Hospice nurse told me my mother has 2 weeks to live. I am having trouble believing it. She was improving but got a bad bed sore. Gave my mother tylenol for pain she slept most of yesterday I turned her on side and gave her some vitamin c drink and extra protein and bed sore improved in 2 days. Nurse told me not to make her eat or drink . Food is something she doesn't need. I put her plate of food in front of her and go back to get her drink and half her plate is gone, she eats almost everything on her plate. It might be beta blocker and medicine famotidine making her tired also being in bed continuously. Not sure if hospice is right or bringing hospice to home was a mistake?
Please note when the body starts to shut down, we must pay attention to what Hospice is telling us about feeding or giving liquids to our love one. Otherwise, what will happen is that food will sit in the stomach as the stomach is no longer digesting the food and that will eventually become painful, and liquids will sit in the kidneys, again can be painful.
Hospice nurses/aides are quite familiar with the final journey signs, signs that we don't notice as we haven't worked in the field at all. I remember when Hospice told me my Mom had 48 hours left, and they were right on the mark. I was thankful Hospice was there, as Mom had a very peaceful pain free passing. Same with my Dad.
Oh, please note it is not uncommon for a love one to do what is called a "rally".... where they look like they are improving big time, become chatty, want to eat, etc. These "rallies" sadly are short live.... maybe a couple of days or a week, then back to their final chapter.
Rovana raises the valid point that Mom's physician should explain the diagnosis and prognosis to you.
Also, you can be inadvertently passing on your stress to your mother which can be very detrimental to her stress level as well, if she is responsive.
Yes, please ask to meet with your mother’s doctors if you have any doubts. Find out who wrote the order for hospice. Are there any other family involved-siblings, spouses, etc? Clergy? Maybe they can help you to accept you mom’s prognosis.
As stated above if you have doubts then discharge hospice. You can always get them back when needed.
If you confirm she is dying, then spend the time left together in peace giving her lots of love & keeping her calm.
Good luck to you!