My dear one is in the throes of death and since yesterday has been in pain from deep hiccups due to the Metobolic changes and kidney failture he is now undergoing. His five chidren were asled to come see their father on 'Sat. they came to a meeting room in the VA and we were able to enjoy their father / He knew them all which was a precious gift from God/ I am so glad they were able to say their "goodbyess" to him and he appeared to enjoy the day also.
today I went to see him and he at first appeared comfortable. He has ceased eating very little (lemon ice, cranberry ice, pudding, ice cream) Je was govm am enamama) as his bowels appeared impacted. After an hour, he began to hiccuup and had severe pain. It wwas determined to give him Vicodin? can't spell. This is a f orm of mophine. After an hour he was not in deep pain and was more relaxed. perhaps the enema precipatated the pain. I was called at 11pm and was told he was given another dose of Vicodin and was not in a lot of pain, only discomfort.
I am packing a bag just in case I stay allnight.
My friends, I thought I had gone through the worst during this nine years but I had not. ...Losing my love as I helplesssly watfch is devastating. as this has such finality.
Joyful, thank you for letting us know how he is and how you are. We are there with you in spirit, and are praying for a peaceful end to his suffering. May God grant you the strength to get through this horrible experience.
Was at the nursing home for several hours with DH and my daughter was with us also...He had some painful moments but eventually the hiccups slackened and he became somewehat comfortable. He is eating very little and it consists of lemon ice, sherbert, mashed potatores and gravy. he us not nourished by the food. I am strenghtened by my son and daughteer who live near me. He is still on Vicodin.
So very sorry for all your pain. This disease is such a long difficult road for everyone. Unfortunately, it ends at a rocky precipice. We are all here to help you hang on. Grab 'hold and don't let go!
Joyful, we all have our arms around you to help support you and your family through this ordeal. My thoughts and prayers are with you for a peaceful resolution.
Earnie now weighs 117 lbs. The Vicodin has helped to keep the hiccups away for periods of time. He is eating very little but can still swallow which is a blessing. I think he knows me, he will hold on to my hand for long periods of time. So far he and we have been spared aspiration which is so painful and agonizing to watch. The head nurse says it is difficult to know how bad he is physically as his skin tone is good, his vital signs are still normal (blood pressure, temp, etc.) however yesterday night he started to be lethargic and is sleeping more.
thank you for y our prayers....I am being sustained by the many prayers I feel arouond me.
As of last night, Earnie is still suffering the hiccops although the Vicodin with Thorizine have helped to keep them at bay. Periodically he suffers great pain apparently c oming in the diaphragm areea. He suffered what we believe was a seizure last night. Oxygen levels were at 91% , with 90 to 100 normal. It was thought he was having difficulty breathing so he was given oxygen and he quickly went to 97% . We also think the oxygen might keep him from getting the hiccups so severely. He now doesn't really want food . We don't force it as we don't want him to aspirate. He appears to gain comfort fro m me holding his hand and imparting what strength I can to him. I go every day to him and stay all day. My bag is with me so I can stay alll night if needed. The home has a guest room available for me if needed.
joyful As I read your messages it reminds me me of my LO who passed in Nov. he also had the hiccups for several days very uncomfortable and had a hard breathing. I can only tell you to hang in there and show him all the love you can .For these moments are precious and you will look back on them and know you loved him all you could... My heart goes out to you
I don't know if this is possible for your DH, but my ex-husband (M.D.) learned that to treat hiccups for people who came into the ER was to give them a teaspoon of sugar. I have used this throughout my life & it really works. If the 1st teaspoon doesn't work, you try another.
joyful and nanapapa, the strength and grace that you express through your posts and sharing your experiences keep my going and want you both to know that you are both in my thoughts and prayers daily. Your posts are truly inspirations for me and journey I face. Phyllis
Joyful, it's Sunday afternoon and I was thinking of you and Earnie. How are you both doing today? I'm keeping you in my thoughts and prayers. I'm sending you a cyber hug! ~Di
Got through another weekend....Earnie's hiccups are not as prevelent since he is on two medications, Vicodin and Restinal? .....The vicodin is for pain and the other to make him relax and sleep...He still is uncomfortable often with crarmps from dehydration and and other pain. He is not defecating except through mechanical stimulus. Very little urine output. He appeaars to be more uncomforta ble after they feed him. Since he is not benefitingfrom the pureed food I am going to talk to the nurse unit manager and decide if w e should cease that an d only give liquids. I will also talk to the hospice nurse. These arae such difficult and agonzing decisions. Thank you all for your prayers .
joyful I think you are making the right choices. Hospice will keep your husband comfortable. In my area they will put a crises team in place which means someone will be with him 24 hrs a day. Thoughts are with you both
Joyful, I continue to pray for an easy passing for Ernie and strength and peace for you. I think you are right in not pushing solid food, even pureed, if it seems to be bothering him. It sounds like you are in the stage where comfort is foremost. He is blessed to have you there watching over him.
dear Friends: Earnnie does not have the hhiccups any longer since we quit trying to get him to eat or drink....He is on Rexanal. It is for pain and to help him relax...His respitation is gradually becoming more lab0red He is exhibiting Apnea where he does't breathe for a long period of t ime. I came home for rest but willl be going back to the home early in the morning. Absolutely amazing is his blooc pressure, his pulse, temp which are all normal. He is -putting up a fight and I admire his courage.