There are 5.4 million people who have Alzheimer's. It cost 183 billion dollars in annual costs. Alz's is the 6th leading cause of death.
To get something you never had, you have to do something you never did.' When God takes something from your grasp, He's not punishing you, but merely opening your hands to receive something better. Concentrate on this sentence... 'The will of God will never take you where the Grace of God will not protect you.
WE LOVE HIM BECAUSE HE FIRST LOVED US
1 John 4: 9-10

Mom and Dad Happy Times.

Thursday, October 13, 2011

It's Time For Mom To Go

Good Morning Bloggers, I have been thinking about this post for years. Now it is here and not sure what I want to write.
Mom is in Hospice she can't eat or drink without it going in her lungs. Her brain does not tell the flap that keeps food out of her lungs to close. Or it is just to weak to work anymore .  So when she eats she almost chokes to death. It is so hard to watch. So painful looking. We are giving her drinks "kind of " when she is thirsty but that is it.We kept feeding her up till yesterday morning and than we decided her choking was so much more painful than not eating. She is not asking for food. But when she would smack her lips we would give her applesauce or a milkshake. It was awful. And she really did not seem to want it like used to. But she enjoys cool water in her mouth and she sometimes will not open her mouth for that but when she does she seems to love it.
The doc gave me the pros and cons of feeding her and not feeding her. I can keep feeding her and she will get pneumonia  and than die or we can not feed her and she will dehydrate but she will just sleep a lot and than slip into a coma and than die peacefully . I can't stand the thought of her being thirsty but not feeding her is not bothering me so bad because she does not seem to want anything to eat. She is content it seems. Alzheimer's Sucks. Prayers Please and Lots Of Love To All.

20 comments:

  1. Please know there are many of us sending love your way .. for you and your mother. In the end, I did what you are struggling with ... withdrew food and drink, made certain mother had appropriate pain medication,let my mother sink very peacefully into a coma and slip away. I held her like an infant as she took her last breath. It was one of the most spiritual and moving experiences of my life. Take care ....

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  2. Oh Karen, I am so sorry to read this. My prayers are with you every day.
    A better place awaits your Mom.
    You are the best daughter ever!!!

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  3. Dear Karen, I don't really know what to write .... I hope that the best of what can happen will happen .... without your mom having to suffer from pain, hunger or thirst .... I'll be thinking of you!!!

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  4. Oh, Karen, I am so sorry that your mom is in her last stage of the horrible illness. Yes, Alzheimer's does suck. You have loved her, cared for her and provided so much for her. I know that it is hard to even think about your choices. Over the time that I have been reading your blog, I have acquired such a respect for you. I wish I could be by your side and hold your hand at this point. Please know that I am praying for you (and your family) as the end days approach.
    Beckie

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  5. Karen, I am so sorry. My heart is breaking for you and what you must be feeling. Alzheimer's is such a terrible disease. It is like watching our loved one die a little more with each new lost ability. You and your mom and your family are in my prayers. Take care of yourself. Sending you a big hug.

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  6. Karen,,
    I am so sorry you are having to go through this. Please know I am praying for you, and your family.
    Sheri

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  7. Karen, I am so sorry. Thinking of you and sending prayers to you and your mom. Wish I could make it better, I know it's hard to see loved ones hurting.
    Nancy

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  8. Ik wens je heel veel liefde en kracht.
    Sterkte Marianne

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  9. Oh Karen, I'm so sorry !!!!! There's really no easy way, but her body is so tired and ready to let go. Before David had Alzheimer's, I was a volunteer with Hospice, and I know first hand they will be there for you and give you good advice........I wish I was there to sit with you and cry with you..
    Please know that you're in my prayers......
    You're an inspiration to me with you love and deposition to your mother.

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  10. Karen, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I remember how difficult it was to accept the fact that my mom no longer needed nutrients. Our body needs nutrients in order to continue to live. I learned, thanks to the loving hospice workers caring for Mom and us, that as part of the dying process the desire for food and water begins to decrease because the body is beginning to shut down. It was so hard to accept at the time. It is an honor to share this with you, especially since 4 hours from now it will be exactly 10 years since my mom passed from this life to the next. My prayers are with you during this sacred time in your family. Janice in San Diego

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  11. Oh Karen, this must be such a hard time for you. Praying it is as painless as possible for all of you.

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  12. Sending you lots of warmth from the Netherlands. (Read about your blog on Inge's blog)
    And wishing you strenth with this final stage.
    xxx

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  13. My heart breaks for you as I read this!! I'm so sorry! I can't even begin to imagine how hard this is for you! You are in my thoughts and prayers! You have so much to be proud of taking care of her so well. You're a wonderful daughter. You have truly honored her. God bless you!

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  14. Thanks everyone. Mom is so peaceful. She looks so comfy. No coughing or trying to breath.
    I am sorry some of you can't comment I don't know whats wrong I will try to fix it. Thanks Again for all the thoughts and prayers.

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  15. Karen,

    I have Not written much lately, But I read your Blogs. I think you have been an exceptional caregiver and daughter to your mom. Know that God loves you, as does your mom!

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  16. Karen, I havent posted or commented in a long time. you are in my thoughts and prayers. God grant your mother peace and forgiveness.

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  17. Karen, I add my love and prayers to all these lovely comments. She is dying well, the hope and assurance of every Christian. You are a wonderful daughter, and I appreciate so much your sharing your journey for all of us.

    I worked hard to fix my Google so I could post here. It wasn't you--it's Google where I can only post of some blogs and not others.

    Hugs,
    Carol

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  18. Karen, I don't post very often but I do read your blog. You have done such an excellent job in sharing your journey. There are NO words. I just prayed for you and will continue to pray for you as He brings you to my mind.

    Blessings,
    Mary Lou
    Psalm 91:1-4

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  19. Karen I am so sorry. I COMPLETELY understand what you're going through. I have been thinking ALOT lately about whether we're feeding Mike for us or for him. He doesn't choke like you describe your mom doing, but eating isn't always easy for him. It's a horrible decision to make and I'm not sure I am ready. I keep praying that if it's Mike's time, then let him make the decision. I pray the same for your mom. She's porbably just tired. You're doing the right thing. My prayers will be with you. Please keep us updated. Keep your faith.

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Thanks for visiting my blog and I love reading your comments. Please come back soon. Karen

The Early, Mild to Moderate and Advanced stages of Alzheimer's in the brain.

The Early, Mild to Moderate and Advanced stages of Alzheimer's in the brain.

Seven Stages of Alzheimer's

1. No sign of congnitive impairment. 2. Very mild congnitive decline. 3. Mild congnitive decline. 4. Moderate congnitive decline. 5. Moderately severe congnitive decline. 6. Severe congnitive decline. 7. Very severe congnitive decline. (Congnitive pertains to the mental process of perception, memory, judgement, and reasoning, as contrasted with emotional and volitional processes.)

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