Mom is 98, has congestive heart failure, bed ridden and is in a "comfort care" stage. She has had fluid issues resolved with diuretics.

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bigtwnvin Asked March 21, 2024

Mom is 98, has congestive heart failure, bed ridden and is in a "comfort care" stage. She has had fluid issues resolved with diuretics.

Mom is seen by a nurse 2x/ week and an aide 3x/ week. She is on oxyger 24/7. Recently she has been experiencing what she describes as "weak spells" that last 1-2 hours. Mom was an RN that officially stopped working at age 89 so she can describe her symptoms in detail. During these weak spells she grips the rails on the bed describing the sensation as "falling". Mom takes meals, hydration and has good digestive and urinary elimination. Mom is cognizant and carries on conversation and laughter. During these "spells" her O2 is 100% and heart rate might dip to 57BPM but goes up to the 70 BPM set by the pacemaker. Lately the "spells" are happening more frequently. Are we simply watching her heart deteriorating or are her organs perhaps shutting down? Thanks

Congestive Heart Failure End of Life End of Life Signs Home Care

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score 0 · Answer 1

PS how is the condition of the pacemaker? I know not much can be done at this point but my father's Dr recommended that his was beyond the normal expectancy and had it removed and put in on the outside of his chest. Wish we never approved it. I'm happy you're getting help from your church!

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My guess is a blood pressure issue. Especially if this happens when she was flat or only slightly elevated in bed, and then raises to sitting position of standing. Blood pressure machines are simple and automatic and are cheap, but be sure to use only an ARM cuff BP machine. I recommend, as an old RN myself, Omron brand. Check BP when flat and when sitting. Diuretics do get rid of the fluid and most elders enter the ER "dehydrated" when labs return. This is more than likely medications rather than organ changes.

As the Hospice folk to do orthostatic BP check which would mean getting her BP flat, then getting it with her sitting at bedside.

Best of luck to you.

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score 0 · Answer 3

Bedridden and congestive heart is awful and I'm wondering (IDK), if the pacemaker is making her weaker? Seems to me that when it's needed, it kicks in to adjust the heart rate and maybe her body can't take the "jolt" any more? I'm so sorry for her and your situation. Sounds wonderful that she is coherent and able to communicate and laugh! Have you talked to her about last rites? I'm not saying it's time but if religious, couldn't hurt. My mother, bedridden, Afib,dementia passed away end of last October and became very aware and happy that the priest came. It brought both of us great comfort!

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Thanks Julia. The parish priest drops by to give our Mom communion every week. I think she may have already had Last Rites.

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score 0 · Answer 4

Sounds like drop in her BP, or vertigo?

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Mom is 98, has congestive heart failure, bed ridden and is in a "comfort care" stage. She has had fluid issues resolved with diuretics.

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