In the last couple months my husband developed lots of mucus, which causes a cough. It seemed to get better, however, it is back...he has been coughing off & on since 3:30 this morning. He doesn't remember how to spit...so he just swallows. He has been checked & his lungs are clear. I am so fearful that he will choke to death. Has anyone else experienced this problem?
When I spoke to the nurse this morning, she said, she would order a suction machine. Actually, I really don't want to do that if at all possible. She is faxing the doctor for any other instructions. I will ask about Atropine....I never received a Hospice Kit. The Aides told me this morning that there is a patch that can be put behind the ear, Anyone tried this?
Dear Kadee, this happened to Eric in the last 2 weeks of his life, and when I asked about a suction machine, I was told that the Care Facility didn't have one and recommend it. Eric was given a subcutaneous injection of an atropine-like medication ( a large amount, as if it to last for hours) and a cortisone inhaler when needed. The last two days he was given large amounts of morphine every 2 hours to lessen his agitation of the feeling of choking. The doctor said that the throat muscles of older people grow weak (Eric was 91), and they lose their ability to swallow their own saliva. It is a truly distressing time for you both. Have you got someone who can offer you relief? This is too much for one person to handle around the clock. Prayers going up for both of you.
phlegm is my weakness. I gag just from listening to someone else .... so you can imagine my dilemma when Lynn coughs up his phlegm and doesn't know enough to spit it out even with me adamantly trying to explain what he should do.. and instead chews on it and then swallows. *gag*
Lynn has had a nagging cough for the last couple of months but I am assured over and over his lungs are clear. They are assuming it is allergies. Could this be the same with your DH Kadee?
Could be Nikki, however, he has never suffered from allergies. The nurse has placed a call to the doctor for a prescription for the patches. If that doesn't help we will try Atropine. I also think my husband is developing Parkinson like symptoms, with the stiffness, tremors & shaking. I HATE THIS DISEASE!!!! I think the only good thing this week is that he gained 2/10 of a pound...of course he lost 3 last week.
So sorry to hear this Kadee.... yes it is a despicable disease!!
Lynn has never had allergies either, but they keep telling me it can happen at any time or age. They even had a repertory specialist check him out, his lungs seem fine. He doesn’t have an over abundant amount of mucus though, just that nagging cough that at times does bring up the phlegm.
I hope the patches work for your husband, let us know ((hugs))