My hubby going downhill can't make it stop

concernedwife · New User Joined: 25 Aug 2008 Posts: 6

I had to take hubby to ER yesterday, could not control pain. He is supposed to start chemo again on Wednesday, x-ray at ER said pnumonia is gone. But his pain is becoming to much for him to stand, and today he has only been awake for about an hour, didn't feel like eating just meds and sleep, I keep going in and checking on him, I am so afraid he will become comatose, he tries to sleep and has to get into such horrible positions to get comfortable that it hurts me to watch.

In the last 5 months he has went from working in the yard and seemingly healthy to not even being able to standup straight and can only move about 3 feet with his walker. He is also developing a bed sore on his butt, because he is so thin that his tailbone is protruding , and a place on his back where his ribs are . I keep a thick layer of cream on him at all times to try to help. I am going to talk to Dr. and see if an air mattress would help.

I know that all of you have gone or are going down this horrible road also, I just don't know what to expect and I hate every step of this journey!

Please keep us in your prayers, you are in mine.

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Wonderfull husband diagnosed with sclc april 2008.

koikkeril · Super Moderator Joined: 29 Jul 2007 Posts: 334

My poor concerned wife...

I am so very sad to read what you are going through...I hope my little advice may help you..
Try to have time for yourself to sit down and have that cup of tea and with Gods love you will find the strength to get through each day as it comes..

1/ He should not be suffering this much pain...call the doctor in immediately and have him change his meds to the one that suits him...
Quality of life should mean exactly that....You will have to be his advocate in this and you must ask for a suitable pain killer without him being comatosed.

2/ Bed sores must be controlled...ask GP to prescribe a vibrating mattress and turn him over on to his side and then turn him regualy every half to one hour unless he is comfortable sleeping...
I was lucky and by doing this my husband did not suffer with this problem but it can be tiresome so if anyone is with you, you may just ask them to help move him..
I massaged gently my husband everyday and some times twice...I did his backside and back often and his legs for circulation..

I know how heart breaking this is, bit it is about them now and you will get through this..It is worse being the carer than the patient...But believe me God is with you whilst you care for him and this was meant to be..

But Please first discuss his pain meds so he has some comfort, he does not have to suffer like you are describing....perhaps they can give him a morphine pump?

I hope soon you could give us some better news

I shall be praying for you and your husband

God Bless Koik
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Husband diagnosed with stage 1V NSCLC Febuary 2007.....Lost his battle August 27th 2008 but lives on in my heart.

sgodshall

Pain management should be #1. Notify his doctors to get this under control. There are many types of mattress that can help - air, gel, foam. Pressure ulcers can lead to infection, so watch closely. Cleanse with a Normal Saline (sold in bottles at drug stores) and 4 x 4's and gently pat dry, then apply barrier cream. As Koik said, repositioning is very helpful. You can turn every 2 hours and it be very helpful. You can use pillows or wedges (sold at medical supply stores) to support his back when he is on his side. It is best to kinda have a schedule, L side, back, R side, back, etc. Protein is the best source of food for wound healing. Ask your doctor about protein powder to add to food, Ensure with protein, etc.

I hope that this helps some. You and your husband are in my thoughts and prayers. And know that you are not alone - we are with you, if not in person, in our hearts
_________________
As long as there is Life, there is Hope.

Husband (44) with LC, mets to brain, lymph nodes and bones. Received Carbo/Taxol, currently in a clinical trail. Had WBR, stereotactic radiation to brain

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