Today when her doc came in, he ordered morphine every 2 hours if she needs it. He said all we can do is keep her comfortable now.

Pam got him to order an air like mattress, cause she keeps complaining about her butt hurting (when she IS awake).

Not eating much at all, and no Ensure. Ate 1/3 of breakfast and that.

Mom is pretty much the same. Every time she pulls her oxygen mask off we dip that thing in water (forgot what its called, but keeps the mouth moist) and put it in her mouth. She sure seems to enjoy it. Oxygen mask sure can dry your mouth up.

Hospice chaplin and nurse came up there tonight.

Bert didn't open his mouth when they came to reposition her or give the breathing treatment. I suppose he knows not to muck with me right now. I don't know a soul who'd cross me right now

Taking my prn meds with me, and using them. I haven't needed them in a long time, till this week.

I'm not going down with the ship, although I know it will be hard to stay afloat.

I think Bert is trying to make sure she doesn't go on the same day his father did.

Getting ready to go back up there. I'm making sure I have plenty of prn's with me, as I need them right now. This is so hard.

Hospice has counseling for after. I will certainly be needing that.

Chaplin for hospice is supposed to meet me up there this afternoon. Dunno if Bert will be there or not.

Found out Father John did last rites last week. I hate I missed that.

Will try to post again when I get home tonight. Might be real late again.

I'm so sorry, Brenda. I know what a tough time this is. I wonder if the hospice chaplain or nurse can be some influence with Bert?

In hospital hospice is sometimes an option here if a patient is already in the hospital when hospice is recommended. I think they might also consider hardship faced by families to manage at home. It isn't offered a lot.

Please come to terms with the different ways you and Bert are facing this time. There is a lot of stress for both of you. You have become a lot closer over the last year and you will need each other now.

It is in God's hands as you said. It will be as it needs to be. Blessings and peace to you. It is a very difficult thing to realize its time to let go.

Her doctors recommended Hospice. I didn't know they did hospice in the hospital, but they do.

We started hospice today. Lady said she wished she had us last week, as its so late to start it now.

They took her off most of her meds. Put a patch behind her ear for mucus (she's having bad problems with mucus). She can't swallow pills, and the crushed up darvocet I found most of it in her dentures when I pulled the bottoms out to clean.

Merrwid she likes light green. Not quite deep as sage.

Non responsive now, except for me reading her lips when she was saying "I can't breathe". No food, and nothing to drink. We're using some sort of swab the hospital keeps for dry mouth on her, and dipping it in water. She really seemed to enjoy that tonight.

They are using suction when she gets mucus buildup, when I'm there. Bert won't let them do breathing treatments, or reposition her like they need to when he's there. I already can see that boot up his a$$.

I think we have this weekend figured out where she won't be alone at all (if she makes it that long).

Right now, its in God's hands. All I ask him is when she goes, me to be there holding her hand and caressing her.

quote:

Brenda, ask her what color she wants her wings. Tell her my husband will have a set ready when she gets there.

(He used to rebuild wooden frame fabric covered airplanes. The wings were his favorite parts to work on.)

MW that was beautiful *sniff*

Brenda see if this is possible, if the Darvo isnt helping try giving her a minimum dosage of Morphine wait at least a half hour take her BP if its good (depending on what her baseline was) give a little more you dont have to give the entire recommended dose of that.
Iv had many patients that dip like that so we always give half or less and monitor the BP.
And remember no matter what anyone says this is a good drug sweetie yes some people can not tolerate it and other meds are given but if its tolerated well with her it will relieve panic attacks which can send a person reeling quickly, trust that. I have seen that happen too many times because a person/LO has a misconception about Morphine
Your in my thoughts hun

quote:

Originally posted by Bobcat:
Alot more places are allowing visits from pets, especially if the patient is in a private room or the room mate gives permission. It is worth asking.

The SNF facility where my MIL lives permits pet visits.

Alot more places are allowing visits from pets, especially if the patient is in a private room or the room mate gives permission. It is worth asking. Her doc might be the one to ask and have him give permission. It is tricky and I understand if they say no. Will Venus fit in a tote bag and be quiet?

I hope they can keep her comfortable.

Bren, I am glad you can drive now and can remove the boot some, but you didn't mention the clot...I am going to stay concerned about you. This is a difficult time to remember to be good to yourself.

(((Brenda))) Please look after yourself at this difficult time. Is there any way they would let you take the dog to see your Mom? Here our dog was allowed in to see Mike when he was not doing well and when they knew he was going to be in the hospital for a long time. Our dobie was actually apparently the first dog they let into ICU in the hospital where Mike had his stroke. He was in 5(I think) different facilities that first year after the stroke and she was allowed in them all. No harm in asking.

I just got home.

Ortho doc said I could drive, and wants me to wear the boot some, but not all the time. Just doesn't want me driving on Airport Blvd.

Mom's doing worse tonight. Her blood pressure is dropping. Her voice is down to a whisper, and you can't understand what she's saying at all. All I could understand was "help"

Nurses said doc doesn't want her taking morphine anymore, as her blood pressure is too low. Doc didn't tell me this chit at all tonight. So they are giving her darvocet which hasn't been helping at all.

I know she's hurting when she's saying "help".

They are mashing up her pills and putting it in pudding. She's not eating but very small bits and I really don't think she's swallowing it. One bite of rice and gravy, one bite of squash casserole (she thought it was dressing last week so she ate it then). Can't even get her to drink water. Can't drink out of a straw, and can't get her to sip from a glass. As the night went on, she got much worse.

Not even sure how she's still here.

I wish so bad I could get 24/7 nurses to come here, and let me bring her here to pass. I just feel if Venus (dog) could lick her and get in the bed with her, I'd get a response out of her.

Needless to say, I been tore up most of tonight. Taking prn's down there. Eyes probably look like I've been on a drunk for a month. But I'm breathing....(I know thats the first thing you all will tell me to do). Been holding her hand and stroking her face, and kissing her a lot. All I can do. Let her know I'm there, even if I don't get a response at all.

Sis said she thought Mom was talking about her mom and dad and our deceased brother. I couldn't tell what she was saying tonight at all. Mostly mumbling I couldn't understand but help.

MERRWID, you have a lot of experience at goodbyes, maybe too much. I always appreciate the way you link us together. Thankyou

That is such a beautiful thought

Brenda, ask her what color she wants her wings. Tell her my husband will have a set ready when she gets there.

(He used to rebuild wooden frame fabric covered airplanes. The wings were his favorite parts to work on.)

Oh Brenda (((HUGS))) how are you doing?
Love and thoughts going out to you and mom.

I"m very sorry, bnot. I'm glad the doctor is doing his best to keep her comfortable. Your Mom is very fortunate to have you by her side, loving her, caring for her, giving her strength. Peace to both of you.

The air mattresses help a lot especially if the patient has trouble repositioning because of pain or medical equipment. I hope it helps her comfort.

Thanks BC for the candle site. Been lighting them here.

Very sorry to hear this. Will keep you and your mom in my prayers. Stay strong.

http://www.gratefulness.org/ca...les.cfm?l=eng&gi=ECO

I have bumped up the candle site for you and your mother. This is a very hard time I know. Courage dear. Breathe.