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Ny2323 Asked July 2024

Not sure if dad needs to go to hospital or stay with in home hospice.

He has had extreme and progressive diarrhea for almost 2 weeks. Not eating or drinking enough to get enough chloride in his system. I’m not sure if he’s dying because vitals are 135/53 and is very weak. Has metastasis prostate cancer and rectum cancer. Currently in home hospice. Hospice staff not familiar with diarrhea like this before. They’re more familiar with constipation. This not comfort care. Not sure if I should take him to hospital or is it C diff. Any advice? Please help concerned daughter. 🙁

cinna60 Jul 2024
Suspicious of a Hospice that isn't able to provide help in regards to your situation. Time to ask them to contact the Hospice Dr.

brandee Jul 2024
This could also be microscopic colitis, common in seniors. I'd talk to the hospice doctor.

Generally hospice is pretty familiar with extreme loose stool.

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lealonnie1 Jul 2024
Rectal cancer can cause extreme and chronic diarrhea which is uncomfortable in every possible way. I'd get dad to the ER so they can get this matter resolved immediately, and then you can worry about hiring another hospice group to care for dad. The nurse you have should not have allowed this to go on for so long!

Good luck to you!

Grandma1954 Jul 2024
I can not believe that Hospice is not familiar with diarrhea just constipation.
I would ask the Hospice Nurse to consult with the Hospice doctor.
And do not wait to make the call tomorrow. Call NOW and talk to the 24/7 staff and they will have someone call you back.
If you do take him to the hospital you will have to revoke Hospice but you can go back on.
But wait until you talk to the Hospice Nurse or Doctor.
And I would also ask to talk to a Team Supervisor to delay this for 2 weeks is uncalled for.

cxmoody Jul 2024
Tell the hospice nurse to have the hospice doctor call you.

Ask the doc for help with the situation.

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