Follow
Share

She has been on a low dose antibiotic for years to keep the infections from occurring, but she still gets them periodically, especially since entering a nursing home two years ago. Her recent erratic behavior in the past few days indicated another infection, and when tested, her urine showed that she did have one, but due to allergies and resistance there is no pill form of antibiotic that she can be given. She is refusing to take any of her other medication - for high blood pressure and depression/anxiety also, and the nursing home has tried to set up an IV, but she refuses based on her living will. She does not want treatment, she wants to die and has expressed that wish for several years, long before this current infection set in. The nursing home has told me that the infection can cause sepsis which can cause death. I am just looking for advice on what to expect, assuming that she continues to refuse any treatment or medication.

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Find Care & Housing
In response to macbabe, don't worry, I have no intention of ignoring her wishes. She has been ready to die for most of my life -my father died in 1979, when I was 13 and mom began preparing for her own death then and putting a living will in place and making me promise that I would not allow the doctors to keep her alive, if anything happened. (She has been in excellent health throughout her life, despite her wish to die) I was not looking for ways to change her current condition, just for an idea of what might happen, physically, if the infection spreads. Thus far, she seems to be doing well, so I'm beginning to think the doctors may have been overstating the danger in hopes of getting her to take her meds.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

wait a minute, she stated a long time back her wishes, as hard as it is, you have to respect that and just keep as comfortable as possible.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

If she is refusing all this treament because she is literally out of her mind from the infection, I would say someone needs to step in. But, if she has made this decision when she was of sound mind there is not much you can do. I really dont know how long she could drag on in pain before sepsis would actually set in. I really think you should talk to her doctor and decide if this is really away to go for her. I can't imagine how hard this has to be for you and I hope you can find the answers you need with her doctor.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

Hmm..It's very difficult to say what can be done, but I would see if cranberry juice would help some. Or some medicine that can be added in her drink or food that can fight it. Something has to work to fight off her UTI.But ask them if there is any other way they can treat her without her knowing she's being treated for it. I hope that helps.
Helpful Answer (0)
Report

This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter