No Such Thing | ✓

Ch.28 | Insufferable

N O

S U C H    T H I N G

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"Ms. Reagan, your mother has a condition called Syncope." Dr. Bradley stated after looking over my mother's chart on his tablet. "It isn't super serious, but she will need to keep track of any and all episodes that may occur, as well as periodically monitor her blood pressure and heart rate."

My eyes widened. "Will she die from this?"

My mom sends me a glare from across the room.

"No, she will likely be fine. Most patients with Syncope know how to help improve their symptoms, as well as have short episodes. Normally patients do not need to seek treatment after an episode. In the event that they pass out, they will likely be fine a few minutes after." Dr. Bradley explains.

"So how come my mom didn't wake up from this one?" I ask. "She was still passed out when I woke up, and she didn't wake up for a while."

"That was due to the dehydration." He turns to my mother. "You need to start monitoring your water intake. Keep yourself hydrated as best as you can, and your future episodes will not be as scary, nor will they last as long. I know this is a lot to take in, and you are going to need to adjust, but you can still live a long and for the most part happy life." He smiles.

"Thank you Dr. Bradley. For everything." My mom weakly smiles.

"It's my pleasure Mrs. Reagan."

"Please, call me Theresa." She smirks while not so subtly placing her left hand out onto the bed where the doctor can see. As if he cares whether she's wearing a ring or not.

I look between the two fools smiling at each other, and roll my eyes.

"Absolutely." Dr. Bradley winks before turning and leaving the room.

I bring my eyes to my mom's and her smile turns into a grin.

"He's hot."

My eyes widen. "Mom!" I gape.

"What? I'm allowed to look!" She pouts while crossing her arms over her chest.

I shake my head with a laugh. "You're insufferable."

"I also have a condition."

My smile goes south. "Yeah..."

A wave of emotions wash over me as my eyes begin to water. "You really scared me. I thought you were dead." I manage to say.

My mom's eyes soften, and she opens her arms motioning for me to hug her. I walk over and lay beside her as she wraps her arms around me.

"I'm so sorry sweetheart. That is the last thing I have ever wanted to do." She says gently while leaning her head against mine. Small tears roll down my cheeks as I lean into her.

"Well, at least now we know what it is, and we can monitor it." I say while lifting my head to look at her. "Just promise me you will call me after every episode you have if I'm not there. I don't care where I am, or what time it is, you call me." I say firmly.

"Okay baby." She nods.

"No, promise me." I urge.

"I promise. Every single time." She nods and I give her another hug while I lay beside her.