My Mom is 96. About 7 years ago it was suggested she have a CAT scan to determine the condition of her heart, because a click (as she called it) was present. Despite encouragement from her doctor, the hospital and family, she put off having the test. Recently she was admitted to the hospital and has been told she has congestive heart failure (a narrowed aortic valve) and that fluid was filling her lungs, resulting in a symptomatic cough. Further tests confirmed Mom had fluid in her lungs. A procedure was done to remove the fluid from her lungs, and she was given Lasix by IV. An xray and then a CAT scan showed no obstructions in her stomach. Mom s was experiencing period visual problems, and a clicking sound in her left (?) ear, after walking, and during stress. She tried, but could not bring herself to lie down and have an MRI. I was not present when the final decision was made to release her. It was recommended she go to a rehab facility or home. The doctors agreed released to 24-hour care at my brother s home was OK. She is now receiving 24 hour care from my brother and his wife (along with alternating support by me and my other three siblings). She has seen her PCP for a follow-up. She has always had great fear of medications, having demonstrated repeated allergic-type reactions in the past. My question is about her most evident problem. She seems fine during the day, but has gripping pain in her lower abdomen when sleeping, that wakes her up. Then the panic attacks take over and she screams, prays, etc. After a while, it subsides, and she is able to walk around, eat, etc. She is eating very small portions of the kind of foods she has routinely had for the past 5 years. Mom had a mesh put in her stomach over a decade ago, and over time has had a strangulated hernia, and other stomach problems. Question: What could be causing the gripping pain. She says her stomach seems to seize up, and it causes her to be nauseous and sometimes gag.