My 93-year-old, basically healthy mom (survived heart failure 8 years ago) went into a rapid decline over the past 5 weeks after developing a nasty cough; losing her appetite and became bedridden. She complained of feeling extremely weak and without energy; her body became cool and she had an intermittent fever. Her skin was pale and she mostly slept but had rapid breathing. She has, for the past 3 weeks, not eaten any solids. Liquids only, including soup. Last week we expected her to actualy pass away due to her physical and mental state; 4 days ago she suddenly improved (though still bedridden and on liquids only) and said she feels much better. The family is actually amazed. Is this possible for a person that age to regain strength and get better? We went through a tough time expecting her death. Not quite sure what to make of this although we are grateful.
It’s a roller coaster ride for sure.
I’m actually journaling about it right now if you care to read about this experience . If you go under the discussions section below questions section . It’s titled ‘FIL is back . What does that mean ?’
My father also had one rally period that lasted a couple of months before his death from cancer .
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If this was/is an infection, virus of some sort and her body fought it off then yes it is possible that she can regain strength. And if it was/is an infection or virus of some sort medication may have helped her fight it off faster.
Why it woudn't it be? No one is God so we don't get to decide how long a life will be.
Your 93 year old mom suddenly improves and says she feels a lot better. Why don't we call that what is it? A miracle.
If she has a medical team, discuss with them. If she has a hospice team ask them. As an old retired RN I can tell you that yes, you cannot predict death. People do indeed get better and worse unpredictably.
All of these people recovered but their lives were diminished because they were limited by other diseases. The question is, would you want to "recover" at that age, because something else will soon take you out anyway.
In retrospect, I wish my dad had died during surgery. It would have spared his dying of cancer and would have been a better way to go. So be careful what you wish for!
Next time your mom is failing get a hospice evaluation.
I will admit it has been extremely difficult to emotionally prepare for her passing, only to improve, again and again. Especially as she never fully recovered, is now bed bound with dementia. She just continues to survive but gets weaker, mentally and physically. I hope your mother makes a better recovery than mine. Watching someone waste away over years and years is heartbreaking.
All the grands came to town to see her 'one last time'.
Hospice was set up.
Her 'kids' began a rotating schedule of 24/7 care.
She basically stopped eating--only about 300-400 calories a day.
Stopped taking her BP and cholesterol meds.
And..
she got better. Still in Hospice care, b/c she's very weak and frail, but they no longer consider her to be 'imminently dying'.
The kids are still performing 24/7 care. They will do so until she passes, which looks like will be months, if not years away.
Almost anything is possible in recovery.
Looking back over the past 17 years, it's amazing what she has survived. Covid - I was told she would be dead within 48 hours; Upper respiratory infection; C-Diff; Broken hip; Fecal blockage; Compression fractures of her spine from osteo; Burst appendix with terrible abdominal infection plus more.
Currently she is stable after her last bout with an upper respiratory infection requiring oxygen that got her under hospice care. She has rallied and no longer needs the oxygen. She is eating and drinking. Her vitals are good and yet her mobility suffers from general muscle wasting.
Sounds like your mom had some type of respiratory infection that she has been fighting.
Take it one day at a time. Remember to practice good " self care" as the primary caregiver(s) for the long haul .
Note: 1. Prayers are powerful.
2. Even patients on hospice care are known to rally and, even often just prior to death to present with what is called a " surge" , where they appear to be ' getting better'.
Others who say it might be a final rally could also be correct. Just don't have any expectations... take it one day at a time.
So be less negative and cheer her on, she is on the right track !!
Being inacive decreases the need for the same amount of calories she used to consume when she was more active, so encourage more activity - get her up and look at the flowers in nature, more than likely will increase her appetite also.
Be OPTIMISTIC , positive and cheerful, you're not at her funeral
Yout attitude makes a difference.
Warm thoughts to you Rafelemo.