only a nurses aide

Published

Hi my name is Teresa and I am new here. My dad is in Hospice (in his home). He has end stage congestive heart failure. He was told he had 6 months to live. He's been hanging on for about 3 years now I think. He's been fairly independant in his apartment ...using a walker and a cane. His nurse comes once a week and I am over there frequently (shopping, cleaning etc....). For the past couple of months he has been having trouble with holding food down. This last week he has fallen twice ....his pee is very dark...throws up everything he eats. He's saying how cold he is and weak. I am feeling like this might be the end. Is throwing your food up part of the end? Last week he was saying he was hungry....yesterday was the first time he said he didn't want any food. any info would be greatly appreciated.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

So sorry to hear that your Dad is dying.:( I work in hospice and yes it sounds like your Dad is getting towards the end. But everyone is different. I sometimes think a certain patient will surely die within the next 24 hours and then 2 weeks later the patient is still hanging on. Sometimes the patient I think is going to last 6 more months ends up dying within 7 days. You can really never know for sure. We have a patient in hospice who has been here for almost 3 years after being told she had 6 months left. My prayers are with you. ((((((hugs)))))))

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I'm very sorry to hear about your Dad. Have you talked with his nurse? They're usually there to help the patient's family through this as well as the patient.

My prayers are with you and your Dad.

~Kat

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.

:)[color=#00bfff] welcome to the site. so sorry to read about your father's condition. enjoy your stay and best wishes to you and your father. :balloons:

Up Vote Up Vote ×

I am soorry to hear about your "DAD". Know that someone is praying for you and your family. And as for when you should expect the end? Only GOD knows. Keep strong and GOD BLESS

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thankyou so much for all of your input. i went to my dads this morning.....he has this noise in his throat that sounds like a galloping horse. I was able to get him out of the bed for about 30 mins. then he was exhausted......has anyone ever heard that noise before? what is it? thanks

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

I am so sorry about your dad......best wishes....

Hi there, and welcome to allnurses.com !!!

And thanks for registering as a NEW MEMBER!

In our forums, you will find all the nursing news, support and direction that you will need as a new or seasoned nurse in the field. We have about 150 forums in total.

Our list of different forums is located here: https://allnurses.com/forums/

Have a topic to discuss or question to ask? Go the the list of forums, pick the forum that best matches, and post in there (PG 13 language ALWAYS). You will get feedback. So, check back often.

Just a few bulletin board reminders for New Members:

*Please protect your anonymity always; we ask, no real names or email addresses be used here for your protection.

*Refer to Terms of Service (TOS) often if you have questions (at the bottom of each page of the site) or ask a Moderator as you need for help.

*No soliciting , advertising or research for commercial purposes is allowed, unless approved by the site Administrator, Brian.

*Please remember, allnurses.com is *not* a medical advice site, therefore, we cannot allow anyone to ask questions of a medical nature for themselves or family/friends, or give medical advice for others. If you have questions of a medical nature, it is best to seek advice from your health care provider or a pharmacist.

*If you come across a post that is offensive, attacking or in any other way violates our Terms of Service (TOS), please report it, by clicking on the red triangle on the bottom left of each page. A moderator will take care of the situation promptly.

*There are a lot of situations where disagreements/debates arise. Allnurses.com encourages lively debate and discussion, as long as members remain respectful of each other. No "flaming" of other members is allowed and if someone does this to you, please do not respond directly. Instead, report the post and let the moderator team take care of this for you.

Well, that should get you started. And, we hope you enjoy allnurses.com and participate often. We are a community of nurses (and future nurses) who enjoy being at the service of each other!

Again, welcome!

Your Supermoderators for the Introduction/Greetings Forum,

Thunderwolf and SmilingBluEyes

__________________

__________________

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Case mgmt., rehab, (CRRN), LTC & psych.

Welcome to this site! :)

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Specializes in L/D, newborn, GYN, LTC, Dialysis.

NO SUCH THING as "only an nurse's aide"-------you are a valuable part of our heathcare team. I am glad you joined us.

Up Vote Up Vote ×

thankyou!!! I kind of meant that I might not know as much as maybe someone that works in Hospice ....know what I mean?? I have never "watched" someone die before.....does this death rattle thing sound like a galloping horse if you get up close near their neck?

Up Vote Up Vote ×
Specializes in Med-Surg, Geriatric, Behavioral Health.
NO SUCH THING as "only an nurse's aide"-------you are a valuable part of our heathcare team. I am glad you joined us.

I second that!!!!

I scold LPNs for saying the same thing.

You are valued and are all appreciated!!!!!!!!

welcome4.gif

Up Vote Up Vote ×

Update on my dad....His nurse came in yesterday and stated he was dehydrated from all the vomiting I suppose.(she determined it was old blood)... Ordered clysis.....??? what is that? My dad is under DNR....Hospice in home....I am wondering first of all what clysis is??? Also if my dad has wishes of dying naturally and he has stopped eating and basically shutting down....Is it wrong to have him getting fluids subcutaneously?? He's getting 50cc......only 2 liters and his nurse ordered 24 hr nursing til the immediate crisis is over. I am power of attorney and told the nurse ok....am I going against the DNR deal here? Am I prolonging the inevitable? The nurse believes he is in the pre-active phase of dying....Thanks, Teresa

Up Vote Up Vote ×
+ Join the Discussion