God are the only two things that truly matter in this life.
And it’s every day that I love my mom and pray for her body’s strength, her doctor’s guidance, and her heart’s peace. Would you mind doing the same for us today?
Thank you. And I know she says it too…thank you. Just before she asks you how you’re doing and what she can do to help you, of course. Oh, mom. I love you.
Tags: faith, family, personal, relationships
I’m so sorry to hear this, Tina. Sending lots of love, thoughts, prayers, and hugs to you and your family! <3
Oh no! I’ll keep your mom in my thoughts and prayers. She sounds like quite the fighter!
I am so sorry to hear this, Tina. I will say a prayer for your mom.
Oh gosh Tina, sooo sorry
I hope the doctors figure out whats wrong asap
Stay strong and take a few moments to yourself
Thinking about you!
Oh sweet Tina! My heart aches! Please know of my prayers for you, your mom, and her family! Love you! Big hugs too!
Tina, I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. I’ll definitely be keeping you and your family in my thoughts.
I’m here if you need to talk 🙂
I’m sending all my positive vibes and my thoughts & prayers to your mom and your family!
Tina, I am so sorry to read this tonight. Of course y’all are in my thoughts and prayers.
You also need to tell your mom that she is probably the only person I know who looks great in the hospital. She seriously looks faboo in that picture! When she gets out, she needs to share her secrets.
I’m so sorry to hear about your mom, Tina. She’s in my thoughts and prayers!
When I saw your Tweet this morning, I wondered if something was up with your mom. I hope they sort this out quickly. I love how you brought your kids to see her–I’m sure that lifted her spirits. (((hugs)))
I’m so sorry to hear this! You and your mom are in my thoughts. *hugs*
Tina, I’m so sorry about your mom! I know it must be very difficult for you, but just know that you have an entire community here to support you.
I will keep you, your mom, and your family in my prayers tonight <3
Hugs lady! I am so sorry to hear about your Mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you guys. <3
I’ve said a prayer too. The power of prayer is undeniable and I have SUCH an example to share. My Dad was diagnosed with cancer 2 years ago. He had a grapefruit size tumour wrapped around his pancreas and pressing on his stomach. It was a slow spreading cancer BUT after assessing him the surgeon determined it was inoperable. We were devestated. I have never prayed so hard in my life and I just had so much faith that God was going to fix him even though the surgeon said it was impossible. Nothing is impossible to God! 🙂 The surgeon decided to do his best and warned my Dad that he could lose part of his pancreas and his stomach. The surgery was over 8 hours long and afterwards the surgeon said – I don’t know how on earth I did it but we got it all! His pancreas and stomach were fine too. 2 years later he’s cancer free and I try to remember to send up a thank you prayer as often as I can. God is good! He’s there for you guys too.
Lots of love!
This is such a beautiful story. I am a huge believer in the power of prayer & it’s always wonderful to hear of another example! I am so happy to hear that your Dad is doing well – praise God!!!
Thank you for sharing this, Heather!!! You’re right that God is powerful and hearing another’s personal story gives extra hope. 🙂
Tina, I am so sorry to hear this. You and your mom will be in my thoughts, and I’m sending all my love and good vibes your way.
I think her positive attitude is going to make all the difference. Happy people heal better.
Tina I’m so very sorry to hear that about your mom. My thoughts and prayers are with you, your mom, and family.
Xoxo, Shayla
Praying your family and mom, Tina. Its those with an upbeat and positive attitude that are the ones that get through these things quicker and come out of them stronger. Lots of love to you!
Oh, Tina…I am so sorry to hear this. You, your beautiful Mom & all the family will be in my thoughts and prayers (I’ve already sent one up)! Stay strong and keep the faith! HUGS!
Sending many thoughts and prayers your way 🙁 I love the relationship you have with your mom. It makes me want to be a better daughter.
I’m so sorry that your mom isn’t well. I’m sending lots of good thoughts for a speedy recovery! Take care!
Tina, I hope so much that your mom is okay…
Tina tina tina. I knew something wasn’t right today based off twitter and facebook–but I had no idea it was this scary.
Love you and prayers your way.
Thinking & praying for your Mom, Tina! Stay strong, you are your mom’s strength right now!
Saying a prayer for your mom <3
My mom recently got out of the hospital too for having trouble breathing… turns out she had pneumonia (thankfully unrelated to the disease that she has — primary amyloidosis). The doctors said that normally people would have passed out with how low her O2 level was… but sounds like my mom is like your mom where she tends to worry about everyone else except herself…
Love to your family! And yes times like these remind us of what's important– God and family =)
Oh Tina, I’m so sorry. Your mom and family are in my prayers.
Your mom is lucky to have you as her daughter to take care of her and be there no matter what!
you know i’m praying for your mom and your family sweetheart 🙂
[…] MS Relapse […]
Oh, My Gosh, Tina!! So sorry to hear this about your Mom. I will certainly keep her in my prayers. What is her first name? Keep us updated! Sending love to your family.
Been sending lots of prayers and love your way Tina!
xoxo from Trinidad
So sorry to hear this Tina! Your mom will be in my thoughts and prayers!
Tina..that is so hard. I’m praying for you and your mom today and hoping that they find some answers (positive ones of course!). Xoxo
Despite the heaviness of this post, your words shine through with beauty, strength and faith. Non-wavering faith. And love for your mom. I will pray for her and your family and know that she is strong and can get through this. God will put His strength into the doctor’s hands. XO.
My uncle has MS and his never went into remission and he’s just gotten worse over the years. His kind doesn’t respond well to medicine. He’s had it since he was in his late 30s. It’s a sad, sad disease. I hope your mom will start feeling better and will be able to breathe. You are all in my prayers. She sounds like a lovely, lovely woman!
Aw friend! I’m sending you lots of love and good vibes for you and your mom (and prayer, too).
Sending you and your mom lots of good thoughts. This was a beautifully written post and I hope she gets to read it too.
Your mom is my my prayers, Tina. I wish only the best for you and your family.
I hope your mom is reading all of the comments — please send her my love!
I’m so sorry to hear about this. Your mom sounds like a wonderful, strong woman and an amazing mother. My thoughts are with your family!
I’m so sorry, you all are in my prayers.
My thoughts are with you and your family.
I’m so sorry, Tina. My thoughts are with you and your family.
Your mother sounds like a wonderful person and mother and from reading your blog for months, I see a lot of what you describe in her in you.
Sending lots of love and prayers to your mom, you, and the rest of your family! So sorry y’all are going through this tough time, but it always brings us closer to God. xo
Your mom sounds like an INCREDIBLE woman. Keep your eyes looking up and leaning on God who has both you and her completely wrapped in His arms.
Oh my goodness, you and your mom and fam are all in my prayers! Love you.
Oh Tina! I hope your Mommy gets better quickly! XOXOXO! Your family is in my thoughts and prayers.
Your mother has the most amazing attitude about this all. Her, you, and your whole family are in my prayers, Tina!
praying for you both.
Oh, Tina! I just want to hug you right now. Instead, I’m praying (even as I type this). Lots of love to you.
Sending you lots of love and best wishes–this is so hard, I’m sure!
You and your mom are inspiring.
I love the pic of her with your babies…
You and your family are in my prayers. My grandmom has MS and suffers from many symptoms. It is very difficult at times and I feel so bad for her, but she is so full of life and full of God. She has helped me and our family so much because she shows so much strength and love no matter what. Also, she has taught us that everything happens for a reason.
xoxo
Jazmine