Chest infection in elderly infirm

[evedawn]

As some of u know my 91 yr old mum in law sustained concussion 2 wks ago. Well now she has developed a chest infection. I'd this because since the concussion she has been bed bound? She just sleep and sleeps all the time? I guess if you're not very mobile secretions build up? Personally we think her body is just "shutting down" :( she doesn't want to eat or drink (the care home have to spoon feed her)

[boxtops]

Evedawn, I don't want to be alarmist but pneumonia is common after falls .... are the doctors monitoring her? Is she sleeping in a raised position?

[evedawn]

Hi box - I was hoping u would reply. Yes Doc is monitoring and she isbon antibiotics... I think I just wanna get my head around that she "may not be around forever" prior to her fall she was soooo strong (for 91 yr old) . I do tinder if her body is tired and this is the begiining of the end. Sorry to be melodramatic but it seems she has given up.

[boxtops]

It's not melodramatic, eve - this sounds quite similar to my mum, she was frail but full of determination and intelligence until she had her accident, then sadly weakened quite quickly after that. It's as if the accident is just one last straw too many for the old body to bear. That's how we viewed it - it was very hard to come to terms with, but your mum's a great age (as was mine). I keep my fingers crossed for you ♥

[evedawn]

ThAnks box... Mums(or mum in laws) r great and it's not nice to imagine life without them. I know ur mum was 93 when she had her skin graft and I'm sure she was much loved...

[Mamyalynne]

Boxy has said all I would have added too, it is not at all melodramatic to think this way - it is a real possibility and better you face the fact it may be the case.

As long as you know she is getting good care and any necessary pain relief that is all you can really do. Wishing you all the best. ♥ These are hard times.

[evedawn]

Ta mamy ...
I guess many many ab'ers have had similar losses ... And we keep telling ourselves she IS old and the body must be tired.

[boxtops]

We're with you, evedawn - keep us posted ♥.