I am very confused about something and anyone that has ANY information on this I would very much appreciate.
My cousin, 41 years old, male passed away 2 weeks ago. He began having problems with his bowels. He complained of not diarrhea, but almost like diarrhea. He passed it off as a virus. It lasted all week. He then began hurting in his back later in the week, but no one thought too much of that because he was out of work with his back and was taking Vicoden, and by Friday, he felt that he had indigestion, and began taking antacids like they were going out of style. A few hours later he began having a popping in his ears, I suggested blood pressure, and then he jumped up, said he was going to throw up and fell to the floor. He never had chest pains or numbness, and we did not know that Vicoden could mask a heart attack or even cause one until after his death.
911 was called, and I heard the call and went straight to the house. His brother had begun CPR, and I joined him in the effort until the ambulance arrived. He never had a chance and I knew that then, I thought that he had a heart attack, BUT, there is one thing that I do not understand and this is where I am asking for help....
When his brother went to begin CPR, he had to clean his mouth out first because there was blood in his mouth. A great deal of blood, and as we were doing it together, it was virtually impossible to get an airway.
The family did not request an autopsy, and I never thought about it until it was too late...but could it be a heart attack because I have never heard or seen blood in someones mouth after suffering a heart attack. If it wasnt, then what could it have been.
I guess I am just trying to understand the unexplainable, but working as a health professional, I seek medical reasons so that I may understand what could have happened. Anyone with any information, please let me know as I am befuddled.
If this helps someone and could prevent this to happening to anyone, then I will feel better. Please dont ever dismiss indigestion, or something happening to your body because your body has ways of telling you that something isnt right. Wouldnt you rather go and find out that you have IBS or acid reflux but at least you took it seriously, rather than this happening to you or someone that you love.
He was a father to three sons, and a very active member of his community. Dont let this happem to you.
Thanks so much.