New hospital visit

Steven08 · June 9

my DW just went into hospital with pneumonia. She is now back at home with in home hospital care. She had this once before two years ago. 24 oxygen and daily nurse visits. It is demanding for me but better here than going to hospital. Another part of this journey.

Gator1976 · June 9

She’s lucky. My friend just did the same thing, he came down with Atrial Defibrillation. He’s still in the hospital and hopefully come home tomorrow wearing on Oxygen for 6 weeks.

Steven08 · June 12

latest for DW is increased heartbeat due to inhaler use? New meds to control that and another nurse visit today. Still fatigued and sleeping more than usual. It is a journey that goes on. Hopefully more recovery soon.

Jgirl57 · June 12

hope you both feel better soon; good that she is able to sleep; hope you sleep as well

White Crane · June 12

Hi, Steven, my DH has had pneuonia numerous times and it takes awhile to fully recover and hopefully get back to baseline. I had pneumonia in April and was in the hospital for four days. The home health nurse told me it takes about two months to fully recover and get strength back after pneumonia.

As you said, another part of this journey. I hope she has a good recovery and I hope you can get some rest.

Steven08 · June 17

with pneumonia recovery sleep is important. From DW normal? Sleep of 11-12 hours a day to 16-18 hours too much? The doctors say sleep is important and I agree,but, what are other people with dementia doing with sleep? I read that a progression of long hours in bed leads to seldom getting out of bed.

Palmetto Peg · June 17

I just signed a Do Not Hospitalize order for my husband. I have not found it helpful for him to be taken to the Emergency Room, held there for hours and then either released or kept a day or two and sent home with antibiotics. If pneumonia takes him, I will be sure he is kept comfortable and cared for, but it will simply be the end to the hellish journey we have been on for almost 8 years. Of course, if he fell and needed stitches or broke a bone we would go, but no more of these trips for what is actually a natural outcome of dementia - aspiration pneumonia. Too much time in bed leads to more time in bed. It is a lose-lose proposition. I know not everyone will agree, but what are we saving them for?

Steven08 · June 26

my DW passed this morning. She is no longer in pain or full of anxiety due to dementia. I miss her but she was ready and I’m glad she is in a better place. Good luck to all. My journey seems to have ended.