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teaka123 Asked December 2014

My Mama (90) has angina attacks. Any advice?

She has started to have angina attacks with the one on Sunday night being severe (I thought it was her time). I now have a RX for nitro. Health care directive in place. I have an appointment scheduled with the cardiologist, however I am thinking it may be best to cancel it. Her wish and mine is for palliative / comfort care only. I think going to the cardiologist would only be upsetting - as I understand it this is all a precursor to a heart attack and I don't think she needs to hear that. Is there any reason I should take her to such an appointment? I know she does not want to go and I only want to take her if there is something helpful that can be done such as oxygen (?). I will do and won't do for her what I would want for myself.

pamstegma Jan 2015
Our prayers are with you

teaka123 Jan 2015
Monday afternoon she had a heart attack and has spent the past few days in the hospital. She is to come home today and hospice will officially start on Friday. We met with the social worker and hospice person yesterday.

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pamstegma Dec 2014
teaka, don't be surprised if she sends them away on the first visit. Sometimes they need time to think about it, and a few weeks later they are willing to talk.

teaka123 Dec 2014
I will check on and call hospice to learn more. I want to do the right thing(s) by her and for me. Yesterday and today she is happy, asking about my dinner menu for the next few days and puttering around the house. A part of me is worried that bringing in hospice will cause her anxiety that she is not experiencing now. Or a least not that I am aware of. I know it is unrealistic but I wish for her to be blissfully unaware and pass peacefully in her sleep. I lost my brother (62) four years ago to cancer. Also, my father had a heart attack - I performed CPR only to loose him shortly thereafter. It is never easy. This I know.

teaka123 Dec 2014
Thank you both.

BarbBrooklyn Dec 2014
If she's at home, yes, call in Hospice to evaluate. Regular doc can order oxygen, and I don't believe that would be disallowed by hospice as it is comfort care.

pamstegma Dec 2014
Get her something to ease the pain. Call Hospice. They will help.

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