What could mother have died from?

Question

My mother died some years ago. She was the most healthest 77year old you could know. Five months before her death she started getting sick to her stomach. We took her to many doctors and they found nothing wrong with her. One said it was depression and put her on an antidepressant pill. One day while she was at my home still feeling ill she fell over on my couch moaning. I took her to the emergency room and they thought it was her gall bladder. In the hospital they tested it and said that wasn't it. Next they said it was her heart Tested and not it. Next put her in ICU 3 days later she died.Five doctors there could not find anything. 3 siblings wanted autopsy and 3 said no! Mother always told us never to have that done all her life! Before death white blood cell count up in millions.Could have had heredity disease that in later life could affect my sisters and brothers? I don't know what happened to her! In this day and age how can that be? It will always be a mystery.

Answer 1

For your mother's white blood cell count to be that high she must have had an undiagnosed virus or illness.As the white blood cells fight infection. The only way to find out for sure was by autopsy, unfortunately it is now too late.

I doubt very much that it was a hereditary illness as they are normally diagnosed and the illness would have to be of a genetic type to effect you and your siblings. Genetic illnesses don't usually affect the white blood cells.

Answer 2

The high white cell count indicates an infection. I'm reluctant to second-guess all the doctors without more information, but I'm sure they checked for obvious suspects like apendicitis and cancer, and must have done stool and urine analysis. The vomiting and abdominal pain suggests an infection of the gastrointestinal system and possibly associated organs such as the liver or pancreas. There are so many infectious organisms that if you don't test for the right one, it can be hard to identify. Chances are your mother contracted an infection that she might have fought off easily when she was younger and her immune system was stronger, but that it overwhelmed her at her advanced age.

That's my best guess with the limited information available. You might want to go back to your mom's doctors and ask if that fits what they know. I think you probably don't have too much to worry about.

My sympathy for your loss.

Answer 3

I am so sorry for your loss. But whatever you do, don't give up asking questions. You may not know today or tomorrow but someday someone with the same symptoms will find out what it is and you will finally be able to lay your concerns to rest. Just think about how health issues 50 yrs ago are now diagnosed and treated daily. Again, my deepest sympthy.

Answer 4

I'm sorry for your loss. But as you said, it's a mystery.

If you had a screwdriver that you used day and night for 77 years, you would be astonished if it still had a handle.

She wore out. She might have lasted longer if she had not been required to answer so many foolish questions.

Answer 5

Your mother had a healthy 77 years. Enjoy that fact. She did not pass prematurely. Her body wore out and shut down. With good habits you and your siblings will probably out live her age.

Answer 6

Without knowing more about her lab work and without there being an autopsy it will remain a mystery. Sorry.

Answer 7

You should have had her autopsied. Sounds like the docs missed something.

Answer 8

Could she have had an ulcer? Guess you can do a lot of hypothesis, but you will never know for sure.

Answer 9

not a hereditary illness..well..we all die someday, disease or hit by a truck, or old age...dont worry!