Perforated bowel in 92 year old.

[pooka]

My grandmother has just been taken into hospital and has been diagnosed with having a perforated bowel. (was recuperating in a rehab centre having broken her pelvis a fortnight ago).
She is 92.
I am feeling very lacking in optimism. Not sure what advice I'm looking for, but I suppose positive stories of people of her age who had similar and recovered and were happy and mobile again.
I think she's had enough, and if she had control over the situation and wasn't afraid, I don't think she would fight to live. She's a wonderful woman, the best grandmother and one of the most interesting, vivacious and amazing people I have known. So it's so sad to see her afraid and in pain and depressed.
Sorry for such a glum post. Am feeling rather low. Helpless. Is also the anniversary of my 94 year old great uncle (her brother)'s funeral. He had had enough too. Took huge amount of temazepam and yet still survived in hospital for a fortnight.
Bloody old age. Is horrible.

Agree old age is shite.
In my experience perforated bowel is serious in any age but in an elderly person the risk escalates. However I have known people who have pulled through and have gone on to leave hospital although the recovery period has been a long one.
I don't think your grandmothers low mood will aid her recovery but there are some good meds out there for dealing with sepsis these days.
Try and keep her positive and look after yourself as well, you need to remain upbeat for her.
I will be thinking of you and all my positive vibes for recovery are coming your way.

Sorry about your great uncle as well

Thanks so much for replying.

Well, Great Uncle was also an amazing person and he nearly had the death he wanted - but had fantastic and sympathetic and wonderful care in hospital thanks to a marvellous consultant who respected him and the decision he had made.

My grandmother is going into surgery right now. Though the anaesthetist expressed reservations, the consultant registrar felt on balance that there was no alternative but to operate. She is allergic to morphine. They don't know where the blockage/perforation is, but are hoping that it will be in duodenum and therefore a less major surgery and investigation.

She signed the consent forms and was quite clear that she wanted the surgeon to have a go. SO that's something to hang on to. Even though we all are worried about what the future holds for her happiness and health.....

Thanks for positive vibes. watery

IME anaesthetists always express reservations.
Keep me up to date as I would love to know how your grandmother who you obviously love dearly gets on

She was in surgery for an hour and a half. But died during the night.
Am so sad. But we will be having an enormous party on her birthday (St. George's Day). And have so many happy memories.

Oh pooka, I'm so sorry.

She sounds like a lovely lady.

I'm so sorry to hear the sad news Pooka.
Glad you have chosen to celebrate her life on her birthday. It sounds from your description of her as if she would have liked that.