Update on DW

ghphotog · November 10

I haven't been around in a while but thought I'd post and update on how my DW is doing.
She has been in MC and hospice for over a year now and on comfort meds. MC has been both good and bad, usually short staffed. They take reasonably good care of her.
My DW has been bed or gerri chair bound for a year, stage 7, and has lost so much weight since I brought her there and has been coughing and choking on her saliva but still eats and drinks thickened liquids and soft foods ok.
Somehow she fell out of bed and fractured her shoulder. We really didn't think she was at risk any longer for falling out of bed so they have been lax placing the crash pad down for her.
She has fooled us several times thinking this is it but she always rebounds back to baseline but I know we are approaching the end.
I think about bringing her home every day and as the money starts to run thin I may have no choice for the remaining months that she might have.
I still check on her twice a day and good thing to as many times she is cold or in some distress that needs addressing. Still very heartbreaking to see her go down like this.

Arrowhead · November 10

My wife is also in stage 7, in memory care, on hospice, confined just as yours is. I'm also waiting for the end. I have decided that I will not bring her home because I don't want her dying here. I want my home to be remember for the joy it once held, not as the sad place where my wife passed away.

jgreen · November 10

Hi ghphotog,

It looks like you have had your hands full. I am sure you made the right call, albeit very hard to do. I am glad you are able to visit DW as much as you can. That way you can see that she is cared for during the final stage. I pray that her transition is a peaceful one and that you can weather this time together. I’ve seen other posts where caregivers say their LO’s heart is still there and they can sense your presence. I hope you find comfort in that.

WIGO23 · November 10

All I can offer is sincere caring for what is happening to you and your LO. I only hope as a caregiver to my DH is that I can make it through the sad, sad journey we are on. I wish you as much peace as possible on your journey.