My Mom (84) is going into surgery for a ruptured bowel due to an obstruction. Very weak. What is the prognosis?

I'm guessing it is not just the age 84 that is making this the decision, but that she was very debilitated before this happened. Obstruction can be sucessfully treated but the rupture with peritonitis makes it very much touch and go, sometimes even in a younger and healthier person. Our thoughts and prayers are with you!

mom's prognosis if she has not passed already may be as little as 24 hours. managing her pain and other symptoms is vital and hosice is excellent at that. Stay with her she needs you to advocate for her pain and symptom control. She may need so many drugs that she slips into unconsciousness fairly quickly. she will still be aware that you are there so hold her hand and continue to talk quietly. if she becomes restless and moans or screws her face up these are all signs of pain so insist on more medicine don't let them tell you the next dose is not due yet insist they call the Dr and ask for more There is no such thing as an over dose or addiction when someone is dying so be strong. If the moaning is rhynical in time with her breathing this is not usually due to pain so watch closely. this is the hardest time waiting for the actuall passing but it should bring a sense of peace and relief so don't he afraid to take your time to cry and spend as much time as you wish with her. if you want to take her home to die and can manage that it is something hospice can arrange and often happens. They order the equipment and arrange an smbulance to transport her. you are in our thoughts. Blessings.

Take comfort knowing she's in the right place to get the very best care there is. I'm sorry.

Hugs and well wishes coming your way.

Poor lady. I'm so sorry you're going through this. Wishing you comfort.

So sorry. Sending loving thoughts.

I'm so very sorry that you're going through this. Good thoughts and prayers come your way.

So sorry to see you have to go through this. Morphine is her friend now. No, it won't be long, try to keep her comfortable.

Well, the decision is no surgery, and to have hospice begin care at the hospital. We don't expect her to last long. Thank you for your response.

If you choose not to have the surgery, I don't think she would survive long enough to even get hospice involved. A ruptured bowel is a very serious, life threatening issue and requires immediate action. The contents of bowel leaking into the abdominal cavity will cause sepsis. That is what will kill her if surgery is not performed. So sorry you are both going through this.