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**PrincessFiona60** · 02-20-2012, 05:15 PM

Heh! His doctor would be tired of me by now...I've done End-of-Life care for 12 years now, I'm still the expert in our facility and work with our MD's to get what the patients need for comfort. Hydromorphone does not last very long in the system, it's a fast acting, fast leaving pain medication. He should be on a long acting like MSContin (twice a day) and the Hydromorphone for breakthrough pain. The Ativan more regularly will also extend the effects of the pain medication.

Addie · 02-20-2012, 05:19 PM

LP, if you couldn't come here and let it all come out, we wouldn't be very good caring friends. I don't care if you fill up five pages with just one post. You just need to know that you have all our hearts and prayers. It is not easy to stand by being and feeling so helpless while a loved one is so ill.

**DaveSoMD** · 02-20-2012, 05:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by PrincessFiona60

Hydromorphone does not last very long in the system, it's a fast acting, fast leaving pain medication. He should be on a long acting like MSContin (twice a day) and the Hydromorphone for breakthrough pain.

That's what I know it being used for, Brian got it for breakthrough pain after his knee and hip replacements.

taxlady · 02-20-2012, 05:41 PM

I don't reply much to this thread because I really don't know what to say. Know that I would give you hugs if you were nearby and that I am sending caring vibes in your direction.

**PrincessFiona60** · 02-20-2012, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DaveSoMD

That's what I know it being used for, Brian got it for breakthrough pain after his knee and hip replacements.

Yes, there are better choices for long-term coverage. Starting and stopping pain medication is detrimental, which is what happens if you are giving short acting pain meds. You don't get the benefit of long periods pain-free. By the time you can have it again, the pain is already hard to overcome.

Delirium and confusion can be caused by pain; long-term, scheduled coverage will stop those peaks and valleys, lessening the mental effects pain can have.

Younger people can handle pain better, they have ways to cope that the elderly do not have. We start medicating as soon as someone reports pain @ 4 out of 10, function is being effected by 5 and higher.

bakechef · 02-20-2012, 06:21 PM

This brings me back to September with my dad, it sounds pretty much the same.

It was the hardest thing that I have had to go through to date.

My thoughts are with you, stay strong.

LPBeier · 02-20-2012, 09:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by taxlady

I don't reply much to this thread because I really don't know what to say. Know that I would give you hugs if you were nearby and that I am sending caring vibes in your direction.

You just spoke volumes! Thanks TL.

LPBeier · 02-20-2012, 09:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bakechef

This brings me back to September with my dad, it sounds pretty much the same.

It was the hardest thing that I have had to go through to date.

My thoughts are with you, stay strong.

Bakechef, if this is what you went through then my heart goes out to you. Thanks for your words and thoughts.

purple.alien.giraffe · 02-21-2012, 05:03 AM

Hi LP. Just wanted to let you know you're in my thoughts and prayers. I hope your dad and family all find comfort of mind and body and peace in your hearts.

bakechef · 02-22-2012, 08:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LPBeier

Bakechef, if this is what you went through then my heart goes out to you. Thanks for your words and thoughts.

I live 1000 miles away, so my mom took the brunt of it. My dad became very needy and easily agitated, sometimes violent. This was so far from his normal personality, he was the most easy going, loveable guy that you could ever meet.

My mom lived at the hospital for the last two weeks. I drove home, not expecting to see him alive, but he was still holding on, and was able to mutter out a "hi Mikey". Within hours he was no longer responding to anyone, just very uncomfortable and irritable. The nurses there were fantastic and kept him as comfortable as they possibly could.

My heart aches for you, knowing what you have to go through. It's amazing how you find the strength to cope.