Last days question

Lgw

Ok. Hospice has told me that since my DH is no longer eating or drinking on his own that it is time. The nurse however told me to keep giving him his pain pill and anxiety pill. The PA told me this is because if he starts gasping or struggling that the anxiety pill would take 30 minutes to start working. My question is does the sip he has to take to choke down the 2 small pills it make it take longer for him to pass. Everyone says 2-3 days with no water. It has been 48 hours now. Anyone have experience in this area. The last pill I gave him he looked at me and said what am I supposed to do with this water in my mouth. Last nights pain pill was on his bedspread this morning.

loveskitties

There are medications which are liquid which can accomplish the same as the pills.

When my sister was on hospice for terminal cancer, we were given liquid morphine which could be administered by eye dropper when pills became to difficult for her.

No one can say exactly how long a patient can do without food or water.

Most important is his comfort no matter how long.

Beachfan

LGW,

I’m sorry, I’ve just been there. (DH passed on April 21). DH ate a full meal at dinner on Monday evening. Hospice came onboard Tuesday afternoon; DH was given morphine and Ativan, both in liquid form. He did not eat or drink, was semi comatose from Tuesday morning until he passed Friday evening. He was calm and peaceful throughout; I believe the morphine and Ativan aided in his peaceful passing. Can your hospice give his medication in liquid form? It was just administered via syringe into DH’s mouth. I pray for a peaceful passing for your sake as well as for your DH.

Lorita

LGW, I'm sorry for both of you. I know how hard this is for you. There is an Ativan ointment that can be rubbed on the arms if they're unable to swallow. This was used for my sister when she was combative. Prayers for a peaceful passing.

M1

Definitely ask about liquid formulations. If he's been kn opoids for even a week he could have tolerance where missing a dose might make him uncomfortable. So do keep giving them will be thinking of you, you have done a Herculean task caring for him.

Ed1937

I'm so sorry you are dealing with this. My brother passed from Alzheimer's. I think it was 2 weeks without food, but he did get very small amounts of water until he couldn't swallow anymore. Then he was just given a sponge like swab to wet his lips a little.

storycrafter

If he is unable to swallow and/or is comatose, hospice should be able to help with alternate ways of effectively administering comfort medication. Request assistance, be a squeaky wheel, until he/you receives the help he needs. Blessings....

MN Chickadee

Definitely ask hospice for liquid forms of the medications. I thought that was the norm for the final days. I would just give it it regularly to avoid any discomfort. My mother lasted 3.5 days from her last sip of water. We increased her morphine at least once a day as she seemed to be in more discomfort as the hours passed.

elainechem

My hubby passed away three years ago. I was dissolving his meds in water and giving it to him that way until he became comatose. They provided me with liquid morphine which was placed under the tongue. He didn't have to swallow. I really doubt that tiny quantities of liquids will extend his life. I'm so sorry that you're going through this.