Charlie has refused food and drink for the third day. We can not determine if he simply does not want it or can not swallow it, he simply sits with his mouth open and the food and/or liquid comes back out. This morning his blood pressure was 196/133 and heart rate 107. Blood pressure returned to normal and heart rate fell to 50 and his respiration dropped. This afternoon his oxygen level dropped into the 80s and they have him on oxygen and it is back into the 90s. He is very relaxed (most of the stiffness gone from his muscles). He does not seem to be in pain or distress. They asked me if I wanted to send him out to the hospital and I told them no. If he can't die at home then I want him to be there where he is familiar with the place and the people)) (he as been there a year and a half and I am sure that it is "home" to him now). I came home for the night with instructions for them to call me if there is ANY change. I hope to be with him when the time comes. It is in Gods hands now.
I am so sorry. May God give you strength as you go through this difficult time. You have been and are a brave and wonderful caregiver to Charlie. Bless you both.
I'm so sorry. These times are never easy, as Lois, TJ, BlueDaze and I know....losing our spouses during the holiday months last year. But know that you are stronger than you think you are and you will get through this. Your decisions not to move him were wise...we'd all do the same thing. Watch for a low grade fever. - that is part of the process. 99.9 - 100.1
All of your brothers and sisters in this very special family are forming a circle around you.....holding your hands... Hold on. Nancy B.
Special prayers for you now. I lost my parents at holiday time and I understand how difficult this is for you now with your LO in such a delicate place right now. God will watch over you both as we in his family hold hands with you now..you are not alone..
Thank you for your kind words and prayers. He was stable through the night with the exception of his oxygen level continuing to drop in spite of being on oxygen and his heart rate is down. We have about 4 inches of snow here and more coming today and tonight. I am waiting now for my niece to come to take me to the nursing home and will play it by ear from there. I have packed a bag. Will probably stay at the nursing home or go to my brother's house which is just a couple of miles away. Will update when I can. My father was buried on Christmas Eve 1982 so I too have a little experience with holiday deaths. God bless you all.
Edis, I thought about you when I woke up this morning and was anxious to hear how Charlie made it through the night.
Take time to remember to take care of yourself. Stress and walking about in this cold weather are not good combinations. Keep us posted. You're in my prayers. Nancy B*
Edis, my heart breaks for you. There is never a good time to lose a loved one, but the holidays are so much tougher. We buried my Dad the day after Thanksgiving 8 yrs ago. Feel our strength coming across the cyber world to you. I'm tossing you the rope, hold on dear friend and know that we are all praying for the Lord to give you the strength to get through the coming days. Arms around and around, Susan*