Discussion: sad

and disconcerting when unexpected. Good luck with this.

I had a similar experience when my sister died of a stroke in 2004. Completely unexpected. I didn't even understand at first when I was called, and the woman said she "didn't make it". Make what? I thought.

it is sad. i'm sorry.

Thanks guys. Yes, getting such a call on Sunday afternoon was quite unexpected. But it is reassuring that my sister was well enough known that the authorities came over to her house within a couple hours after she didn't show up as expected.

Sorry to hear, Clark. No matter how distant our siblings become, they remain ours as you say. Good luck with it.

Thanks George.

Received the Coroner's report yesterday. Death was caused by

...Bilateral Pulmonary ThromboEmboli with Pulmonary infarct, due to probable right lower extremity deep venous thrombosis...

Which I've interpreted to mean blood clots in her right leg broke loose and traveled to both her lungs where they eventually blocked all blood flow. Which is consistent with reports from her friends and boss, who say she complained about feeling dizzy, tired, and short of breath in the days before her death.

Further Googling revealed that

.....a Thromboemboism may contribute to up to 12% of deaths in ICU and is the No.1 preventable cause of hospital death....

She had turned 65 a few months ago. And despite my encouragement, had not enrolled in Medicare because 'it would cost too much.....' Even tho I had offered many times to pay for her medical and dental care, if she would only go.

Tragic and sad. And a warning to all of us: sudden dizziness, tiredness or shortness of breath are important warning signs. Don't delay seeking medical help.