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Just wanted to share that you can never take anything for granted. My 84-year-old husband was diagnosed with Parkinson’s about 5 years ago, but probably had onset 3-4 years earlier. Though he was frail and had balance and mobility problems, we were coping OK, with help from home health aides, and with a lot of family support in the area. He was declining and frail, but mentally OK, engaged, enjoyed life. We were of course anticipating further decline, and the eventual specter of end stage Parkinson’s. But that was not to be, which is a blessing. Monday evening, he had concerning symptoms suddenly, transported to ER where they did immediate CT scan, and he was diagnosed with a hemorrhagic stroke in a very lethal area of the brain. He was on a blood thinner for afib, so that likely either contributed or caused the bleed. He died by 6:40 in the next morning, kept comfortable with medications (a little bit of versed and Haldol at first, and low doses of morphine over the course of the night). Three daughters, a grand daughter and I kept vigil in the hours until he passed, talking to him, stroking him, telling him how much we loved him. Four other of the children who were out of state we kept updated moment by moment in a group text. We shared reminiscences with him and read reminiscences from the texts of the family who weren't there. Though he was not responsive, we hope he was "there" enough to hear us and feel our touch. His last hour was especially peaceful, with his breathing not labored, body relaxed. He wasn't heavily drugged, but I think the meds allowed him to be at ease in the dying process. I hope he wasn't afraid. We are not spiritual people, so didn't really have that comfort but we do have hope. In the back of my mind, I had hoped he would pass quickly from something other than Parkinson’s such as a stroke or heart attack. Sadly (or perhaps for the best) my wish came true. I just wish that we had been more ready, and it hadn't happened so soon.

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I'm so sorry for your loss. It's good that his passing was peaceful and that you and family were with him. Losing a spouse is so difficult.
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Sending you a warm internet hug.

It sounds like he had a good death surrounded by loved ones with the medical care needed to keep him comfortable.

I know my Mum wishes for a similar quick departure. She is equally afraid of losing her mind and control over her body.
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Newbie, I am so sorry for your sudden loss, but glad that he wasn't in pain or distress. ((((Hugs)))).
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I am so sorry for your loss. I hope wonderful memories of the love you shared comfort you and your family as you mourn your husband’s passing.
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I'm sorry for your loss. No matter how prepared we think we are it always seem sudden and shocking. I'm glad for all of you he had the death you were hoping for.
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newbiewife - my sincere condolences on your loss. It's obvious that you loved your husband very much. May the wonderful memories of your relationship help you grieve in the days ahead.
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Oh, Newbiewife I am so very sorry to hear this.
You may be right about the cause or contribution of the blood thinners. Atrial Fib is quite common in elders, both I am my partner have it. We have both refused blood thinners and are on 2 decades of it for me with baby aspirin and 1 1/2 for him with the same, and with a pacer. But with that we make the best decision we can at the time. Many are on blood thinners without problems. My problem was that as a nurse I saw the side effects when they happened and they were dire and catastropic. Atrial fib means you are more likely to have a stroke, but blood thinners complicate that with the more rare hemorrhagic strokes, often more quick and lethal.
While we can "guess" what caused it, and everyone will have an opinion, the beginning and the end is that this happened, and while it was likely an "easy death" for him who was imagining further slow losses one at a time, it was so fast for you that the shock is great.
What a beautiful last time you had with him and family. As a nurse I always saw people who could not respond as almost like the child who is riding home in the back seat of the car, maybe from Thanksgiving at grannies, full of good food and fun with cousins, just dozing off in the lull of the back seat listening to the voices of the parents in front seat chatting away about the day. For me it was one of the blessed and happy moments. I couldn't respond or take part, but the lovely lull of my much cherished parents was a wonder and a gift. I hope it was so for your hubby.
Thank you for telling us. I hope in future you will stay with us on Forum and contribute to others.
My heart goes out to you.
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A beautiful and sweet post by someone who obviously had a wonderful love in her life.

I pray you will be comforted by those memories and the fact you did the right thing for him.
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((((((hugs))))) and deepest condolences. I am so glad your husband had loving family with him when he passed and you also had their support. I agree it was for the best -he went quickly and peacefully. We are never ready for the passing of a loved one.
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Newbiewife,
My condolences, so sorry for your loss.
Knowing PD and rapid progression, many wish for quick end instead of facing ravages of this disease. As they don‘t die from it, then the end will probably be quick and unexpected for many. Be assured, as many say people hear before passing, he knew he was loved and his life mattered.
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Thanks to all for these kind words. I'm sure I'll "hang around" the forum even though I'm no longer caregiver. I feel I've gotten to know some of you, and hope to be able to contribute what I can. I may be back asking questions very soon about being an executor, about inherited 401Ks, etc.
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Newbiewife, I am so sorry for your loss.

May The Lord give you grieving mercies, peace and comfort during this new season in your life.
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Ohmygosh I just saw this post and feel so sad and shocked to read the news, newbie. I'm so sorry for your loss, there are no words. While it's a blessing dh passed so quickly and didn't have to be ravaged further by PD, the shock of his sudden passing must be flooring you. I can only send you my deep condolences and a big hug. Prayers for peace and acceptance as you grieve this huge loss, my friend.
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I'm glad lealonnie1 mentioned your post. Thank you for sharing your experience. I was totally unaware of this possible affect of blood thinners. My husband has afib and is on a blood thinner (along with all his other issues).

Even though his passing was sooner than you anticipated, you and your family made it a special time and I think, there are no regrets. I hope there is much comfort over the coming days and you celebrate your husband's life.

And do please keep coming here. Your words have so much value.
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So sorry for your loss newbiewife. Wonderful that you and he had the support of your family during his final hours.
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I'm sorry for your loss.
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I’m very sorry for the loss of your beloved husband. My mother had a sudden hemorrhagic stroke, it was completely devastating. She lived for four years afterwards, in a body that could do literally nothing. No recovery ever came despite much therapy. It was a nightmare, that despite the sadness of your loss, I’m glad your husband was spared. I wish you peace, comfort, and memories of happier days
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