The scariest rollercoaster I have ever been on, and I can't get off!!!

1 minute read time.

Hi All

Got to mums on Monday and she was in a terrible state, agitated, having difficulty breathing and burning hot. When the carer arrived we decided to get mum checked over by the paramedics whilst we were waiting for the mac nurse and the district nurse. They wanted to take mum to hospital but we said no as we would never forgive ourselves if she died there. We could not get her in to the hospice where she went to before but there was a bed at another local one so we decided to do that.

They thought that mum possibly had a chest infection, and all her other symptoms had been aggravated by not taking her medication on Monday (she just could not physically swallow them).

After assessing mum they decided to commence a driver and try oral antibiotics but prepared us that over the following 24 hours things could easily go one way or another. My sister and I have barely left her side for the last 48 hours and amazingly she has picked up in many ways. In some ways though there have been some changes we have found very difficult. Mum is hearing and seeing things and has started getting very angry and shouting at us because of her confusion. 

Following a case conference today they intend on taking mum off the driver and restarting oral meds and all being well aim for home in 2 weeks. We are scared silly as we don't know how she will cope. We already had 3 carers a day and night nurses supporting but feel that things have got worse.

It is awful not knowing when this will end to me it seems mum has very little quality any more. She is no longer able to do any of the things she used to love.

I am coming home tonight to spend some time with my family as I know I am seriously at risk of burning myself out and as I said this could still continue for some time.

Hugs

Teresa xxxx

Anonymous
  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Dear Teresa my heart goes out to you. It's a terrible thing to go through seeing the ones we love go downhill so fast. Have a good night sleep and you will be more focused on your mum tomorrow. Big((((((hugs)))))).  Teresax

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Teresa,

    My thoughts are with you and your Family tonight.

    You are doing the right thing take the night off and try and get some rest.My Love and support to your Mum.

    Take care and be safe Big Hugs Love Sarsfield.xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi Teresa, I am thinking of you. I was where you are not so long ago and it can be pretty exhausting.

    I understand the feeling of wanting to be with your mum every minute, but you need to take a wee break from time to time so you don't burn yourself out.

    Wishing you all the very best at this difficult time, Christine xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    I meant to say also that it is possible to have most of the medications given in liquid form if your mum is still having difficulty swallowing tablets.

    My dad couldn't swallow tablets and I insisted on getting all his meds in liquid, although, admittedly, I did have a bit of argument from some of the nursing staff in the hospital. One in particular (the Sister in charge of the ward) had great difficulty in understanding that he couldn't swallow pills. I have never understood what her gripe was when it is perfectly feasible to have the medication in liquid form.

    Christine xx

  • FormerMember
    FormerMember

    Hi christine dad is the same as he can't swallow so he is on liquid pain relief x Teresa hope you feel beter with some sleep x