HealingWell
Search Close Search
☰

update on my dad

Support Forums
>
Hepatitis
✚ New Topic ✚ Reply
❬ ❬ Previous Thread |Next Thread ❭ ❭
Posted 10/27/2010 10:13 AM (GMT -5)
They have put dad soley on the methadone liquid and giving him the ativan liquid now. He hasnt been able to take any of his reg. meds in about 3 days, and has basically quite eating, he stays so confused and into EVERYTHING !!!!! Some days I feel like banging my head up against a brick wall!!!! He is absolutley running me ragged, trying to keep my eye on him and then hes argues with me about whatever hes doing that he shouldnt be! He is just SSSOOOOO restless! I find myself crying out to God "Take him home" because I know my dad would just die if he knew he was acting like this and having to be cared for in such a mannor. But then I feel guilty for asking God that. He has a very big sore on his hip, that could break open any day, he is now down to 115 lbs, where normally he is about 150. Ive read in the pamplets that home hospice brought out and according to that he is in his last days, but his vitals all remain fair. I just dont know, its so hard and there are so many mixed emotions going on inside me. He has nearly fell several times but yet he thinks he doesnt need anyone helping him, I keep telling him "dad your very weak, you get dizzy, and your confused, then he starts to cry" UUGGGGHHH then thats when my heart breaks!
Posted 10/27/2010 1:01 PM (GMT -5)
I'm sorry to hear your Dad is getting worse. I'm having what John(husband/caregiver) calls a good day. I never knew that I was doing stuff like your Dad until he told me on a "good" day. I guess my confusion was getting real bad,I was argumentative because I was frustrated,I refused to eat or take my meds but the meds he made me take whether I wanted to or not. He knew it would only get worse if I didn't. My last visit to GI he told Dr. what had been going on and Dr. added Xifaxan 550mg 2X a day. I also take lactulose 6-8 tbsp daily or more if I'm not having BM's. John said my confusion really cleared up since I've been on Xifaxan. Like lactulose it clears out toxins but it also goes to the brain and clears up toxins and bacteria. Between the two meds I've been doing a lot better. Have they said anything about putting a feeding tube in? When I started eating again I had to start slow because my stomach revolted at the sight or smell of food. Ensure is what the Dr. recommended because it had the protein we need. I gradually worked up to solids. The sore on his hip, is it a bed sore? If it is it needs to be taken care of correctly or he might get an infection. I also lost weight I went from 150 down to 96 lbs in less than 2 months but I have managed to get up to 120 lbs and stay there. Don't give up yet. I bounced back but that's due in part to my caregiver talking to the Dr. telling him what he was observing and yes I would cut him off and start arguing with him in front of the Dr. which just proved his point. I hope he gets better and the confusion clears up. There's still hope.
Posted 10/27/2010 1:34 PM (GMT -5)

Boomer, I can really feel your frustration.  Do you have help?  Also, you might bring up to the doctor adding Xifaxan, though it is really expensive and you'll probably have to fight with your dad's insurance to pay for it.  It clears out bacteria in the GI tract which could go to his brain, so it does help with confusion.

Imp, good to hear that you've had such an improvement.  I think Boomer's dad may be past the point where he will turn around like that, but there are always miracles.

Hugs,

Connie

Posted 10/28/2010 7:32 AM (GMT -5)
IMP, Im very happy for you thats great that you have come so far. Unfortunetly my dad will never see that. He has been battling this disease probally 30 yrs and yes we had our days where he too also bounced back, but now he has battled prostate cancer, throat cancer and now he has liver cancer, doctors told him there wasnt anything else they could do for him. His body cannot handle the treatments for the liver cancer. Oh yes we were on the Xifaxin, lactulose ...ect... all of it, but last trip to hospital when they told us they were done with him, they talked to us about hospice, dad was still in his right mind at this time, and a family decision was made to call hospice dads imput was hard, he was ready, tired of fighting, tired of the hospitals, tired of tests ect.... so thats what we did and they have really been great!!!
Connie- yes thank God I have help I have a wonderful husband who welcomed my father to live with us and take care of him, my step-mom is very much envovled and comes down every Thursday and stays until Sat. then my mom and mother-in-law are here to come sit or help clean ect... so I have a wonderful support group.
Posted 10/28/2010 7:48 AM (GMT -5)
(((Boomer))),  I know how you are feeling right now.  Don't feel guilty........they are all normal feelings.  It was the hardest thing watching my husband on his finally decline.  But if there is a silver lining........he's not suffering anymore......and I found out just how strong I really was.  Everything else comparing to that is a skate in the park now.  Hang in there........we are here whenever you need us...........Lot's of thoughts and prayers........
Posted 10/28/2010 2:46 PM (GMT -5)

Boomer, I'm really glad to hear that you have such a great support group.  Many don't.  Be sure you make good use of them so you can get some "me time."

Hugs,

Connie

✚ New Topic ✚ Reply