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She has Achalasia and the doctor refused to do her last botox treatment because of her poor health. She now can't keep almost anything down. She has so much mucus and phlegm she chokes on it. Her intake pretty much just sits in her esophagus until she gets bad pain and only gets relief when she throws it up. Hospice put her on scopolamine (?) patch and it helps but she gets sore spots from it. Neither the drops or pills we tried help. She has pretty bad dementia. So now with very little food/water intake she's been mumbling, gesturing, not sleeping much. Hospice Nurse came out last night (not her usual one) and said she thinks it's progression of the dementia. Mom seems restless and I can't understand 90% of what she is saying. She seems to be talking to someone nonstop. This sounds really strange but I wish I could understand her side of the conversation. I'd like to join in and offer her whatever I can. I don't want to have nightmares after she passes about her trying to tell me something and I'm not able to understand her. I requested antibiotics in case it's a UTI (she's prone to them). Sorry for the ramble. I know nobody can say for sure but has anyone else's loved one experienced this?  Also, she doesn't seem particularly agitated in her "discussions", more animated (?). But if she wants or needs something I'd like to be able to get it for her, if she just wants conversation I'd like to be able to offer that. I tried reading to her, she used to love that, now I don't think she's even listening. She's making signs like she is eating something sometimes and I know she's hungry. Even when she does manage to eat she gets a bad stomachache. Needless to say I feel so bad for her. I keep her favorite music on. I talk to her anyway. I hold her hand - she sometimes jerks away, possibly involuntarily. She has hand tremors on her "good side" gor the past year. She has been awake since 6 a.m. like this. No signs of sleeping. She usually sleeps all the time. Any ideas?

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((((((Hugs)))))))

I can attest to the fact that you're never prepared for the end.  Try to stay in the moment and not to worry too much about the "next".
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At the end of life, talking to people who aren't there is very common. My father did the same thing. I didn't understand the majority of what he was saying, but I think that was due to the fact that he wasn't forming complete words part of the time, and not getting any breadth behind the words, so I could barely hear them. With Dad, I had the impression he wasn't talking to me. I really wished I could be part of that conversation, especially if it was my Mom or my brother he spoke to; both long dead. Listening to one side of that conversation was as close to them as I'd been to them in so many years. When I think back on it, all I can do is be grateful that he seemed to be calm. The expression on his face was more alert and attentive than it had been in months. But he was not looking at me; not seeing me. So I guess those words weren't meant for me.

The only way to prepare for the loss of a loved one is in having knowledge that you've done all you can for them while they are still alive. And it sounds like you've done that. That will give you peace, while you grieve. The rest is a matter of work, (clearing the house etc) that, for me was a comfort too. It helps to have something to do, when there the bigger issue is out of your hands.
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Dees1963 - First, I am lifting you and your mom in prayer. This is a tough journey.

From my experience, professional and personal, I agree with others who suggest working with hospice to provide meds that will provide comfort for your mom (and you when you know she is more comfortable). Especially to decrease the mucus.

Second, it is very common for individuals to talk with "someone in the room". Often times, those who can verbalize will say they are talking to a loved one who has passed or to God or Jesus. Is your mom a spiritual person? Reading the bible and playing gospel music may be beneficial. If you sing, sing to her. (even if you don't think you sing well, it's you she hears). Have you asked a member of the clergy to visit her?

One last thought, no matter what, when we all come to the end of our lives here on earth, we all need to decide - Is this it? Nothing beyond? If you believe there is something, like God creating us, there is relief in knowing this walk on earth wasn't just that, a walk on earth. I have seen the struggle many individuals experience as they are nearing death. We are mind, body and soul. Unfortunately, our soul gets forgotten.....
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My mom seemed to talk with people, too, when she was nearing her time to leave. I just figured it was her family in Heaven. She always seemed at peace it was beautiful to watch her. As for food when Hospice stepped in (it was a week or less)they said not to feed her as she could choke. Very hard to do but the thought of choking was worse. I remember the night before she died, I dipped a baby spoon in ice cream and just let her taste the spoon. She seemed to enjoy that last taste and I'm glad I gave her one last taste of something she really liked. My mom died at home and the greatest thing we all got to be with her and all the girls even slept in the bed with her. Even the grand/great grandchildren got in bed and sat with her they combed her hair, talked to her held her hand, sang their favorite songs to her. She always loved having people around and making them feel special and she certainly left with them all here doing what she did best for them.
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I'm sorry your hospice organization and nurse are not being helpful to you, from your description it truly sounds as though your poor mom is experiencing terminal agitation and the end of her life is imminent. Are you prepared for this? Would you be willing to ask for drugs to keep her more comfortable in her final days?
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That is what I was afraid of. Yes, keeping swabs close by. I will contact them about which med to give her. She had lorazepam once and it did nothing. I've been taking care of her here at her home for 10 years (work full time and have a caregiver come when I'm at work)...you'd think I would have better prepared myself. Unfortunately not only will I lose my beloved Mom but I will also have to move because her home will have to be sold to pay her debtors. So much stress. Thanks for your answers and advice, very much appreciated. Blessings to you.
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Dees, if it's any consolation at all I think you're doing brilliantly and you're doing everything right.

It's only a lay, anecdotal opinion but I'm sure you're also right that the intense "conversation" your mother is having is related to the dementia. My mother kept up her side of this kind of chat for a good couple of hours one memorable night in the ER. As long as it doesn't seem to be distressing her try to take some reassurance from that; but I agree, the moment you think it *is* distressing for her is the time to speak up and ask for more help.
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Agree with CW. Why aren't they giving her Ativan for agiyation? Are you swabbing her mouth?

Giving her food at this point is probably counterproductive. I'm so Sorry she's so agitated, and that YOU are dealing with this alone.

Call the hospice nurse and take her advice about giving mom meds from the Comfort Pack you were given.
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My heart goes out to you. I can offer no advice, only prayers.
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A big hug to you.........
It happens...make sure Hospice is on the scene monitoring her so there's no pain.
Nothing can prepare you for the end.
You've been a good daughter and wonderful caregiver!
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