Up until today I was able to still wake my mum she would have brief conversations up to 4 to 5 times a day. A syringe driver was fitted at lunchtime to manage her pain better, and she's not woken or
poke since. I feel I made the wrong decision having it fitted im devastating
Dear Joanne5868
Thank you for getting in touch and welcome to our On-line Community, we hope you find this a supportive and helpful space. My name’s Sue and I’m one of the cancer information nurse specialists on the Support Line.
This sounds like such an emotionally difficult time for you, we’re glad you have reached out for some support at this very upsetting time.
Your mum will have had a syringe driver fitted to make sure she is receiving the prescribed medication to help manage any symptoms she may have, including pain, if she is no longer able to swallow her medication. The healthcare professionals looking after her will assess how she is and review the medication in the syringe driver to make sure she is as comfortable and symptom free as possible. Sometimes more than one medication can be added, dependant on someone’s symptoms.
Because you are struggling with what is happening, we would encourage talking to the healthcare professionals looking after your mum. They are best placed to be able to support you with how you are feeling and can answer any specific questions or concerns you may have about the syringe driver and why your mum is no longer awake. They will also be able to explain what medications mum is having and if any of these are likely to make her feel more sleepy.
It’s natural that you are finding it upsetting that your mum is no longer awake and able to talk to you, having that quality time with your mum when she was awake and being able to have conversations together, would mean such a lot to you. But even though your mum is no longer waking up it’s still as important for you to continue spending time with her, talking to her as you would before. Although this may feel strange at first, evidence has shown even if someone is unconscious, or sedated, they are still likely to be able to hear.
If it’s possible, you may also find playing music together helpful, especially if there are specific ones which your mum liked to listen to. Even though she may not be talking, you can still spend time, sitting with her and listening to her favourite music together.
What’s important is for you to spend this precious time with your mum and have the support you need to understand what is happening. But to also make sure you are looking after yourself as much as you can.
If you’d prefer to talk things through with one of our nurses, we will be happy to support you, so please don’t hesitate to get back in touch.
I hope this information is helpful. If you have any further questions, please get in touch by email, webchat or phone. The Macmillan Support Line offers practical, clinical, financial, and emotional support. You can call us free from landlines and from most mobile phone networks* on 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week, 8am – 8pm.
Best wishes
Sue
Ref: AW/SMG
