Update on My Heart (Dad)

Olly_Bake

Well after much back and forth with hospice, they agreed dad could go to the ER by ambulance and they would pick up if the hospital didn't keep him or discharge if the hospital admits. So he was taken by ambulance to the ER on yesterday.

They admitted to the hospital stating he is dehydrated, low sodium, and blood sugar high. Right now he's just sleeping. They have him on IV's and bed rest. Haven't gotten a chance to speak to the doctor. The hospital social worker has already called to ask what nursing home and if I want hospice to pick back up. So I'm thinking Monday they are kicking him out regardless.

I'm just so emotional. We just lost mom in 2020. I know I wouldn't want him to live enough to see the worse of dementia but at the same time.

Olly_Bake

On my way to see dad today. Planning this morning and evening. Last night nurse said vitals are stable but he is still just sleeping, which is the way he was when I left yesterday morning. You know if dad's heart has just stopped and he was gone but this unknowing of if he is going to wake up or just go OMG

May flowers

I am sorry you are going through all this and the loss of your mom. Your feelings are understandable. I have often felt that when it’s his time, I hope my FIL would just pass peacefully in his sleep so he could avoid the final stages - so hard for everyone. It’s how I would want to go. 

Have out given thought to where he will go on Monday? 

mommyandme (m&m)

The unknowns and what to do’s are overwhelming so much of the time! 

If he’s sleeping peacefully then he’s comfortable I suppose.  

I hope my mother goes peacefully and comfortably when it’s her time.  Where’s my crystal ball I’m waiting for from Amazon? 

Im sincerely sorry for your heartache.

Olly_Bake

There was a glimpse of dad today. He spoke a couple of times and kept trying to open his eyes. But still mostly resting. Now we know we are dealing with dehydration, low sodium, high blood sugar and then told today he also has pneumonia in his left lung.

Doctor also saying he would like to do a nasal feeding tube but first want to see if he can eat on his own without choking. I was able to get him to eat about half cup of applesauce (the little one you give kids). He sucked down two straws of milk, and did about ¼ cup water (small, white Styrofoam cup).

I don’t know how many days they would be willing to test him without a feeding tube. At first I did consider it but don’t want to put dad through more. The doctors still have not said he only has 6 months.

As far as the plan, I was thinking he will go to a nursing home in my area if possible (I know this is not what dad wanted and not what I wanted for him). Hoping he would be well enough for nursing home rehab type services and then go to long term but now unsure about the rehab.

Don’t know if I’ll place him back on hospice. No one has given him a life expectancy of six months or less and we don’t have palliative care in our area. Doctor says if tomorrow shows more improvement like today he could possibly recover back to his baseline.

abc123

Please research the nasal feeding tube before you make a decision. There are many complications associated with this.

Olly_Bake

I did decide against feeding tubes after research last night. Spoke to the nurse in person and asked that it be relayed to the doctor that I've changed my mind on the nasal feeding tube and we will just see if he is willing to accept any food or beverages. Today he ate one pudding cup and sipped through a straw a cup of cold coffee. Talked with me and hubby really well for about 10 or 15 minutes before going back into his hard sleep. He got his kiss from me and we left.

Social worker called stating at the care meeting about dad all say they see a little improvement and they're expecting him to make it. Although I know only God Knows. So I asked the social worker to send out a filler at a small nursing home in our area and ask the doctor whether he thought there was a chance for dad to either "return" or "get close" to his baseline" and if so could we try the rehabilitation part of the nursing home and then if not we will go ahead with long-term care. I'd prefer to talk to the doctor on my own, but it is so hard to catch him.

Appreciate knowing all of you are here to help. Much Much Love!!!