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Posted 11/1/2007 12:58 PM (GMT 0)
Hi I have been reading the posts looking for some info about this topic, seems alot of people have the same problems/condition.  My mom 57 yrs is in hosp now 4 days.  She was admitted to ICU and is not awake she is on a ventilator.  She had massive bleeding from an ulcer they found in her stomach and they seem to have stopped the bleeding but she has an infection and they are treating it and think they have it under control.  Her kidneys are not functioning and is on dialysis.  The doctors have given us some positive indicators in the last day saying that her blood pressure while very low is now stable.  I don't know what to expect it is so hard to watch her lie there unresponsive it looks like she is dead.  How long can this go on?  Has anyone had anything close to this same situation happen to them? What can I expect in the next few days or weeks or months?  Will she ever leave the hospital?  Any help would be great.  Thanks, Michelle
Posted 11/1/2007 7:28 PM (GMT 0)

Hi, Michellea, and welcome to the forum.  I'm so sorry your mom is in such bad condition.  Unfortunately, it seems that the hospital is keeping her alive with machines.  Usually, when a person's organs start closing down--such as kidneys--and being unable to breathe independently, that's an indicator that the patient is close to death.  Does your mom have a living will or has she made her wishes known as far as "extraordinary measures" used to keep her alive?  Does she have a "do not resuscitate" order in her chart?  I would think not, since she was intubated.  How long has she been in a coma?  Do you have siblings who might be of help to you? 

I hope you will continue to post here and let everyone know how you are doing.

Connie


Posted 11/1/2007 11:48 PM (GMT 0)
Hi and thanks for your reply. She does seem to be being kept alive for us but she does have a DNR order now. When she was admitted they did not know this so the doctor told us that if her heart stops they will not recesitate her but for now it seems so horrible to see her like this waiting to die. Everytime they try to reduce the oxogen from the breathing machine her blood pressure drops and the put the oxogen levels up again. My mothers husband and my brother are with me as well as her sisiters too. Thanks, Michelle
Posted 11/2/2007 12:01 AM (GMT 0)
Michelle, I am so sorry that you and your family have to watch your mother go through the horrible effects of this disease. I know that it can not be an easy thing to do. If you feel the need to talk we are all here ready to listen. I am glad that you have family members to be with you. You will be in my prayers.
Posted 11/2/2007 2:31 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks when I have a little break from the hospital visits I will try to keep posting. If anyone has had a simular experience I would like to compare notes and maybe get a timeline on things, I know every case is different but any information helps, Thanks Michelle
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