death and dying

[anhela]

i was wondering if anyone knew why at the end of ones life their ear lobes crease and why exactly their legs mottle??

[Tuckamore]

Mottling is caused by lack of circulation, first usually noticed in the lower extremities. Blood carries oxygen to all parts of our body, without out it our extremities (the first effected) will begin to mottle. The cardiovascular system is not functioning as efficiently as it once did. All of the bodies systems slowly begin to shut down as we expire.

I have watched a lot of ppl expire and I have not noticed a crease in their ears. Ears do crease as we age. I would venture to guess that if you noticed a crease it was do to that fact or again the lack of blood supply and/or possible some dehydration.

Tuck

[opus88]

hi anhela and tuck...I too worked in long term care for years, tuck is correct abt the mottling. also the ear lobes creasing is dehydration as the lobes are plump with fluid...you do not see this with ppl that have I.V hydration, at least I have not.
tuck...I have never been in you're situation with a parent...but have seen many and I sympathize with you're burnout...girl you have a heavy load on your shoulders, you are one in a million dear.

[Tuckamore]

Thank you for your supportive and kind words Opus. I worked in long term care for years, first a short time as a CNA and than as a Nurse. It takes a special kind of person to care for our elderly and I can tell that you were one of the best. However I discovered that ER/ICU was where I really wanted to be and I spent the last years of my nursing career in a rotation between those two departments before my physical limitations forced me to move to another career.

I don't think I am in burn out.  I just have very stressful days between my chronic pain and disabilities and caring for my Dad's who is now terminally ill. And until 3 weeks ago caring for my Mom also in my home 60% of the time. I am exhausted most days!  But I would have it any other way.

Best to both iof you,
Tuck