Breathing

[kingrat]

Mom cannot finish more than 2 or 3 pages without nodding off. It means she is losing breathing function a fair amount and there is a buildup of CO₂ in her blood. Since she is already on a bipap machine, the only thing that can really improve it is a trach/ventilator or going on oxygen. She decided against both. I made her promise to ask the hospice nurse about her breathing and oxygen levels.

I am starting to feel like this is her last days. I hope hospice can tell. I need to know if I need to get the family here for their last visits or not. Most have visits scheduled between now and the end of June, but I'd hate for them to get here a week too late.

Anyhow, I'm all sorts of fucked up right now.

Comments

[gargoylettelc.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear that. O2 *might* make her more comfortable vs prolong life, but we'll let the RNs discuss that with her. Ends can be hard to predict, but I agree that sooner is better than later, as sometimes at the end there is a lot of sleeping, or not being awake/alert. *Hugs*

[ryanlion.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry to hear it :(

If you want to monitor her oxygen level yourself REI (and I imagine any other store that sells mountaineering gear) sells a blood ox meter. It's meant for high altitude climbers so they don't get altitude sickness, but it's the same thing they use in hospitals.

It clips on a finger and is totally painless. I don't know what that information would give you, other than knowing for sure that it's the reason for her sleepiness.

[kingrat]

Mostly it would be good to know the rate of decline. Then I would know if I needed to get people here or not.

[gargoylettelc.livejournal.com]

some brands are more reliable than others. At this point, if you aren't going to change your treatment based on her oxygen saturation, it might be a mute point. But if you want to know... they are availible.

[thugg1ns.livejournal.com]

Sorry homey. That's rough. Wish I had more to say as 'sorry' doesn't cover it, but putting anything serious to words is something I've never been good at.

[kingrat]

If I drank, we could've gotten trashed together.

[betanoir.livejournal.com]

I'm sorry.

[la-roja.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry to hear that. My thoughts are with you and your family.

[bork.livejournal.com]

I'm so sorry.

[webcowgirl.livejournal.com]

Thinking about you, Phil. I'm sorry I can't just come over and keep you company and make you something to eat.

[spaceling.livejournal.com]

All sorts of fucked up is certainly understandable. :(

[rovintar.livejournal.com]

*hugs* - thinking of you
T

[emmrldize.livejournal.com]

I am so sorry Phil, I can't even imagine. :(

Thoughts and hugs

[raqsindira.livejournal.com]

Thinking of you xoxo