Grandaddy is abt to die - Alzheimer's Disease & Dementia Message Board

chrisboli · 03-11-2005, 12:32 PM

My grandaddy has had this for 13 years. Yesterday, I found out that he was in the hospital with pneumonia, has not eaten in 12 days, is too dehydrated for feeding tube, and only half way opens his eyes. How long do you think he has...he is 82. Thank you

BarbaraH · 03-11-2005, 01:53 PM

Hi Chris,

Bless your heart. I'm sorry your grandfather is so ill. Even when someone you love has had much of themselves taken away by Alzheimer's it is so hard to say good-bye.

I'm no doctor, but would say that if nothing changes, his time would likely be just a few days.

For many patients, when end stage Alzheimer's is reached the body becomes uninterested in food. That's common in terminal diseases. For others like my mother, she ate well (had to be fed), but still lost weight as if her brain had forgotten how to direct digestion and the absorption of nutrition.

Wishing you well at this difficult time - Barbara

Martha H · 03-11-2005, 02:33 PM

DearChris, what a terrible disease AD is. 13 years is such a long time to be suffering from the dreadful robber of minds. I am sorry for your loss, but also think your Grandfather will be in a better place with an intact mind when he dies. (this is my personal religious belief, and I find it comforting, but each individual has to decide for themselves how to relate to the universe) .. I hope you have the love and support of family and friends at this time. God bless you.

Martha

jasmyn04 · 03-11-2005, 02:50 PM

My grandpa died this Christmas, I know how you feel. I remember them saying how he only had 3 days left (and they were right). I would visit him, and even though he was asleep, I would always tell him that I was ok and that I love him.

They say its important to tell them that you're ok. I guess so they don't worry. It hurt so bad when he went. But I felt a sense of closure in knowing he was a great man who lived a honest and long life. I also felt closure in the fact that I got to tell him I love him before he left. Be sure you tell him you love him and that you're ok.

LuvMyLilDoggie · 03-12-2005, 07:41 AM

I'm so sorry you're goiung through this awful time. My grandfather died of alzheimer's and a heart condition. My grandmother also died of alzheimer's although it wasn't officially known as that then. It's very difficult seeing a loved one that way and knowing they have just a short time to live.
Jasmyn is right. The best thing you can do now is to say whatever you feel needs to be said now. I told my grandma that if she was ready, it was ok for her to go. I told her I loved her with all my heart and I knew she loved me but I didn't want her to suffer anymore. I also told her that everything would be ok, that she didn't have to worry and that I knew she would always watch over me and she would always live in my heart.
Peace be with you.
Barb