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Is Hospice involved?? You really need someone like hospice to help you at this time. We discontinued all my mother's meds for the last 90 days of her life. That was my personal choice- no use going through the agony of trying to force her to take them... Hospice will help you decide what meds to take or discontinue, and how to give fluids. They will help your mom and you, as well. Sending you gentle (((hugs))).
Bonnie
bonniejeans@satx.rr.com
“Every time you forget that character is one of God’s purposes for your life, you will become frustrated by your circumstances.” — Rick Warren
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| Posts: 2774 | Location?: San Antonio, Texas | Registered: November 21, 2005 |  |
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I'm new to the boards, but have a question. My Mom is 85 & has AD. SHe has progressed tremendously in the past 6 months, because her body has had so many infections. She went in hospital in June 2006 with dehydration and while there got MRSA (staph). Then had e-coli bacterial infection in bloodstream followed one month later by severe case of shingles. She is now bedfast. She also aspirates and developed aspiration pneumonia the week after Thanksgiving. Since that time, she has been sleeping mostly, has lost her ability to speak and moans a lot. Hospice says she is not in pain and we are giving her Atavan because of her high blood pressure & fast heart rate (which is a new development also). Some days she eats nothing at all, other days she may eat a little. She does have IV fluids now through a mediport. We know death is imminent here, but how long are we talking about? Hospice says they can't tell us yet, it's too soon. I believe the reason she refuses food is her body's way of shutting down. Is that accurate? Sorry for the lengthly questions!  quote: Originally posted by Theresa T:
Well, not drinking anything at all usually causes dehydration and death in a short time. IV fluids may prolong things. But, eating and drinking only a little can go on for weeks if not months. Please insist that the doctors discuss these things with you. If your LO is not interested in prolonging life, then ask the doctors for a referral to hospice. They can at least help you keep her comfortable.
Hugs to you.
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quote: Originally posted by babydaughter:
Hospice says she is not in pain and we are giving her Atavan because of her high blood pressure & fast heart rate (which is a new development also). Some days she eats nothing at all, other days she may eat a little. She does have IV fluids now through a mediport. We know death is imminent here, but how long are we talking about? Hospice says they can't tell us yet, it's too soon.
Ask Hospice for a book called "Gone from My Sight" It talks about the kind of changes you see at the end of life. Hospice would love to have a crystal ball, so they could tell you exactly what will happen, and when, but unfortunately it isn't that easy. Just keep her comfortable, and let the rest happen. I noticed a change in heart rate and changes in breathing in my mom's last days. Sometimes her heart rate would skip beats, and sometimes she would have missing breaths. Once she completely refused food, it was only about a week, but she also refused fluids the last few days. I think the IV fluids might make things a little slower. Cherish this time with your mother, and also make time for yourself. You are important too. |
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| Posts: 200 | Location?: Minnesota | Registered: September 28, 2006 | |
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Thank you Theresa. It is a precious time with her. I'm not sure she can hear us, but we talk to her just the same. My dad is 87 and it is so hard for him to see her this way. They've been married 62 years. But we believe he needs to see this in order to accept and let go. Thank you for your support. I'll ask Hospice for the book.
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