final stages of death hospice

I thought hospice care did not allow hospitalizations or active treatments for a disease. Only pain control and comfort measures.

When it became evident that she was in the final stages and gasping for breath they administered morphine, orally, then a suppository, then orally again. It all happened so fast but when the last dose was given I was overwhelmed. Thankfully she lived for an additional 4 hours becasue I know now that I would have had a hand in her death by giving them permission to ease her pain. But I am left was such anguish that I could have helped to end her life. How do I cope with this feeling?

My father is in the final stages of dementia. He can no longer hold anything or walk. He quit speaking about 4 years ago. I just was recently told that he no longer chews. This has been for about 6 weeks. His food is thickened so he can swallow it. He has lost about 20 pounds in 5 months. His albumin level is 2.7, and 2.5 is sometimes the criteria for hospice care. My question is, how much longer before he loses his ability to swallow?

I think that the final stages are different for everyone and not certain if anyone can answer this question. The doctors and nurses can help guide the person through the final stages and due what they can to ensure the patient is not in pain or fear.

My mother was told she is on her final stage of the liver disease cirroses. I have taken her to the ER twice to have fluids removed. The docs. are recommending Hospice. Hower, I have noticed that as longest she has fluids removed, that she is at ease for a few weeks. The docs. keep directing her towards Hospice? She is insured with both Med&Med. Any advise?

I am 72 years of age, a lifelong smoker, presently on two inhalers twice daily and believe that I am in the final stages of life. I have little fear of death but do not want to cause too much burden on my wife or daughter by "lingering". Suicide has crossed my mind but I'm not anxious to go that route until I am incapable of functioning on my own. That is, I don't want anyone bathing, dressing, or feeding me.

All I can tell you is there is power in prayer. There is nothing that can prepare you for the death of a loved one. Just make sure you tell her everything you want to and that you love her. Let her know that is ok to let go and that you will be ok here as you wait to be with her again. I am sorry I have no other words.

she is currently in the final stages. she has been in the final stages the past year. interferon almost killed her. Her body couldnt handle it. the past year she has had fluid build up, confusion due to fluid build up, huge belly from the fluid, sleeps alot, days & nights are flip flopped.

My son died of brain cancer 2 years ago. My mother passed the year before. Hospice was involved in both cases and it was not a good experience with either of them. I wish I had never involved them and am very suspicious of their activities, although depending on where you live they can be great. My brother in law had brain cancer and died in Arizona. Hospice was great for my sister in that instance.

What are signs and symptoms of Final Stages of Ovarian Cancer? My mother has a very distended belly, gas build up and pain in her back and also bowel area. She has a G-tube that drains additional gastric fluid, we are giving her zofran for nausea, but seems more uncomfortable the last few days and I am suppposed to return home for 3 weeks, but am hesitating to leave.

Cancer is rated in stages 1-4, Stage 1 is the first Stage 2 is the second., with Stage 4 being the final , by this time it as spread to other areas of the body and the patient is too weak to continue treatment. You and Your mother need to talk about options, 2nd opinion from another doctor, quality vs quantity of life, your moms wishes. I know not everyone likes the Hospice word, but they do wonderful work with the whole family.

My husband died last week after 12 hours of horrible suffering. Vitas Hospice of Orange County would give him only methodone and I was told by a nurse AFTER his death that he should have had morphene . Now I am nearly suicidal with regret. How can I live with the guilt and is it warrented?

I have been told by my Dr. that I am in the begining stages of cirrousis of the liver do to haveing Active Hep B sence 1997. I have been on Epivir for two years plus had kemo and rads for Hodgkins cancer during the last 3 years. I am starting to feel very sick and in pain. I got a list of my CBC's and what sticks out is that my white cells are at 2.2 and dropping. The Dr. is doing nothing for me and now I am getting very ill.

reaching out to connect & share. im 35. my mother is 55 and in the last stages of liver failure caused by hep c. no transplant. her body couldnt handle interferon. no hospice per her request. her husband cares for her 24/7.

My Dad is at the very end stages of liver cirrhosis. He has been being drained as a result of ascites for months now but has been too weak to go in this time. He is not eating and barely drinking and the fluid has built up over the last few weeks. He does not want to go into hospital and has told the doctor he wants nature to take its cause now. How could he die? Fall into a coma, or could he experience a painful death? He wants to be at home, but he is comfortable for now.

Jane is right, you should look into hospice, which is an organization that helps make your final days as comfortable as possible. Please talk to her Dr about finding her some help of this sort. I am sorry that we cannot offer you any more hope. Spend all of the time that you can with her. And remember, she probably knows that the end is coming and when it does she will finally be free of all of her pain and discomfort.

reaching out to connect & share. im 35. my mother is 55 and in the last stages of liver failure caused by hep c. no transplant. her body couldnt handle interferon. no hospice per her request. her husband cares for her 24/7.

(please forgive any misspellings) My mother just recovered from a bout of interstitial pneumonia, and has been told that she is in the final stages of her pulmonary hypertension...could you please tell me what an average life expectancy is at this point...? She currently needs to use 6 liters of continuous oxygen per minute to maintain an oxygen saturation in the 94 percent range. She maintains this saturation as long as she remains seated.

Especially the ones directly involved with your uncle. In the case of my father in law who was in his final days with cancer of the esophagus his hospice care takers were in direct contact with his physician and knew all the details of his condition and were able to call his doctor as needed. The hospice person maybe able to answer many of your questions. Hope some of this helps.

I have been the primary caretaker for my mother-in-law who has been fighting ovarian cancer for 6 years and we finally have hospice in. About a week ago she quit getting out of bed and has been drinking, at MOST, 5-6 sips of water a day and MAYBE 2-3 bites of food a day. She is, however, very cognizant of everything going on. My brother-in-law is in Texas, can anyone give me any input as to how long we have left? I am very worried about getting everyone here.

Hello JudyAnn, Welcome to our little corner of the world where everyone will understand what you and your daughter are going through. First let me tell you how sorry I am that she has progressive MS. She is very fortunate to have you as her advocate - we all need someone at our side on the good and the bad days. I would strongly recommend that you find a pain management doctor to help with the pain.

Dobutamine is only used for symptom relief in end stages of heart failure, it does not prolong life or provide survival benefit, I guess your husband's symptoms must be well controlled by opiates or morphine and hospice sees no benefit continuing dobutaminw

Final stages of death hospice

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