My mom, 81 with mid-level dementia, ended up in ED due to throwing up, clammy, low BP, confusion. Admitted to hospital and found to have ischemic colitis. Options presented included surgery to remove that part of the colon that had not blood flow to it, which was very large and would end up with her needing a colostomy bag. Doctor stated this was a MAJOR operation with a long recovery and she might not be able to tolerate any of it. Family agreed that she would like not tolerate it AND that a colostomy bag was a show stopper for sure. Surgeon said that it could possibly heal itself (if blood flow wasn't restricted for too long, maybe) and gave her a few days of bowel rest. Full fluids (pureed soup, broth, yogurt, etc.) were introduced today.
We are looking at getting out of hospital ASAP (hopefully tomorrow), going to SNF for a few days and see how things go. Hoping that she will be returning to her AL apartment, probably on hospice, depending on how it all goes.
She ate yogurt and pureed fruit and a milkshake for dinner. It was a lot for not having eaten for 2.5 days. She pooped a few hours later and there was blood on it (also on prior stools). I'm wondering how serious this is? I know her days are probably numbered at this point but there are just so many little unknowns. Will the colon be ok? Will she ever be able to eat normally? Or is the end very near? I'm not asking for answers to these last questions because I don't think anybody can know.
Luckily my family are all on the same page.
Major thanks to all of that have helped me navigate through the past few years with my mom. It's been immeasurably helpful and gave me tools to keep my sanity.
Supposed to be having her discharged to a SNF tomorrow. The biggest glitch might be that we want her transported and there is very little wheelchair transport available on Sunday. UGH
You are right..no one can know the answers to those questions.
One day at a time. that is all any of us can do.
I think Hospice was the right choice.
The support, education and encouragement I got from my/our Hospice Team was amazing. I truly hope you have the same experience.
Oh, for what it is worth I think you and the family made the right decision in deciding against surgery. I am glad your mom's doctor was honest and gave you honest expectations and risks of surgery.
It is hard to say what will happen . Essentially it’s like a stroke in the bowel . So each event is different .
3 years after the last episode , One morning Mom was having severe diarrhea . She refused to go to the hospital . Even though she had dementia , She was aware she had been declining the last 3 months due to CHF and said she was “ ready to go “ . I can’t be sure exactly what caused the diarrhea . She was given Imodium as she requested . She ended up dying, while napping in her chair in AL that afternoon , as she wanted .
Like you said , It’s a wait and see situation . But for now your Mom ate and pooped and no vomiting . That’s a good sign that perhaps the bowel is working again . It can take multiple bowel movements to clear out the old blood . However you never know when or if it will happen again . Fingers crossed .
My mother, at 85, had a bout of diverticulitis act up to the point she was hospitalized. She was vomiting and passing bloody stools, not eating, unable to take the meds the gastroenterologist prescribed. A colonoscopy revealed Crohns Disease and the most "torn up colon" the doctor had ever seen in his career. It was not ischemic colitis, but eventually downgraded from Crohns Disease to ulcerative colitis.
While in the hospital, she developed DVTs in her leg and had an umbrella device placed in her aorta at midnight on Christmas Eve 2011. The prognosis wasn't good.
She came thru the IVC filter placement, and was then rehospitalized 2 weeks later for pulmonary emboli. The whole time, she was eating yoghurt and soft foods to relax her GI system. So she pulled thru the PEs too, her UC condition cleared up, much to the doctors amazement, and she went on to live till 2022, 95 years old! With no further GI issues to speak of!
Idk how this will play out for your mom. What I do know is she's a tough cookie. I hope God is not ready for her yet, but if He is, she can leave this earth knowing she was dearly loved by you, her wonderful daughter, who did everything to keep her happy and comfortable.
Good luck, my friend. Keeping you and mom in my thoughts and prayers.
Wow - your mom went through so much. This gives me hope - but I'm still realistic to know that the even keel we are currently on could change in a moment.
It does seem possible that my mom will continue to rally and with some PT will get strength back and go back to her life in AL. That would be a pleasant surprise.