Follow
Share
Read More
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Stool Softeners are the answer to constipation and your Hospice nurses should know all about that.

BUT
You should NOT be on hospice care if you wish to live!!!!! I can not emphasize this strongly enough!!!!While doctors sometimes fudge the numbers today to get you hospice, thinking you will get extra care, the truth is that Hospice is END OF LIFE care.
The purpose is to administer DRUGds in levels to keep you out of pain even if those drugs do HASTEN YOUR DEATH. And other than a couple of bedbaths a week, an RN who takes your BP once a week, and a call from clergy and social worker, today's Hospice is good for little else other than drugs.

Given that you ARE on Hospice I would CAUTION you to tell the nurses that you wish to live, and do not wish to hasten your death, and do not wish to take drugs at any level that may hasten your death.

Do you understand that you will NOT be taken for treatment at the hospital, Bh???
Because it doesn't sound to me as tho you are ready to give up treatment.

Again, I am worried for you. You do not seem to want to die, to give up treatment, and do not want to take pain killers at levels that may hasten your death.

Talk to your doctor and tell him this.NONE of your conditions are immediately life threatening. You have had a stent. You can have many drugs and procedures to keep muddling on heart wise. Palliative care (not Hospice) can avail you of better pain treatment and better pain meds for the spine.I am a huge fan of Hospice, and especially hospice as it used to be, but the prime imperative is that YOU must know what YOU want. You are step one. If you are not ready to give up, then you shouldn't be on Hospice.

I wish you the very best. Speak with the Hospice nurses and social worker and clergy to get your thoughts straight and if you aren't ready for Hospice show them the door; they will be there if you ever want them.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
HappyRobin Jul 2023
I agree 100%. Hospice can be good, but only at the right time and if YOU want it.

Regarding pain management, different kinds of pains respond to different classes of drugs, all of which have different side effects. Perhaps you can ask your doctors for a reference to a palliative pain management doctor. In our case we have a long-standing family allergy to the opioids, so those impacted have had to work around it but there’s usually a way. We’ve been told even fentanyl if appropriately monitored might be an option, but only you who know what your pain is and what you want out of your life. Hoping you and your docs can find another solution soon.
(2)
Report
See 1 more reply
You should discuss this with your hospice team.
Helpful Answer (1)
Report

Perhaps pain patches and topical analgesics might address some of your physical pain but I have to ask - you don't want to accept death and you don't want the medications provided, so why was the choice made to enrol in hospice?
Helpful Answer (4)
Report
Bhltn2u Jul 2023
My primary care Dr turned me over to hospice. Do I have to want to die ? Can I not get care at my house and not give up? I have many health problems, my heart is why I am on hospice. Oh, but life is so brief. Each moment is precious.
(1)
Report
See 1 more reply
Bhl, I am so terribly sorry you are in pain!

Have you talked to your hospice provider about an alternative to morphine? Both of my daughters have been on morphine; both say it doesn't HELP with pain, simply makes you not care. I would be asking about high doses of Tylenol 3 and the like.

As to your fear of death, are you a person of faith? Any faith? Have you considered talking to the hospice chaplain?

Please keep posting here. We care about you.
Helpful Answer (5)
Report
cwillie Jul 2023
But T3 is an opioid too, so the constipation issues are the same.
(2)
Report
See 4 more replies
This question has been closed for answers. Ask a New Question.
Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter