Need some prayers for my grandmother

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:23 pm

Grandma who is 89 years old and is a fighter...who has had several strokes and heart attacks in her life, but always comes back stronger...

anyway this past monday she had a major stroke, worst she ever had. At first she could not speak nor move any part of her body except her left arm. Now she can move a bit more and is somewhat responsive.

She can talk but it not words you can understand, but you know she is trying her hardest.

The biggest problem is she cannot swallow so she cannot eat without a feeding tube. Her living will says she does not want a tube if there is no hope at all.

But she is concious and we know she is very aware, we say goodbye and she waves, or say our name and tries to say it.

Long story short doctors are arguing they want pull the feeding tube, family says give it a few more days. I definitely dont want her to suffer, I just wish it was quick, I really do not understand why G-d allows her to suffer. I do not want her to starve to death it is not like she is unconcisous and cant feel what is going on.

But this morning i got bad news that she is now bleeding internally, i dont know anymore details. I am at work now but cannot get to the hospital at the moment. I do not have my car. I am trying to work out the details. I am hoping to be able to get there tonight and see her one last time.

The real odd thing is, she is in the same exact hospital room that my grandfather was in when he passed 6 years ago, and this is a huge hospital.

So I am praying that whatever G-d has for her, that she does not allow her to suffer too much. Seeing her in the bed like that unable to do anything is horrendous.

Thanks

David · Post by **David** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:35 pm

on it.....

Kyle · Post by **Kyle** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:37 pm

My thoughts will be with you and your family...

Gixxer · Post by **Gixxer** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:39 pm

I hope she makes a full recovery Augustus. I know what it's like when a grandmother has medical issues such as that, as i just went through it twice. It lets you know how fragile life really is. Hang in there Augustus.

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:39 pm

Thanks all

minir · Post by **minir** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:53 pm

Augustus, Prayers being sent

--

minir

Sarahnn · Post by **Sarahnn** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 12:55 pm

I'm sorry for your troubles. I hope God blesses your Grandmother especially now.

Why the rush to pull the feeding tube? Stroke victims have been known to continue to improve for months. I can't understand the internal bleeding but it is not, in itself, a reason to pull the feeding tube either. If it is her age, we shouldn't put limits on when someone is given hope to survive a trauma and when they are not.

If your grandmother is trying to communicate with you, she is in no condition to be deprived of survival assistance. Only God knows what she will be doing in six weeks.

My prayers are with you and your family, but especially with your Grandmother.

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:01 pm

Thanks Minir and Sarahnn,

Sarahnn,

I really dont understand it myself. I understand she is 89 and we dont live forever that is part of life. The doctors are saying they have to do what is in the living will by law or something of that nature, and they are saying there is no chance of recovery, even she is communicating in her own manner. In fact she opened her eyes a few times yesterday and the other day she said to my daughter what sounded like "i love you"

I can see if she was tootally in a coma, and no hope whatsoever and pulling the feeding tube she probably would not suffer, but to me this is different then that.

Thanks

The most oddest thing is I was just discussing with my grandmother a week ago how I have rediscovered my Jewish heritage and been going back to shul and she was so happy to hear it and proud, and then this.

Sarahnn · Post by **Sarahnn** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:23 pm

Augustus wrote:Thanks Minir and Sarahnn,

Sarahnn,

I really dont understand it myself. I understand she is 89 and we dont live forever that is part of life. The doctors are saying they have to do what is in the living will by law or something of that nature, and they are saying there is no chance of recovery, even she is communicating in her own manner. In fact she opened her eyes a few times yesterday and the other day she said to my daughter what sounded like "i love you"

You simply need to establish that she must be given time to decline to demonstrate that the doctors are correct in thier prognosis. Stroke victims can improve but not overnight. I think seeking a specialist in this area might help to assess the efficacy of this hasty prognosis.

I can see if she was tootally in a coma, and no hope whatsoever and pulling the feeding tube she probably would not suffer, but to me this is different then that.

If your Grandmother is leaving it up to the doctors to determine her prognosis, simply get more expert opinions. Also, do some research on stroke survival and the time involved for maximum repair.

Thanks

You owe me no thanks. We all have beloved family members and will all probably walk in your shoes eventually.

The most oddest thing is I was just discussing with my grandmother a week ago how I have rediscovered my Jewish heritage and been going back to shul and she was so happy to hear it and proud, and then this.

"This" is life. I'm thrilled that you were able to share your new committment before her present troubles.

Hang in there..evertything will eventually fall into place as time progresses.

My heart goes out to you.

Illini25 · Post by **Illini25** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:37 pm

Thoughts and prayers Augustus.

Debbie · Post by **Debbie** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 1:43 pm

Prayers sent!!!!

DaddyLongLeg · Post by **DaddyLongLeg** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:01 pm

Prayers currently on the way Augustus that she can pull through this and make a full recovery.

Now, you can't look at this as God trying to punish your grandmother or making her suffer. She is obviously a strong woman and that could be the reason why he has chosen her (IMO God has a reason for everything, I'm not trying to turn this into a religious debat).

As for taking her off the feeding tube. It's also my opinion that people don't want those because they don't want to be a living vegetable. But since she is fully aware of whats going on, I think they should leave it in because if they take it out, she could starve. Basically, when she wrote her will, I don't think she was thinking she would be coherent when they pulled the tube, and I'd explain that to the doctors as well.

Roody · Post by **Roody** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:10 pm

I'm sorry to hear that man. I will keep her and your family in my prayers.

Jamie_R · Post by **Jamie_R** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:17 pm

Sorry GH ... Prayers for you and your family ...

thepieman · Post by **thepieman** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 2:28 pm

GH Hope she recovers soon.

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 3:43 pm

Prayers on the way my friend. If it is her turn, and we never know for sure...may her journey be peaceful and as painless as possible..and Gods strength to you and the rest of your family. Angel Blessings! Stay close. Grandma's are such special Angels all on their own.

ghettoside · Post by **ghettoside** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 4:48 pm

Prayers from here sent too.

Post by **YeOldeStonecat** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 5:48 pm

Thoughts and prayers 'Gustus...

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 8:30 pm

I will say a prayer for her myself. God bless you and your family at this difficult time.

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:29 pm

Thanks everyone for well wishes and prayers really appreciate

Here update got to hsopital around 4 I think..and by then they already pulled the feeding tube out, they said becuase of internal bleeding it wasnt helping...truthfully none of it makes any sense to me.

Today she is much worst and is not responding to anybody or anything at all..and her breathing is very labored, she on a rebreather with 100% oxygen. I cant say if she knows what is going on like if she hears us I really dont know. We keep talking to her and holding her hand.

Basically doctors are saying there is no hope at all and that why pulled the tube out but said if changes tehy can put it in..well that makes no sense to me..she certainly wont get better without any food.

They started her on a drip on morphine and doctor says she should be comfortable but who relaly knows with her breathing.

All i know is I hope it is quick her passing i cannot stand to see her suffering like she is.

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 9:33 pm

There are just no words

I am so sorry. It sounds as if she is at least comfortable and pain free. God Bless you and yours. As long as there is memory...she will never be gone...she is just away. She will always rest comfortably in the corners of your mind, spirit, heart and soul.

Sarahnn · Post by **Sarahnn** » Fri Feb 24, 2006 10:51 pm

If she is declining rapidly, it has nothing to do with not being fed. So, now may not be the time to worry about that. The doctors' prognosis is looking more acceptable for now.

My prayers are with you, your family and your dear Grandmother.

Not an easy time.

De Plano · Post by **De Plano** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 1:17 am

Sorry to hear about that GH

triniwasp · Post by **triniwasp** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 3:03 am

Sorry to hear that man. Prayers on the way.

Ghosthunter · Post by **Ghosthunter** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:09 am

Got the call this am, she passed away @ 3 am

In a way I am relived becuase she is not suffering and I know she is with my grandfather who they were married for 58 years.

But I will miss her.

Thanks all

downhill · Post by **downhill** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:12 am

My condolences go out to you and your family, Aug..

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:13 am

Augustus wrote:Got the call this am, she passed away @ 3 am

In a way I am relived becuase she is not suffering and I know she is with my grandfather who they were married for 58 years.

But I will miss her.

Thanks all

She will always be with you. Just take a peek inside. It is her turn now to be your guardian angel. I am so sorry for your loss..but it sounds as if she left us in peace...and said her goodbyes by trying to speak to you...and wave. She knew she was loved. Rest well Grandmother...you have earned it!

Lefty · Post by **Lefty** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:17 am

My condolences as well.

MissTynker2 · Post by **MissTynker2** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 8:20 am

May you and your family find some comfort and peace with the following.

When tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see;
If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;
I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,
while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.
I know how much you love me, as much as I love you,
and each time you think of me I know you'll miss me too;
But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,
that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,
and said my place was ready in heaven far above,
and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.
But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,
for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.
I had so much to live for and so much yet to do,
it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.
I thought of all the yesterdays, the good ones and the bad,
I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.
If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for awhile,
I'd say goodbye and kiss you and maybe see you smile.
But then I fully realized that this could never be,
for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.
And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow,
I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.
But when I walked through heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.
When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,
He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you".
Today for life on earth is past but here it starts anew.
I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last,
and since each day's the same day, there's no longing for the past.
But you have been so faithful, so trusting, and so true.
Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.
But you have been forgiven and now at last you’re free.
So won't you take my hand and share my life with me?
So when tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,
for every time you think of me, I'm right here in your heart.

Prayers sent for you and yours.

Sarahnn · Post by **Sarahnn** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 12:28 pm

I lost both of my Grandmothers a few years back. The pain subsides eventually but their memory lingers like the scent of a wild rose and influences all that I do.

My condolences to you and your family.

Far-N-Wide · Post by **Far-N-Wide** » Sat Feb 25, 2006 10:20 pm

Just finished the request.
God bless you in your time of need.

Joint Chiefs of Staff · Sun Feb 26, 2006 6:04 am

Prayers sent