My Mom does not want to go for any surgery

Hello Kathi,<br />
<br />
My Mom has a colostomy. The very bottom of her rectum was diseased. So that the doctor had opened surgery and kept it for 10 days with stoma. The closure of the stoma was made after 10 days of the operation. She has overcome with the pain from the operation. What is the best way to live from now on since she is now 78 years old and both of her legs are not too good. She has to use walker. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

Hi, <br />
It is very hard on them at this older age, my mom will be 81 next month. She ended up with an ileostomy, and dehydrates very easily because she looses everything in liquid form so her body does not retain any for itself. She has been able to live pretty normally with help from me. Your mom should get one of those motorized scooters to get around. Her house would need some ramps if there are steps. It can be put in the car and taken places to make it easier to get out to the store or hairdresser, etc. instead of a regular walker there is a fancier type called rolls tots that also have a seat and basket. Some even called rolls toe transporters change to wheelchairs if she would get very tired and you or someone can then push her around in it. Is she able to change her bag on her own? Do you have any other specific questions imight be able to answer. My mom has had this for, I think at least 5 years now and I am her main caretaker so any questions I don't mind trying to help. <br />
Kathi<br />
<br />

Dear Kathi,<br />
<br />
Thank you so much for your advice. It is very helpful and encouraging. You are a great daughter to your Mom. I will tell my Mom but she is not sure whether she needs motorized scooter. One of my cousin stays closed to my Mom and takes care of her with her daily activities. I live far from my Mom but I am now with her taking care of her and assisting her during operations. My Mom will be released from the hospital soon. So that I would like to arrange and plan her daily activity. My Mom likes to pray and meditation during the day. She enjoys meditation. <br />
<br />
I just concern about the food my mother is having. Her stomach generated a lot of gas and she has been in pain because of the gas. I am not sure whether your Mom has the same issue with the gas. <br />
<br />
Does your Mom still have attached bag to drain all the body waste out? My Mom has a stoma with the bag only for 10 days. How about bowel movement and any constipation? Any medication she is on?<br />
<br />
Your response and advice is appreciated.<br />
<br />
Kind regards,<br />
Soul<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />

If she has other significant health issues she may not be ready to endure surgery.

There are 78 yr old ppl who are vigorous and healthy, others are very physically impaired by illnesses by 78. My MIL passed away at 70, but she was an "old" 70. If you met her you'd have thought she was 80+ and going downhill quickly. Yet my parents are healthy at 88 & 81 playing golf, etc. If either of my parents became ill and chose not to pursue care it would be difficult, but I'd understand (my brother would struggle with that though).

Thank you very much for the advice. Actually my Mother did the surgery a month ago. Fortunately, everything went well. She is strong enough to live with colostomy for the rest of her life. I would welcome Mayo clinic 's advice for my Mother. She is now having liquid and soft food type only. Thank you.