h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

My grandfather has been in hospital for four months - allegedly one of the best university hospitals in the US - and in all that time, they haven't managed to figure out what's wrong with him.

Whatever it is, though, it's killing him - he's been moved to hospice, and it's likely only a matter of days now.

It started off with slight confusion and vertigo, and they suspected a stroke, but that's not it and neither is anything else they tested.

And that's the worst part, the not knowing - I'm aware that not everything can be cured, but I had thought that modern medicine had at least progressed enough to figure out what the problem is...

And not to make this about me, but this is the type of situation I really can't deal with. Give me a good hands-on emergency any day - battle the storm, put out the fire, pump the bilges - but not this sitting around waiting for the inevitable and hoping for a miracle.

I know exactly what you mean. I'd feel the same, I think...

I'm sad they can't do anything. Prayers and thoughts in your grandfather's direction.

Its hard enough when there is a diagnosis, must be worse even without that knowledge

Mala, I haven't the words to express how I feel for you.

You are in my thoughts

lil x

Hi Mala, so sorry to hear about your situation.

My wife worked as a nurse for most of her career, Doctors practice medicine because it is not a exact science, I always preferred engineering, as span and load tables give a clear understanding of what material and fasteners need to used for any situation. I hope your father knows how concerned you are.

We are all sending our best thoughts to both of you

F S

grandfather, no matter thoughts are the same.

F S

I remember, when my dad was having neurological problems, that the waiting on the results from multiple brain biopsies was harder than when the diagnosis finally came months later. Yes, it turned out to be something untreatable and (ultimately) fatal, but at least there was a label (and none of the "If they'd caught it sooner, they could've cured it" drama).

I'm afraid I have nothing to add but my sympathies

Not knowing is horrible.

So sorry to hear about your grandfather, Mala.

I wish him peace and comfort.

I'm really sorry to hear about your grandfather. And that they can't give you any kind of answers at all. Thinking of you.

Wishing you strength.

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So sorry to hear this, Mala.

adding my and

Thanks, I needed those hugs.