My 93-year-old, basically healthy mom (survived heart failure 8 years ago) went into a rapid decline over the past 5 weeks after developing a nasty cough; losing her appetite and became bedridden. She complained of feeling extremely weak and without energy; her body became cool and she had an intermittent fever. Her skin was pale and she mostly slept but had rapid breathing. She has, for the past 3 weeks, not eaten any solids. Liquids only, including soup. Last week we expected her to actualy pass away due to her physical and mental state; 4 days ago she suddenly improved (though still bedridden and on liquids only) and said she feels much better. The family is actually amazed. Is this possible for a person that age to regain strength and get better? We went through a tough time expecting her death. Not quite sure what to make of this although we are grateful.
All of these people recovered but their lives were diminished because they were limited by other diseases. The question is, would you want to "recover" at that age, because something else will soon take you out anyway.
In retrospect, I wish my dad had died during surgery. It would have spared his dying of cancer and would have been a better way to go. So be careful what you wish for!
Looking back over the past 17 years, it's amazing what she has survived. Covid - I was told she would be dead within 48 hours; Upper respiratory infection; C-Diff; Broken hip; Fecal blockage; Compression fractures of her spine from osteo; Burst appendix with terrible abdominal infection plus more.
Currently she is stable after her last bout with an upper respiratory infection requiring oxygen that got her under hospice care. She has rallied and no longer needs the oxygen. She is eating and drinking. Her vitals are good and yet her mobility suffers from general muscle wasting.
Sounds like your mom had some type of respiratory infection that she has been fighting.
I will admit it has been extremely difficult to emotionally prepare for her passing, only to improve, again and again. Especially as she never fully recovered, is now bed bound with dementia. She just continues to survive but gets weaker, mentally and physically. I hope your mother makes a better recovery than mine. Watching someone waste away over years and years is heartbreaking.
If this was/is an infection, virus of some sort and her body fought it off then yes it is possible that she can regain strength. And if it was/is an infection or virus of some sort medication may have helped her fight it off faster.
Next time your mom is failing get a hospice evaluation.
It’s a roller coaster ride for sure.
I’m actually journaling about it right now if you care to read about this experience . If you go under the discussions section below questions section . It’s titled ‘FIL is back . What does that mean ?’
My father also had one rally period that lasted a couple of months before his death from cancer .
.
Almost anything is possible in recovery.
See All Answers