Death....by cheese

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Specializes in Corrections, Cardiac, Hospice.

I know that some people aren't going to believe this, but I swear, I am not making this up. After almost 3 years as a hospice nurse I have heard it all (or so I thought.) I have had family members accuse me of "murdering" their loved ones with "that morphine, that ativan" and yes even "that haldol." Apparently, another favored method of mine is starving their loved ones to death. Never mind they have metastic cancer, advanced heart disease or chronic renal failure, it is MY actions that are killing them.

But until tonight I have never, ever been accused of killing a loved one by giving them cheese. You see, cheese causes yeast to grow in the digestive tract, which then causes histimines to form and stops the breathing. She also felt it was necessary to inform me that this will be reported, she didn't know to who yet, but she would be reporting it to someone. I mean, what do you say to that? I just said, I am so sorry if anything done for your spouse caused you more distress than you already have. *SIGH* Days like this I think I really need my head examined for coming back....

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Specializes in LTC, Med/Surg, Peds, ICU, Tele.

I thought hospice patients where expected to die?

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What you'd give 'em? Was it cheddar? Cause cheddar is really bad about that I hear. Not quite on par with Colby, but pretty bad all the same. It's that Mozzarella you have to watch out for most though--worse than American and Parmesean combined! And don't even get me started on what I've seen with regards to goat cheese! I don't care what anyone says, goats are not to be trusted when it comes to dairy products.

Next time go with Velveeta, pretty sure it doesn't count as real cheese. ;)

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Specializes in MPCU.

Thank you. Hospice nurses are my heroes!

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No, pers, munster is the worst! Hence it's name!

And please, ShayRN, be my hospice nurse who would be so kind to administer "that morphine, that ativan" as it should be if I am terminal. Some families do not realize how kind and compassionate nurses really are.

But please, hold the haldol. I;m not ready for that one yet!

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No one has mentioned the dreaded *gulps* Bleu Cheese... the worst!

On a more serious note, having a Dad who was in hospice.. yes, intellectually you know the outcome...intellectually, you fully expect that outcome. It is a shame our emotions don't always coincide with intellect. One more day with a loved one can be a lifetime, therefore when that one day is taken away, some tend to want to blame.

I just said, I am so sorry if anything done for your spouse caused you more distress than you already have.

A beautiful answer!

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No one has mentioned the dreaded *gulps* Bleu Cheese... the worst!
oh god, I don't doubt that that stuff is deadly. my dearly departed grandfather loved it...I think that and his sardine habit were what did him in. so nasty.
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Specializes in Peds Hem, Onc, Med/Surg.

YOU GAVE HIM CHEESE!?! HOW DARE YOU!?! :nono: THAT IS THE BIGGEST NO NO IN THE BOOK! :uhoh3:

LOL

No but seriously I don't know much but to me it sounds like she is just upset not at you but you were the nearest thing to take out her anger and frustration on. Just my two pennies. If it were me, you give me everything you got! ^_^

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Specializes in ER.

Blue cheese- nearly killed me when I tried it too. Mine had gone over though. Are you checking the expiry dates on your cheese? Bleck.

Your reply was so good, you must be related to the queen of England to have such diplomacy. I would have stood there with my tongue hanging out of my mouth, drooling on my shoes. Good one.

You can be my nurse anytime, I mean it. Anytime.

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Specializes in acute rehab, med surg, LTC, peds, home c.

You are obviously a cold hearted killer...You could have at least used chocolate! JK Keep up the good work. Your job is so hard emotionally, I don't know how you do it, I would be crying everyday. When my Mom was dying the hospice nurses were so kind, not only to her but to us as well. It brings tears to my eyes just thinking about it. They even came to her funeral.

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Specializes in dialysis (mostly) some L&D, Rehab/LTC.

Give me a juicy hamburger w/mushrooms and a big glop of melted bleu cheese on top! YUM

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Specializes in Cath Lab, OR, CPHN/SN, ER.

I think I would have been dead a long time ago if you could die from cheese. :lol2: THose lil' mini blubell's and brie would have had me long gone!

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