“Is it Normal for an Elderly Parent to Experience Sudden Organ Failure in End-of-Life Care? Is This Cruel or Humane? Seeking Advice and Support. #elderlycare #organfailure #endoflife #humaneendoflife #agingparents”
**UPDATE:**
– Symptoms eased today, but transitioning to hospice care.
– Given 48-72 hours max. Prioritizing comfort in his final days.
**Symptoms & Situation:**
– 90+ dad, 5’2, 99 lb, heart attack, diagnosed with CHF, rapid organ failure.
– Lost weight, barely eating, experiencing pain and delirium.
– Doctors say nothing more can be done, on diuretics and medications.
**Seeking Advice:**
– Is sudden organ failure common in the elderly?
– Is this level of pain and distress standard in end-of-life care?
– Feeling lost and helpless as a family.
**Conclusion:**
– Questioning the cruelty versus humanity of the situation.
– Grateful for any guidance or insights.
– Seeking comfort and understanding during this difficult time.
Thank you for your support.
In the elderly person, this cascade of events is sadly quite common.
I’m surprised however that he is considered to be “too old” etc for a (percutaneous ) stent placement. The procedure is essentially non stressful for the patient and, if indicated based upon the nature of the cardiac status, may significantly improve the patient’s level of comfort. Only the cardiologist can determine whether it is clinically indicated but age alone should not be a limiting factor. The procedure is not a surgery.
“Multiple organ failure” if that is the case, is associated with a high mortality rate in the elderly and treatment options are very limited.
From the description that you provide, and given the reluctance of the treating physicians to intervene ( I somewhat disagree with not opting for a Hail Mary attempt at a stent placement), I anticipate that death is very likely to occur within less than a week. In that case, comfort care should be the most important goal.
(Critical care physician )
He is over 90 with a failing heart. Medicine cannot fix everything.
You should talk to the doctor about changing his goal of care to comfort measures only. That would stop any painful tests and monitoring, end all the uncomfortable pills to take, and allow him to receive medication to manage his pain and anxiety. He is dying and aggressive medical treatment will only prolong his death and his suffering. The best thing you can do for him at this point is to ensure he has a good death- a death free from pain and fear and air hunger.
He needs to go home with hospice and palliative care. Unfortunately if he is alert and oriented and is able to make his own health care decisions and wants to go to the hospital, that’s where he will go. Has anyone spoke with him about a classification status and a DNR?
Have you spoken at all with the doctors about palliative care and/or hospice?