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Segoline Asked May 2019

Discontinuing all meds except for hospice meds. Has anyone done this?

We are beyond the point of treating thyroid, HPB, cholesterol. Behaviors. Depression.


Has anyone just discontinued all this stuff beyond hospice meds. We are going to.


This is not going to change her trajectory. But will be less work for liver and kidneys.

Segoline May 2019
Joann not only that. Newer statins affect their leg muscles. My mom not going be Lazarus, but this is b.s.

JoAnn29 May 2019
A 93 year old does not need cholesterol meds. It effects the liver and so does some Thyroid Meds.

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faeriefiles May 2019
My mother in law was of sound mind and in last stages of death by colon cancer when she decided to cut out all meds except for the hospice pain regimen. She died a few months later.

Segoline May 2019
Thanks for your notes of encouragement. Because we learn from each other, under frequent difficult circumstances:
Hospice very onboard with this idea. Glad We suggested.

So what I learned. Usually ativan given in addition to other pain meds. Our mom on an opioid, but we are not yet to morphine. And it is given orally in a syringe, so easier to swallow.
In ALZ dementia patients ativan can actually increase anxiety, so valium onboarded instead of ativan. Tylenol onboarded too. Because, towards end, they can have a fever. Ugh.,I had to ask.

But that's the deal. A special mattress was brought in as she has the beginning of a bed sore. Nickle size. Sacral area. Special kind of bandage. Turned every two hours.

Eta, all of these meds can be delivered in liquid form via oral syringe.

Lymie61 May 2019
You have decided it's time for Hospice, chosen the hospice provider and situation so that you don't need to make these decisions anymore. If this is what they are suggesting and they feel they can keep her comfortable without these medications then I would go with that. You have done the heavy lifting of your job and turned it over to the experts, you can and should feel very good about that, at peace with your decision so that you can now focus on this time and being at peace with the way this plays out, trust them to make it the best it can be for your mom, you and the rest of your family because that's what they are there for. All my support and good thoughts for you at this important time.

cwillie May 2019
I spent several years running to specialists when my mom began having noticeable TIAs (an MRI showed that she had many, many more through the years) and I was relieved when the treatment was proven to be working, so when mom's new doctor proposed dropping almost all those new medications after her health failed (without any diagnosed explanation, but that's another story) I was very resistant. I guess the doctor knew best, or maybe it was just fate, because mom lived many years beyond that point.
Palliative care is more of a philosophy of care in Canada than a program with protocols like it is in the USA, so we were able to keep meds the doc deemed useful for her QOL and to treat any acute conditions at our discretion.
worriedinCali May 2019
Palliative care is a philosophy in the US, not a program with protocols. It isn’t the same thing as hospice—hospice has protocols.
Shane1124 May 2019
I agree, it make sense to stop those meds in hospice if death is near. Why administer any medication that is no longer needed if one’s journey here on earth is coming to an end? You are assuring via hospice she will receive any medication she needs to stay comfortable and that is your main objective.
I am sorry Sego. It is a very,very difficult time for you. . Hang in there...

againx100 May 2019
I think it makes a lot of sense

Segoline May 2019
Thank you barb. This is pointless. It is less work on her liver and kidneys. Again, not going to change anything. But easier on body. Thank you again.

BarbBrooklyn May 2019
((((Hugs))))

BarbBrooklyn May 2019
Sego, my mom was in the NH and fell. Taken to hospital, treated for broken wrist. Back to NH. Clearly had given up. Had been on antidepressants, antianxiety, hbp and pain meds.

Hospice came in. We discontinued everything. Hospice gave morphine. It was peaceful.

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