Wendy, I'm sorry your mom's having more difficulty coping but I'm glad Billybob's test results were satisfactory. I am also sorry about the death of your friend Derek.

I've been away from Mudcat for a few days due to a minor health blip of my own. I'll try not to get too graphic! Many years ago I was diagnosed with irritable bowel syndrome. I've kept it under control with diet for so long that I rarely think about it except when I have very occasionally had to boost my system with an over-the counter remedy. However on Tuesday night I realized I had a problem. I made a late-night pharmacy run. Still later, really very early Wednesday morning, I knew my attempts weren't yielding results, so at about 4:30 AM I drove myself to the county hospital which is only about 5 miles away. Tuesday there'd been snow, but by then the roads were clean and dry and the emergency room was not busy, so I was seen quickly. Among other things, my heartbeat was a little high and my magnesium level was low. I was given magnesium tablets and put on an IV. My heart calmed down. I was treated for the IBS and sent home feeling slightly but not completely better in about two-and-a-half hours with instructions to take more than the usual number of doses of a stronger-than-my-usual over-the-counter med for at least two days and should never be far from the bathroom! Tonight I hope to take my last dose of that med and be out and about tomorrow--if I have finally caught up on sleep!