mymother has cirrhosis of the liver and the last couple of months she is in and out of hospital and now she is at stage 4 and has bin for long time but now its happening more often the doc is sayin that she may come out of this and may not how can we tell if this is her time please someone help
2007-10-29 09:01:42 · 21 answers · asked by Nicole S 1 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Infectious Diseases
Unfortunately, cirrhosis of the liver can't be reversed and often leads to a long and slow death.
You will know that her time is close if she falls into an Encephalopathic Coma that doesn't respond to Lactulose Treatments or she may begin Gastro-Intestinally bleeding.
You and your family need to make some decisions now as to your Mom's future care. Does your Mom want to be placed on Life Support in the ICU? (a ventilator to breathe for her if she can no longer do it herself) Does your Mom want to be placed on "Pressors" medication intravenously to support her blood pressure when it begins to fall. ***This too would require an ICU stay. If your Mom should arrest (CODE) does she want chest compressions and other resuscitative measures (large IV's, Intubation, shocking with a defibrillator to restart her heart) I know these are difficult choices to make. It is best to make them now while you can.
Talk to your Mom's doctor and your Mom (if she is able) and the rest of your family to explore your options and develop a plan.
I wish you the best of luck and support.
2007-10-29 09:16:09 · answer #1 · answered by kflan2000 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
When you get cirrhosis of the liver It just a mater of time before the end comes.No one really knows when the time comes it's just a guessing game.The most you can do is be there for her when the time comes.See my father died of cirrhosis of the liver because of his drinking he was out work racking the grass when he had a attack and died.All I can say is be ready at any time.When you get cirrhosis of the liver there is no way of knowing when the right time is.Best I can say is be with her as much as you can when the time comes.See I was not there when my father died I was living with my grandmother and uncle. So just be with her when her time comes.
2007-10-29 16:33:25 · answer #2 · answered by the answerman 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I don't have an answer that will tell you when but I have a suggestion for a great book I read when my dad was dying. It is called "Dying Well" Peace and possibilities at the end of life. The Author is Ira Byock M.D. and I wish I would have read it a few months before he passed. He is the former president of the American Academy of Hospice and Palliative Medicine. It is so hard to say goodbye when the time comes but this book helped me so much!
2007-10-29 16:07:16 · answer #3 · answered by laughingatyou14 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
They know. There is no clear answer for how you can tell. When the end is imminent (a matter of minutes), you can tell. Once you see someone dieing, you will know it and never forget it. I wish I had a nickel for each time a healthy appearing person got loaded into my unit , looked at me and said "Don't let me die" and in a matter of minutes was in cardiac arrest. Some I saved, some I couldn't. Anyway, when they are going, you will know.... But not a whole lot of time before then.
2007-10-29 16:10:01 · answer #4 · answered by gamedic6304 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Her doc may be able to give an estimate based on past experience, but they may not be willing to even guestimate something like that. Part of it is up to your mom, if she's a fighter or not, if she is ready to go or not.
Very sorry to hear of this, and best wishes to you.
2007-10-29 16:05:53 · answer #5 · answered by Flatpaw 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
You can't. The best you can do is tell her everything you ever wanted to say, let her know how much you love her, and if it is her time, let her go. She is probubly is a lot of pain, so when she does go let her and always know and think of her , not in pain and in a happy place, where she would want you to be happy and know that she loves you. I'm a mother and my wort fear of death, is leaving my kids, I want them when that time comes to live happy, remember me with the good times, be happy and know that I am always with them and love them. Be strong for ur mom, tell her everything you need to say.
2007-10-29 16:07:37 · answer #6 · answered by Maalru3 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
this is a tough one. my heart goes out to you. having watched my father die i can only empathize with you. just make sure everyday you let them know you love them and they are not alone. have some spiritual counseling if you need it. pray. as far as knowing the time she will pass.... cirrhosis of the liver... your doctor will know. you're in my prayers. peace and love.
2007-10-29 16:15:59 · answer #7 · answered by hicktowngal 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
We will never know the exact day.... All we can do is concentrate on today and when tommorrow comes celebrate as it is another day to look forward to.... Do things with her never dwell about the current situation as it only gets us down more... its not easy to watch a love one in so much pain!!!! With Doctor's and having to deal with their illness... You are in my prayers as well as your mother!!! just hold the faith and live each days as if it was yours and hers last.... Life is too short not to enjoy it....
2007-10-29 16:08:22 · answer #8 · answered by Holly S 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
There is no sum that can be done to predict the length of a life just enjoy what you have as the only guarantee in life is death.
2007-10-29 16:06:44 · answer #9 · answered by Crazy Diamond 6 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Your really cant, only God knows, all you can do is pray,
(if you belive in the All-Mighty) & stay positive, your Mother can come out, people have done it before & still do it, tell your Mom not to think abt it, you urself dont think abt it, get on with life, get on with ur routine.
I pray you Mother will lead long life & come out this.
Peace.
2007-10-29 16:05:47 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 2⤋