We have known for some time now (since last summer just before I got pregnant) that my grandpa was dying. He had a defibrillator put on his pacemaker - he has always had a bad heart, it runs in the family. He is 71 years old, that is the oldest anyone in his family has made it due to the heart problems.

He's been in and out of the hospital at least 50 times in the last month, his heart goes into failure, he can't regulate ANY body functions, fluid retention which is very severe, he lost 60 lbs and looks so frail, and gets thrush in his mouth due to a shut down immune system etc.

My poor Nan has been strong, but they have had to take him off the defibrillator and now is basically just waiting for the day when he does actually pass away. I am surprised he has made it this long.

A bit of background - We were never terribly close, my dad and mom were together for 5 years and then I was born but my dad was very abusive, a drunk, a druggy etc so my mom took me and we ran away to get away from him and I didn't officially meet my grandparents until I was 16 or 17.

I am not depressed or anything but I do feel a little bit sad especially for Nan who loves him so much and it's hard seeing her like this. It's eating her up inside. I just hope he isn't suffering too much, and goes in his sleep.

Sorry for the long thread, just needed to get it off my chest.

Sorry to hear this and sending hugs. x

sorry to hear, but I am glad that you were able to connect with your grandparents when you were a bit older....

maybe he's holding on to meet your baby? or at least, to know that his grand=daughter is okay? have you had a chance to see him?

best wishes

Sorry for the sadness in your family xxx

I went in June of last year and seen him, he was so ill. We surprised him and went to see him, he looked OK but very frail. I haven't been able to get up to see him since then as we don't have a vehicle and I've no place to stay in my hometown as everyone moved away. I feel good knowing that I went to see him when he was sick, but it still is sad that it's happening. And so close to my due date too!

I'm so sorry. I hope he goes in his sleep as well and that your nan stays strong. Sending hugs to you and your family. x

Me too, anything more would just be horrible...he has suffered enough. They have a nurse coming in 2 days per week to take care of him and the other days of the week my Nan will be doing her best to care for him until he dies. So he is in good hands at least

My grandfather is very near his end as well... he is 86 years old though and has lived a long and happy life. I wasn't incredibly close as I grew up on the other side of the country from him and my nan. He has cancer in his lungs and his prostate and he has weeks to months to live.

For me and my husband still living so far away from my grandparents, we decided to do a 3D/4D ultrasound and chose to do a live broadcast and video on demand so he could see his first great grandchild before he is born in case he doesn't live up to when baby comes. I was on the phone with him the whole time and he was so happy to see our lil boy, poor guy cried and everything.

It's times like this I'm thankful for technology as advanced as this to offer chances that couldn't have been many years ago.

I also feel the worst for my nan, they have been married for 56 years and she's afraid of what life will now be like without someone to care for everyday. She's feeling pretty lost and scared right now. I'm sorry you are going through all of this too during pregnancy, I usually can't keep myself composed as well while pregnant because I'm so darn hormonal and weepy!! lol

Chin up though hun, I'm right there with you.

Amanda - Thank you, they have been married since they were 19 and 20 years old so pretty well 51 years. I think I am handling it well, but I think that has alot to do with because I was told last year in June about his bad state and I kinda prepared for it that way.

I hope that you feel better, time really does help. If you need to talk you can PM me anytime.