[amandamarie18]

im not sure this is the right spot to write this. my apologies if it's the wrong spot.I was just seeking some input. My grandmother has been in the hospital for ten days. She's had emphazema (sp?) for many years, due to smoking. She ended up getting ammonia, i believe that's the right term.her lungs filled up with fluids. shes been on life support the whole time, they tried once to take the tube out and put her on another oxygen machine that was obviously a less induce or what not.but it wasnt "strong" enough to keep her lungs going. her blood pressure is pretty high. everything else number wise seems to get lower. they got all the fluid out they believe, but i guess its just her getting back to being able to breathe the same as she used to..she was on oxygen 24/7 before so she needs to go back to being able to just do atleast that...after someone is on life support whats the chance of everything working out okay? any input on how she'll come out? im just so terrified about it all. i know she doesnt want to die. theres other things im sure i could inform you on but im not up with the terminology. thank you.

[softstorms]

Hi, I know this must be hard for you. And yes, this is O.K. to ask on this site. I have to be honest here and say that she may not recover from this. There may be nothing you or her Dr. can do to fix this. She may have to learn to live with her limitations from now on. Or she may not be able to live with them! Just love her and be there for here, no matter what she does. (and remember you are never responsible for anothers life)

[Diary/Dairy]

We cannot give medical advise, but I just want to say - be there for her. Take care of yourself too. Good luck to you both in this difficult time.

[childpsychnurse]

it is never easy seeing a loved one suffer. We always hope for speedy recoveries or the miracle fix. I, too, watched my grandmother suffer from a similar situation of congestive heart failure. Fluid gathered in her lungs much like that of pneumonia. What we have to remember is that we may have all of the technology, know how, medicines and fancy machines, but we are only simple humans. What ever or who ever your greater power is, whether it be God or another-you have to seek their strength to survive. They teach us in nursing school that never assume the patient cannot hear-no matter what their condition. Talk to her, give her your love, discuss fond memories, and give her your strength and encouragement. She WILL hear you. That's all that can be expected. The rest is up to her and her inner power. Medicine is only a small piece of the puzzle. If you have a church home minister or spiritual leader, it does help both the patient and the family to gather together to pray, foster hope and encouragement. Never Never Never be afraid to ask questions to understand her illness and the process she is going through or for help for you to deal with your pain. I hope the best for you and your family.