pulmonary fibrsos, the cough

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 27, 2003

My mother died of pulmonary fibrosis about a year and a half ago. Morphine was the thing that helped her a lot. In my opinion, her doctor waited too long to start her on it and then increased the dose too late. He always seemed about 1 step behind what she needed. I don't know why he was so hesitant to give it and give bigger doses -- there was no question she was going to die in the near future. Each time he increased it, she became much more comfortable. It worked well ... she was just always getting a bit too little and/or a bit too late.

llg

Hellllllo Nurse, BSN, RN · Aug 27, 2003

I've seen morphine elixir inhaled via nebulizer used. It has helped.

LTCNursemidwest · Aug 28, 2003

Thank you for your input.

I would like to get as many responses as possable to take with me to with me whne I take my mom to the DR. I think it would also be helpfull if you would ID that this input is from a APN, RN, LPN

Thanks so much

llg, PhD, RN · Aug 29, 2003

I am the one who posted earlier about how morphine helped my mother significantly, but that the doctor always seemed to be one step behind what she needed. I thank you for being up front about how you want to use the information and don't mind sharing with you that my credentials are "PhD, RN"

My mother had 2 wonderful doctors and I don't want to be over critical of their care. They cared about her as a person and tried to do their best for her. It's just that she seemed to deteriorate faster than they anticipated and they always waited for her (or me) to REQUEST additional relief. They hesitated to OFFER it. I never understood why they didn't see that she needed more help and simply offer it. It wasn't like she was going to become some drug addict stealing things for money to buy her drugs. Why be stingey with the morphine?

Also, I forgot to add .... Within the last 2 years, AJN had an article about this topic. I think it was in the November, 2001 issue but I am not sure. Check your local library. It should also be available on-line if you have access to CINAHL online or probably some of the other services.

llg