Really good reading for all

Today in the New York Times, there's a wonderful article on palliative care." Months to Live: At the End, Offering Not a Cure but Comfort."

I wish I had read it before my Mom passed.

[Ramsay14]

I read the article and it made me so sad that I cried.  I cried for what my husband and daughter will inevitably have to go through.  I have always felt more sorry for them than for myself.  I wish I could just disappear so they wouldn't have to live through this anymore.

[ireneo]

I haven't read the article yet. The only experience we've had was the wonderful folks with hospice care that helped us through the end days with my Dad. And we've spent some time at our local hospital in a program called "No One Dies Alone" and that has been one of the most meaningful things we've ever done. Just being there, holding a hand, offering comfort in a cold, scary place at a cold, scary time. When you can't fix the problem, just sharing your love, your heart with someone is a real honor and privilege. My husband wants to go on and take the classes for proper training in palliative care.

I know it's hard for the patient. But from a caregiver's point of view, it's the most rewarding thing we can do.

[shewrites]

The most recent issue of Consumer Reports, which is about over-the-counter drugs, going to the hospital, etc., says that "palliative care" is a specialty that is NOT restricted to end-of-life or hospice care.  It suggests that patients in the hospital who need better pain management should ask about palliative care.  There are separate specialists for it.  I presume that hospital-based pain specialists will be available -- or can make referrals -- for patients when they get home as well.  As I've had trouble with some types of pain meds, I want to keep this in mind for future use.  

[jane65]

Thanks for directing us to this article, it was very informative of the attitudes of how different people react to their situation.

I know my husband would never read this article, or go to a class on how to deal with end of life issues. We do have all the legal stuff in place, we did that before I was diagnosed so it was just something the attorney said was a good idea.

I found it interesting that withholding food and liquid is done because it would "just feed whatever is killing the patient." I never thought of it that way.

And to think, a few years ago we were reading Good Housekeeping, how life does change.
Jane