Community Chat

[Cyndog]

Leaving family members with instructions on morphine use and doses is absolutely done and everyone knows what it means when told that. In most cases, I would imagine the patient is dying, in pain and beyond deciding for themselves. Hope someone does that for me if necessary.

[azterry!]

On 3/9/2014 happy housewife said: Last year I had a family member under hspice care here in Fl. he was at home with around the clock nurse aides and when he needed pain medication the aide called the nurse and she came and administered the morphine. The bottle was in their fridge but she did not leave any apparatus to inject it. they were extremely careful about it. and when he died the nurse was there pronto to take away what was left of the morphine in the bottle.They kept very careful records of how much was used and when and how much was left when he expired. So i seriously doubt any hospice nurse is telling anyone how to off themselves and leaving the means to do so available to the patient or their family.

when it became clear my mother was dying of bone cancer, she was given liquid morphine and instructions from the doctor that she could have all she needed in order to keep her pain at bay. This was in the 1980's and she chose to not be in the hospital. She died peacefully in her own bedroom. I am convinced the morphine helped her go.

[Shorty2U]

Thank you for the replies and kind words. I was just wondering your thoughts. For all those suffering with health issues I will keep you in my prayers.

Noel- I know what you were trying to say. Its fine.

Still no sleep but Im trying to think on the bright side. At least if I have pain Im still here!

I am going to phone my doctors in the morning. I cant go on with no sleep and sitting in a chair and shuffling around w my cane, is not making it better. I need rest!

Chair lifts are a lot but DH said tonight we must check into it because when I am like this, going the 17 steps is impossible. (When Im OK I can make it).

[occasionalrain]

Humane people wouldn't allow an animal to suffer so why would we expect a person to suffer when there is an alternative?

[lilypadfrog]

I don't know. I could not do this to my family, I think, but then I just don't know. I can say my DAd killed himself on 12-12-1969. I was 18 and remember virtually every minute of that day. And if I happen to see the digital clock show 12-12, then I am taken back again. He was mentally ill but we didn't have the knowledge or resources to help him find hope. I find myself angry at what he did, at missing my wedding, missing his grandchild, everything. I hope I would have some understanding and compassion for someone who was in severe pain or illness. I am sorry. I am just not sure.

[Cyndog]

I don't think anyone can be sure until they're in the situation of dying and in pain. I think although one would think one would not want to leave their family upset, for myself it would be a relief not to see my loved one suffering terribly. I would totally understand their decision. Suicides for other reasons are a different story and are always tragic. I've had too many of those kind.

[qualitygal]

Personally, I don't believe in suicide. Never had to make any choice. Past experience shows me it's too hard on those left behind.

[Deb1010again]

On 3/9/2014 Irshgrl31201 said:

It depends on how bad off and how much pain I was in. I think it is selfish to want someone to suffer simply because you don't want to lose them. Unfortunately doctors assisting this in a non painful way isn't legal here so it is left up to the person and/or family to end it sometimes.

I so agree with your statement. It's a very hard decision and no one knows what it's like except for the person suffering.

[Deb1010again]

On 3/9/2014 Shorty2U said:

Thank you for the replies and kind words. I was just wondering your thoughts. For all those suffering with health issues I will keep you in my prayers.

Noel- I know what you were trying to say. Its fine.

Still no sleep but Im trying to think on the bright side. At least if I have pain Im still here!

I am going to phone my doctors in the morning. I cant go on with no sleep and sitting in a chair and shuffling around w my cane, is not making it better. I need rest!

Chair lifts are a lot but DH said tonight we must check into it because when I am like this, going the 17 steps is impossible. (When Im OK I can make it).

(((Shorty2U))) - I am so sorry for what you're going through. I can't even imagine how horrible you must feel. I hope the pain eases soon.

I think it's a good idea to get a chair lift. I have all sorts of problems after surviving cancer, but left with impaired organs and chronic pain as a result of very aggressive radiation and chemo treatment. I got a step-in tub and LOVE it. It was $18,000 dollars but worth every penny. My parents got it for me as a gift --- a lovely generous gift. I hope you get your chair lift.

[Big Sister]

I'm so sorry you are in pain. I hope you will still find some relief. I will pray for you, Shorty2U.