A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Thanks guys

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Got a call last night around 8pm from the hospice nurse on duty. My heart about stopped when I answered the phone, but it wasn't THAT call. My aunt has started crying out in pain but can't articulate what's bothering her. After consulting with the MD, he prescribed a morphine pump. I think she said it was 2.5 mL (2.5 something's anyway) every 6 hours. I have no clue what that means other than the morphine should keep her comfortable.

I'm starting to ask, if there is a God, why is this happening? I feel so helpless, but at the same time know that they're doing everything they can to comfort her.

 

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Got a call last night around 8pm from the hospice nurse on duty. My heart about stopped when I answered the phone, but it wasn't THAT call. My aunt has started crying out in pain but can't articulate what's bothering her. After consulting with the MD, he prescribed a morphine pump. I think she said it was 2.5 mL (2.5 something's anyway) every 6 hours. I have no clue what that means other than the morphine should keep her comfortable.

I'm starting to ask, if there is a God, why is this happening? I feel so helpless, but at the same time know that they're doing everything they can to comfort her.

That is a question I haven't come up with the answer for yet and have been asking for lots of yrs. I try to comfort myself with the knowledge when the person passes all the pain and suffering they endured here on earth is not something that will mean anything when they pass. It is something that stays with us but not with them. You are doing your best to make the right decisions and it sounds like they are doing everything humanly possible to make her comfortable.

The Morphine should begin to help. The pump allows for a pretty constant level of pain relief without waiting for med to kick in like when you give a shot. Sounds like she is nearing the end of her suffering. Will be thinking of you and saying a prayer.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

The Morphine should begin to help. The pump allows for a pretty constant level of pain relief without waiting for med to kick in like when you give a shot.

I forgot to mention that she is unable to operate the pump herself so the hospice nurses are doing it themselves..

Sounds like she is nearing the end of her suffering. Will be thinking of you and saying a prayer.

I certainly hope so. For as long as this has been going on (April will be 5 yrs since she went to the home) and for as bad as she's gotten, I always just wanted her to never suffer. She deserves better than that for being the person that she is (was).

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

The hospice nurse in charge of my aunt's case spoke to my wife this evening... they're estimating a week or less as she's deteriorating fast. Suggested that anyone who wants to visit should do so this weekend.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

The hospice nurse in charge of my aunt's case spoke to my wife this evening... they're estimating a week or less as she's deteriorating fast. Suggested that anyone who wants to visit should do so this weekend.

Sending good thoughts your way.

 

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My aunt passed shortly after midnight. She had been unconscious for about the last 48 hrs and went peacefully in her sleep.

I was blessed to have this woman in my life and know she has gone on to a better place.

 

[St. Clown]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My aunt passed shortly after midnight. She had been unconscious for about the last 48 hrs and went peacefully in her sleep.

I was blessed to have this woman in my life and know she has gone on to a better place.

My condolences, Mark. Being in the same situation, I know it's not easy to know that's she's now gone and at the same time give a great sigh of relief for the ease of her troubles. Alzheimer's is just pure hell.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My condolences, Mark.

Thank you.

I know it's not easy to know that's she's now gone and at the same time give a great sigh of relief for the ease of her troubles.

It's only been a couple of hours so the grieving hasn't really set in. My first reaction was one of utter relief that she did not suffer. It actually took me several minutes to get emotional.

Alzheimer's is just pure hell.

This! It's right up there with cancer. What was hardest for me over the past 5 years was the fact that my aunt had no physical ailments... nothing. Alzheimer's robbed her of everything. I just pray that the experts are correct and she really didn't know what was going on. While she passed today, we actually lost her several years ago.

I'm thankful she had the foresight to save a lot of money as it was able to provide her some of the best care over the years. I was able to get her into one of the best facilities around here and the people there have been great in caring for her, and us. It's sad to think that all that money was spent in this way and she wasn't able to fully enjoy her retirement and the fruits of her labor, but sometimes that's just how life is.

The past couple of months have been really tough on me because we were running out of money and I couldn't find a suitable alternative for her care when the money was gone. Her current income was too great for state aid but not nearly enough to maintain what she had, and the options were very limited. I can't tell you how many sleepless nights I've had over this. Thankfully, all that worry is over now.

Now it's up to me and my two daughters to carry on the family legacy.

Rest in peace, Aunt Lois.

 

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

MEUSA have been thinking of you these past days. I am glad your Aunt passed peacefully. It sounds as if she was truly blessed to have you watching over her and her affairs. Saying a prayer for you all. You have been mourning a long time, but the passing is so final.

 

[Bob Gray]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My condolences Mark. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories of your aunt. Cherish them.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

You have been mourning a long time, but the passing is so final.

Thanks les... it's very much appreciated. You'd think that with almost 5 yrs to prepare for this that it wouldn't be that hard. Still hurts like he!!.

I'm trying to focus on the good memories and all the great things she did for my family and I. I'm trying to remind myself that we did all we could for her over these past few years. I'm trying to find comfort in knowing that hospice was able to make her last days comfortable and dignified. But it still hurts.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My condolences Mark. Sounds like you have many wonderful memories of your aunt. Cherish them.

Thanks Bob. I do, and I will.

 

[leswp1]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Thanks les... it's very much appreciated. You'd think that with almost 5 yrs to prepare for this that it wouldn't be that hard. Still hurts like he!!.

I'm trying to focus on the good memories and all the great things she did for my family and I. I'm trying to remind myself that we did all we could for her over these past few years. I'm trying to find comfort in knowing that hospice was able to make her last days comfortable and dignified. But it still hurts.

Sometimes it is easier to question yourself and wonder if you could have done more than to realize things are not in your control.

 

[MissThundercat]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My aunt passed shortly after midnight. She had been unconscious for about the last 48 hrs and went peacefully in her sleep.

I was blessed to have this woman in my life and know she has gone on to a better place.

My sincere condolences, Mark.

 

[Siouxfaninseattle]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Sorry Mark.

 

[Lady wore Black]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Thoughts heading your way Mark. Sorry to hear.

 

[MarkEagleUSA]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

My sincere condolences, Mark.

Sorry Mark.

Thoughts heading your way Mark. Sorry to hear.

Thanks all. It's comforting to know you've got friends, even if they're virtual, at times like this.

Services are all set. She left explicit instructions that there was to be no wake or funeral (didn't want to put people out). I'm going to honor that request. She wished to be cremated immediately and that will happen Wednesday. On Friday, we will have a simple private family-only service at the cemetery.

I'm having this put into the obituary and decided it was probably appropriate to post here. Anyone who has been touched by this disease should consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.

Alzheimer's disease is the 6th leading cause of death in the United States overall and the 5th leading cause of death for those aged 65 and older. It is the only cause of death among the top 10 in America without a way to prevent it, cure it or even slow its progression.

* Alzheimer's

 

[gmann]

Re: A Thread for prayers, good vibes and what have you

Thanks all. It's comforting to know you've got friends, even if they're virtual, at times like this.

Services are all set. She left explicit instructions that there was to be no wake or funeral (didn't want to put people out). I'm going to honor that request. She wished to be cremated immediately and that will happen Wednesday. On Friday, we will have a simple private family-only service at the cemetery.

I'm having this put into the obituary and decided it was probably appropriate to post here. Anyone who has been touched by this disease should consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association at www.alz.org.



* Alzheimer's

Condolences to you and your family.