My 91 yo nana is in hospital

[KatyMac]

She has pneumonia & they are going to give her A/B's and fluids - they have put in a drip & a cathater - poor old thing

But she probably won't last much longer

She has Altzheimer's (sp?), weights less than 4 stone, hasn't eaten a meal in about 3 months, she has practically lost her swallow reflex

How much longer can this go on?

hope you are ok. been thinking about you.

so sorrythis is happening must be terrible, thinking of you

Hi,I've just wanted to pop over from our other thread to say I'm still thinking of you and send my continued best wishes, the waiting must be unbearable.

I was with my grandfather when he died 3 years ago after my family had to make very similiar choices so can sympathize. In his last moments he looked so peaceful, actually the best he had looked in a number of years, at that point my family knew they had made the right choice. Just wanted to share my experience in the hope it may bring you a little comfort.

Take Care x

She was much more restless tonight

She seemed in pain and kept clutching at her skin - almost like she was itchy

She couldn't keep her eyes open and was in & out of sleep/consciousness

It was horrid

How awful for her and you.

The morphine may be making her itch. Is she having it by syringe-driver?

I hope she settles.

I think they keep giving her injections

She isn't 'there' really and barely recognised anyone

Poor nana and poor you. wishing you both some peace.

Thanks - I wish she was at peace

Katy - how are things today?

I went tonight & she wanted a manicure

I said her nails were dirty and would she like me to wash them & she got all excited and asked for a manicure

So I raced round the hospital to 3 shops to get nail varnish, lipstick, a manicure set, hand cream & a comb. I got back & rubbed cream into hr hands arms & face then she fell asleep

So who knows what is going on

How long does it take someone to die

Oh Katy, I really don't know how anything I can say can help but I just wanted to let you know my thoughts are with you.

Thanks

Off to Reflexology - then the hospital

Aww Katy, she will like knowing that you are there and it's lovely of you to make her feel pampered. My Gran got very sore and loved getting her handcream on (also on her elbows as they can get very sore from the sheets) and her feet too.

There is no answer to your question, everyone is different, she will go when she is ready I think, my Grandad hung on all day until everyone had told him that they loved him but it was ok, we understood if he couldn't hold on any longer. His breathing was very laboured but although he couldn't speak he could hear us.

You are doing all you can for her, this is the hardest bit, the waiting.

Thinking of you and your family x

She wouldn't let me cream her hands today & she wouldn't let me touch her nails

She was sat up & much more aware today - she occasionally knew who I was

& she ate half a tub of ice cream

?

Have you seen her today? And did you bring more ice-cream ? Thinking of you.

{{{{hugs}}}}

They moved her to a community hospital this morning

She hasn't woken up since

Just checking in on you Katy, are you ok? Sorry to hear she hasn't woken up. Thinking of you x

Not really OK

So far I have argued with the bank, the garage (well 2 actually) and DH - I think I am stressed

Not really OK

So far I have argued with the bank, the garage (well 2 actually) and DH - I think I am stressed

As well you might be

I'm so sorry, KatyMac. My own granny (who is 101) is fading, and she will leave a huge gap...its a very special role, that.

Love and hugs to you, xxx

DD is asking awkward questions

She CANNOT go to the hospital

Oh Katymac, so sorry you are going through this We had a sort of similar situation last summer with my MIL, she lasted 5 days with out any food or fluids then BIL persuaded FIL to start it up again, completely against her wishes which were very clear when she was previously able to give them. She lasted nearly another year against all odds and peacefully slipped away a few weeks ago.

I think your DD is similar age to mine, at this point I think unfortunately you have to be honest but in the kindest possible way. I will bet that she knows deep down what is coming anyway but needs to hear you say it. Please take care of yourself, my thoughts are with you.

I think you might need to get DD at least slightly prepared for how things might turn out. What a horrible situation for you. If I can help in any way, let me know.