Seniors
Related: About this forumWe've been friends 67 years
Now, through a series of injuries, on top of long time chronic health conditions, she is in bad shape, probably dying. She got a kidney transplant 5 years ago and was doing well. Last year, she fell, and got stitches in both knees. In Nov, she twisted her arm and the dialysis port which was still in place failed, cut off circulation. The e.r. dr. farted around 8 hours trying to figure out why there was no circ. By the time she got surgery, the whole arm, hand fingers were in jeopardy. The vascular surgeon saved all but half of her little finger and the very tips of 2 others. She was in the hospital almost 3 weeks, and got home rehab for 3 weeks. She was supposed to go to a rehab center for outpatient sessions, but winter in Northern Oh discouraged her. So next step down was getting bedsores. And in spite of treatment, they are out of control. She went to a wound center most of May, June and July. Then hospital for surgery, where she was diagnosed with a staph infection, now rehab, where so far, she's fallen, she's gotten a uti, and more wounds. The wounds may be a symptom of a worse condition. My friend is in pain, suffering, hasn't been eating, drinking, so her kidney function is in jeopardy. The rehab staff talked to her this week about hospice. I'm here most weekends seeing my friend, keeping her cat company. I don't expect my friend to recover and it's so sad.
Tumbulu
(6,445 posts)this just sounds so painful and sad.
sinkingfeeling
(52,985 posts)final years. When she passed at 95 1/2, I hardly cried. I felt she was finally pain free and at peace. Hugs to you.
we can do it
(12,774 posts)Diamond_Dog
(34,612 posts)Its breathtaking how fast it goes downhill for some folks. My mother was like that. Our medical care system doesnt help.
Your friend is so lucky to have a friend like you who is willing to help out in such an extensive and selfless manner. I can only imagine how exhausting its been physically and emotionally. You truly are the definition of the word friend.
barbtries
(29,755 posts)Especially that she is enduring so much suffering. She's fortunate to have you for a friend, I'm sure your presence is worth more than gold to her.
I hope, if she truly cannot recover, that her pain is eased and her passing is peaceful.
Srkdqltr
(7,656 posts)Bayard
(24,145 posts)I'm so sorry, Marthe48. Its really hard to watch our loved ones go through this kind of trauma. My family had to with both my Type 1 diabetic sisters.
I'm sure you are a great comfort to her.
KarenS
(4,631 posts)The older we get the more we go through and the more we see. I wish you strength to get through this. You are a wonderful friend.
Karadeniz
(23,414 posts)Friend on her side through these difficult times.
PittBlue
(4,378 posts)efhmc
(15,005 posts)2naSalit
(92,664 posts)Wishing all of you all the best in spite of how it's looking.
summer_in_TX
(3,206 posts)She is blessed to have you as a faithful friend.
calimary
(84,306 posts)YOU may be the one consistent, caring person in her life right now. Sounds like she can use some company as she goes through this agony. Im so glad she has YOU.
Marthe48
(18,984 posts)And I'm glad her circle of relatives and friends are giving her and me so much support.
Thank you.
LoisB
(8,639 posts)Marthe48
(18,984 posts)I know I'm not alone. My younger daughter came to see my friend Th. My older daughter came with me for this weekend and saw my friend Fri. We are all sad.
Joinfortmill
(16,377 posts)It must be very difficult to witness. I'm old and sometimes think about my end. What I wish most is to slip from this life quietly and peacefully. I wish that for your friend, too and prayed for her.
XanaDUer2
(13,829 posts)I remember you posting about this friend in the past.