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Hi my mum has severe MS and has had it for almost 30 years. She is now at what is called end stage MS? She is struggling to swallow food and liquids. In addition for the last month she has been very poorly with a urinary tract infection/chest infections. As a result she has drunk very little and eaten very little for the last month. She is very anxious and restless. She has been calling out for my dad who passed away 2 years ago and saying things like 'I've had a good run haven't I' She has also decided she does not want to return to hospital or be peg fed. The nursing home (not the doctor) have told is they think it is the beginning of the end and it's about making her comfortable now. However 2 days ago her meds were reviewed. She was given stronger antibiotics, a sedative to calm her down and a morphine patch for pain. End of life meds have been discussed but not used. Since yesterday she has seemed a lot brighter and more positive. She has eaten a mashed up boiled egg for breakfast and some soup for lunch. Yesterday she passed 800ml of urine as opposed to 200ml the day before. She is talking better and says she feels better. I just don't know what to think now. Is she 'rallying? Is this a temporary improvement? Or is she responding to the meds and actually getting better? Has the sedative that's calmed her down masking the other problems? Is it likely that she will still die? Any help or advice would be appreciated?

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While it is encouraging to see mom rally with the antibiotics and pain meds--this could only be temporary. I agree with the posters who tell you to enjoy each extra day you are given.

All of us will die. That's a "for sure". Try not to dwell on that and simply be present for her when she is feeling better. Respect her end of life wishes, when it comes to that and try not to borrow trouble.
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Now that she is approaching the end of her disease, please consider engaging Hospice as a part of your care team. Most will allow treatment with antibiotics, but that is a question to ask when you interview different Hospice companies.
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Yes, it is likely she will still die. The when is unknowable, I understand how hard the rollercoaster of end of life is. You must prepare for her passing as best as you can, then enjoy what time you have left with her. It may be that the new meds are taking care of the infections but, it is not uncommon for people to rally for 1, 2, 3 days then pass.

God bless you and your family during this trying time, may He touch each one of you and give you Mercy to endure what is to be.
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It is amazing how much better you can feel when you finally get infections under control.
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I think your questions address not only her more recent but her current situation, but I would offer a different approach.

Focus more on the here and now. Actually none of us really has any guarantee of living, especially in the turbulent times in which we now live. So enjoy each day, tell her what you want to tell her, and make the days count, however long they last.
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