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Encephalitis

Posted , 2 users are following.

donald41490
donald41490

My brother has been diagnosed with Encephalitis. He is 85 and has been in a coma and non-reactive since Oct. 2, 2015. His children have decided to remove him from life support this coming Friday. He does not breath properly without the ventellator.  I understand that the recovery period could be very long.  I would like opinions as to whether the decision of his children to remove life support, except for feeding tube, might be premature. 

0 likes, 3 replies

3 Replies

  • Parkinsonswife
    Parkinsonswife donald41490

    Posted

    Hi Donald

    I am sorry to hear of your brother. I'm sure you're aware that there's many reasons for encephalitis; meningitis being just one.

    As he's of a great age and clearly his coma is obviously devastating, I can see why his kids may be leaning towards the decision they have; their father does indeed not have quality of life on his side. HAve they spoken to you regarding their decision? Have you been able to speak to his doctor aout it?

    At 85, his body's ability to bounce back after such an insult has to be taken into account. Any coma (particularliy encephaletic-related) would required vigorous and sustained recovery, and his ability to repair will be automatically impaired by his age, no matter how fit he was before.

    You love him very much, clearly. And he's a lucky man to have such a loving brother. For what it's worth, I think you need to talk this out with a doctor; the chance of full recovery and the concept of quality verses quantity of life coming out of such a terrible insult.

    Wishing both you and your brother every blessing and clear hearts and minds.

     

    • donald41490
      donald41490 Parkinsonswife

      Posted

      Thanks so much for your reply. I live about 6 hours away from where by brother is and I'm considering a quick trip to see for myself, maybe tomorrow. Your insight is pretty much what I've been told and reinforces what I've read. The devestation on his body at his age will be very hard for him to recover from even if he were to wake from the coma. 
    • Parkinsonswife
      Parkinsonswife donald41490

      Posted

      Ah, Donald. I am so truely sorry. Why is life so hard to 'leave'? I am here is you need - you can private message me 'PR' anytime. So much to bear.

      Be well, be brave and just be YOU!

      Lisa

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