Commented on a discussion 9/22/2010 at 10:45 am
I've experienced an alcoholic elder in my family and what you relate here really makes sense. My mother in law was a full blown alcoholic, but hid it from family. She injured her back and was in suc
...Read MoreI've experienced an alcoholic elder in my family and what you relate here really makes sense. My mother in law was a full blown alcoholic, but hid it from family. She injured her back and was in such pain she began to attempt to kill the pain by drinking brandy straight - all day long. ...and she insisted it was apple juice. When we realized the seriousness of the situation my husband and I spoke with the hospital social worker, and she came out to meet MIL....talked her into being evaluated at the local hospital, after which they admitted her - during the admittance process the RN, who could smell alcohol on her breath, asked MIL if she had been drinking that morning. . .. MIL said "no, hadn't had a drink in months". . . RN assured MIL that she would not be "in trouble" but the truth would help the RN be able to properly assess and treat her. MIL still refused to come clean, so when I could I spoke privately with the nurse and told her what had been happening. MIL never really spoke coherently again - she went into DT's from the alcohol, and passed away within 2 weeks. Tests showed cancer had returned and was in her spine, which probably caused a weakening, which in turn caused the FX to the spine. But the dr assured family that she was not ready for a hospice and had at least a year left. The alcohol had to be a definite contributing factor. So sad. And so hard for family to see. I would have wished much better for her at the end. I really want to urge family with this problem to tell the doctor and get help....if the dr is not understanding, change doctors. This is a horrible way to die.