My mom is 75 with MS and she's been living with us for almost 8 months. It seems like she is getting worse every day. She barely gets out of bed, she's skin and bones and it's so painful to watch. I find myself really angry because I want her to fight to get better and it seems like she's giving up. Am I doing the right thing to keep her at home with us? I can't find people who might be dealing with the same issues because it's rare to have late onset MS. Thank you.
When someone is skin and bones, it makes me think of wasting away or failure to thrive. As difficult as it is to live through, if your mom is on the slippery slope toward her demise, it would be very helpful for you if you could get hospice involved. Your mom's doctor would have to certify that in his opinion she has 6 months or less to live. Hospice folks will come to your house, make sure she has comfort medication and even assist in bathing duties usually twice a week. It could help take a lot of pressure off of you. Talk to your mom's doctor, better yet documented in a letter and fax it to the office, getting him up to date on her condition and asking him for an evaluation if she is hospice appropriate. My best wishes are with you as you go through this difficult time.
My only suggestion (and it may be inaccurate) is to try to keep her at home and comfortable as long as you can manage it.
My opinion is not to intervene when it comes to feeding and nutrition.
She is on her path that you nor I could ever imagine. She sounds like she is resigned and that is OK for her. Though it is so painful to watch such a loved one slip away.
For those around her it is almost incomprehensible.
Offer her all your support and love and some gentle nudging to gain her strength.
But beyond that she is in charge.
Good Luck to you and know you are in my prayers.
Wayne