Doctor said mom's organs are shutting down. What does this mean in way of time?

If you mother is eating and carrying on as normal, her organs may not be in the final stage of shutdown. Organs don't shut down all at once unless something catastrophic happens, e.g. cardiac arrest or vascular accident. Instead body functions decline. The temperature and blood pressure often get lower. There is less need for energy, so the appetite wanes.Usually a person sleeps more. If your mother is not showing any of these signs, I'm not sure what the doctor meant. The best thing to do is ask.

She's up every day, perky, eating, mentally alert? What's the problem? Sounds good to me! What has shut down? I don't get it?!?!

You will need signed doctor's orders to bring hospice on board, at least we did in my dad's situation.

How did you find out the doctor told your sister that if she hasn't said anything about it? Can you talk with mom's doctor to get a prognosis? Only he/she can give you the answer/estimate you are seeking.

I encourage you to get your sister on board if your mom fits the timeline of 6 months or less. You are correct in wanting to get hospice involved. They were a blessing to us throughout some very dark days.

Here's hoping you get the answers you need, cheryl.

My niece sent me an email on some family issues and mentioned that her Mom, my Sis said this is what the Dr. says.

I see. Do you feel comfortable talking with your sister about this? Your niece gave you an opening to talk with her about the situation. Everyone's family dynamics are so different. That's why I ask - not trying to be a nosy Nellie.

Does sis have medical power of attorney? Do you? You need concrete answers from the doctor about what this all means for your mom and your family. JessieBelle is right, 'organs shutting down' can mean any number of things and not necessarily imminent. Time for a heart to heart with sis. Sending you good thoughts that it goes well.