Worried!!

[Pendlewitch1]

My mother-in-law, age 80, is quite poorly. This has been going on for over 7 weeks now. She has been diagnosed with a virus initially however, she has, a while ago, complained of a soreness in one her arms and hand and is now extremely breathless. (she does have arthritis) She gets breathless while talking sat in a chair. She has no energy when she was once quite active. On my last visit with my husband she appeared 'grey'. She in not eating much as she states she cannot face food. I feel my hands are tied as she is not my mother and her own family always feel they know everything! My brother-in-law has taken her to the doctor who has said she has an irregularity with her heart beat. She has been asked to go for a chest x-ray today and to attend for an ECG at the doctors surgery NEXT WEEK...as the nurse who completes them could not fit her in sooner. I am extremely worried about her and feel something more should be done and sooner. Other family members are happy to wait and see what happens. Should I insist she is taken to hospital to be checked out?

[jimmyq]

Tricky one that! You could call the BHF Heart Helpline on 0300 330 3311 (office hours) and talk to a cardiac nurse about it.

[Nathan53]

I can see the dilemma for you. What does your Mother In Law think - if she is getting worse or feels she can't wait another week the alternative is a visit to A@E. Is she on any medication and if so have any meds been changed recently. Are there any signs of fluid retention swollen ankles etc

[Qualipop]

I'd be tempted to call an ambulance. The paramedics would do an ECG right away

[wiltsgirl]

I would agree with what has been said here and either take her to A & E or call an ambulance. It great that you care to get in touch here, we're here to help. Take care x