My Dad keeps getting blocked...help!!

User

Posted 16 Aug 2015 at 21:28

Hi my dad has had PC for around 7 years, however over the last year he kept getting blockages urinating. He had a catheter for a long period then had a few operations to clear him.

However he is going in and out of hospital weekly because he is getting blockages. He now has a pubic catheter I believe it's called.

The support from the doctors at hospital and general care is below par. My mum has been told that it needs to be managed and is having to flush him through but this is now daily and is turning into a nightmare. She keeps having to call out a district nurse.

What advice does anyone have they can offer as my mum feels like they are just going around in circles.

Thanks

Chris

User

Posted 20 Jul 2016 at 17:45

Dads very withdrawn now and muddled

He's drinking very little and eating even less. They've stopped all medicines just on pain relief.

Yesterday his bed was pushed outside and the hospice staff bought out Pimms and cake which we all had, even dad had a sip.

As I write this he is asleep and there is a little dog asleep on his bed.

I kind of just want this to end now as dad emotionally checked out.

User

Posted 21 Jul 2016 at 10:17

Thank-you.

Lastnight my 2 brothers our wives and mum all stayed in a family room with dad. It was funny as we were all trying to get comfortable on the sofas and just having a laugh. There was a punch and judy set so I performed a show with sooty and sweep!!!

I'm sure dad will hear this all going on in the background.

User

Posted 24 Jul 2016 at 21:45

Hope you don't mind me sharing, but the link below shows my lovely dad doing what he did best and that was talking a lot. This was for St Helena Hospice. My dad Geoff is sitting on the left as you watch

https://youtu.be/2vEkkNuDGJA

User

Posted 07 Jul 2016 at 22:55

Thank you for your kind responses.

I went to see Dad today and what a difference 24 hour's has made.

He was so much better today although still uncomfortable he was talking and eating his food.

I'm so happy to have had a chat with dad

I had written a letter to him I didn't want to read it as I found it too difficult. Mum read it to dad while I was in the hospice garden. Dad really got upset when I went to to see him but he was so happy to hear what I said in the letter. He said he'd pin it to heaven's wall if he could.

I think he's all been having us on as he actually phoned on his mobile to speak to Mum which was more surprising tonight.

I'm back to see him Saturday afternoon so I'm hoping that he can stabilise how he is.

He said to me that his life is being cut short

Having to make the most of the days and weeks with Dad .... hopefully month's

Edited by member 07 Jul 2016 at 22:58 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 11:21

Thanks very much everyone

I went in with my brothers this morning and he has perked up more than yesterday and we were talking and making each other laugh and get the giggles.

Dads quite muddled which makes him mis hear us and so he says funny things which although is sad me and brothers pick him up on it and ask what he's going on about which we found funny

We asked if he remembered who visited him yesterday.... He told Anthea did!

He doesn't know an Anthea so we all found that amusing

Its a lovely sunny day and the garden at the hospice here in Colchester is amazing

We'll keep on smiling with him

User

Posted 11 Jul 2016 at 21:51

Well I went to see Dad Saturday and Sunday and he is more with it, they are looking at tweaking his pain relief.

Looks like the infections under control and he is eating well so that's positive. It's really difficult predicting what's next but Mum said he was much better today.

Sometimes I feel like he's having us on😃😃😃!

User

Posted 25 Jul 2016 at 21:41

Today I came back to Colchester with my wife and children to see mum and nanny.

My daughter Emily 9 is really upset as she had a special bond with grandad.

I went with mum and brother to the hospice today and of course they were lovely and gave us some forms etc.

We are registering dads death on Wednesday which was recorded as Prostate cancer.

The funeral directors came to mums and we choose a coffin, she asked if dad was to wear anything special.... My brother suggested a toga!!!!

There's still plenty of humour!

She said she would give him a shave and do his hair, we suggested a perm.... She doesn't know he's pretty much bald.

Have been sitting quietly tonight with mum and my wife and we still find it difficult to believe dads gone.

Sometimes I'm fine and I think things are okay, then when it's quiet and I think whats happened I just feel so sad my dads not around I really can't believe it.

Anyway mums camping in the garden with my children William 6 and Emily 9 tonight which she'll regret at 6am

We have chosen Fly me to the moon by Frank Sinatra as dads exit music and a song Adele sung make you feel my love which the nurse sang whilst playing the piano the day dad floated away.

We've chosen sun flowers for his coffin and we are going to take pots from his garden with flowers and line them up as you enter the church.

Dad said I gave him and mum lots of laughs so I just need to make sure I do him justice at the service.... I like an audience but this might be a hard one to crack!

Thanks for reading

Chris

User

Posted 29 Jul 2016 at 07:48

It's been a few days since I last posted. I came home with my family on Thursday as mum needs some space.

The more time I've spent at home it has started to sink in. I know its really obvious and I've probably said it before but its difficult to comprehend that he really has gone.

I know time is a great healer and he's with me in spirit but its the small things you take for granted.

Without knowing it until now my dad was the person I sought approval from, I might of tidied my garage and sorted stuff in the garden and I would call him to say what I'd done.

He was always telling me to build a workbench at the back of my garage for my tools and I kept telling him my shelving was enough.... He never got that!

Thank-you for listening I just have these things going on in my head so I'd rather get them out

Thanks

Chris

User

Posted 06 Aug 2016 at 09:27

Well yesterday was dads big day!

This beautiful church was packed the sun was shining.

Service wasn't until 1pm so I walked around in circles all morning

Got to mums about 11 and the caterers were in, we had lovely canapés prepared.

I pulled together about 250 photos and had them playing through the TV so there were some brilliant memories for people to share in.

The one thing I was dreading was waiting for dad to arrive.

He turned up in a lovely silver hearse with a huge spray of sun flowers. I think following my dad with my family to the church was awful.

The vicar greeted us at the church and said to mum that all Geoffs friends are waiting for him....how nice to say that.

We followed dad in to the Adele song we heard the nurse sing in the hospice and after the hymns and prayers it was show time.

I stood up with my two brothers for the eulogies.

I said I'd take one for the team and go first.... My opening line, I just turned to dad and said at least I won't get interrupted!!!!

After that it pretty much was a stand up act from me and my brothers and we had a perfect balance of laughter and stumbling over lines as we came to the hard stuff.

I absolutely loved doing it and I was determined to get the laughter in the church. People afterwards said they wanted to stand and give us a standing ovation.

We went to the crematorium for a short service then headed to mums house.

The garden was packed people drinking wine and being served canapés

It was a brilliant day followed by a bbq at the end for the remaining few.

My 9 year old daughter Emily stole the show, she had written a beautiful speech about her grandad. She stood in the middle of 80 adults and they listened in absolute silence as she brought many to tears.

I don't know where she gets it from!!!!

Thank-you for your support

Chris

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 21:09

Hi Chris,

I have followed your journey for quite some time and just want to add my condolences to your family . There is no right and wrong way to grieve the book hasn't been written . If you have read any of my posts you will know that my sense of humour is legendary , if you want to make others laugh then so be it . The only way to handle grief is the way you handle grief it is so personal . I would just say keep on being you.

My thoughts are with you

BFN

JulieX

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON

User

Posted 24 Jul 2016 at 22:02

Thanks so much for sharing. How lovely to see your dad and his fellow sufferers chatting. I especially loved the bit where one of them says, "we talk trivia and other stuff". That's what day hospice is all about. Also them talking about playing with a balloon made me smile out loud!

Keep your happy memories and I think with this short video, you will have done loads for the case for using a Hospice before the end comes too close. We have used our day hospice and it was a life saver when John was so poorly a couple of years back.

Much love

Devonmaid xxx

User

Posted 24 Jul 2016 at 22:13

Thank you for sharing.

He (they) look like they've enjoyed each others company and gained a lot in the process

********

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 24 Jul 2016 at 22:17

As Viv said, you have done your Dad proud ! Now time to look after yourself, dont be afraid to grieve and let your emotions out especially after holding it together for so long. Sending my love and condolences,

Fiona. x

User

Posted 25 Jul 2016 at 22:10

Chris sorry to,hear of your great loss, it was good that you were all with him at the end.

You have said that you have not shed a tear yet and I can equate to that as when my mother passed away, after her battle with lung cancer, I felt the need to be strong for my brothers and my step father as we were with her at the end in the hospice and I did not cry until about three months after. I fought the tears at her funeral, I wanted to cry but forced myself not to, I look back now and wish I had let go of my emotions sooner.

Make time for yourself to grieve but at the same time I am sure you will be supportive for all of your family.

Thanks for the lovely sentiments written from the heart. Your dad must have been so proud of you and I am sure Your mum is too.

My thoughts are with you all at this time of sadness.

Chris/Woody

Life seems different upside down, take another viewpoint

User

Posted 25 Jul 2016 at 22:43

Chris,

Absolutly love your choice of music for your dad, I often end my posts with a song and I think it says so much about the people we are. Your dad would be so proud of you . Perhaps more than most I somehow get your emotions , it is ok to find humour in such sad circumstances it doesn't mean you are not hurting . Honestly I think your dad knows your personality and would be so proud and so happy with you just being you.

BFN

Julie X

NEVER LAUGH AT A LIVE DRAGON

User

Posted 25 Jul 2016 at 22:45

You sound like a chip off your dad's block.

Don't worry about the funeral and how it will go. I'm sure you'll all be there, being strong for your mum and each other.

Death isn't the end. Dad might not be there physically but he'll pop up time after time I know from experience.

Next time you hear that Adele song on the radio it will take your breath away and make you sad, but it will also make you think of your dad and how special he was.

There are always sad memories to go with the happy/glad ones. There isn't anything we can do about that except bear them when they happen. It does get easier over time, really it does. That sharp pain becomes less sharp, more of a dull ache. Eventually you will be able to think of your dad with sadness but no pain.

Your little girl will need special support. Our grandson found my father's death very traumatic. Perhaps have a word with her school and warn them. I know it's currently the holidays but she'll grieve for a while yet. Does the school have a counsellor, most seem to these days.

Stay strong for a little while longer. Grieve when you can

Best Wishes to all of you

Sandra

******

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 29 Jul 2016 at 08:37

Listening is what we are really good at Chris.

Platitudes like time heals do have value because they are true but you haven't had that time yet. It will come.

The fact that you always told your dad what you had achieved tells us that he meant a lot to you.

I'm sure he was very proud of you and if he's looking down now he will be giving you a thumbs up for the care you've shown your mother and for the way you have coped so far.

At some stage it will really hit you. Accept it when it happens, as part of the grieving process and don't ever see it as a sign of weakness. It isn't

Thinking of you

Sandra

*******

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 06 Aug 2016 at 09:36

Chris

Sounds like it was a wonderful send off. Take care.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 26 Oct 2016 at 22:23

So sad for you but the fact is that the grief of a partner is completely different to the grief of a sibling, parent, son or daughter. You may be at a stage where you are able to talk about dad but for mum it may simply be far too raw still. Coping and busying and filling time is a good way to avoid all the hurt and sadness, or at least to put it away until she is on her own.

It is important that you support each other but perhaps for now, mum's need to protect herself is more overwhelming than her need to help you. Keep talking about him to other family members, friends etc and mum will hopefully come to a stage where she can also have those conversations. If you have a hospice nearby, they often have drop-ins where people can go and talk.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 27 Oct 2016 at 22:51

I think Lyn's right. I tend to keep myself pretty busy and meet up with friends several times a week. I'm ok when I'm out with people - it's when I'm home on my own that the loneliness hits. I would actually like my kids to talk more about their dad but I think that because it brings on my tears they avoid it. But I actually find the tears quite therapeutic. I had a long drive with one of my sons this week, we did talk quite a lot and I did tell him how lonely it is. But I am now 7 months on. I am going away with my daughter next week for 10 days so hopefully we will talk properly but she is very much her father's daughter and a tough nut to crack!

I have just started seeing a counsellor and am finding it helpful to be able to talk freely without worrying about anyone else's feelings. Do take care x

User

Posted 28 Oct 2016 at 19:59

Thank-you for your responses

I know you are all right

I just miss not talking with dad about nothing if that makes sense

I cleaned my garage out other day, it's that type of thing that I would of proudly told dad

It's all very silly but thats life

Chris

User

Posted 22 Jul 2017 at 13:27

Hello Chris

Thank you for the update.

I know how hard it is to lose a loved one and how, even after many years, a stray something - a song on the radio - a TV programme etc - can instantly bring back the memories and the laughter (and the tears)

You'll hang on to those feelings for ever because nothing can change them.

The place in your heart where your dad was is still there. The time will come perhaps when your brothers can talk about him and smile and the pain will be easier. It doesn't go away it just becomes more bearable.

Well done with your continued work for PC UK.

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

Show Most Thanked Posts

User

Posted 16 Aug 2015 at 22:28

Hi Chris and welcome to this forum, though sorry for the reason you join us. You don't give your dad's diagnosis or what treatment he has had and whether he is on medication now. If he believes his care could have been better he could get his GP to refer him elsewhere for a second opinion and possibly treatment elsewhere. However, if he goes along this route I would expect the second opinion would require his histology and scans which could be put on disc. If he has not had scans for some time, a new one(s) may be called for.

Edited by member 16 Aug 2015 at 22:30 | Reason: Not specified

Barry

User

Posted 16 Aug 2015 at 22:37

I read you need help asap thus suggest you call Macmillan help line

Ray

User

Posted 16 Aug 2015 at 23:01

Hello Chris and welcome to the site.
I also agree re: GP and/or Macmillan.
Dad's in a perpetual spiral.
Urinary Blockage, infections.
Infections, urinary blockage and constant drain on his general health and well being.
Perhaps you could ring the nurses on this site and ask them for advice. They may have some suggestions.

If you approach the GP/Macmillan emphasis his (and your mum's) quality of life is non existent and that mum shouldn't have to deal with the current nightmare

Best wishes
Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 17 Aug 2015 at 07:37

Thankyou for all of your responses

I will tell mum and dad to do as advised and will let you know

Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2015 at 12:00

Bit of an update

So my dad has spoken with the specialist nurse line and believe gave him some useful advice.

Speaking with him today he really is in dispair

This is the situation, he has a pubic catheter fitted this is getting blocked all the time. Mum is having to flush him through often 5-6 times a day and when she can't the district nurse comes out which probably happens every other day.

He is having to wear those incontinent pants, but he is getting a dripping tap effect of mucuss coming out of his penis which he has been told is a result of the bladder having a foreign body that being the catheter in. So he is at a complete loss because of this.

He is unable to go out for fear of blocking up,he may make the odd trip to the shops but no more than an hour and that's rare.

He has no quality if life, getting told he has to manage this is ridiculous.

He is seeing the eurologist in a week, what sort of questions should he be asking?

What are his options, I can get more of his PC details if this helps.

How do you go about sourcing a second opinion?

Are there any operations that can be done?

You can probably sense my need for answers as my dad can't go on like this.

Thanks

Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2015 at 14:49

You're right Chris, what you describe is no quality of life at all. No wonder he is in despair.

I can't help with advice re catheters etc but I assume dad has been given antibiotics to shift any infection due to the sub pubic catheter, or are they saying that the mucus is only because of the catheter and there isn't any infection just the result of the irritation caused by it

If he hasn't got an infection yet he's likely to because of the ongoing mucus isn't he?

Second opinion? Approach your GP perhaps.

I hope (I'm sure in fact) that somebody with more experience in this area will be along to advise you, so hang in there.

Best Wishes
Sandra

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 31 Aug 2015 at 15:12

Thanks Sandra

He is on a continued course of antibiotics, due to continued infections

The mucuss apparently is a result of the reaction to the catheter

User

Posted 31 Aug 2015 at 18:19

Chris

I am not that experienced with super pubic catheters but I had one fitted 12 days ago, I have not had any blockages in that time and no requirement to flush, my antibiotics finished 5 days ago. I do get a very small amount of green mucus coming out of the penis into the pad I wear and the urine does smell quite strong. I assume you dad has a lot more happening in his bladder than I have.

As suggested get back to the your GP or possibly ring your urology nurses if you have their details.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 31 Aug 2015 at 19:58

Thanks Chris for your response

User

Posted 06 Sep 2015 at 14:54

Hi Chris,

How is your dad getting on? This sounds so similar to my dads experience a year ago until he had an operation to sort it. He was blocking almost daily, we had the nurses out almost every day to sort it out. Nothing worse than a sick man who desp needs to pee and can't due to blockage. The discharge from his bladder was awful too. With hindsight, the urine infections and constant antibiotics were really poisoning his whole system. I hope things have improved. Ask to be referred back to urology consultant at hospital if it's still going on. The operation dad had ( forget what it was called) made him a whole lot better, although he suffered from an overactive bladder for a short while after the op (which was sorted with tabs )

Joan

User

Posted 09 Sep 2015 at 16:32

Hi Joan

Thankyou for asking

So Dad had a meeting yesterday with his Urologist consultant. During his meeting he blocked up and was in agony, in a way it was good that it happened so it was obvious that there is a problem!

He was dealt with by the consultant, however he has said that they need to have a look in the bladder to see what is going on.

Dad is going to get this done privately as he can not wait weeks and weeks for this. He was due to see his GP for a referral today but had to cancel because he got blocked up....you couldn't make it up!

One of the main issues is where they live and the poor care that they are receiving from the hospital, its just adds on more worry.

Hopefully this will help

All the best

Chris

User

Posted 08 Feb 2016 at 23:16

It's been a while since I posted but bit of an update.

Dads in so much discomfort, he has a super pubic catheter in and all the blockages have stopped.however he has constant bleeding from the front which he has to deal with.

Dad just gets very tired and will often sleep for long periods then come to life but he has low energy levels.

PSA is 18 and he is 10 on the gleeson scale

He has diverticulitis and a fistula so he is sitting on one bum cheek and is so uncomfortable. He really is quite weak and very down. Tomorrow he is having a colonoscopy and the plan is to reroute the bowel to a bag which should dry out the fistula. Hope I'm getting this right!!!

He had a visit from the hospice who gave some really practical help to my mum also he is hopefully going to attend twice weekly sessions to get his muscle strength back.

He gets very tearful at the moment which is not like dad I think part of it is hormones I'm not used to seeing my dad like this.

For me it's horrible seeing a once active man asking me to water his garden and do the things he loves doing. Unfortunately he is not strong enough and able.

He just shuffles around bent over all to do with this illness.

I just hope he's able to get stronger and more comfortable if he can have these ops.

The good news is today when I spoke to him on the phone he was being argumentative so I guess there's life in the old dog yet!!!

Edited by member 08 Feb 2016 at 23:35 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 09 Feb 2016 at 00:07

Hi Stokesy,
I am sorry to read that dad is still having a tough time - I hope that he is more comfortable soon. As you say, the hormones play havoc with people's emotions.

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 09 Feb 2016 at 07:27

Hello Stokesy, I too hope that dad can get some relief.

Re: the sitting on his bum cheek, would a "donut" ring help. It's a circular cushion with a hole in it to relieve the pressure on the anus.

My daughter has a bag, albeit a permanent one, following years of problems with her bowel and it has given her her life back.
She was on Essex Radio yesterday and the number of people who rang in to say that having a stoma fitted was one of the best things they had done in terms of being "normal" again

I assume in dad;s case it would be a temporary one while the fistula heals?

As Lyn says the hormones will not be helping his emotional state but then neither will how he feels be helping.

To him, he's "lost" everything he hold dear, including his independence and self respect. Hopefully if the bag helps and he starts healing he will start to feel more like his old self

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 09 Feb 2016 at 19:22

Thank-you for your responses

Dads had the colonoscopy today so next will be a meeting to discuss having the bag fitted in a few weeks

He is going to be provided with a special cushion from the hospice to make him more comfortable as well... Lucky old him ☺

User

Posted 09 Feb 2016 at 23:10

Your poor parents. You have my sympathy especially as my hubby has recently had a supra pubic catheter and also a urethral catheter inserted (yes two) and we have started down the daily blockage journey. I'm currently waiting for the district nurse and it's ten past eleven at night. If she can't sort it out then it's a trip to hospital which is the last thing we need.

Hubby had a transurethral resection last week (hence the second catheter) which involves trimming some prostate away, we are hoping this will ultimately lead to a no catheter life, but we shall see. Has dad been offered a TURP?

Kind thoughts

Devonmaid

User

Posted 10 Feb 2016 at 09:19

Yes my dad has had a turp he's gone down the menu list of what's on offer and they have done most things.

I'm rubbish with all the technical stuff, spoke to him this morning he said the colonoscopy wasn't the greatest experience he's ever had.

It seems now that finally they are getting the support they need, blue badge etc

The experience so far is that they have to push the hospital all the time they are not the best which layers on stress for mum who is always chasing appointments.

User

Posted 13 Mar 2016 at 22:53

Since I last posted dad has now had a stoma fitted. It's early days so there have been a few accidents as my mum gets used to helping dad.

On a plus side I'm walking with Jeff Stelling on his challenge walking from Hartlepool to Wembley.

I'm walking from Luton Town Fc to Watford fc which is 26.2 miles to raise money for PC

User

Posted 06 Jul 2016 at 21:28

Its been a while since I posted on here but I wanted to update you.

For ages dad has been muddling along although in a lot of pain, he was on a regular dose of Morphine and was then given steriods. This had an immediate impact and he got his appetite back and he became a little more active so all very positive.

The Hospice has been brilliant and the support that my mum and dad have recieved through the drop in centre and counselling has really helped them

However he keeps on getting infections through his Catheters and there is quite an odour.

Last week the Hospice wanted to take a look at the infection and they were really concerned and since he went in he has really gone down hill.

I visited him today and was shocked at how he is. He was drifting in and out all day and I just sat and held his hand. The doctors have put him on a course of anti-biotics but have seen no improvement in the last 24 hours and have said that the next 48-72 hours are critical to hopefully get a reaction.

Doctors have said that they will be having end of life discussions with us if there is no change. Dads already filled out a form with hymns and readings which I guess you would as its your party and you want to know whats going to be played but as much as I try and make light of this I know that my dad is slipping away.

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that dad pulls his finger out so I can at least have a chat with him about anything even the weather!

Thanks for reading

User

Posted 06 Jul 2016 at 21:49

Sadly, it is more often an infection that brings the final days rather than the actual cancer. For some, it is simply the organs that close down one after another, almost as if the person is leaving us bit by bit. I hope that dad rallies, even for a short while, so that you can gather just a few more memories but even if he doesn't, keep talking. Tell him the things that are in your heart, talk about happy times in the past, describe your day and what's in the news. End of life specialists say that hearing is the last sense we lose so he will hear your voice and feel reassured by it even if he doesn't join in the conversation. We played mum's favourite CDs on loop - long after she had stopped actually talking, she was still mouthing along with the songs and it still makes me smile to remember those moments.

You are on my mind

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 06 Jul 2016 at 22:04

Thanks for keeping in touch, sorry to hear it is not better news. Good to know your are there for Dad, thinking of you.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 06 Jul 2016 at 23:16

Hi stokesy

I'm sorry to read of your dad's struggles. Hope he responds to the antibiotics. Thinking of you.

Take care.

Lesley x

User

Posted 07 Jul 2016 at 17:32

Thinking of you. Priority is for Dad to be as comfortable as possible. Glad you are able to be there for him. Regards,

Fiona.

User

Posted 07 Jul 2016 at 20:13

I feel for you, it's a difficult time in all your lives. As Zarissa says, it's most important that your dad is made as comfortable as possible. We talked happy talk to both of our parents in their last days, it made them smile to know how much we'd enjoyed the life they gave us.

Thinking of you

Love Devonmaid xxxx

User

Posted 07 Jul 2016 at 22:55

Thank you for your kind responses.

I went to see Dad today and what a difference 24 hour's has made.

He was so much better today although still uncomfortable he was talking and eating his food.

I'm so happy to have had a chat with dad

I think he's all been having us on as he actually phoned on his mobile to speak to Mum which was more surprising tonight.

I'm back to see him Saturday afternoon so I'm hoping that he can stabilise how he is.

He said to me that his life is being cut short

Having to make the most of the days and weeks with Dad .... hopefully month's

Edited by member 07 Jul 2016 at 22:58 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 11 Jul 2016 at 21:51

Well I went to see Dad Saturday and Sunday and he is more with it, they are looking at tweaking his pain relief.

Looks like the infections under control and he is eating well so that's positive. It's really difficult predicting what's next but Mum said he was much better today.

Sometimes I feel like he's having us on😃😃😃!

User

Posted 11 Jul 2016 at 22:44

That's brilliant news. I feared last week that you were simply seeing the little rally that so many patients have just before the end. Very happy for you that dad is actually improving - enjoy x

"Life can only be understood backwards; but it must be lived forwards." Soren Kierkegaard

User

Posted 11 Jul 2016 at 22:53

People are amazing, on Friday I had the call to say that my sister had three infections, including pneumonia, a UTI and cellulitis and was out of options, she weighs less than six stone. Sunday, she's bright as a button and they are talking of sending her home.

So pleased to hear that your dad has done the seemingly impossible and turned things around, it's fantastic news.

Lots of love

Devonmaid

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 05:58

It now seems that Dad is starting to drift away. I was at the hospice Sunday and yesterday and he is very sleepy and disorientated. He's on a lot of pain relief so he isn't in any discomfort. I just sit holding my dads hand but it feels like we are approaching the end.

I laugh and joke about this situation and make a light of it all the time dad is still with us but it's difficult to imagine what its going to be like not to have my dad to speak to about trivial things.

I'm in the hospice today with my mum and brothers and just hope dad is a bit more with it.

I look at my dad lying asleep in his bed and it's just so sad.

I contacted one of his old work colleagues who he he spent a lot of time with and he visited him yesterday and he was so upset seeing dad when he left. It shows what a man dad is I suppose that he has made such a mark on peoples lives.

I hope that dad is going to be sitting up reading the paper or his gardening magazine when I arrive but I know that won't be the case.

Sad times

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 07:35

Your post brings back memories of my Mum's passing, thinking of you and your family.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 09:21

It's very sad but people near the end do sometimes rally for a few days, which is such a blessing. I'm so sorry to hear that dad is so weak. You are doing brilliantly and keeping your dad amused with jokes and laughter, even if he cannot share it, is the right thing to do.

I'm so pleased he seems to be reasonably comfortable and that the hospice was there for him. I often wonder what I'll do when my hubby gets to that stage, I've left the thought open for him to be at home if he wishes but that may be dictated by the circumstances.

Thinking of you.

With love

Devonmaid xxxx

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 09:28

Stokesy this is such a difficult time for everyone.

The end is getting closer but he is at lest comfortable and pain free.

All you can do is carry on as you are. Be as cheerful as you can in his company, hold his hand and tell him you love him and thank him for having been such an amazing dad. He'll hear you even if he doesn't respond.

Thinking of you and wishing you strength

All the best

Sandra

*******

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 19 Jul 2016 at 11:21

Thanks very much everyone

I went in with my brothers this morning and he has perked up more than yesterday and we were talking and making each other laugh and get the giggles.

Dads quite muddled which makes him mis hear us and so he says funny things which although is sad me and brothers pick him up on it and ask what he's going on about which we found funny

We asked if he remembered who visited him yesterday.... He told Anthea did!

He doesn't know an Anthea so we all found that amusing

Its a lovely sunny day and the garden at the hospice here in Colchester is amazing

We'll keep on smiling with him

User

Posted 20 Jul 2016 at 17:45

Dads very withdrawn now and muddled

He's drinking very little and eating even less. They've stopped all medicines just on pain relief.

Yesterday his bed was pushed outside and the hospice staff bought out Pimms and cake which we all had, even dad had a sip.

As I write this he is asleep and there is a little dog asleep on his bed.

I kind of just want this to end now as dad emotionally checked out.

User

Posted 21 Jul 2016 at 08:10

Hello Stokesy,

I was sad to read your post but was expecting it.

I can understand that you feel now that dad has had enough. I remember sitting by my mothers bed at home when she was in a coma and telling her it was alright to go now.

IT's love that produces those thoughts - not selfishness, so never doubt yourself in how you feel.

Thinking of you and your family

********

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 21 Jul 2016 at 10:17

Thank-you.

I'm sure dad will hear this all going on in the background.

User

Posted 21 Jul 2016 at 10:55

very much thinking of you xxxx

User

Posted 21 Jul 2016 at 14:41

Thinking of you

Leila xxx

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 05:24

My wonderful dad passed away at 3:40am.

He was surrounded by all of the us.

I love you dad xxx

Chris

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 06:45

Chris,

I am so sorry to read that your Dad passed away this morning. My sincere condolences to you and your family. I'm glad that you were all there for him at the end. Stay strong for the times ahead and look after yourselves.

Best wishes,

John

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 07:39

Chris my condolences to you all. Thanks so much for sharing the story and just how much love your dad was surrounded by at the end. It's been warming whilst obviously heart breaking.
Thinking of you

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 07:45

So sorry to hear that Dad has passed away,please accept my condolences. Don't bottle up those emotions,let them out. Nice that you were all there for Dad and remember to look after each other.

Thanks Chris

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 08:04

Chris,

Condolences to you and your family at this sad time.

Keep strong and Keep Right On...

KRO..

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 09:11

Sorry for your loss Chris, but no more pain and suffering now.

Thinking of you and your family at this sad time. XX

********

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 12:02

I am so sorry to hear about the loss of your dad. Please accept my sincerest condolences.

Remember the love you had for each other will never die - that will last for ever,

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 17:39

My sincere condolences to you and your family. You did all that you could and your dad was surrounded by his family at the end. Take care of yourselves in the weeks and months to come.

Rosy x

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 18:05

You are so kind.

I stepped out of the room at the very end as I didn't want to see my dad take his last breaths. the last 2 days were traumatic to describe as I watched dad.

I didn't cry after my dad died as I see my role as making everyone laugh.

I got back to mums after driving home and I was almost physically sick.

We've been at home and popped down to this lovely village pub for some wine and more back home.

So many of my friends and brothers friends have said what an amazing man he was.

Its so up and down at the moment

I need to cry a lot but I've been putting a brave face on to make everyone laugh

Deep breaths everyone

Edited by member 23 Jul 2016 at 18:06 | Reason: Not specified

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 18:33

Well Stokesy, brave faces have their place in the scheme of things and you have your family to think of BUT you are also important so don't forget that.

Dad must have been a lovely man to have so many people saying what an amazing person he was. That is his legacy to you and how his memory lives on in others.

You will eventually grieve and it will eventually pass, however, your memories of him will never leave you. You are the person you are because that's what he made you.

Thinking of you.

Sandra

*******

We can't control the winds - but we can adjust our sails

User

Posted 23 Jul 2016 at 18:44

So sorry to hear of your loss, your dad sounds like he was a good man and very well loved, you have done him so proud please take care in the weeks to come

Viv x

Edited by member 24 Jul 2016 at 06:04 | Reason: Not specified

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