Another turn in this horrible disease

Lgw

Okay my bedridden DH has 3 bedsores. They say his skin is breaking down since he won't eat much. He refuses nearly any meat. He stays dehydrated. Hospice is talking about putting a catheter in him. I bet he pulls it out. When the nurse gets here today I will ask about the alternating air pressure mattress. I have religiously moved a pillow from side to side every 2 hours and changed his diaper every 4 ( during the day). I sleep at night. Maybe the nurse changes her mind when she gets here. My regular nurse is on vacation. There is no getting him to change positions as when I move the pillow, he just lays on top of it. I'm working on trying to make milk shakes with ensure and/or protein powder that he will drink. We will see. Maybe I can sprinkle protein powder on his oatmeal. Sounds gross to me.

M1

LGW I remember another post on the old boards when someone called pre-terminal bedsores Kennedy sores, I think. I don't remember for sure if that was the name, I hadn't heard the term before. But it does sound like he may be approaching his final days. Thinking of you, all of this is hard.

Just googled it and yes: "A Kennedy ulcer, also known as a Kennedy terminal ulcer (KTU), is a dark sore that develops rapidly during the final stages of a person's life. Kennedy ulcers grow as skin breakd down as part of the dying process. Not everyone experiences these ulcers in their final days and hours, but they are not uncommon."

Not trying to make things worse, sometimes knowing there's a name and a reason can help. It's not your fault this is happening or something you did wrong. That's my point.

Sligo177

LGW,

You are putting forth superhuman efforts to take care of your DH. I agree that the alternating pressure air mattress should be put into place, ASAP - as for protein, can your DH eat yogurt? OIKOS makes one that has 20 grams of protein per serving, and a bigger container that I get has 23 Grams of protein per serving. More than anything though, I hope he can be kept comfortable and that you get support for yourself, as you go through this. God bless you.

Iris L.

Get or make shakes that he can sip. Can he use a straw? Add protein powder or egg white and blend. Ask the hospice nurse for more suggestions.

Can he be changed as soon as he gets wet?

Iris

Lgw

I check him every 2 hours as I have to move the pillow that often. I am putting desitin on the sores and hydrocortisone cream on his back for a rash from sweating.

Iris L.

Lgw, you are doing a good job apparently by yourself. The nurse should be giving you guidance as to the treatment of the 3 bedsores. Desitin is a good skin preventative, but Desitin should not be applied to broken skin. Ideally, a wound care nurse, a specialist in wound care, should be involved. I'm sorry, personally I cannot give you guidance without seeing the wound. Some sort of foam doughnut should be applied to the surrounding good skin to take pressure off of the wounds. Please ask the nurse for more help.

Iris

Lgw

The worst part is my DH drags across the bed when he turns, making the bedsore worse.