Please excuse any absences
@GardenGerty (160879)
United States
January 13, 2023 6:21am CST
This evening my two nieces will change the status of my sister to DNR--do not resuscitate. This is with the consensus of the entire family.
She will then be removed from the ventilator, and will receive comfort care.
She has not responded to external stimulus as she should. Not followed requests has not been squeezing our hand in response to things.
If she stays in that state they would have to surgically implant a feeding tube and do a tracheotomy to continue having her on a breathing machine.
The doctor believes that this is a neurological problem and says he expects she will pass quickly once the ventilator is removed.
They had to stop giving her food through a nasal gastric tube as she began vomiting the food back up. That causes a risk of aspiration to the lungs and those problems associated with that.
I believe she has given up mostly because of her lack of vision.
Her daughters are both nurses. We are okay with this decision.
Excuse me if I do not have anything to say and am not able to get here.
31 people like this
29 responses
@andriaperry (117130)
• Anniston, Alabama
13 Jan 23
I'm so sorry Heather. I don't expect a response to my comment.
As you know God takes us when he calls us home. She will be free from pain, we grieve because we love them so much.
6 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
21 Jan 23
As I learned more about what the doctors saw in her body, I know this is absolutely the right way for us to let her go.
3 people like this
@DaddyEvil (137460)
• United States
13 Jan 23
Keeping your family in my thoughts.
4 people like this
@BarBaraPrz (47611)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
13 Jan 23
That is sad news. How are you doing? Take all the time away that you need.
4 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Thank you my friend, that is the best remedy of all.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
21 Jan 23
Thanks you so much. Feelings sneak up on me a bit.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
21 Jan 23
It is very difficult to turn lose of someone we love.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
21 Jan 23
She turned 79 in November. I am 69. So I do not ever remember a time without her.
2 people like this
@shaggin (72183)
• United States
22 Jan 23
@GardenGerty that must be a very strange and sad feeling. Is she your only sibling?
@snowy22315 (181948)
• United States
13 Jan 23
RIP, I am sorry.... I would hate to lose my sis.
. I would hate to lose my sis.2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
I am the only sister left. We lost a younger sister in 2000. It hurts.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
14 Jan 23
Oh, Heather. I'm glad you are in a positive place with this. Take your time. This is never easy. So sad it went in this direction.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
What we learned in visiting with the doctors is that she had plaque throughout her brain and body and basically was dying piece by piece. I think she knew it too.
1 person likes this
@celticeagle (168126)
• Boise, Idaho
22 Jan 23
@GardenGerty ........How very sad. How do young people have this happen to them? How awful.
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Yes, and that is comforting. Thank you for your prayers and hugs.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (90295)
• Arvada, Colorado
15 Jan 23
Oh Heather...
Please know that I care so very deeply ..and I am so very sorry.
Please know that I care so very deeply ..and I am so very sorry.2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
21 Jan 23
I have always counted on my friends here, and Yes, I know that you car.
2 people like this
@RebeccasFarm (90295)
• Arvada, Colorado
25 Jan 23
@GardenGerty Yes, we all care and we do depend on our friends here I know
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
I do want to reply when I can, but it is at my own time. Thank you for all the caring and the hug.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471968)
• Switzerland
22 Jan 23
@GardenGerty There are circumstances in life that prevent us to do what we would like to do.
I understand so well how you feel.
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Both of her daughters were there with her, and she knew it. Thank you.
2 people like this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
14 Jan 23
Oh, Heather! I know this pain and it is so hard. The pain of losing those we love runs very deep and long. I'm sorry it's come to this.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
It is hard to give up someone who has always been there.
1 person likes this
@MarieCoyle (38564)
•
22 Jan 23
@GardenGerty
It truly is. Grieving takes a lot longer than many people think it will. It comes in waves for me sometimes. I'm sure you know what I mean.
@allknowing (137552)
• India
14 Jan 23
This trauma for you is difficult to handle. May God give you the strength to face it
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Yes, it is hard, but would be harder without God. It would be harder if her girls could not be here. They are the ones that really suffer.
2 people like this
@changjiangzhibin89 (16784)
• China
14 Jan 23
Sad to learn about your sister's situation ! Take care !
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Thank you so much. It is hard to let go.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
We are all trying to care for each other.
1 person likes this
@RasmaSandra (80635)
• Daytona Beach, Florida
14 Jan 23
Virtual hugs. I am with you in thought and your sister remains in my prayers. Many blessings to you all.
2 people like this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
Thank you for your caring and faithfulness.
1 person likes this
@GardenGerty (160879)
• United States
22 Jan 23
I am doing what I can, the real responsibilities are for her girls and I just have to turn lose.
2 people like this
