End of life or is she getting better??

Hi

 

I'm just looking for a little advice, family member went into hospital 5 weeks ago we were told they were at end of life and she seemed to not have long left however she bounced back and wanted to come home so we arranged this and got care in place. She seemed quite stable for a couple of weeks then a week ago deteriorated again, we're at the stage she has a catheter, isn't mobile at all, on syringe driver, very confused, hallucinating. We prepared for her to have hours then midweek she picked up again. Talking more, made peace with dying, eating a little, drinking slightly more, saying goodbye to people. She now believes she's getting better and has said she isn't dying. We're all so confused. Is this a rally or is it lasting too long? She's sleeping for most of the day but coming round and chatting although can be confused and speech is quiet. Eating soup in small quantities but mouth very dry and drinking a reasonable amount.

 

We're all doing what we can as she wants to remain at home but we just don't know what to expect now. Thanks if you can offer any advice in similar situation

Parents Reply Children
  • No brutally frank is what I'm after to be honest. I don't think she's getting better but it's just so weird how she's gone from making peace that she was dying to now thinking she's better. Although the thinking she's better has coincided with a ramp up in her confusion so maybe just that. You almost prepare yourself that it's imminent and then she bounces back and nobody really knows whats going on 

  • There is no set time on the duration of the rally. It can be hours, a day, days, a week, and it's not unknown to even go into weeks. There are a lot of factors. A lot of treatments and painkillers can floor people and when some things are withdrawn, the body can go back into it's natural state, and that includes a more natural state of consciousness. Stuff like very strong painkillers and even chemo can make someone just sleep non stop. Withdraw that and they may regain some energy back. But their prognosis remains the same.

    I'm not saying doctors can't be wrong, but it's very, very rare. Like being told you have cancer, and it not being cancer. Does happen, but it's more an anomaly than the norm.

  • Thank you for taking the time to reply I really appreciate it