AboutMargot RN BScN CGN Expertise I nursed my own Mother and Grandmother at home when they were dying so I have personal experience with the emotions involved. I have also spent the last 15+ years as a Registered Nurse caring for The Elderly and Terminally Ill and it has brought me great satisfaction. I am willing to answer any questions I can.
Experience
Past/Present clients Hundreds of Long Term Care Residents as well as hundreds of Cleitns and families in the community (including my Mother and Grandmother).
Question Hello. My Grandmother is nearing 60 and got diagnosed with Cirrhosis of the Liver about a month ago. She says she has never had a drink of alcohol. The Doctors say it is caused from her diabetes and not eating correctly. Since we found out her condition she has been doing much worse. Much of the time she either doesn't know what she is doing or she is completely non responsive. Her Ammonia level is staying in the 100 at least and we have been told it shouldn't be any higher than 47. The only way to bring her Ammonia level down is with Lactulose (Laxative) and bowl movements. The medicine is starting not to work. The Doctors say she is in the advanced stages of this disease and she also has the beginning stages of renal failure. She has been comatose three times and very sick the rest. Is she close to dying? How much longer does she have? Is there anything else that can be done. The Doctors say they are doing all that can be done. Please help!
Answer Hi Amber and thanks for writing,
I am so sorry to read about your Grandmother’s condition – she is obviously very ill and is close to the end. My personal and professional advice is to sit and talk to her doctors and discuss what the kindest treatment options are now as she really has no hope of recovering to a life with decent quality. You should involve all close family members and make the decisions together, but I do think the kindest thing to do is to allow her to slip away peacefully and not be put through aggressive and uncomfortable treatments.
We can do so much today in medicine and have the ability to keep people in advanced stages of kidney and liver failure alive for prolonged periods – but just because we CAN do something does not always mean we SHOULD. Sometimes doctors offer treatments to appease families who feel its their duty to “do everything possible” for their dear loved one, but we always need to consider what is the best and most kind option which will offer the best quality of life.
I am sorry I don’t have better news for you and I hope your Grandmother is at peace soon.
