Seeking Phin Power and Prayers

[srkmrd]

I know Prayer and Phin Power add comfort and our family could use some. My Mom has not been in good health for several years. She had pancreatitis when I was young and that seem to lead to other things, next she was diagnosed with diabetes that how now progressed to a brittle diabetic. She had a heart attack in her early 50’s and has a couple of stints. She ran over herself with a truck, yes did not put it in park when she went to open a gate. Broke a hip and has pins in it. She has COPD and emphysema. And a few years ago was diagnosed with kidney failure. She went on dialysis two years ago, my Dad was trained and they do dialysis at home. I always say she has nine lives and she has worn those out and borrowed a few. For the last two years my Dad’s full time job has been Moms care-taker. He does a great job, and is so dedicated.
Dad had a angina a short time after Mom had her heart attack and immediately quit smoking. My Mom to this day still tries to smoke. You do not even want to hear me rant about cigarette smoking after watching my father-in-law and now Mom deal with the last stages of emphysema. The docs say that most of her illnesses where caused or enhanced by smoking.
Dad called her doctor last week and asked to have her admitted to the hospital. Knowing my Dad and Mom, this meant she was really really bad. She hates going in the hospital and Dad does everything to make her happy. At first the docs suggested some extensive rehab to build up her strength but after a couple of more days of assessment they called me to the hospital on Saturday and she is now on Hospice.
I know this is for the best. She has basically stopped eating and will only eat what little Dad forces. He wants to continue dialyses as long as he can and the doctor is allowing this. We met with the Hospice nurses on Sunday and I think they are going to bring in a lot of things to make it comfortable and also relieve some of the pressure from my Dad. I am thankful for this. I am the only child but my three sons are close and my oldest son built his home on the same farm as my parents so there is help around but Dad does 99% himself. I have only seen my Mom and Dad apart for more than a few hours on one occasion. Mom was also acrophobic and would not do anything without Dad. Around 1992 or 1993 after a lot of therapy, she was doing well and she and I took a short trip to Las Vegas. (at the time Dad said it was the best $10,000.00) he ever spent, yes we spent a lot in Vegas, and he got to enjoy some quality time fishing ) Other than Vegas I cannot think of a time they were apart. So we are concerned for Dad and hope that he will find things to keep him busy. He is known for tearing something down just to build it back, always had projects so I hope he will get back to that and I know my sons and I will keep him busy when the time comes. Dad will be 70 in November, I do not think he realizes how ‘young’ he is.
My father-in-law was on Hospice for over 18 months and just last week we lost a friend who had been on Hospice for 2 weeks so I know there is no magic number. Moms docs would not give a time, he only says live each day to the fullest.
Thanks for letting me ramble, just typing this out helps.

[lime rickie]

Hospice can be so challenging and heartbreaking for the patient and the family. That said, the hospice staff I have interacted with were some of the most caring and compassionate people I have ever encountered, they are truly special people. Hoping for a peaceful and painfree time for your mother, and for your dad.

Phin power and prayers headed your way from MA.

~/)~/)~/)~

[dnw]

Tons of phin power headed your way.

[pair8head]

(((((Mom Dad and all involved)))))

[springparrot]

I am so sorry about the health problems.
It sounds like you are on the right path with hospice....they are very caring people.

[Wino you know]

I'll be thinking good thoughts for you & your family & friends.
Trust me when I say the hospice people are the very best.

Prayers & Godspeed.

[ph4ever]

(((((JC & family)))))

[SMLCHNG]

I am so sorry about the health problems.
It sounds like you are on the right path with hospice....they are very caring people.

I agree with Molly. Hope all goes well.

[Bfan53again]

Prayers to you and your family.......

My mom passed away in 1976 at the age of 69 from pancreatic cancer. My dad became the primary caregiver during that time. None of us are trained or equipped for such a role, but many are simply forced into it just because we love the other person so much. I honestly became more concermed about my dad during mom's illness. You could see the toll it took on him and the rest of the family.

Thankfully, mom passed peacefully with all of her immediate family in the room. And today, dad is 89 and a resident of a local assisted living facility. He loves it there and we've found that the socialization has been most theraputic.

You and your family will get through all this. Just support each other and keep a strong faith.....May God Bless.

[srkmrd]

Thanks for all the prayers and thoughts! Dad says she had a good day yesterday and hopice is getting all the new equipment. He is thrilled that the new 02 machine is much quiter than the old one.

[East Texas Parrothead]

Our thoughts are with you and your family.

IMHO, Hospice people are angels walking the earth, sent here to help our loved ones make the transition as peacefully and painlessly as possible.

[big john]

Keystone State Phinpower headed your way.

[bbqmonster]

I will keep you and your family in my thoughts and my prayers.

[Karacal]

My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Sending lots of phin power too!!

[srkmrd]

Dad just called to let me know that the doctor has told him to stop dialysis treatment. He was set up to give it today but I think he called the doctor because he knew it is not helping. Today was the first time that my Dad broke down to me. Please pray for strength for my Dad and family and peace for my Mom.

[lime rickie]

~/)~/)~/)~

[Ragtop Girl]

Phin Power for you and your family at this time of need

[citcat]

Prayers and phinpower and hugs coming in from Tennessee.

[conched]

(((((JC))))) God bless you all and guide you through the coming times. Special prayers for your dad and mom and family. He is lucky to have a great daughter like you to help him.

[springparrot]

Keeping you and your family in my thoughts....