I feel like there's a certain number of people who are terrified of the word "morphine," because of its connotations with drug addicts. Trust me -- once someone is on hospice, addiction is not a concern, plus they don't give your loved one nearly enough for them to become addicted anyway.
Twenty-five years ago I developed double ear infections while five months pregnant. The pain was indescribable -- I couldn't even turn my head -- plus I lost all my balance as well. I ended up in the ER, and they gave me a shot of morphine. I was horrified, but at that point I'd have cut off my head if it would have stopped the pain.
I asked the nurse if the morphine was going to get rid of the pain, and she said, "Not really, but you won't care anymore."
She came in to check on me about five minutes later, and I said, "I STILL CARE!!!"
Another five minutes later, and I said, "I feel FANTASTIC!"
Only if your father is in pain(morphine) or agitated(lorazepam)are they needed. I don't believe that they should just be given randomly but only if needed. If you have questions or concerns please talk to your hospice nurse for your father.
They didn’t use the lorazepam until my mom was in real distress. Morphine for her general pain. When hospice is wanting to use it, your loved one needs it…
My dad was diagnosed with CHF October 2015, Hospice care started December 2015. He took 5mg hydrocodone & a very low dose of Valium. It helped him to breath easier. Dad passed away February 2016; on his 97th birthday :( The meds are for comfort
Did you hire hospice to keep your loved one comfortable, out of pain, anxiety free and relaxed so their passing can be peaceful? If so, then yes, the medications are necessary in order to facilitate such a scenario.
But why not ask the hospice RN such a question instead of a forum of strangers? Also give them your opinions about how your loved one should be medicated or unmedicated right now, and fire hospice if you feel they are not treating your loved one properly.
Remember, you can ALWAYS FIRE HOSPICE and get your loved one to the hospital for more treatment.
Pain may not always be obvious; agitation, facial expressions, tears, panting or struggling for breath can all be indicators of physical pain. And of course there may also be emotional pain and distress.
Twenty-five years ago I developed double ear infections while five months pregnant. The pain was indescribable -- I couldn't even turn my head -- plus I lost all my balance as well. I ended up in the ER, and they gave me a shot of morphine. I was horrified, but at that point I'd have cut off my head if it would have stopped the pain.
I asked the nurse if the morphine was going to get rid of the pain, and she said, "Not really, but you won't care anymore."
She came in to check on me about five minutes later, and I said, "I STILL CARE!!!"
Another five minutes later, and I said, "I feel FANTASTIC!"
Who wouldn't want that for their loved ones?
If you have questions or concerns please talk to your hospice nurse for your father.
The meds are for comfort
But why not ask the hospice RN such a question instead of a forum of strangers? Also give them your opinions about how your loved one should be medicated or unmedicated right now, and fire hospice if you feel they are not treating your loved one properly.
Remember, you can ALWAYS FIRE HOSPICE and get your loved one to the hospital for more treatment.