My husband is in hospital recovering from an infection. He has metastasis in the bones, lymph nodes and spinal cord compression.
The medics have successfully treated the infection and are now working to discharge him to home. During a discussion with the physiotherapy team today I learned that my husband also has heart failure. Not a complete shock to me but a very unwelcome bit of news, confirming what was just a suspicion.During our meeting with the therapy team it was mentioned a few times that my husband may less than 12 months to live.On that basis the hospital is trying to arrange his discharge home with NHS funded care. I later talked to one of his doctors about any prognosis that they may have. She suggested that any new infection could mean end of his life. He seems to have a cycle of an infection every three or four months….with each infection he becomes more fragile.
The doctor estimates that if all goes well and with no more infections my husband’s heart failure may see him survive for about a year. She couldn’t comment on the progression of the cancer but from records life expectancy is also about a year, give or take a few months.i just need to say all this to someone as I have no one to talk to. My other reason for posting here is to ask if anyone has experience of NHS funded care and what this involves. A member of the hospital discharge team is supposed to phone me on Monday to discuss things. I would appreciate any advice and help anyone can give me in preparation for this call. Thank you so much for reading this post and for being there everyday and at any time. I appreciate your patience with me and your support.
Hello Teatowel
I am so sorry to read of your husbands ongoing situation. I don't personally have any experience of NHS funded care. I hope someone comes along who can help however in the meanwhile:
* Here's a link to the NHS information:
NHS - End of life care at home.
* Here's a link to our information:
Macmillan - Being cared for at home.
* Our Support Line can help you this weekend if you give them a call on 0808 808 00 00 (8am to 8pm 7 days a week).
I hope this helps.
Best wishes - Brian.
Macmillan Support Line - 0808 808 00 00, 7 days a week between 8am-8pm
Strength, Courage, Faith, Hope, Defiance, VICTORY.
I am a Macmillan volunteer.
