My mom is in a nursing home and has apparently had the hip fracture for 2+ weeks. She's already so compromised by multiple medical problems, but until now, has managed to stay ahead of cancer. Had a colon cancer in 2000, but colon resection got that, no chemo or radiation needed. However, all these medical problems with heart, diabetes, etc. have rendered her not a good candidate for any more surgeries. So with this new development, hip fracture, we are faced with few options. Looks like she's a really poor risk for surgery so will almost for sure have to just let nature take its course. She has been nonambulatory for years, so that's not an issue, but I am concerned about chronic pain and suffering. I am very torn up, not sure what to expect, or what to do. Any advice or words of wisdom from someone who has "been there" would be much appreciated. What to expect?
She was walking before the hip break and now she is a two-person transfer with a lift device. She spends all her time in a comfortable wheelchair or her bed. She participates in many of the nh's activities, wouldn't miss bingo for anything, loves the live entertainment, enjoys the meals, and in general is content.
Pain was an issue even before the break, and unfortunately she cannot tolerate narcotics. There are a limited number of pain meds that help, but she seems pretty comfortable most of the time.
We are letting nature take its course (because there are no other options). I guess I can say I've been there and am still there. It is not what any of us would have wished for, but it is not as horrible as we feared.