Received word on Sunday that my step-mother has been hospitalized. She is non-responsive with congenital and degenerative heart problems with little fluids being processed from the kidneys. They can keep her blood pressure up with epinephrine and regulate the heart by implanting a pace maker but the kidneys are under too much stress and she will face dialysis for the rest of her life as well as amputation of her legs due to the fact that the lack of circulation has caused Gangrene. We have already signed the DNR (Do Not Resuscitate) order. The diagnosis is that she has less than a week to live if her body can not heal itself, which is not likely to happen. I have taken out an emergency payday loan to buy a black suit for the funeral. It is just a waiting game now. I went to the hospital today and there was virtually no sign of life from her.

So sorry to hear the news. Times like these are very trying on our spirit. I wish you and your family the best as can be expected as you endure the coming few weeks. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

Aaron

Thank you

May the Lord bring you and your family strength.

Thank you. I took the day off today to go see her. We should have a better idea of 'the time' today. I have to return to work tomorrow. It's sad to say but I can not afford to lose anymore hours.

I am so sorry to hear this. Watching a loved one pass on is a very sad and difficult thing. I wish you all the best. You are in my thoughts and prayers.

sorry to hear this.
all i can say is i have been there too and i feel for you.
be well and strong.

Terrible news Daimajinbob. All I can say is that my thoughts are with you and your family during this trying time.

Glen

On behalf of myself and family, I wish to thank you all for your kind words. This is a little easier to handle than the passing of of my father who had a massive angina attack which resulted in emergency surgery and died on the table within 30 minutes. We are prepared for this and trying to make arrangements now

My step-sister saw her today and was she was drowsy but awake. People who are terminal usually do this before dying to say goodbye. There is little or no chance of recovery from her condition. I am just waiting for the phone call. IF she makes it, she will lose both legs and go through kidney dialysis for the rest of her life

I also wish to express my condolances on this terrible news. Nothing is as painful as watching a loved-one physically or mentally deteriorate. As others have said, I wish you great strength through this awful time.

I am so sorry...It must be heartbreaking...Grant you and your family strength of mind, heart and soul...And please know many are feeling with you...If there is anything you or your family need, I hope you will inform us...

Thank you all very much. She was able to mumble a few words yesterday despite the tube in her throat. She will never have the quality of life she used to have. She is a prideful woman who has been in the medical field all of her life and knows the horrors of dialysis and would rather die than lose both of her legs due to the loss of circulation. Wanting her to live is a selfish dream knowing full well she would rather rest in peace rather than continuing to suffer. The hospital she is in has done a great job with pain management.

UPDATE: They pulled the tube from her throat so she can breath on her own but she is having difficulty. Her heart can not take the pressure her body is putting it under. Her toes are turning black due to lack of circulation but she can not survive any surgery.

We went through this with my Grandmother 3 years ago and my girlfriend's brother 9 years ago. It's tough and I dread the day I have to go through it with someone in my immediate family.
Stay strong.