She lost her husband in March, had to move to assisted living, etc. She hates taking drugs, but has sugar, breast cancer from 1997 returned, kidney problems. She has become weaker and forgetful and just different in the last weeks. Lives in assisted living and has meds administered. What will happen in the days ahead if the kidneys are shutting down, and she does not want dialysis. Will she become bedridden> She does have living will and says what will happen will happen. Doctors know and she is aware of what she wants. I am in charge of her affiars. Can anyone put a time frame on kidney failure without aggressive treatment?
2007-12-28 13:56:28 · 8 answers · asked by sequim2005 2 in Health ➔ Diseases & Conditions ➔ Other - Diseases
I am not a medical person, but I helped care for my mother-in-law, who had bowel cancer, diabetes, kidney problems, and congestive heart failure. It is basically a question of what gets her first. If she has enough kidney function, she may get by until her breast cancer kills her. If she is getting progressively weaker, she will soon become bedridden. At her age and condition she is probably not a candidate for a kidney transplant. If her kidneys fail completely, she will die within a few days.
You may wish to rent a hospital bed. we found it convenient to make my MIL comfortable.
My mother-in-law had signed a DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. If you do not have one, signed by her, you may wish to look into it. Check with your local Hospice organization, they arranged to visit every week and help us out. They are also a useful source of information.
My MIL passed away almost 4 years ago. We still have her cat.
2007-12-28 15:45:29 · answer #1 · answered by Computer Guy 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
1
2016-04-18 09:15:39 · answer #2 · answered by Morris 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
2
2016-09-23 22:56:00 · answer #3 · answered by Barry 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Chronic renal failure in older adults is a far less dramatic illness than acute renal failure in younger people and can go on for many years. At age 90, it is far more likely something else will cause death. Renal failure in the older adult is probably one of the 'nicest' ways to die anyway - the uraemia makes people quite euphoric (like a heroin high). There is always the possibility that the renal failure has been caused by her meds, but without knowing what they are it's hard to say. I would say if she has made this decision, it is important to honour it and just ensure she gets plenty of TLC (tender loving care).
2007-12-28 15:01:17 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i agree with your aunt....its best if people dont use drugs....the body is a self-healing organisim.
unfortunately in your aunt's situation due to her age and the state of her kidneys it would be in her best interest to participate in dialysis. If she doesnt her kidneys will completely give out. i think you should ask ur aunt to take dialysis, if not for herself but for her family so that atleast you know you tried and did everything you could
2007-12-28 14:05:59 · answer #5 · answered by jojo 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Once her kidneys fail it will only be a matter of a short time. Sorry. It is good she has expressed her wishes ahead of time. It takes such a burden off the rest of the family.
2007-12-28 14:00:37 · answer #6 · answered by khn_mchl 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm very sorry about that..... my grandma died of cancer and i know this is a hard choice.... what you need to do is sit down with with her and talk to her and say that death may be closer than than she thinks.... from what you said she does not have long.... less than 2 weeks at the most .... but the best thing to do now is spend as much time with her as you can.... take off work and spend time with her. let her know how much you love her. and make her last days her best days..... I'll pray for her... good luck
2007-12-28 14:07:14 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Heal Kidney Disease Forever : http://www.NaturallyGo.com/Support
2015-05-04 18:32:46 · answer #8 · answered by Kenneth 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋