Mother’s testimony used against daughter
Answers about heart rhythm disturbance
Dear Amy: My 21-year-old grandson, who lives in another state, has let it be known to everyone that I’m responsible for his mother facing a murder charge.
When the police phoned to inform me that my daughter was missing and being sought in a murder case, I answered their questions truthfully, fearing that she might have also been shot.
I was in shock and volunteered some information that I should not have — that my daughter had previously made threats against the victim. I had no idea my comments were being recorded. Now they are part of the pretrial transcripts, and my words will be used against my daughter in court. My grandson is now denigrating my reputation among family members. I’m devastated that my daughter would commit such a horrible act. Should I try to make him understand that I thought I was doing the right thing?
Or, should I hope time will eventually heal this rift? — Heartbroken
Dear Heartbroken: You are not responsible for your daughter facing a murder charge — she is.
I hope you won’t apologize for telling the truth to law enforcement. Please, think of the victim, here. That person’s family that deserves the truth.
Understand that your grandson is acting out. Reach out to him, and say that you understand he is hurting, because you are hurting, too. Remind him that you love him — that you always have and always will — and that you cannot understand or defend his mother’s actions. Tell him you know that he loves and is loyal to his mother, and that his love and loyalty will help her. Reiterate that you told the truth to law enforcement, because it was the right thing to do and you don’t regret being honest.
Face this with as much courage as you can muster. You are all going to need it.
Dear Dr. Roach: I’m writing about atrial fibrillation. Recently, I had a one-time 17-hour stint of it. I was not aware of anything happening at the time. When I had a device check (heart pacemaker), I was told of this occurrence, and it was recommended that I see my heart specialist. As a result, I was given the choice of taking Eliquis. I purchased some, but did not take any because of the warnings on TV saying it “can cause a stroke, bleeding risks,” etc. I also have had an aortic valve replacement, and they recommend I do not take this pill. — P.A.
Atrial fibrillation is a common condition, especially in older people, where the rhythm of the heart is disrupted. This can cause symptoms due to an irregular heart rate (palpitations), exercise intolerance or shortness of breath (especially if the heart rate is too fast), but it doesn’t always cause symptoms.
Even without symptoms, atrial fibrillation is concerning because it increases the risk of blood clots. With medication, such as apixaban (Eliquis) or warfarin (Coumadin), that risk is reduced by about two-thirds.
These medicines work by making it a little harder for the body to form clots. A side effect is that it makes the body a little bit more likely to bleed. Bleeding inside the brain also may cause a stroke, hence the warnings you read and hear for medicines like Eliquis. Still, with medication there is a large net reduction in stroke risk, and the cardiologist has reason to think there is more benefit than harm for you.
People with mechanical heart valves are at risk for developing clots and then strokes. Eliquis and other new treatments are not effective for people with mechanical heart valves, and Coumadin remains their best choice. Since yours is made from pig tissues, you would benefit from treatment of the atrial fibrillation.
Today’s Birthday: Expanding accounts reveal opportunities this year. Domestic discipline and organization pays off.
Libra (Sept. 23-Oct. 22) (7) Resolve an obstacle with your partner over the next few weeks. Beware contradictions. Avoid arguments.
Scorpio (Oct. 23-Nov. 21) (7) Adapt to shifting health, fitness and work circumstances. Strengthen foundational support.
Sagittarius (Nov. 22-Dec. 21) (8) Your view on love, passion and artistry shifts, and a new perspective entices. Learn from a new teacher.
Capricorn (Dec. 22-Jan. 19) (7) Tend to your roots. Adapt to domestic changes over the next few weeks with yesterday’s Aries Full Moon.
Aquarius (Jan. 20-Feb. 18) (7) Resolve misunderstandings or disagreements. Stay out of someone else’s argument. Listening gets more than speaking does.
Pisces (Feb. 19-March 20) (8) Follow a more profitable direction. You may need to work now and play later.
Aries (March 21-April 19) (7) Reassess your personal direction. Obstacles require consideration. Find ways to cut costs and work out tangles.
Taurus (April 20-May 20) (6) New possibilities stretch old boundaries. Envision a perfect scenario, and plot your moves in that direction.
Gemini (May 21-June 20) (7) Routines get tested as a group project changes directions. Get support to finish what you promised earlier.
Cancer (June 21-July 22) (7) Focus on career under the influence of the Aries Full Moon. Weigh pros and cons of different options.
Leo (July 23-Aug. 22) (7) Change directions with your travels and education. Keep your agreements, and stay in communication.
Virgo (Aug. 23-Sept. 22) (7) Review balance sheets, account statements, investments and liabilities. Redirect revenue streams to better serve your shared interests. Focus on practical finances.